tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60939234355604027592024-03-13T21:00:46.996+00:00So, in my opinion...Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.comBlogger490125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-68591634785321086842020-08-14T22:54:00.000+01:002020-08-14T22:54:31.689+01:00QUARTER OF A CENTURY OF FRIENDSHIP<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>It's more than a year since I last penned a blog, during which the world has been turned upside down and inside out.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Travel plans have been disrupted, and activities normally taken for granted, have instead been taken away, and my own forays into the mountains of Scotland with my best friend Pauline seem like a distant memory.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Celebrations of all kinds have been cancelled or postponed, but that does not mean forgotten.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On 13 August 1995, Pauline and I took our first booted steps up a mountain together, on the northern shore of Loch Tay, along the Ptarmigan Ridge.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the rest, as they say, is history.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3n6G1xjdN4/XzcFLkCkZDI/AAAAAAAAFU0/akj_PuBD04425cTORDSlkHBjO_9kGaGOACLcBGAsYHQ/s600/Friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3n6G1xjdN4/XzcFLkCkZDI/AAAAAAAAFU0/akj_PuBD04425cTORDSlkHBjO_9kGaGOACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Friends.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And what a history it has been.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Scotland has been our stomping ground in the main, but we gradually ventured far and wide on ever increasing adventurous trips, all with an outdoor theme of course.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have been lucky enough to share, either by bicycle, ski or foot, the landscapes and terrain of the Dolomites in northern Italy; the snows of the arctic circle in Levi, Finland and the Alps in France; Torres del Paine on the southern tip of the Andes in Chile; the mighty Himalaya in Nepal; the long distance route of the Camino across northern Spain, and the mountains and prairies of the United States, right across, from sea to shining sea.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then there's the every day life, of pizza and movie nights, evening cuppas with episodes of <i>Frasier</i>, local walks and pottering in our gardens at the back of our apartments. We're lucky to live one above the other, in a fabulous part of Scotland, right by the sea, which has been our base camp for our adventures for the majority of the past 25 years.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had planned a number of celebratory activities throughout this year, but all so far have been cancelled. On Thursday 13 August this year we marked it with a wander around Aberlady Nature Reserve, coffee and cake, naturally (<i>though takeway</i>), followed by a fish and chips whilst watching a favourite movie, which, in keeping with the fact that just now every day seems the same, was <i>Groundhog Day</i>!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We're keeping our fingers crossed for an adventure in the Scottish Highlands come September, and all being well a visit to the Caerlavarock National Nature Reserve near Dumfries in October.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All our other plans are not cancelled, merely postponed, and today marks the start of our year of celebrations, when we will return to the Scottish mountains and start creating more memories over the next 25 years.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><i>Life was meant for good friends and great adventures</i>"</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></span></p><p><br /></p>Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-74404320608912902702020-01-02T18:26:00.002+00:002020-01-02T18:26:39.034+00:00THE LAST FERRIES OF BALLACHULISH - IT'S A WRAP<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just over three years ago I started to form a plan to make a film about the old turntable ferries that operated at Ballachulish </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in the early 70s</span></span>, near Glencoe, , when I was still in single figures, spending most of my free time playing on them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the onset I thought it would make a nice, wee, two week summer holiday film project.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">More than three years later, finally, I am able to say, it's a wrap!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCVHxl5ESpM/Xg4vdKkpxSI/AAAAAAAAFR8/-dN6JQl-uIkX8V6DCizVeQijyTANSYl9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Editing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCVHxl5ESpM/Xg4vdKkpxSI/AAAAAAAAFR8/-dN6JQl-uIkX8V6DCizVeQijyTANSYl9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Editing.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I started I was working for a different organisation teaching young people filmmaking skills, and the plans for a Film Academy for young people had not even begun to form in my head. As it is in life, other things were added to the pot, and by the time I finished just a few weeks ago, it was fair to say I was a tad busy and under pressure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now the film is taking it's chances in several film festivals around the world, namely the Celtic FF, Tribeca in New York, Edinburgh, Hot Docs in Toronto, Amsterdam and Sheffield. This will be proof of whether the film is any good or not, because up to now it has only had a friendly audience at it's various stages of post production.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every filmmaker would no doubt like to attract an award for their work, but for me just getting in to any of the film festivals and it having it seen by a wider audience will be reward enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were three ferries to be found, in what very quickly became a complicated detective story. Just 10 days before the deadline to finish (<i>for it's first film festival entry</i>), a chance encounter would come along to solve one of the biggest puzzles. Three years in the making and one of the crucial elements came together in the last 10 days! Thanks to having a small crew helping me, and luxury that I had not had over the entire three years of production, I just made it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now that it is over, and I do miss the adventure I have to admit, I've turned my attention back to the three things that I neglected to a certain degree over the past six months, namely The Film Academy; my fitness; and outdoor adventures with my best friend, and biggest supporter, Pauline. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2019 ended with me catching the mother of all colds, likely brought on by the sudden stop just before Christmas. But determined to end the year with some sort of outdoor experience, I made the effort to venture out on two day trips to local areas, organised as always, by the ever reliable and resourceful Pauline.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On a breezy but dry day, we made our way out to Roslin. There stands Roslin Chapel, made ever the more famous by the film <i>The Da Vinci Code</i>, but the less said about that the better.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the chapel car park it was a pleasant wooded walk, skirting the southern edge of Roslin village, to Roslin Glen. A wide dirt track took us further into the glen, with a deep gorge on one side.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0eGsJ0htTc/Xg4wVtflPBI/AAAAAAAAFSY/mjtMNrjyLA8zMj_H8_hbeYByy4HpoAVLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1040512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0eGsJ0htTc/Xg4wVtflPBI/AAAAAAAAFSY/mjtMNrjyLA8zMj_H8_hbeYByy4HpoAVLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1040512.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Following the bend in the river, i</span></span>t seemed an overly large track for a woodland walk.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until we came upon the ruins of what was until as recently as the 1950s, a gunpowder factory, and clearly the track had once been the main access for vehicles.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now all that remains are a few small collections of brickwork from the old buildings, and the structure that would once have formed the old waterwheel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What was surprising was to discover on the information board, that this small gunpowder factory, that had operated since the very early 1800s, through a succession of different owners, would eventually become the global chemical company we know today as ICI.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Circling back to the car park we briefly visited the ruins of the old 14th century Roslin Castle, with part of the grounds occupied by a large residential building called the East Range, built into the cliffs. This location was also used in Ron Howard's film, but again, the less said about that the better.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once back at the car park at the chapel, we completed our day with a loop through Bilston Glen, somewhat more muddy underfoot. After crossing the viaduct, dating from the late 1800s, we looped back to the start, passing the 19th century folly Dryden Tower.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The second excursion, on the last day of 2019, and still feeling decidedly under the weather, we headed out by folding bikes and train, to Traprain Law, a small 200m hill just outside Haddington.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is the site of the largest hoard of Roman silver artifacts ever found outside the Roman Empire, presumably from the 40 acre fort that once stood on its summit, and now housed in the National Museum of antiquities in Edinburgh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Though a very pleasant and short ride on the bikes to get there, when you're not feeling 100% it takes the edge off the enjoyment. Thankfully it was a short walk to the top, where we were met with a group of ponies and rewards of views across the Forth to the hills of Fife and Stirling.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With a very agreeable stop at the Waterside bistro on the edge of Haddington, we trundled back for our train home out of Longniddry and bade farewell to 2019.</span></span></div>
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<br />Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-7048895164546863942019-12-08T15:16:00.001+00:002019-12-08T15:16:18.804+00:00PLAYING CATCH UP<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has it really been four months since I penned anything here?! Bit of a catch up to do I guess, before 2019 is gone, so let's start with the great outdoors.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Though not strictly the usual outdoor pursuits of hillwalking, camping and biking, most of this year has been spent in various locations around Scotland filming footage for The Last Ferries of Ballachulish. Scotland is such a beautiful country it is almost impossible to go wrong wherever you point the camera, and the rugged landscapes and resident communities of the west Highlands went someway to slake my thirst for true outdoor adventures. The film is now complete and I will tell you more about that in the next blog.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The downside is all this new footage needs to be edited, and that means days and days and days sat in front of the computer, which slowly robs you of your fitness. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to Pauline I have managed the occasional jaunt into the hills or on the bike, though latterly it reminded me of just how far my fitness had plummeted, and this can take the edge of the enjoyment.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWcNermvjOg/Xe0O6hnG4nI/AAAAAAAAFQE/RyGgH4fa1n4o3dcUVuVNMtE7PzQa2Dd6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CWcNermvjOg/Xe0O6hnG4nI/AAAAAAAAFQE/RyGgH4fa1n4o3dcUVuVNMtE7PzQa2Dd6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1893.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toward the end of the summer I was persuaded to take up sea swimming, though it took me such an age to aclimatise to the cold water, even in my trendy new wetsuit, that I would call my efforts more sea standing! The science behind this form of exercise reports that short times in the water are all it takes to be beneficial, and that was exactly the type of thing I needed to h</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ear! And living just yards from the sea it is always just a short brisk walk to a steaming hot shower.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10GoRBLiWlw/Xe0PPKCPZ-I/AAAAAAAAFQQ/8Ib0t34uCZQK4KyTAl7Z54xSQYrYYvhHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1010207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-10GoRBLiWlw/Xe0PPKCPZ-I/AAAAAAAAFQQ/8Ib0t34uCZQK4KyTAl7Z54xSQYrYYvhHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1010207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Back in the summer we had a short trip back to the Borders, establishing a base camp at a campground we've used before on the outskirts of Jedburgh, before pottering about the back roads of the village. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohWIalKkDMY/Xe0PPU-tMbI/AAAAAAAAFQU/7GBoA_8OLcQ6RGwFlqDSxHzgBAF17Cm3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1040254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ohWIalKkDMY/Xe0PPU-tMbI/AAAAAAAAFQU/7GBoA_8OLcQ6RGwFlqDSxHzgBAF17Cm3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1040254.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the night I set up a camera trap and the following morning we were able to observe a fox that had come down during the night, scavenging for campers left overs no doubt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It would be September before I was back on the bike again, and the absence from the saddle was to take it's toll. This time we decided to cycle from our front door in Portobello, south through the Moorfoot hills and down to the Borders.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gikEyf2DRdA/Xe0Pm8rPeZI/AAAAAAAAFQk/RqkBWArtEQczyQyKhrE2tu6L7nK3N4S_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1040342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gikEyf2DRdA/Xe0Pm8rPeZI/AAAAAAAAFQk/RqkBWArtEQczyQyKhrE2tu6L7nK3N4S_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1040342.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was a bit of a head wind as we headed through Dalkeith and Carrington, sticking to the quiet back roads to reach the B7007 that would take us to our southern most point of Innerleithen, on the other side of the Moorfoots. A brief stop in Carrington beside a converted red phone box, now housing a defibrillator, should have been a warning sign of troubles ahead!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULdhx8iL1A0/Xe0PnFKelwI/AAAAAAAAFQo/vVnX9CTCKm0rSEBRI8Jgroy526rdT9IWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1040347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ULdhx8iL1A0/Xe0PnFKelwI/AAAAAAAAFQo/vVnX9CTCKm0rSEBRI8Jgroy526rdT9IWQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1040347.