Spoonbills and warm afternoons

I don't like to say 'I'm a twitcher' because I'm not. There are many birds and animals in this world I would love to see. Most I will successfully, others will be a challenge and some, not at all. I have no timescale for this list of mine but when there is an opportunity to see a bird nearby, I will grab it with both hands! (I have now hands but you get the general idea)

Whilst wondering where to go today, a pleasantly warm day, I investigate the RSPB website. Blacktoft Sands has been a good couple of years since I last visited and upon discovering the 'Recent sighting' page, Blacktoft was a must go!

And for this reason, Spoonbills. Not overly common but not rare, the Spoonbill has a specialist beak, shaped like a flat spoon, designed to sway and sift through the mud and sediment within the pools.

It was a pleasant day and my time at the reserve was spent well, ending the day with a tasty sandwich and a coffee.

Yum!

Cake and Highland Coo's

After all the excitement of our Scottish break, it was hard to find motivation to do anything.
But a birthday is still a birthday and I celebrated with cakes which looked like a dog and a highland cow...

Can't complain, cake is cake!

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - Red Squirrels and Ospreys

The last day of our holiday had finally arrived. Much to our disappointment, it was time to head home. Tigh Mor Trossachs has welcomed us as family and catered to every question, query and need we threw at them.

The Family Room contained all the information we needed for essential day trips around Scotland. Including a DVD library with a fantastic range of DVDs to borrow and watch in the comfort of our own apartment.

Comfortable sofa's welcomed us most evenings we ventured up towards to big house.

And not to mention the various games available to play whenever we fancied!

Our time at Tigh Mor may have come to an end, but our holiday had not quite finished.
On our way home, there was one necessary stop off point we desperately wanted to make; Loch Leven.

Loch Leven opened up the window of opportunity to witness first hand, a Red Squirrel munching on some seed or an Osprey perched on a fence post, digesting its breakfast.
The welcome we received as we arrived at RSPB Loch Leven was like no other. Immediately on entry to the reserve, a member of staff took us outside to peer through a telescope at the one bird we had aimed to see.

The most handsome osprey I ever did see perched proudly on its post surveying the landscape.

The picture was of course taken through the telescope itself but this magnificent birds splendour can not be captured through a regular digital camera.

Ticking the Osprey off my list of 'Birds to see', we ventured to the viewing screen the RSPB had positioned in a very convenient spot for close up encounters of feeding garden and woodland birds.

This is where Red Squirrels can be seen feeding alongside the small birds which dominate the feeders. Unfortunately I did not see any flashes of red but there was yet the whole day to discover the small dainty creature.

A brief walk towards the Loch proved a perfect day to a perfect holiday. The sun was out and the weather was mild. The Loch was large, I could see that but it was hard to tell just how big it actually was.

It turned out to be a very brief walk, one that ended with us walking hastily to the cafe for a scone and cup of tea!

After a short sit down, the reserve beckoned our fascination to explore the rest of what lay ahead. A steep walk up the hill wowed our curiosity and as we marvelled the sights, we never saw the massive rain cloud approaching us from the north...

The higher we climbed, the more spectacular the views!

Wow, that's alot of heather...

The rain hit us, and it wan't exactly a light shower either. It is well known that any holiday to Scotland is not had for the weather. Descending the hill carefully, we slid back towards the viewing screen. After a few patient minutes, the furry friends I had longed to see came into view like acrobats.

They are beautiful animals, slowly but surely on the increase from their decline when the grey squirrels were first introduced.

The day was coming to an end and we were yet to cross the boundary of the Scottish boarder back into England. We left RSPB Loch Leven exhausted but in a positive mood. We had seen the wildlife we had aimed to see (except the Pine Marten!) plus some extra's!

The crossing of the Forth Road Bridge indicated Scotland would soon be behind us.

But the Crossing of the boarder, concluded the end of our holiday. Scotland was behind us but I imagine, it won't be long till we are next there!

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - Ben A'an and Haggis

Today was an incredibly busy day.
As one friend went off to Callander to go birthday shopping, me and another friend went and indulged ourselves in the swimming pool for a good long hour.
There were quite a few others there but that didn't stop us from having a good splash around!