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the morning went on the headwind built, and after a long climb to the first pass out of the Forth valley, it became very strong, so much so, that despite a reasonably steep descent on the other side, we both had to pedal all the way downhill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I had been rising up the climb I was aware that, to put it politely, my behind was beginning to let me know that constantly rubbing against a hard saddle after a gap in cycling for many months, was not conducive to comfort.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In short, my arse hurt like hell!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By the time I reached Innerleithen I felt that I had endured a thrashing akin only to punishments dealt out in some middle eastern countries!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My spirits were lifted by a great wild campspot, though not as wild as we had anticipated, as the local landowner dropped by, and we indulged in conversation putting the worlds to rights.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things both Pauline and I like to do is to make use of sustainable transport options as much as possible, be that buses, our bikes, on foot or by train. The latter of which in Scotland is notorious for poor service generally, but occasionally there is the odd wee boost. Because Pauline and I have passed our half century mark, we are entitled to exclusive rail offers that come along twice a year, in the nature of £17 return anywhere in Scotland!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making use of this we headed off to a special area in the Highlands we both like, Corrour, during a crisp cold weekend, to enjoy a night out in the tents beside a favourite ruin, and to ascend a Munro I have never done, Beinn na Lap.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bKfMra61l0/Xe0P98dLB8I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/cUM5jhntvaUz-n1e7A2TSgZVNQQ15IQFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1040356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bKfMra61l0/Xe0P98dLB8I/AAAAAAAAFQ0/cUM5jhntvaUz-n1e7A2TSgZVNQQ15IQFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/P1040356.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We hopped off the train at Rannoch, the station before Corrour, and took the Road to the Isles path north toward Corrour. Over the past few years several micro hydro electric installations have been created by the landowner in this area, and part of that has had the added benefit of the path being upgraded.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZifStWkG3c/Xe0P-sihGhI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/OOT014KJipcLH5pkBi5_kVhCIscYPyN_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/P1040385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZifStWkG3c/Xe0P-sihGhI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/OOT014KJipcLH5pkBi5_kVhCIscYPyN_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/P1040385.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not that I'm a particularly huge fan of paths being made easy etc, but previously this one was almost impassable in places, it was so boggy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our night was spent at the old ruin just an hours walk before Corrour station, a favourite place to camp.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4Ir609q3E/Xe0QCAcBV5I/AAAAAAAAFRU/xGWMksOEAZUkGpcvFReqi-ciE2slQq0egCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1040421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl4Ir609q3E/Xe0QCAcBV5I/AAAAAAAAFRU/xGWMksOEAZUkGpcvFReqi-ciE2slQq0egCEwYBhgL/s640/P1040421.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next day we dumped the heaviest of our gear and set off up Beinn na Lap, on the northern shore of Loch Ossian. Despite reducing my pack weight to about a quarter, I struggled. What the Borders run had done to my backside, Beinn na Lap was now doing to my legs.</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JoqM2-ym1E/Xe0QD46fWfI/AAAAAAAAFRc/Tvv15v5aROsWxr8hLcvhqfOZUJd9HoJjQCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1040448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JoqM2-ym1E/Xe0QD46fWfI/AAAAAAAAFRc/Tvv15v5aROsWxr8hLcvhqfOZUJd9HoJjQCEwYBhgL/s640/P1040448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXN6jenNUiY/Xe0QDmabp5I/AAAAAAAAFRY/pvVr1loIf9sZ9zT6AaRtLNIKlG22oTA7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1040453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LXN6jenNUiY/Xe0QDmabp5I/AAAAAAAAFRY/pvVr1loIf9sZ9zT6AaRtLNIKlG22oTA7wCEwYBhgL/s200/P1040453.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But determined I reached the summit, rewarded on the way by a close up view with a well camouflaged Tarmigan, only to be met by a cold wind on the summit so biting, that had I been a brass monkey I would now be neutered.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxyCE-Mi62A/Xe0QFfR_eEI/AAAAAAAAFRg/mrgFZpgPW6IG8f8OHRQMRxUsSkluX2wbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/P1040455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oxyCE-Mi62A/Xe0QFfR_eEI/AAAAAAAAFRg/mrgFZpgPW6IG8f8OHRQMRxUsSkluX2wbgCEwYBhgL/s200/P1040455.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The views all weekend had been spectacular, with the air crystal clear for miles, with the Scottish mountains capped in snow, which always make them look their best.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having cooked supper down at the station, we sped home on the train, with a determined thought in my head to get my fitness back. For sure my calves and buttocks will be eternally grateful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next blog - The Last ferries of Ballachulish.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-72602635977365611002019-08-23T12:42:00.001+01:002019-08-23T12:42:49.995+01:00HUFFING & PUFFING UP GRANITE TORS<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If it wasn't for my good friend Pauline, I don't think I would ever set foot in the mountains of Scotland, and what a tragedy that would be. And my available time is more limited than it used to be, but that translates into appreciating our mountain adventures even more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Of course, only venturing out on the odd occasion also brings with it one big challenge; fitness! Or rather, lack of it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Accessing a number of our Scottish walks is made all the more difficult by the lack of integrated public transport, or journeys that take almost a day in themselves to get to the start point. We both like to use the train as much as possible, not just from an environmental point of view, but also because we can sit back and relax, and watch the view rush past the window, but on this occasion we were starting out from Braemar, and to make the most of the three days we opted to drive.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Leaving the car in the village we caught a local bus a few miles east to our starting point at Bridge of Dee, where the track into the Invercauld Estate crosses the River Dee. We were heading for the most easterly Munro of the Cairngorms, Ben Avon, and as I heaved on my pack I knew there was a long walk in ahead. But this was the weekend nearest to the longest day, so there was plenty of time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and all around was forest, as we enthusiastically set off. The forest soon gave way to open land, and as the track stretched out before us it entered a narrow glen. As we reached the top of this glen we were met with the remains of a house! The material used looked fairly modern. It certainly wasn't ancient. It puzzled me as to how on earth they had managed to not just build it, but get all the materials up there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From the vantage point above the glen I could see the path heading up to a distant bealach, which Pauline informed me was where we would pitch the tents for the night.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHLMXmOQ4qY/XV_MtVKro3I/AAAAAAAAFOA/tr-WZXHc0igHbq6OzCQUN2qXz_3W_KhswCLcBGAs/s1600/P1190642%2Bcopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AHLMXmOQ4qY/XV_MtVKro3I/AAAAAAAAFOA/tr-WZXHc0igHbq6OzCQUN2qXz_3W_KhswCLcBGAs/s200/P1190642%2Bcopy.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Piece of cake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the time I was halfway up, with the path increasing in steepness, I was finished. My energy plummeted, and I was struggling to put one foot in front of the other. So ridiculous was my lack of fitness at this point, compared to the years gone past, that I suddenly burst out laughing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By late afternoon our tents were pitched in an idyllic spot under the scalloped face of Beinn a'Bhuird. Pauline may drag me screaming and shouting up some tough landscapes, but she has a knack for choosing great camping spots.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dumping all out kit we then headed off to the summit of Ben Avon. Without a pack this was a breeze, albeit the first pull up from the bealach was steep. When we reached the plateau-like top of the mountain, that we would cross to reach the actual summit, we could see the granite tors jutting up in the distance, with a shape like a giant elephant poo. It was difficult to judge the distance due to the lack of any other features, but the going was easy, so it didn't matter.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We stayed a short while at the tor, clambering over the weather-rounded rocks, but as the breeze stiffened, and the temperature started to drop, we headed back to the comfort of our tents and a hot meal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day two started with a pull up the adjacent Munro, Beinn a'Bhuird, from our camp spot. From the summit we had clear views back east toward the tors of Ben Avon, and west to the familiar skyline of Cairngorm and Ben Macdui.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Akc6hXlqoUY/XV_NvkXu0oI/AAAAAAAAFOc/iiSOnIDvyi8O4kBgBtbByfL_cd_pIzR7QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1190667%2Bcopy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Akc6hXlqoUY/XV_NvkXu0oI/AAAAAAAAFOc/iiSOnIDvyi8O4kBgBtbByfL_cd_pIzR7QCLcBGAs/s320/P1190667%2Bcopy.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we crossed the short grass plateau beyond the summit, we came across a tiny stream, flowing down from a small spring. It was so peaceful here that we stopped a while and contemplated the age of this little ribbon of water, constantly flowing across this plateau, probably for hundreds, if not thousands, of years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">From here we skirted the dramatic cliffs of the mountain, with snow still in some of the gullies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We now dropped down into the forested areas of Glen Quoich, heading back
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>This route took me by surprise in regards to its length, and as we followed the eroded banks of the river, we were on the lookout for a camping spot for the night. But there was nothing to be had, until we were fairly far down, within a couple of miles of the National Trust's Mar Lodge.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But here was another idyllic spot, beside the river, with a gentle breeze keeping any midges at bay. In the middle of the cascading river was a rock feature with a large, perfectly smooth, hole, created by centuries of pounding water, and known as the Punch Bowl.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a restful night our final day was misty and damp as we entered Braemar and, you guessed it, coffee and cake.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-90716758470543931302019-07-04T12:23:00.003+01:002019-07-04T12:23:44.920+01:00THE MERRY MONTH OF MAY . . . AND JUNE!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Apologies to regular readers for my tardy absence over the past couple of months. To say life got in the way is an understatement.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I last wrote of the filming trip for the Ballachulish ferry film I've been making since 2017, and that has continued somewhat since then.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In addition, my enthusiastic Film Academy students were busy finishing their short films as we raced toward the end of term.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I decided to set a premier date for the Ballachulish ferry film of Saturday 19 October. It is my hope to screen it in Ballachulish itself, and then the following day up in Glenelg, where the last remaining ferry, the Glenachulish, still operates, and she has just turned 50. The operators there would like to use the screening as a fundraiser, which would be a fitting tribute.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One ferry has remained elusive elusive though, the Glen Loy. The most recent information about her, was that around 1977, having had her engine removed and her turntable deck and wheelhouse stripped, so that all that remained was the low barge-like structure, she was sold to a "man from the Clyde".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The trail ran cold.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Until last Saturday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There have been many red herrings in the quest to find her, and Pauline and I were in Helensburgh searching through old copies of the Helensburgh Advertiser following up a new lead. And then, on page 6, of the 1st June 1979, of a different paper, the Helensburgh Times, Pauline stumbles across an article which reads "<i>Ferry goes for a Sale</i>".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We had found the "man from the Clyde", a one William Sutherland, who was selling the ex Ballachulish ferry, the Glen Loy having used her in a marine contract on the west coast. We both almost fell of our seats. This had been the first time I had seen her name in print since starting this quest. Where the article reads "...<i>must have considerable sentimental value to someone</i>" was a very emotional moment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I needed more information, so over the course of two days, searching through electoral registers and the archives of births, deaths and marriages at the National Register in Edinburgh, with help from my friends Dougie and Stuart, we pieced together William's family tree.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Yesterday I met two of his descendants back in Helensburgh, but unfortunately they had no recollection of the old ferry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Now my attention has turned to the Crown Estate Scotland. If William Sutherland had the Glen Loy moored somewhere, then there's a possibility then, like now, he would have needed a licence to moor her from the Crown Estate Scotland.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Time will tell if that bears fruit.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have now finished year one of The Film academy Edinburgh. It has been a larger amount of work and more stressful than I predicted, but we got there, with 50 very happy kids and some marvelous films under their belt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Summer camps beckon in July and August, and with 92% of the students returning for year 2 in September, I'm hoping for a full academy of 60 students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Meanwhile my summer break will be chasing the Glen Loy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The truth is out there.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-49552262167552221572019-04-25T14:41:00.000+01:002019-04-25T20:52:40.120+01:00FILMING THE WRECKS<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yep, it's been a month since I last blogged!! But it's been a busy time with filming projects.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the start of Easter, ten of my young students attended a masterclass week on acting-for-camera. It was an intensive week, building up their toolbox of skills; shooting a 90 second drama scene for their showreel; getting their professional headshots done and meeting a casting director.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even I learned a lot from the acting coach!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Academy was then off for the remainder of the Easter holidays, which allowed me to continue my documentary film<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, </span><i>The Last Ferries of Ballachulish</i>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had recently received a tip on the whereabouts of the third ferry, the Glen Loy, which has remained elusive since I started this project back in 2017. I am yet to get definitive proof of its whereabouts, but if it is where someone believes it to be, then in order to get there she would have come through the Crinan Canal on the west coast, an hour south of Oban.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So this was my first location, but on arrival the wind was blowing above 40mph, and so there was no choice but to wait it out until morning. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accommodation for the night was my tent in a small campsite at Tayvallich, a little further south. Ahh, the glamour of filmmaking! Not in the mood for cooking I ate out at the Tayvallich Inn. And very nice it was too.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By early morning the wind had died down, and despite the overcast skies and subsequent low light, I managed to get the shot I was after at the start of the Crinan Canal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Along twisting narrow roads I headed north, 65 miles to Ballachulish, to meet up with my friend Kate, one of the people interviewed in the film, and someone who has been a great source of information.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But this was a very wet day. A day for traveling. So I continued on in the afternoon, via Fort William, 75 miles to Ratagan, and a Scottish Youth Hostel for the night, on the shores of Loch Duich at Shiel Bridge, with views across to the Five Sisters of Kintail. Nearby was the road that could take me over to Glenelg where the Glenachulish operates, and though tempting, this was not on my shot list this time round.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was now within striking distance of my next location, the pretty little village of Plockton.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After shooting the compulsory shortbread-tin-shot of Eilean Donan Castle, a further 20 miles on, with a winding single track road to finish, I arrived at the sun-drenched picturesque village of Plockton. Though bright and sunny on the village itself, the far views were very hazy, and would remain so all week unfortunately.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I now followed the road around Loch Carron, to Strome Castle, where the first of the wrecks of an old turntable ferry were beached, the Pride of Strome.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though she has no connection to the Ballachulish ferries, it is still a sad sight to see such an icon from 20th century Scottish history, left to rot. No longer the <i>Pride</i> of Strome. Compared to the Glen Duror wreck on Mull, there was a substantial amount of her left, easily recognisable from afar.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bed for the night was another SYHA, this time in the dramatic setting of Torridon, with the mighty Liathach mountain within spitting distance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To me it looks inaccessible, but the hostel was full of many hopeful souls for an ascent the following day. During the evening the conversation inevitably veered toward the Munro baggers, of which I am not one, and will never be. I was reminded of a line from <i>Bothy Tales</i>, by John Burns, that when admitting publicly that I did not "bag" Munros, "<i>it hung in the air like a malevolent fart</i>".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I awoke to hot sunshine, though still with that annoying haze in the distance. This was now Thursday, and I was headed 55 miles to Inverness to interview an historian, James Hunter, and his knowledge of the impact of the opening of the Ballachulish bridge on the economy of the West Highlands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We wrapped within a couple of hours, giving me plenty of time to reach Achiltibuie, 75 miles north, out on a peninsula north of Ullapool.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-3Pk-VgwsY/XMGqu0dJKOI/AAAAAAAAFLM/u3_01V-pN-AOIH99WXiidWhgsKgY1df2gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1040046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-3Pk-VgwsY/XMGqu0dJKOI/AAAAAAAAFLM/u3_01V-pN-AOIH99WXiidWhgsKgY1df2gCLcBGAs/s320/P1040046.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had heard about this place for decades from an old friend Jim Downie, who, until recently, spent time there every year. As I pulled in to the car parking space for Acheninver hostel, I could see why. Astonishing views across the Summer Isles, with a spectacular setting sun welcomed me. The haze for once proved to be a good thing, as it dispersed the sunlight and created a red glow over all I could see. I had never seen a sunset like this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the sun dipped a full moon rose on the opposite horizon, and I sat a while with an evening cuppa watching the sunlight glitter across the water.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I reached my furthest most point the next day, 40 miles further on to Kylesku. The road north is this perfect ribbon of tarmac, gently winding its way through the landscape, mostly empty of any traffic. I reached a T-junction at one point; left for Kylesku and Durness, right for Thurso. I sat a moment at the junction, marveling at the remoteness.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At Kylesku was the second wreck, the Maid of Kylesku, again, abandoned to rot on the shoreline, though her turntable was largely intact.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After a well earned coffee and banana cake at the Kylesku hotel, I set off on the 250 mile journey home, happy with the weeks filming, and what a privilege to capture all that among the grand setting of the Western Highlands of Scotland.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-61290956134692597332019-03-29T11:27:00.000+00:002019-03-29T11:58:38.268+00:00I'VE BEEN TO THE MOON!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I want to breathe fresh air, I head to the Highlands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I want to feel the wind in my hair, I jump on my bike.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And when I want to see the moon, I head to Newcastle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I often stare at the moon. I marvel at this natural satellite of earth, a quarter of a million miles away<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. S</span>o far, and yet its gravitational pull creates our tides. It rotates at a speed that means the same face is always toward earth as it goes around us, roughly every 27 days, so we never see the other side, the so called dark side. You would either have to send a spacecraft there or travel to the moon yourself and take a look.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, I recently had an opportunity to do just that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For some time now an exhibition has been touring the world called The Museum of the Moon. It is a 7m diameter model, lit from inside and suspended in a large space. So far it has been displayed in the ruins of a church, over a swimming pool, inside a cathedral and a library, and many other imaginative spaces, all across the world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The artwork</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> is by UK artist Luke Jerram, and was created </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at a scale of 1cm to 5km</span></span></span></span> using imagery from NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2010.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The detail is astonishing, and to walk around and look up at our closest celestial neighbour is breathtaking, and of course you can view the heavily cratered dark side.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As a change from our usual outdoorsey day trips that have been a common feature of our weekends of late, Pauline and I headed off to Newcastle by train as <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this unique moon exhibit</span> was <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">on</span> display at the Life Museum there.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I didn't rate <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the Life Museum very hi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ghly</span></span>, and didn't feel it was worth the £11<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> entry fee</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. H</span>owever, there was a small exhibit of sci-fi costumes as well, so <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that</span> was a <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">fun addition.</span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zCe5muKCto/XJ38XDVXIdI/AAAAAAAAFJg/uGJb3KVr-9AmRS5qkJmNDWT62elh9nsUwCLcBGAs/s1600/sci-fi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_zCe5muKCto/XJ38XDVXIdI/AAAAAAAAFJg/uGJb3KVr-9AmRS5qkJmNDWT62elh9nsUwCLcBGAs/s640/sci-fi.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had missed the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Museum of the Moon</span> when it was in Edinburgh, suspended inside St Giles Cathedral, which must have been amazing. In Newcastle it was suspended in a large empty space, so not quite the same wow effect, but seeing it was still a great experience. I stood for a while, lost in my thoughts and imagination, thinking how incredible it is that humans have walked on its surface, though only 12 have done so, and none since Gene Cernan in 1972.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Leaving the moon behind, and w</span>ith a few hours to kill before the train home, having never been to Newcastle before, we set off to explore a little.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the journey down we had chatted to a local who recommended making our way to Greys monument in the centre, and then down Grey Street. So we did just that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Designed by Richard Grainger and John Dobson, Grey Street was built as part of Newcastle's New Town regeneration in the 1830s<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A</span> collection of grand neoclassical buildings</span></span></span></span>, it curves downhill away from the monument toward the River Tyne.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Typi44jK0w4/XJ38tK0CXEI/AAAAAAAAFJs/kVXdPKkwW9QdcnYgXEMx2OyMoRr17G99QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Typi44jK0w4/XJ38tK0CXEI/AAAAAAAAFJs/kVXdPKkwW9QdcnYgXEMx2OyMoRr17G99QCLcBGAs/s640/P1030917.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our favourite part of all this though, was a little gem hidden behind the facade of one set of buildings, and accessed through an arched alleyway. This was Grainger Market, originally a fruit and butcher market place, built in 1835, and at the time the largest covered market of its kind in the world. It is enormous, with <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">four</span> "streets" of all manner of small businesses, all contained wi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">thin <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the well preserved space. </span></span>How we wished for something similar back in Edinburgh.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipB62kZfu0g/XJ384w_E4XI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/c9sU6QGUu_0Ii71AnB_Op8VkAActbWNVACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ipB62kZfu0g/XJ384w_E4XI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/c9sU6QGUu_0Ii71AnB_Op8VkAActbWNVACLcBGAs/s640/P1030904.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having had a quick lunch of a crepe at one of the stalls in the market, we headed down Grey Street to the embankment of the River Tyne<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, with the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">famous Tyne Bridge just peaking out behind the grand buildings.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xsi4BXyVeQ/XJ39MyLvVCI/AAAAAAAAFKA/7LBULu4AuS8sndtR0V2wgGXDXGRmsWa8wCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xsi4BXyVeQ/XJ39MyLvVCI/AAAAAAAAFKA/7LBULu4AuS8sndtR0V2wgGXDXGRmsWa8wCLcBGAs/s640/P1030933.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftS0Lh1XiBs/XJ39ifPhMPI/AAAAAAAAFKI/hlVNa3NtNE8vC_hBWA94pwHN5ejGxHARgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftS0Lh1XiBs/XJ39ifPhMPI/AAAAAAAAFKI/hlVNa3NtNE8vC_hBWA94pwHN5ejGxHARgCLcBGAs/s640/P1030945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wandering back up this side of the river we passed under the Tyne Bridge, home to the worlds largest inshore colony of Kittiwakes, though few were in residence.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PCnuCZxCqs/XJ39tEZlLaI/AAAAAAAAFKM/9SMN-frtj7ot4XTqOGbU7bW2hkaFGdNfACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--PCnuCZxCqs/XJ39tEZlLaI/AAAAAAAAFKM/9SMN-frtj7ot4XTqOGbU7bW2hkaFGdNfACLcBGAs/s640/P1030983.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We crossed</span> back over the river via an old swing bridge, </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">built in the mid 1800s on the site of an old Roman bridge<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. It is still a w<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">orking swing bridge and is adorned with</span></span></span></span> a lighthouse on top <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and set against the</span> castle in the dist<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ance, which dates from the 1100s<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASWF1ea4kK8/XJ3-FGWqlYI/AAAAAAAAFKY/4r3nH90XnRwPuXDgPIKvRGdKsFUcMUzngCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ASWF1ea4kK8/XJ3-FGWqlYI/AAAAAAAAFKY/4r3nH90XnRwPuXDgPIKvRGdKsFUcMUzngCLcBGAs/s640/P1030988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wish now we <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">had been able to visit the castle, as it is the place to find out all about the history of Newcastle, way back to the Ro<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">man, </span>Saxon<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and</span> Norman times. </span>We would have to return another day, as we were out time; <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">there was</span> still one more important goal. </span>W</span>e headed back up Grey Street <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to Olive <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">&</span> Bean</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> for,</span> you guessed it, coffee and cake, and what a treat that was.