After a good scrub down in the shower, we went back up to the apartment, had a sit down and relaxed whilst we awaited the return of our other friend who went shopping.

Finally on arrival, we had lunch and got about the main adventure for the day; climbing to the summit of Ben A'an!

Already part way up this small mountain, the views and weather looked promising.
The man-made steps twisted and curved their way to the top...

After about an hour of walking, we reached the summit. Well I did say it was a small mountain!
Loch Achray has never looked so smart and the views simply took my breath away. And I'm not just saying that because it was windy!

Loch Katrine on the other hand, was a stunner as far as lochs go.
You can never quite appreciate the size and beauty of a loch from the waters edge. From the top of Ben A'an, Loch Katrine was at her best.

Having lunch on top was an experience I'd happily participate in again! Besides that, we saw 4 Scottish crossbill's! The males were strikingly red and their crossed bills could clearly be seen through binoculars. What a way to complete our walk!

Descending Ben A'an was easier said than done. Though I was short of breath for most of the way up, walking down some of the steep paths proved to be more hazardous than juggling tightrope!

Reaching flat ground, well, the apartment, we had the most wonderful cup of tea and started to prepare tea; Haggis!

It was incredibly yummy and very Scottish I must say!
As the evening progressed, we went about filling in the orienteering course we purchased from reception earlier in the day.

This is a lovely burn...

And this stag was handsome...

...from all angles!
The course was relatively easy to follow...

...but it was good fun all the same!

In the cover of darkness, we played giant chess.
It was a good couple of games; the first we took our time making decisions. The second, we weren't allowed to think, we had to make snappy decisions. The second game must've only lasted for 2 minutes!

What a long day!

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - Wondrous Scotland and Cranachan

What a wondrous place Scotland is. Today especially was a surprise.
As we drove towards Callander, to have a look round the shops for birthday idea's, we noticed Loch Venachar was still, quiet and peaceful.

Not a gust of wind or a small gentle breeze disturbed this body of water.
We were there for awhile, admiring the stillness Scotland had to offer at this location.

It was beautiful.
After a good gander round Callander, we shimmied on towards Lake of Menteith, the only lake in the whole of Scotland!

Can't say it was overly exciting but I can officially say, I've been there!

After visiting the one and only lake in Scotland, we carried on down the road towards Aberfoyle. After a quick visit to the Scottish Wool Centre and Ewe'vd Been Fleeced, we trundled further down the road towards Loch Ard.

There is nothing spectacular about Loch Ard. Nothing that will make the tourists come running anyway, but we read on the wildlife spotting sheet back in the reception at Tigh Mor Trossachs, Pine martins had been spotted around Loch Ard.

Well, it is a large loch and without spending an entire day walking the perimeter of the loch, our attempts to see the rare mammal was almost impossible.

The views however, were very stunning. Typical Scotland really!

In comparison to Loch Venachar, Lake of Menteith and Loch Ard were incredibly choppy...

Shooting back to the apartment, we ran down to the Lochan for our invitation to fish for a second time as Morris' guests. We obviously accepted this offer and for us to fish for free and only pay £5 for the fish at the end, it was daft not to accept!

The fish once again, was beautiful and she was fully appreciated for her splendid colours and perfection in the world.

After a rather large and delicious tea, we shot off to the other side of Loch Achray for more photographs of Tigh Mor. This time, for night time shots!

Admittedly, the camera I was using is not a professional photography camera but all the same, the imagery idea is there!

Back at the apartment, we sat down for the final time and ate cranachan.
For those of you who don't know what cranachan is, it is a traditional Scottish pudding consisting of toasted oats, raspberries, whipped double cream, honey and a generous shot of whiskey.
It is the best thing my taste buds have EVER tasted.

Thank you to the wonderful chef at Scott's Bistro!

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - Killin Highland Games and Falls

Today was the day we were most looking forward to. It was the annual highland games at Killin.