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcnnF7fQX4M/XJ4ACX8tItI/AAAAAAAAFKk/V5bt98hSxJYDfEbP33GicacKDKp97ZtlACLcBGAs/s1600/P1040012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcnnF7fQX4M/XJ4ACX8tItI/AAAAAAAAFKk/V5bt98hSxJYDfEbP33GicacKDKp97ZtlACLcBGAs/s640/P1040012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Museum of the Moon had been a surreal but spectacular sight to behold, and returning home late afternoon on the train, I was pleased with myself that I could now say, in the voice of Darth Vadar, I have <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">seen</span> the dark side.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-87753240112533027652019-03-15T12:22:00.001+00:002019-03-15T12:22:24.110+00:00FISH SUPPER<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some people celebrate their birthday with a party and lots of friends. Others go out for a civilised, slap-up meal, whilst some are happy to let it pass as just another day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've rarely done any of the above, and this years birthday at the weekend was no exception.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Poor planning on my part saw me working on the Saturday, taking my Film Academy students through to tour the studios at the BBC in Glasgow. I can't complain though, it was a fun day out.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TOQfFZXGnk/XIuVsBrAYhI/AAAAAAAAFHk/edM4QQwzUDc4tVisrBjqEKvj9Nlu9p_AACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TOQfFZXGnk/XIuVsBrAYhI/AAAAAAAAFHk/edM4QQwzUDc4tVisrBjqEKvj9Nlu9p_AACLcBGAs/s640/P1030726.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As we headed home on the coach I was keeping a careful eye on the time, keeping my fingers crossed there would be no delays on the motorway. I had a train to catch, and very little time between our scheduled return and the departure time out of Edinburgh Waverley.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Two hours later, having changed into my hiking gear, and picked up my loaded rucksack, I was sat sipping a cup of tea watching the sun set behind the bridges crossing the Forth from the comfort of my seat on the north-bound Scotrail train, on my way to Newtonmore.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I had to change at Perth as the train I was currently on did not stop at Newtonmore. Now, normally this is an annoyance, but on this occasion I was glad to leave an overbooked train, full of drunk and foul mouthed people, drowning their sorrows of a Scotland rugby defeat at the hands of Wales.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As the train rose higher and higher through the Drumochter Pass, snow was falling and gathering in the mountains beyond.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I pulled into Newtonmore to be met on the platform by Pauline, who had traveled up on the Friday. The temperature was well below freezing, and as we left Newtonmore the tracks under our feet became increasingly icy.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the hills above Newtonmore we pitched our tents, then marveled at the star filled sky. As I zipped up my tent for the night, snow was gently falling.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We awoke to a light dusting of snow, and with our tents packed away, headed off toward Kingussie with a strong breeze blowing spindrift around our feet, with more snow starting to fall.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vMuaaCGU3k/XIuV7LuohFI/AAAAAAAAFHo/riaRc7YkIMcD-H2xaPGYJQR5nBGRVw59QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vMuaaCGU3k/XIuV7LuohFI/AAAAAAAAFHo/riaRc7YkIMcD-H2xaPGYJQR5nBGRVw59QCLcBGAs/s640/P1030777.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYvVYQ-5RlM/XIuWI__B0CI/AAAAAAAAFHw/c7bSCKGXuQ8XV4HbUK1BcQ4kTG-Kv0uUQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dYvVYQ-5RlM/XIuWI__B0CI/AAAAAAAAFHw/c7bSCKGXuQ8XV4HbUK1BcQ4kTG-Kv0uUQCLcBGAs/s200/P1030787.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The first part of our day was following the Wild Cat Trail, a fun, marked path above Newtonmore, that both Pauline and I have walked several times with different people.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We walked along with the satisfying crunch of fresh snow under our feet, past trees that were delicately outlined with fresh snow.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OBKRHtOnCc/XIuXh2yJ-NI/AAAAAAAAFIk/rBq4J-1ReCQCD9MCAGHg_hzGJOpWZD9rACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OBKRHtOnCc/XIuXh2yJ-NI/AAAAAAAAFIk/rBq4J-1ReCQCD9MCAGHg_hzGJOpWZD9rACLcBGAs/s640/P1030789.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The surrounding hills looked monochrome with their new dusting, highlighted now and again as the sun broke through.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-F4rKaLwgU/XIuWPkAkngI/AAAAAAAAFH4/dgAY5LfzJY8WR-vZza5XwhDANJXvxI9QgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H-F4rKaLwgU/XIuWPkAkngI/AAAAAAAAFH4/dgAY5LfzJY8WR-vZza5XwhDANJXvxI9QgCLcBGAs/s640/P1030809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ahead lay Creag Bheag, our only hill for the day, just short of 500m high. As always, Pauline knows the best route up, and after a brief stop to refuel we were walking through woods above Loch Gynack, the path twisting through the beautiful birch trees, their lower trunks surrounded by mossy rocks. There was no snow on the ground here, in sharp contrast to just a few miles back.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozNyr7VRM1o/XIuWcRs1IZI/AAAAAAAAFIA/YYvaZFm5V982GGRCkCMTCBbBmheLblw-QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozNyr7VRM1o/XIuWcRs1IZI/AAAAAAAAFIA/YYvaZFm5V982GGRCkCMTCBbBmheLblw-QCLcBGAs/s640/P1030817.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQDQYXi9Ly8/XIuWpdJIqhI/AAAAAAAAFIE/mvk7lgOoJ8MgxvpkSb-hZx6Mq5NtNRWUACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQDQYXi9Ly8/XIuWpdJIqhI/AAAAAAAAFIE/mvk7lgOoJ8MgxvpkSb-hZx6Mq5NtNRWUACLcBGAs/s200/P1030837.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The path then turned sharply south east, and rose steeply toward the summit of Creag Bheag, up a robust path, purposely made from large boulders and rocks. As we ascended the temperature dropped and snow flurries began to fall. Some parts of the path higher up were covered in ice, and as we reached the top the wind was blowing full force. We sheltered a while in a little stone built circle, with an outlook over Kingussie and across to the snow-capped Cairgorms on the horizon.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzCRoOpIoCE/XIuXACgkHKI/AAAAAAAAFIU/wT__w3H32JMPSFpXsMhTxdfD7AC-bHXYwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kzCRoOpIoCE/XIuXACgkHKI/AAAAAAAAFIU/wT__w3H32JMPSFpXsMhTxdfD7AC-bHXYwCLcBGAs/s640/P1030846.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Once down, and lunch consumed, we started our descent into Kingussie. Now the snow was in full blizzard mode, but the path, then track, then road, was well defined.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In need of a hot drink it was disappointing to find everything was closed in Kingussie. Everything that was apart from the Star Hotel, caught in a time warp, with its worn tartan carpets and dark wood paneling. A request for a latte was met with bewilderment by the bar staff.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We settled on a pot of tea for two, and as our dripping wet gear slowly dried on the hotel radiators, we watched the clock slowly tick away the minutes until 4pm, when Joe's fish and chip shop would open!</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-7429651496191956062019-02-28T13:25:00.000+00:002019-02-28T18:08:56.470+00:00BLOWING OFF THE DUST<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My "good" bicycle lives hoisted up out of the way into the ceiling space of a room in my apartment, and the other day I lowered it down, only to find a thin coating of dust covered all the surfaces due to its lack of use recently.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was time for a bicycle tour.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As ever, Pauline can be relied upon to uncover a little gem of a route, and over a leisurely long weekend we headed out to the west to Inverclyde and Renfrewshire.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This had never been an area on my list of places to cycle, and we had toyed with heading to Oban, but having both cycled there recently we opted to find something new.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our route started in Port Glasgow on the shores of the Clyde, once a centre of shipbuilding and responsible for a quarter of the total tonnage of ships built in the area, the industry has all but gone bar one privately owned shipyard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It started life as a small fishing hamlet called Newark, and in 1780, due mainly to large ships being unable to navigate the shallow waters to Glasgow, shipyards started to spring up and it's new name was adopted. From the early 1800s the Clyde was deepened and Port Glasgow's fate was sealed.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n2muHn8cWc/XHfbiB0sqaI/AAAAAAAAFGI/0DcewaswLDUYnMn3DirqbnycdPcWAL68QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0n2muHn8cWc/XHfbiB0sqaI/AAAAAAAAFGI/0DcewaswLDUYnMn3DirqbnycdPcWAL68QCLcBGAs/s640/P1030524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Heading almost due south we started off on the disused Greenock & Johnstone railway, converted to a fantastic cycle path now called the Clyde to Forth Cycle route.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmsunlYHlU4/XHfS7amFdcI/AAAAAAAAFFs/Yr29xcaY66gx_ro8t2uIQmForNiseHMNQCLcBGAs/s1600/Day%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HmsunlYHlU4/XHfS7amFdcI/AAAAAAAAFFs/Yr29xcaY66gx_ro8t2uIQmForNiseHMNQCLcBGAs/s640/Day%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The start to our day had been delayed by a spoke breaking on my rear wheel, but as we had planned short days this had only a marginal affect on our timings. It did mean however that just 8 miles on it was time for coffee and cake elevenses.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SU-qcyDSW6E/XHfb37hbMmI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/e_naOzanxowc1kDGIhJLiK3hSgK4C41igCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SU-qcyDSW6E/XHfb37hbMmI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/e_naOzanxowc1kDGIhJLiK3hSgK4C41igCLcBGAs/s320/P1030531.JPG" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We pulled off the cycle path into a small settlement I had not heard of before, called Quarriers Village.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Founded in 1876 as The Orphan Homes of Scotland by shoemaker and philanthropist William Quarrier, it had a grand feel to it. He had a vision having been brought up poor and shoeless in the city, vowing to make a difference for children in need in the future.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His idea was simple; instead of large, depressing dorms, he built individual grand residences in the countryside setting, with each house run by a house mother and father. Following the end of WWI there were over a thousand orphans at Quarriers. Built using donations from himself and friends it was enormously successful, and though not an orphanage anymore, a charity headquartered in the village continues charitable work today.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opEnhubMuYM/XHfbt6Xwc5I/AAAAAAAAFGM/17J6gBi733sjFAQCdkOFPgGNSaL3oC61gCLcBGAs/s1600/Quarriers%2BVillage%2Baerial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1024" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-opEnhubMuYM/XHfbt6Xwc5I/AAAAAAAAFGM/17J6gBi733sjFAQCdkOFPgGNSaL3oC61gCLcBGAs/s640/Quarriers%2BVillage%2Baerial.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Within the old school was a busy coffee shop called Three Sisters Bake, and judging by the lack of available tables it too was successful.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqq_q4bMVOc/XHfcCShgpHI/AAAAAAAAFGY/Vrbu0--129M1O1dLTuiIlJRLO9mxDMlkwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqq_q4bMVOc/XHfcCShgpHI/AAAAAAAAFGY/Vrbu0--129M1O1dLTuiIlJRLO9mxDMlkwCLcBGAs/s320/P1030539.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we continued south on the cycle path as far as Lochwinnoch, rain started to fall, light at first but soaking us through. We were near day ones end, but too early to set up camp, so there was nothing for it but to pass the time in coffee shop number two, The Junction, in Lochwinnoch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Day two was a foggy start, and the tents were sopping wet in the morning at our chosen camp spot, four or five miles west of Lochwinnoch into Muirshiel Regional Park.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our main goal for this day was to visit the island of Cumbrae, and to give us more time on the island we opted to follow the main road into Largs, a decision we would regret because of the moronic dangerous drivers using this route, passing too close to us at speed, often with vehicles approaching in the opposite direction and at times on a blind bend!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hlxchMQLg8/XHfa6X8MVII/AAAAAAAAFF4/nqi2e1ZCASUDVjZrk-IHecSAt2WHYaR6gCLcBGAs/s1600/Day%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="1600" height="474" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hlxchMQLg8/XHfa6X8MVII/AAAAAAAAFF4/nqi2e1ZCASUDVjZrk-IHecSAt2WHYaR6gCLcBGAs/s640/Day%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With historic links to the Vikings from the 11th century, in the 19th and 20th century Largs became a popular seaside resort. Despite its diminishing status as a holiday resort, it still markets itself as such. But we were here for one reason; to catch the CalMac ferry across to the small island of Cumbrae.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With a circumference of just 14 miles, it was a short pootle round, but with the absence of cars and the sun shining it was the highlight of the trip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We stopped for our lunch and to dry out our wet camping gear in the small village of Millport on the western tip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the centre of the village is the impressive Garrison House, built in 1745 as barracks, it would later become a strategic base for Customs & Excise, given the islands location.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking west from the bay that the village main street wraps around, the craggy ramparts of Goat Fell and the Achir Ridge on the island of Arran gave for an impressive backdrop.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our visit to Cumbrae was all too short, and by mid afternoon we were heading north out of Largs to our last wild camp in the hills above.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dry tents welcomed us on the third morning, and after a leisurely start to the day we continued north toward Port Glasgow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Almost halfway we took a detour to the Greenock Cut visitor centre on the shores of Loch Thom. Built in the 1820s, the Greenock Cut is essentially a viaduct to supply water from Loch Thom to the town of Greenock. The designated circuit of the Greenock Cut is more of a walking route, and with our heavily laden bicycles we decided to forego the route </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> on this occasion</span></span>, but vowed to return soon to wander it's seven mile way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From Loch Thom we turned east, through forest and alongside small reservoirs, to rejoin the original cycle path and the short distance back into Port Glasgow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before leaving Edinburgh I had a preconception of our three days never being free of urban sprawl, but I was pleasantly surprised, and it served well to blow the dust and cobwebs off my bike.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-28203096966558689672019-02-10T18:33:00.005+00:002019-02-10T18:54:47.592+00:00THE LAST BATTLE<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A pretty significant thing happened in Musselburgh, a coastal town near to where I live, in 1547. And I don't mean at around 10 to 4 in the afternoon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But first, let me digress.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A couple of years ago I was filming with a large bunch of teenagers, an abridged version of Shakespeare's Macbeth, in and around Craigmillar Castle, about a half hour walk from my apartment in Portobello. It was there that Mary Queen of Scots convalesced after the difficult birth of her son James at Edinburgh Castle in June 1566. She was just 22 years old, and when she was born in late 1542, England and Scotland were two separate countries very much at each others throat.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Henry VIII, who Mary was a great-niece to, had tried to secure an alliance with the Scots by marrying her to his young son, the future Edward VI. But when that failed he tried to do so by force. Scotland entered into an alliance with France in response to Henry VIII declaration of war, which became known as the Rough Wooing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though Henry died in early 1547, his successors continued on to try to force Scotland to unite, and in September 1547, they clashed </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at Pinkie Cleugh,</span></span> just a half hour walk east from my home now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The skirmish would become known as the first modern battle, when newly invented artillery and hand held guns were used, in conjunction with traditional bows and arrows.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a cold but clear February afternoon, Pauline and I set off on a marked path we had no idea even existed, starting at the Roman Bridge in Musselburgh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To walk across this bridge is to walk in the footsteps of ancient history. 2,000 years ago, the Romans built a bridge here. It was rebuilt on these original foundations in the 1300s, and on an autumn day in 1547, the Scots army would use that bridge, the one we now stood on, to cross the River Esk, and reposition themselves at a higher elevation, during what is known as the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The path we were following led us up old stone steps to the graveyard of St Michael's Church, which commands a breathtaking view, uninterrupted across the Firth of Forth, though the Scots army were not particularly interested in the view in the same way we were. It was clear to see why both armies wanted this position in the battle. Though the Scots reached this position first, the English army were dominant in their superior fire power, and quite literally blew the Scots away, who fled toward the south.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we left the church grounds we headed east and through the historic village of Inveresk, with it's 18th century buildings, but even in 1547 there would have been a village here, which sits on the edge of the south side of Musselburgh. The path then leaves the now busy road and heads out to farm land, with clear views across and up to Fa'side Castle, which sits atop the faraway ridge.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was on the slopes of this hill, and the fields in front of us, that 10,000 Scots would meet their deaths at the hands of the superior force of the English, in what was the bloodiest battle of all time up to that point.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was a devastating defeat to the Scots, but within two years the alliance with France drove the English out of Scotland. The marriage of Mary to Edward had failed to unite the two countries, which would not happen for another 53 years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh would be
the last major battle between the two countries. Mary's son James, born
just the year before, would go on to be crowned James VI of Scotland, and
James I of England, inheriting the throne from Elizabeth I, and thus uniting the crowns, and creating the United
Kingdom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It astonishes me to know that this piece of history is so close to my home, and I've never given it any attention, until now.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With the light failing we cut short our walk through history and turned back toward Musselburgh and coffee and cake, and to plan our return another day soon.</span></span> </span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-41673795041417234872019-01-18T23:43:00.000+00:002019-01-18T23:43:02.580+00:00AND WE'RE OFF!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I ended last years round up blog by saying I didn't know what the main event would be in the great outdoors, but a collection of three great day walks with Pauline has already come pretty close. Maybe it was the holiday atmosphere, but for sure they were three great days out to start the year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first, on a freezing, clear, blue sky day, was out in West Lothian, an area I've never associated with going for a hillwalk, mostly due to their being very little in the way of hills.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After getting off the train at Uphall, it was a short 3km cycle ride to the start of the walk, though the last hundred yards was treacherous, with black ice on the road. The walk itself takes little more than half an hour to the top of the 219m outcrop known as Binny Craig, and though small, one could say it is perfectly formed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The shape of the hill is known as a crag-and-tail, and was formed mostly by glaciation, with the ice scraping away the softer sedimentary rocks, and leaving behind this arch of harder igneous rock. The more I stared at it, the more impressed I was. From the top were clear views to the Ochil Hills of Stirlingshire, sunlight illuminating their summits.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEdxHGg_EdU/XEJfjYwxRVI/AAAAAAAAFD8/Zw3D1onibVgiVGqNow9XSB1z-kMgfQL3ACLcBGAs/s1600/Looking%2Btoward%2Bthe%2BOchills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEdxHGg_EdU/XEJfjYwxRVI/AAAAAAAAFD8/Zw3D1onibVgiVGqNow9XSB1z-kMgfQL3ACLcBGAs/s640/Looking%2Btoward%2Bthe%2BOchills.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And this would be the choice for our next sojourn, though when we ventured onto them the tops were less impressive than from Binny Craig due to low cloud and low visibility that failed to lift all day.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvLI8SwLkmU/XEJftkpB5fI/AAAAAAAAFEE/PzfGV009IA42zmwTtw-oF89WdBFqUBB3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Alva%2BGlen%2Bboardwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FvLI8SwLkmU/XEJftkpB5fI/AAAAAAAAFEE/PzfGV009IA42zmwTtw-oF89WdBFqUBB3QCLcBGAs/s320/Alva%2BGlen%2Bboardwalk.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were heading for the highest peak of Ben Cleuch at 721m, but we would end up turning back due to the poor visibility. The first section of the walk, up Alva Glen out of Tillicoultry, was spectacular though, up a deep gorge carved out by the river, passable only because of well built wooden walkways.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We ate lunch at the top of the glen before starting a relentless steep walk up toward Ben Cleuch. The low cloud and an annoying achilles heel injury, kept the summit from us on this occasion, but you can't judge the enjoyment of a day in the great outdoors by whether you reach the summit or not, and we can return another day to bag Ben Cleauch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The third outing was on another frosty morning, starting out of a beautiful Fife village called Falkland, a pretty little settlement, with French-influence architecture, which became a royal burgh in the mid 1400s, with Falkland Palace at its centre. It has even appeared in Outlander.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We were heading for the twin peaks of the Lomond Hills, visible in the far distance from my home in Portobello.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The sky was clear, and the air crisp, as we wandered up the sculpted glen, Maspie Den. The path purposely winds it way through little tunnels, carved through the rock for no other apparent reason than entertainment, then across little wooden bridges, and even passes behind a mini waterfall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">West Lomond hill was our first destination, and though busy with lots of people doing the same, it did not detract from the enjoyment. The last 100 yards to the top was a steep slog, but thankfully short, with a view to East Lomond Hill, which appeared to be miles away. In reality it wasn't, and we stopped halfway to munch our packed lunches.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This final hill of East Lomond was a much shorter and quicker ascent, and we stopped only briefly in the bitter icy breeze, before dropping back down into the village of Falkland. I couldn't believe this was the first time up these hills, when I've been looking at them from Portobello for the past 40 years. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was the perfect end to a trilogy of local outdoor meanders to</span></span> start the year off in the great outdoors, and they were a great stress beater.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I should repeat this walk now, because the following week was, to put it mildly, the most stressful I've known for a long time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I had made a decision before New Year to open a second Film Academy on a Wednesday, and with the Facebook debacle now solved in my favour, though still a mystery as to its cause, it was in the past, and it was now full steam ahead.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But the final 48 hours were crazy. I needed 16 students to be close to breaking even, and with 48 hours to go, I was just one short.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But then the most bizarre, rollercoaster of events unfolded, with one, then two, dropping out, followed by three new students joining, followed by another two call offs, and so on and so on, relentlessly. It continued unabated into the final 24 hours, and like a boxer fighting for survival, I tried to find the staying power to see it through, with the Academy's web guru Annabel, now becoming my second, fanning me down, telling me to stay on my feet and dodge the punches. Keep going. You'll win in the end. Round after round I went in, metaphorical mouth guard firmly in place.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Feeling battered and bruised</span></span>, by the time the bell went ding ding, we were at a steady 17 students. I almost collapsed with exhaustion, as did Annabel, but we had made it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And it was a great success, followed by another new student joining the day after, but I don't think I could go through that again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's hope that the rest of the year resembles less of a Mike Tyson prize fight, and more a gentle walk up a West Lothian hill.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-81309414672503397492018-12-31T17:55:00.003+00:002019-01-18T22:03:42.750+00:002018<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As the year draws to a close I thought I'd look back briefly at what has happened this year for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In terms of work it has been a huge year. Previously I had started to become desperate to leave the organisation I was working freelance for, but with other work thin on the ground I had to heed the advice of many friends who told me to hang on until I had something to replace it with.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Try as I might nothing was turning up, until I started to look into running my own Film Academy for kids.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">How difficult could it be?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, very, as it happened. Four months of planning, then another four months of hard slog, to be kept on the edge of my seat waiting for people to sign up to my vision. But you can't do something like this on your own and the first and most important part of the startup was a website. Luckily I happen to know a genius at building websites, Annabel. Watching code being written, day after day, blew my mind, but for Annabel it was like being fluent in a second language. Add in Annabel's social media prowess and the Academy's profile propelled into the stratosphere.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Academy launched with two summer schools and both sold out, followed by a weekly after school academy, which filled within 10 days of marketing it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0WjT61WEk4/XCpVD28cCvI/AAAAAAAAFC4/kXBoJCAqQL8L7lj8KDNWzvJ17b86YFkhwCLcBGAs/s1600/Film%2Bacademy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0WjT61WEk4/XCpVD28cCvI/AAAAAAAAFC4/kXBoJCAqQL8L7lj8KDNWzvJ17b86YFkhwCLcBGAs/s320/Film%2Bacademy.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Film Academy ends the year strong, with a possible new academy opening on a Wednesday, such is the demand. Getting minimum numbers is crucial, and Facebook has been the most successful, so I went for it recently with a larger budget. Until, that is, Facebook disabled my advertising account for policy violation. Try as I might I cannot find what we have violated, so obviously I have appealed. But zero response, likely because the whole thing is automated. This single issue could well see the new Wednesday Academy fail to open as we have no other successful advertising avenue. If it hadn't been for the support from the our web guru Annabel I might have jacked it all in at that point.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As a result of this new business my outdoor activities were not as numerous this year. I ended 2017 with a cycle to Doune along the Darn Road and opened on the New Year with a cycle to North Berwick and a jaunt up Berwick Law.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I took a sudden burst of inspiration when snow fell in the Highlands and made a day trip on a cheap train ticket to Aviemore for a winter wander.