On arrival just after 10, the small Scottish village was heaving with visitors and locals. Parking was a struggle as everyone had the same idea as us; turn up early, get a parking space and make the most of the day out.
After finding a space (well, it wasn't quite a space but it did the job and it was also right next to the field the highland games were held in!), we bought our tickets and ventured into the grounds to have a look round before the parade started at 1.

After a good browse at the potential lunchtime menu's and stalls full of gifts and souvenirs, we went into Killin itself and headed towards the most stunning part of the village.

The Falls of Dochart run through the very centre of Killin and are most definitely a visit if ever you are up (or down) this way.

This expansive river cascades over the rocky outcrops and past the small islands, creating a thin misty layer, making it an exciting place to have a small snack before the parade.

Finally reaching 1 o'clock, we hopped over the glistening rocks and walked onto the bridge awaiting the start of the parade.

One by one, the bagpipes emerged from around the corner, along with the sponsors and the local clan.

The parade was incredible. As we marched back towards the field, the bagpipe band echoed down the street and filled the air with noise and pure Scottish-ness.
Nothing could be more Scottish than a bagpipe band at a highland games!

By the time we reached the field, it was well gone 1 and definitely time for lunch. Luckily, we knew right away what we wanted. Good thing we browsed the menu's 2 hours before lunch or else it would've taken us another 2 hours to decide!

We went for a portion of battered haggis and chips to share between us. Not because we are stingy but more the fact, they were large portions and we had also brought along our own food to munch on.

Whilst eating the delicious battered haggis, we watched the highland dancers compete it out for first place.

Blimey, they have very springy legs...

Dotted around the events field were independent bagpipe players. The music they played was fantastic and their lungs must be huge if they are able to play the bagpipes none stop for several minutes!

Between each classic highland game, we had a much longer look through the stall holders. I wasn't the only one gaining more and more idea's for Christmas presents!

Watching the Hammer throw was somewhat amazing. The athletes' feet were fixed to the ground and their ability to throw, backwards, was puzzling. It was to me anyway!

After buying even more Christmas presents, it was time for the caber. The caber was even more amazing than the hammer! A humongous post the athletes need to keep up right, throw high enough so it flips in mid air and then land, straight. What skill!

The weather had done well to hold itself from raining and fortunately for the event, it rained just gone 4. By this time, the games were coming to an end. Another successful year for Killins' highland games!

After a good steaming cup of tea, we headed back to the apartment.
What a fantastic day!

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - Herding Ducks

Today, we actually went to Loch Lomond!
The shopping complex was... curvy.

The loch itself was humongous!

After the brief visit to Loch Lomond, we trundled on towards Aberfoyle which is on the other side of Loch Achray. Sort of, It's on the other side, down a very windy road and over a hill but it's basically on the other side to Loch Achray!

There, we discovered the Scottish Wool Centre. A large shop selling a multitude of woollen products, alongside tourist souvenirs and merchandise. There was a small cafe on the side of this expansive shop but outside is where the real fun was.

One by one, the sheep in the small paddock were grouped to one side and separated into individual holding pens.
There were stunners...

...then there were the ones which just looked cute!

After a short talk from the shepherd about each breed of sheep stood in front of us (all of which, can be found throughout the whole of Scotland), it was time for the show!

Swift, the border collie sheepdog, got on with the job, as did the runner ducks!

There were a few mishaps but hey, no live show is perfect!

As the rain approached, we went for some afternoon tea in the cafe. I must say, it was very cheap and definitely value for money!

It was delicious!
Driving towards Calander, to avoid the wibbly wobbly road, we slumped back to the apartment and before we could even drink a cup of tea, a double rainbow appeared.

But it wasn't double, there was the start of a third, it was very faintly triple!

After this initial excitement, it was time for us to go to the family room once again, to partake in a Ceilidh night.
It was a fantastic evening, full of enthusiasm, joy, laughter and passion. Gregor, who lead the evening, was the most passionate person in the room. His love for Scotland radiated from him through his dance, song, story telling and poetry.

A Ceilidh isn't just about dancing; it's a social event. There is something for everyone and I thoroughly enjoyed it.