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then came March and The Beast from the East, but Pauline and I headed west to clear blue skies and cycled the Caledonia Way from Oban to Ballachulish.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HiRrF0HiW8/XCpVqQcVP8I/AAAAAAAAFDA/MSKc3FlV_wY7Mq2KlCi-Rnd5tsYMDtnFQCLcBGAs/s1600/Gozo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="113" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8HiRrF0HiW8/XCpVqQcVP8I/AAAAAAAAFDA/MSKc3FlV_wY7Mq2KlCi-Rnd5tsYMDtnFQCLcBGAs/s200/Gozo.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shortly after I headed off to a different landscape to visit a friend on the island of Gozo, next to Malta, before a fun jaunt in the west highlands to view The Boulders of Narnain. Andrew came along and I can still hear him bellowing out in operatic style through the mist, "<i>THE BOULDERS OF NARNAIN</i>!" </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JD0cR9oRgHw/XCpV49bRmSI/AAAAAAAAFDE/emE7sOC5s0wX5_JeJoHxxbdvbzksv602gCLcBGAs/s1600/Lochnagar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JD0cR9oRgHw/XCpV49bRmSI/AAAAAAAAFDE/emE7sOC5s0wX5_JeJoHxxbdvbzksv602gCLcBGAs/s200/Lochnagar.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Royal Deeside Way was a great weekend away, despite coming to blows with the Kiltwalk and hundreds of charity walkers. There were no such crowds in August as we set our sights on Lochnagar, even with a dodgy and painful achilles tendon.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">September was a fun day out more locally, over in Fife, to a tiny little hill called The Binn, before loading up the bikes for the trip of the year in October, from Fort William to Inverness along The Great Glen Way, and back again.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGaEv7d_-L0/XCpWWIuq2QI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/WSOEgwBVSmMDusdFi44GMzYt2ljfMPNUgCLcBGAs/s1600/Great%2BGlen%2BWay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGaEv7d_-L0/XCpWWIuq2QI/AAAAAAAAFDQ/WSOEgwBVSmMDusdFi44GMzYt2ljfMPNUgCLcBGAs/s640/Great%2BGlen%2BWay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR6ATJlPnPw/XCpWn_gFk3I/AAAAAAAAFDc/xnVJza6YtCQgdNSXWt7x2vBOlv8IjM3FgCLcBGAs/s1600/Robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="640" height="119" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cR6ATJlPnPw/XCpWn_gFk3I/AAAAAAAAFDc/xnVJza6YtCQgdNSXWt7x2vBOlv8IjM3FgCLcBGAs/s200/Robin.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wildlife has been a special feature this year, especially one event in May when a Robin raised chicks right next to my back door in the ivy. Starlings nested as well, and then more recently a wildlife treat of a different kind when I witnessed an adult otter and two youngsters in a local park pond.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHzCPW9tTO8/XCpWtpk5cCI/AAAAAAAAFDg/z8RJjsXhXRMnfe8rCnnjKXMj3Jqt6wg-QCLcBGAs/s1600/Office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHzCPW9tTO8/XCpWtpk5cCI/AAAAAAAAFDg/z8RJjsXhXRMnfe8rCnnjKXMj3Jqt6wg-QCLcBGAs/s320/Office.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The final "event" of the year was my garden office expansion. Before I began making the existing shed/office larger, I thought it might take me a couple of weeks. Two months later, and £800 lighter, I am now sitting in the newly completed office for the first time typing up this blog.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2019 is looking to be another busy year for The Film Academy, with hopefully more students and bigger and better films. Who knows what the main event will be in the great outdoors, but I am lucky in that my best friend always manages to come up with a great plan.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Livqh_JSRC4/XCpWzaSkHnI/AAAAAAAAFDk/WivN9cV_Lecr5vzjauUh94AEhIO0rkFyACLcBGAs/s1600/Glenachulish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Livqh_JSRC4/XCpWzaSkHnI/AAAAAAAAFDk/WivN9cV_Lecr5vzjauUh94AEhIO0rkFyACLcBGAs/s320/Glenachulish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And speaking of which, the year ahead sees my two best friends turn 50. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Also turning 50 is The Glenachulish, the worlds last remaining turntable ferry. In July I was in the Highlands filming for my documentary film, <i>The Last Ferries of
Ballachulish</i>, which hopefully will see it completed in 2019 to coincide with the Glenachulish's half century birthday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So lots of fun times ahead, peppered with celebrations and no doubt the odd challenge mixed in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year one and all.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-80462466071583422962018-12-15T15:41:00.002+00:002018-12-15T15:41:49.617+00:00FINISHING UP<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The temperature has plummeted of late, but things <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">have been</span> hotting up in getting my shed/office revamped.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One big step I was racing toward was getting the roof finished so that I could concentrate on the inside. There had been a great deal of rain recently, which held up progress, but finally I had a window of dry weather last week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What I should have recalled from previous work like this, is that nothing is straight forward, and you always uncover extra work. As I stripped off the old felt, to my horror I discovered dry rot, with the telltale spidery white mould creeping across large areas of the existing timber.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhFidTpxGg8/XBUcjMW_GXI/AAAAAAAAFCY/DD2-CBzv5fwYnofWf1nCZ2VZvtXSlXHwACLcBGAs/s1600/Shed%2Bprogress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhFidTpxGg8/XBUcjMW_GXI/AAAAAAAAFCY/DD2-CBzv5fwYnofWf1nCZ2VZvtXSlXHwACLcBGAs/s320/Shed%2Bprogress.jpg" width="207" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This had been caused by the old felt degrading in areas around the nails that attached it to the roof, and tiny amounts of water creeping in over the past 10 years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There is only one solution, and that is to cut it all out, plus additional surrounding wood to ensure eradicating it. Then it all had to be replaced. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">half a days work, f</span></span>inally, I could level the roof out with sheets of 3mm ply before laying EPDM, a rubber sheet material with a 50 year guarantee.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I'm ready to reinstate th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e</span> inside, which I hope to achieve over the course of the next week, no<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">w</span> that I have some free time on my hands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is because The Film Academy Edinburgh that I started back in July, has just held its first end of term showcase.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We decided to run it as a chat show, with two sofas in the middle of the stage, where three cast and crew would have a Q&A about their films they had just completed, with the rest of students taking turns to film everything. We screened the film first then invited the students onto stage.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F864fjUKgoE/XBUcr0YGgKI/AAAAAAAAFCc/4p3UlHW2OPwWobgH0fr89skt51_dLIHuwCLcBGAs/s1600/Showcase%2BQ%2526A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F864fjUKgoE/XBUcr0YGgKI/AAAAAAAAFCc/4p3UlHW2OPwWobgH0fr89skt51_dLIHuwCLcBGAs/s640/Showcase%2BQ%2526A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was a nerve racking hour for me, as I had handed over the whole event to the students.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But it was a great success, and after three months of hard work by them, and me driving them hard, we ended on a high.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Term two starts on 11 January, and the following week I'm hoping to open a second academy on a Wednesday. We're only half way there in numbers required, but I remain optimistic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile I'm looking forward to conducting all the Academy business from my new office space, if I ever get it finished!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">H</span>ere's the students behind the scenes film from the past few months (<i>click on the picture below</i>)<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/306560904" target="_blank"><img alt="https://vimeo.com/306560904" border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGMAVwokGqg/XBUfsYyuBgI/AAAAAAAAFCs/DwoibD9ouXQCNnJo0_PVnqQMAQWSNf_RQCLcBGAs/s400/BTS%2Bplace%2Bpic.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-15363334741336110172018-11-23T11:06:00.000+00:002018-11-23T11:06:25.846+00:00EXPANSION<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Back in 2015 a need arose for more storage space in the apartment I live in, and need that was mirrored by Pauline who would soon live in the apartment below mine. The obvious solution was a large shed in the garden.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One traditional shed already existed down there, since around 200<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8</span>, and had evolved to become my office space/edit suite after a renovation in 2012 to insulate it and make it wind and watertight.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wSRf-WUaeA/W_bePiQPWVI/AAAAAAAAFBk/JfAOLU3saPU2sinbHgTrIx29q-oEyEVSQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wSRf-WUaeA/W_bePiQPWVI/AAAAAAAAFBk/JfAOLU3saPU2sinbHgTrIx29q-oEyEVSQCLcBGAs/s320/P1020094.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the course of one month in 201<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4</span>, with the help of a friend of Pauline's Bart, we set about creating the new shed. At four metres by almost two metres it was a substantial construction as sheds go, and within "permitted build" regulations, so need for planning permission etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Key to it's success was to raise it off the ground and cover the roof with a rubber membrane called EPDM, which carried a 25 year guarantee.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLUF2aq6Cs0/W_feptGiZjI/AAAAAAAAFCI/EkBQHDMsO_AxwD3ZYQkA9Vbfm4UErUWJACLcBGAs/s1600/Existing%2Bsheds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLUF2aq6Cs0/W_feptGiZjI/AAAAAAAAFCI/EkBQHDMsO_AxwD3ZYQkA9Vbfm4UErUWJACLcBGAs/s640/Existing%2Bsheds.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fast forward to 2018, and the growth of my new Film Academy for kids has required new investment in technology, and the result is I have outgrown the old "shed" come office. Pauline and I deliberated for a long time about me taking over the big shed, which is an ideal size and shape, but for various reasons the logistics of using it were just not going to work out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Solution? Expand the old shed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is not a large expansion. At present it measures roughly 2m x 2.5m, and when finished it will measure 2.6m x 3.2m.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First phase was to empty the interior, decanting my office into my kitchen in the apartment.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phase two required a concrete foundation to be mixed and poured<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, but not before a section of root system was<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> cut away. I took advice from <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">George Anderson, a friend of mine and whom some will recognise from the Beach Grove Garden series on TV.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMML4QrJB-U/W_fdatc61EI/AAAAAAAAFB4/bUorb3wZCbUKyWQHP9D9MRCINyoMk35mwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMML4QrJB-U/W_fdatc61EI/AAAAAAAAFB4/bUorb3wZCbUKyWQHP9D9MRCINyoMk35mwCLcBGAs/s640/P1030375.jpg" width="640" /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ky2pLaveMYM/W_fdkjPEowI/AAAAAAAAFB8/7rTR3zRy66QBcPvsEX8ItqMtBViJAmfLQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ky2pLaveMYM/W_fdkjPEowI/AAAAAAAAFB8/7rTR3zRy66QBcPvsEX8ItqMtBViJAmfLQCLcBGAs/s320/P1030379.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Phase three is now complete, which was to lay a course of breeze block around the outer perimeter to keep the timber frame off the floor. Ideally it would have been great to elevate the entire structure, just like the big shed, but as I am reusing most of the existing structure this is just not feasible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The big shed was built in a four week run of sunny warm weather in September. It is now November, and this week in particular has been very wet. Thankfully the foundation and bricks were in place during a dry spell.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next phase is to paint bitumen on the outside of the breeze block. I used what are called aerated blocks, which have high thermal mass, but it does mean they are quite porous, hence the bitumen to seal them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That should happen this weekend, and from then on it will be dismantling two existing walls and moving them outwards.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hopefully in a months time the shed will be wind and watertight, leaving only the interior to reinstate.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If my academy grows anymore then I guess I'm "gonna need a bigger hut".</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-82802897789319670082018-11-08T18:46:00.000+00:002018-11-08T18:46:43.522+00:00THE GREAT GLEN CYCLE - PART 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dry weather, and thus dry tents, greeted us <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">i</span>n the morning on the side of the canal at Inverness, to begin our return journey toward Fort William.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4Q58AwzZCQ/W-R1HUdLrmI/AAAAAAAAE-c/p49aVQbcruUnKwI16kvb4zEz2deKZa36ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T4Q58AwzZCQ/W-R1HUdLrmI/AAAAAAAAE-c/p49aVQbcruUnKwI16kvb4zEz2deKZa36ACLcBGAs/s200/P1030170.jpeg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">However, because of rail engineering works the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">approaching</span> weekend, we knew we would be unable to get our bikes on the train home, delaying our return, so there was little point in heading straight back to Fort William, as we'd be there in about three days, even if we dawdled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So a side trip was needed.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xrpoc1BmUc/W-R1SHVFemI/AAAAAAAAE-g/n4js5V4iqG4nK8l7Tt0M-dl9eEiGZga9QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030171.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9xrpoc1BmUc/W-R1SHVFemI/AAAAAAAAE-g/n4js5V4iqG4nK8l7Tt0M-dl9eEiGZga9QCLcBGAs/s640/P1030171.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We left Inverness along the canal for a short stretch, before following the Great Glen Way up a steep path into forest above Inverness to the north west. Once it leveled out the track was a good two metres wide, through dense, autumnal forest toward Arbriachan.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgBGp1xE7-E/W-R1bEcoPiI/AAAAAAAAE-o/8t1jT3-KC7Irl0JnUi7_9R5TCuCwjzaDQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030176.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgBGp1xE7-E/W-R1bEcoPiI/AAAAAAAAE-o/8t1jT3-KC7Irl0JnUi7_9R5TCuCwjzaDQCLcBGAs/s640/P1030176.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually we were back on single track road for a short distance before the route passed back into a native woodland, some 12 miles after leaving Inverness. On the gate at the start of the narrow path was information on an eco-campsite and cafe.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the middle of the woods.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRMeklqpSB4/W-R1laRGCeI/AAAAAAAAE-w/zN8WJSBMWsk_5sGmKTOE8z3P7ke6k6iPQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030177.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRMeklqpSB4/W-R1laRGCeI/AAAAAAAAE-w/zN8WJSBMWsk_5sGmKTOE8z3P7ke6k6iPQCLcBGAs/s320/P1030177.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pauline had been here before, and was keen for me to experience it. As we wound our way along the narrow path, through pine and birch trees, I wasn't sure quite what to expect. Then, suddenly, a small clearing appeared, with signs beckoning you up a small side path for, what else, but coffee and cake!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It needed say no more. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1brNcB5i7ug/W-R17COJIvI/AAAAAAAAE-8/3MLOZUDvKOMIPAXYw3uBhF-ck3Ao_vVtwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030206.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1brNcB5i7ug/W-R17COJIvI/AAAAAAAAE-8/3MLOZUDvKOMIPAXYw3uBhF-ck3Ao_vVtwCLcBGAs/s320/P1030206.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just a few yards in was an eclectic mix of tables and benches, and an area to one side for camping. A sign informed you to order at the house, and as I approached a small bell, that I surmised you should ring, a tall gentleman with scraggly greying beard appeared. He politely but enthusiastically took our order for a cafetiere of coffee and lemon cake.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNaNqOz3qLs/W-R28HkeBJI/AAAAAAAAE_U/AJPRKJ77z2gASKW5Inhtba5aiVm55grYwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030193.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mNaNqOz3qLs/W-R28HkeBJI/AAAAAAAAE_U/AJPRKJ77z2gASKW5Inhtba5aiVm55grYwCLcBGAs/s200/P1030193.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whilst he was away preparing we were kept company by free roaming chickens. A noisy cockerel turned up to add to the entertainment, by which time coffee and cake arrived.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the bill.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">£4 for a cup of cafetiere coffee, £5 for a slice of cake!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jxRMa_PSY8/W-R2Dpo2b1I/AAAAAAAAE_A/cphozIynszUu21uDP2GoLOqvVAuw4iNHQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030185.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2jxRMa_PSY8/W-R2Dpo2b1I/AAAAAAAAE_A/cphozIynszUu21uDP2GoLOqvVAuw4iNHQCLcBGAs/s640/P1030185.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My own fault. I hadn't asked the price in advance, but to be fair it was alm<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ost quarter of a whole cake<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. And homemade. I</span></span>t was a quirky treat and a unique experience, and so well worth it.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KN01--fktJ8/W-R2zFm3G_I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/4caipSux_5slEaQRcTJdOr6R23fEBgSPgCLcBGAs/s1600/Eco%2Bcafe%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="960" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KN01--fktJ8/W-R2zFm3G_I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/4caipSux_5slEaQRcTJdOr6R23fEBgSPgCLcBGAs/s200/Eco%2Bcafe%2Bpic.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After he had taken our photograph for his Facebook page, we bid him and his chickens farewell, as two other walkers arrived. Even in chilly autumn he seemed to be doing a brisk trade.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We now left the Great Glen Way and headed directly west toward Glen Strathfarrar. The entrance to the glen at Struy, is restricted to a restricted quota of motorised vehicles per day, but cyclists and walkers can come and go as they please.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bzFxzE-gQs/W-R3Qph-jrI/AAAAAAAAE_g/AlpJCc-25tkARv6_CXzkWmtNhmBeoLuyQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bzFxzE-gQs/W-R3Qph-jrI/AAAAAAAAE_g/AlpJCc-25tkARv6_CXzkWmtNhmBeoLuyQCLcBGAs/s640/P1030214.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Since the rebellion of 1745, when land usage in Scotland started to change, Glen Strathfarrar has been used predominantly for rearing sheep. And so it would seem it is today. Keen to get away from the sheep and find uncontaminated water, we pushed on 9 miles up into the glen before we found our camp spot for the night, a cattle grid beyond the sheep grazing area. Glen Strathfarrar is part of the Affric-Beauly hydro power scheme, and we passed two on the way, both underground with subterranean tunnels leading off the track.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_80YYQpiVEg/W-R3ZpdZzQI/AAAAAAAAE_k/UyJ3p68lyPwcVwjlVt19zgzFzdhGDZkiACLcBGAs/s1600/P1030219.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_80YYQpiVEg/W-R3ZpdZzQI/AAAAAAAAE_k/UyJ3p68lyPwcVwjlVt19zgzFzdhGDZkiACLcBGAs/s640/P1030219.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our campsite was one that Pauline had used previously, and as rutting stags bellowed on the other side of the river from us as the sun set, we fell asleep looking forward to the next leg tomorrow.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt7-1QDx8ks/W-R3iJomolI/AAAAAAAAE_s/pN9Qkj-q0zs3YepCRvLh_HNg_5xEsSaYQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030218.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yt7-1QDx8ks/W-R3iJomolI/AAAAAAAAE_s/pN9Qkj-q0zs3YepCRvLh_HNg_5xEsSaYQCLcBGAs/s200/P1030218.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our next day was very short and would see us double back on ourselves. Leaving the Glen at Struy we turned south west and headed along a beautifully quiet single track road to Cannich, a favourite place of Pauline's, and we pitched our tents at the village's campground, spending a lazy afternoon shopping for groceries, showering<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, </span>drinking coffee, eating cake and planning.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQg1A_s3jTE/W-R3qOnV5SI/AAAAAAAAE_w/p_OrRqRp4Vwv3owCP-8-gLkXrQQuvm31QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1030231.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQg1A_s3jTE/W-R3qOnV5SI/AAAAAAAAE_w/p_OrRqRp4Vwv3owCP-8-gLkXrQQuvm31QCLcBGAs/s200/P1030231.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We decided to stay at Cannich a second night. The following morning was very wet, so we sat it out with bacon rolls and tea at the campgrounds cafe, until in the afternoon, leaving all our kit behind, we headed off to the second waterfall of the adventure, Plodda Falls, just 7 miles away.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The falls sit at the top of a beautiful forested hillside, populated by enormous Douglas Fir trees. Back in the late 1800s an arched footbridge was built right over the point where the water drops over the edge down the 46m cliff face. That bridge lasted 125 years, until, in 2009, it was replaced with a viewing platform that now juts out over the edge.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the way back, in hunt of coffee and cake, we stopped at the Coach House coffee shop, within the old Post Office in Tomich, it's walls adorned with old GPO posters from the 1930s.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The following morning a massive climb took us east out of Cannich toward Drumnadrochit some 12 miles away. But just five miles on Pauline detoured off to Corrimony Chambered Cairn.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Surrounded by 11 standing stones, the 60ft cairn is a passage grave dating back some 4,000 years, and it was a fun wee historic treat.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But Pauline's main treat for the day was to come in Drumnadrochit, by way of a fantastic full breakfast! I would spend the next few miles burning it off, walking, not cycling, as I pushed my heavily laden bicycle up a narrow single track road heading toward Fort Augustus. Near the start of the push a very helpful chap asked; "<i>shouldn't I be sat on the bike</i>?", to which I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">replied</span>; "<i>do you really want me to answer that</i>?".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soon we were back into forest and the Great Glen Way, along undulating forest track following above the shore of Loch Ness. By the time we reached Invermoriston it was raining lightly, but persistently. Stopping for a coffee at a local cafe, we decided we were not going to make the proposed camp spot south of Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Oich, and we would now have to keep a look out for a suitable place for the night on the next stretch of forest track.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If there's one thing Pauline is very good at, and that's finding a good camp spot.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Usually.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With the light fading, and the rain never ending, halfway to Fort Augustus we stopped at a mossy grassy verge deep in the forest. We were happy just to have found a 'usable' spot, and with plentiful water nearby we settled down for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a damp</span> night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next day, having packed away sopping wet tents, we set off late around 10.30, and rejoined the route we had cycled north on a few days ago, at Fort Augustus. After a much needed coffee we were back on easy cycling now, following the canal to Loch Oich.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here was the memorable stretch of the route from earlier in the adventure, that followed the old railway line, which was also the line of General Wade's military road, taking us some five miles to Invergarry along the shore of Loch Oich.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Halfway we reached the camp spot where we had intended to stay the night before. We stopped and took out the sopping wet tents and ate lunch while they dried in the sun and the breeze.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One more forest track to follow, along the shores of Loch Lochy, would bring us to Gairlochy, the site of our first camp, and now the last camp.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50-b9_Hc6VM/W-R9npgst4I/AAAAAAAAFBY/8bslLDyInAIZ8PHIvCnWxbDK_3-MXxyvACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020989.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-50-b9_Hc6VM/W-R9npgst4I/AAAAAAAAFBY/8bslLDyInAIZ8PHIvCnWxbDK_3-MXxyvACLcBGAs/s640/P1020989.jpeg" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And there, on the ground for the past seven days, was the small cloth I used for wiping down my tent, which I thought I had lost forever right at the start.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A moon just a couple of days short of its full p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hase, rose over nearby hills, as a bat flitted about once again and we reflected on our adventure. As Pauline had said for the past few months, it had been a tough cycle at times, but the experiences and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">astonishing</span> beau<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ty<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> of the countryside more than made up for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">that<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and I was satisfied this had been a <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'holiday' after <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">all.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ten miles on the next day, and we were loading our bikes onto the train for the journey home. It had seemed so much longer than eight days, our cycle in autumn of The Great Glen Way.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-37653381276329286282018-10-27T18:44:00.001+01:002018-10-27T21:58:46.232+01:00THE GREAT GLEN CYCLE - PART 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When Pauline asked me back in April if, come October, I fancied cycling the Great Glen, a route that follows the Caledonian Canal, starting in Fort William and ending in Inverness, I didn't hesitate to say yes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Did I fancy cycling it both ways?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Err . . . OK . . . I think.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's a tough, physical ride mind you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She wasn't particularly selling it to me. When it comes to "holidays" per se, I imagine sipping Italian coffee, in the sunshine, in a Florence piazza, people watching, not struggling up steep ascents with a fully laden bicycle for miles, to then camp in the rain with a re-hydrated ready meal for supper.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I'm a sucker for adventure, so training for this was going to be key.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That was April, and October seemed so far away. Piece of cake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But too many pieces of cake later, and very little training, I found myself on the train bound for Fort William, one heavily laden bicycle in tow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I say train, what I mean is, train to Glasgow and then two bus replacements, courtesy of the efficient train company Scotrail. But let's not go into that. Though one could be forgiven for thinking someone was trying to send me a message.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Completed in 1822 by Thomas Telford, and stretching 97km connecting the Atlantic to the North Sea, the Caledonian Canal is an impressive piece of engineering.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With Ben Nevis in the background we started on the first part of our journey out of Fort William to Gairlochy, following the canal north, hemmed in on both sides by the varied rusty colours of Autumn.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A slight tail wind gave us a quick run, and being late in the day we camped at the free campground next to Gairlochy canal locks, with access to showers, toilets and laundry. A short day on the bike, flat and easy. Maybe this was a holiday afterall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As dusk fell, a bat flitted about near the tents, and a star-filled sky led into a chilly night.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I awoke to a sopping wet tent from condensation, having wiped them down with a small cloth, we gave the early warm sunshine a chance to dry them out slightly before packing up and heading off.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next set of locks after Gairlochy is Laggan, roughly 11 miles on, and the route is mostly on undulating forest track, with constant displays of every shade of autumn colour you could imagine. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After Laggan most of the route to Fort Augustus is along a perfect, straight old railway track, with views across Loch Oich to a ruined castle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We passed a small area two thirds along that was designated as an "informal campground", a place where Pauline had camped before, and we decided this would be a camp spot during our return leg. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another easy, quick stretch along the canal, brought us into Fort Augustus and the southern shore of Loch Ness of monster fame. We stocked up on groceries for the next leg, and then it was time for lunch. I could smell chips cooking nearby, and thought this would be very satisfying. Until that is I discovered it wasn't far off £3 for one bag of chips! "<i>Aye, it's a tourist trap mate</i>", came the honest reply from the owner. I settled on a coffee from a nearby van, with hot soup and a roll, and sat people watching as I tucked in. A Florentine piazza it may not have been, but the coffee, setting and company were just as satisfying. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWbRu1Id5Ts/W9ShmMLjFqI/AAAAAAAAE9A/d7pr8IERABM5cCUsLIODl4Hd075jQqnMACLcBGAs/s1600/10%2Bmushroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWbRu1Id5Ts/W9ShmMLjFqI/AAAAAAAAE9A/d7pr8IERABM5cCUsLIODl4Hd075jQqnMACLcBGAs/s320/10%2Bmushroom.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pauline had warned me about the steep road out of Fort Augustus to our next days end of Foyers. I made a valiant effort to cycle this thing, and felt a little smug passing two other cyclists. OK, so they had full panniers front and back, but hey, I'm 55 and haven't trained for this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Boy how I wished I'd trained for this.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before long I was off the bike and pushing. Like many of these occasions, the end of the hill you see ahead, isn't.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But once we were up it was a glorious ride, with a wind at our backs, the sun shining, and great views far and wide.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We didn't have an actual camp spot in mind, and with it getting late in the day we chose a wild spot next to the River Foyers.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMikxlSzix0/W9ShvfhLzaI/AAAAAAAAE9I/Abp-czO3pF8OhqBnlthf2w5a_WGIsZR1QCLcBGAs/s1600/11%2BFoyers%2Bcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KMikxlSzix0/W9ShvfhLzaI/AAAAAAAAE9I/Abp-czO3pF8OhqBnlthf2w5a_WGIsZR1QCLcBGAs/s640/11%2BFoyers%2Bcamp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Previous campers had left a large log near their attempts at a fire, and together with some discarded rope I fashioned a seat for us between two trees. Feeling very Bear Grylls, I settled down for a restful night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The following morning we zipped down the road to stop at a small cafe opposite the trail to Foyers Falls.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykn_L8ySCwc/W9Sh4ECTEFI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/oR6Kgzu7c78Qr8DE2oLq-YjlVxT2V32iQCLcBGAs/s1600/13%2BFoyers%2BFalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ykn_L8ySCwc/W9Sh4ECTEFI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/oR6Kgzu7c78Qr8DE2oLq-YjlVxT2V32iQCLcBGAs/s640/13%2BFoyers%2BFalls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With a decent amount of rain recently the Falls were in full flow, and by the time we had returned from the short walk the cafe was open. A second breakfast was calling. From the outside we weren't too sure of what it would be like, but the bacon roll and coffee were first class. In Pauline's opinion, the best she's ever had.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQKWkRs4olI/W9SiFI41JDI/AAAAAAAAE9c/U3iDO43egiUZJaSdmRGI29AI1VpAwXwqQCEwYBhgL/s1600/16%2BPolly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQKWkRs4olI/W9SiFI41JDI/AAAAAAAAE9c/U3iDO43egiUZJaSdmRGI29AI1VpAwXwqQCEwYBhgL/s640/16%2BPolly.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our day had a few more ascents, but none as severe as the day before, and a high road across open moors, with a strong wind behind, helped us zip along.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn7DDyNbA1o/W9SiFjU6nwI/AAAAAAAAE9s/4ZSBd4mrPe4R0kNkhN2TDG5yuLDBwEu_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/17%2BMcBain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn7DDyNbA1o/W9SiFjU6nwI/AAAAAAAAE9s/4ZSBd4mrPe4R0kNkhN2TDG5yuLDBwEu_QCEwYBhgL/s320/17%2BMcBain.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We took a small detour down a single track, steep road, stopping part way down to visit a quirky memorial to the Clan McBain, complete with quirky wildcat sculptures, before rejoining the cycle route and down into Inverness by late afternoon.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaECKkW3fvI/W9SjqVV8KhI/AAAAAAAAE90/ggn0d57eDLM3Pq-bxebPydL79FNj-P1AwCLcBGAs/s1600/18%2BInverness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaECKkW3fvI/W9SjqVV8KhI/AAAAAAAAE90/ggn0d57eDLM3Pq-bxebPydL79FNj-P1AwCLcBGAs/s320/18%2BInverness.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Loaded up with lots of yummy food out of a local supermarket, we headed out to the sea lock where the Caledonian Canal delivers seafarers out to the North Sea. Here, within the boundary fence of the marina, we had another free night of camping with showers and toilets nearby. Though it was brightly lit from security lighting, and a little noisy from traffic nearby, earplugs ensured a restful night.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-McK7MzmbM/W9SjqZ7GF3I/AAAAAAAAE94/pbDeAI1QgvUsNjIPMXXM9H_FSJH_tzAHACLcBGAs/s1600/19%2Bsea%2Block%2Bcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-McK7MzmbM/W9SjqZ7GF3I/AAAAAAAAE94/pbDeAI1QgvUsNjIPMXXM9H_FSJH_tzAHACLcBGAs/s640/19%2Bsea%2Block%2Bcamp.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tomorrow we would turn south, and with a few detours planned, head back toward Fort William.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But that is a story for the next blog.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-63021345024436627742018-10-13T17:49:00.002+01:002018-10-13T23:37:51.483+01:00PINK FOOTED GEESE AT ABERLADY BAY<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have walked Aberlady Bay, the UKs first Local Nature Reserve, designated in 1952, a number of times with Pauline, but always from the same start point, on the outskirts of the coastal village of Aberlady.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqTL-spOawI/W8IdM9Di-WI/AAAAAAAAE6w/IUOOh9jP36IdrRkLODGdDq1prfrR24i4ACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020823.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqTL-spOawI/W8IdM9Di-WI/AAAAAAAAE6w/IUOOh9jP36IdrRkLODGdDq1prfrR24i4ACLcBGAs/s200/P1020823.jpeg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On this particular day we opted to complete a circular route, and as such we headed out along the John Muir Way to the neighbouring town of Gullane, famous for its golf connections.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">This meant a tedious first mile along a very busy road, but soon after we were on the John Muir Way footpath, cutting across fields and skirting the golf course, with views to Berwick Law to the east, to eventually pop out on the outskirts of Gullane.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJlx2gC8XiE/W8IdUNZhnAI/AAAAAAAAE60/tfUCF4NKTMoFL6jqsOyiedn9pWeBe4iTgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020822.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJlx2gC8XiE/W8IdUNZhnAI/AAAAAAAAE60/tfUCF4NKTMoFL6jqsOyiedn9pWeBe4iTgCLcBGAs/s640/P1020822.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But the real treat on this short section was the start of the main reason we had ventured out; skeins of geese in formation flying overhead, some as many as 100 in number, gliding in to the Bay for the night, calling out their presence as they approached.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9uxNk8jwF4/W8IdoCuWgQI/AAAAAAAAE7A/_g40aFw5Uoor4ay-HzGK1RN8ZPQCnauJQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020825.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9uxNk8jwF4/W8IdoCuWgQI/AAAAAAAAE7A/_g40aFw5Uoor4ay-HzGK1RN8ZPQCnauJQCLcBGAs/s640/P1020825.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qya_lhVfQuY/W8IduAJglxI/AAAAAAAAE7E/NonZ6UKrjXYbM_6GJiT0tw9qWI3zUxffgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020815a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qya_lhVfQuY/W8IduAJglxI/AAAAAAAAE7E/NonZ6UKrjXYbM_6GJiT0tw9qWI3zUxffgCLcBGAs/s640/P1020815a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It always pleasantly surprises me how often I can walk an area and yet repeatedly find new routes, and today was no exception. The path rose steeply beside expensive detached mansions, then followed a boundary wall, curving round to the north to rise to a vantage point with views in all directions. To the west was the skyline of Edinburgh, whilst to the east was Bass Rock, home during breeding season to millions of Gannets, and still bright white with the icing of guano deposited by the nesting birds, now all departed.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o88RpV9F_Bs/W8IeJeMsvLI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/Tos-2IB5tVoZlRmwPidaTdYy-qEUQlqRACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o88RpV9F_Bs/W8IeJeMsvLI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/Tos-2IB5tVoZlRmwPidaTdYy-qEUQlqRACLcBGAs/s640/P1020830.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We dropped down to the shoreline and wandered the beach as it curved slowly back round to Aberlady. The sun was starting to dip, and in the far distance the three bridges spanning the Firth of Forth were silhouetted against the glow of an early evening setting sun.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j86xnuOGcpo/W8IeQZlT6TI/AAAAAAAAE7U/iM1nT2ucwzcFr8NTbtpTBF8T1jQliFtWwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020877.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j86xnuOGcpo/W8IeQZlT6TI/AAAAAAAAE7U/iM1nT2ucwzcFr8NTbtpTBF8T1jQliFtWwCLcBGAs/s640/P1020877.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another first this day was a field test for my new compact camera, and I was not disappointed by the first images, capturing the distant bridges perfectly with its powerful zoom.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaU42QPyekw/W8IekisHkxI/AAAAAAAAE7g/2nGbrouiEnoGDNmJ9DVYdkTL0mlxZTjAACLcBGAs/s1600/P1020904.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EaU42QPyekw/W8IekisHkxI/AAAAAAAAE7g/2nGbrouiEnoGDNmJ9DVYdkTL0mlxZTjAACLcBGAs/s200/P1020904.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We hopped across the sea-beaten rocks, with Eider Ducks resting on their edges and Red Shanks wading in the shallows, as the sun dipped lower and lower, casting its golden-hour light across the sands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beneath our feet were trillions of shell remains, all at different stages of being ground down </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">for a future beach</span></span> by the unstoppable tides.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwVf14SbN_0/W8IeYXVyMXI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/VIoLfPN_lXwMCbzsNDtVCuU3lKPRM9mvQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1020848.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwVf14SbN_0/W8IeYXVyMXI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/VIoLfPN_lXwMCbzsNDtVCuU3lKPRM9mvQCLcBGAs/s640/P1020848.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soon we were skirting below the high dunes on the longest stretch of beach, and in the last of the light Pauline scanned the horizon with binoculars toward the distant calls of Curlews.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There was one more treat in store as we followed the path away from the beach back toward our start point. Just to our right, perched on a large piece of drift wood, sat a Short-Eared Owl, something I had never seen before. It sat patiently looking out toward the last of the setting sun, soon to start the hunt for food.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Further on a young Roe Deer stood motionless and watched our progress along the path. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The last of the geese
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aerofoils, to brake and land gently on the mud flats left by the receded
tide.</span></span> In the distance, lost in the failing light, hundreds of geese were greeting each other noisily as we wandered back to the village of Aberlady, reflecting on what had been a spectacular day.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-24013381849883386842018-10-04T18:13:00.001+01:002018-10-04T18:13:23.460+01:00THE 45<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In a couple of weeks time I will be taking on a 130 mile cycle round trip, and for the past few months I have been trying to find the time to improve my fitness. It's unlikely that any one day will be that long, but, according to Pauline, it has challenging stages.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Pauline to use the word challenging has me concerned. My exercise program has had too many days between each stint, and so I've been looking for opportunities to enhance that training.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last week Pauline proposed a round trip coastal cycle, starting from the ancient town of Dunfermline, once a thriving linen town, and with Royal connections in the past to James VI of Scotland.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL6QHan931k/W7ZGSvcbCgI/AAAAAAAAE6g/awi7TQg_3kkbUjZikAorihslXAPZ7UVUwCLcBGAs/s1600/Pauline%2Bon%2Brailway%2Btrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GL6QHan931k/W7ZGSvcbCgI/AAAAAAAAE6g/awi7TQg_3kkbUjZikAorihslXAPZ7UVUwCLcBGAs/s320/Pauline%2Bon%2Brailway%2Btrack.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our route followed old railway lines most of the way out west, which was very easy cycling, and took us all of the way to our turnaround point of Devilla Forest. The forest was planted after the second world war, in an area that provided the headquarters for the Polish army. But it has also played host to more ancient battles in centuries past.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oIk3BwLy2g/W7ZGKobvrcI/AAAAAAAAE6c/grEgw7m5_TIPoW4wr4YaZ7047qSqCPgkACLcBGAs/s1600/Pauline%2Bin%2Bforest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7oIk3BwLy2g/W7ZGKobvrcI/AAAAAAAAE6c/grEgw7m5_TIPoW4wr4YaZ7047qSqCPgkACLcBGAs/s320/Pauline%2Bin%2Bforest.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now it is home to a wealth of flora and fauna, among which is Scotland's cutest animal, the Red Squirrel. We ventured off on Red Squirrel Trail at one point, but sadly the only sightings were man-made steel cutouts, pegged into the side of the many Scots Pine trees on Bordie Moor.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDT44NhCiHE/W7YoPTdp5BI/AAAAAAAAE58/Sg4QkqBCjPgrY2nXiahotEhDRWD828-kQCLcBGAs/s1600/Devilla%2BForest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kDT44NhCiHE/W7YoPTdp5BI/AAAAAAAAE58/Sg4QkqBCjPgrY2nXiahotEhDRWD828-kQCLcBGAs/s320/Devilla%2BForest.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the point were the trail turns to head back out, we stopped for a quick bite to eat. Views stretched out across the forth to the north, and in the foreground the Longannet power station. beyond on the opposite shore was Grangemouth oil refinery. But just a few metres away from where we sat, hidden in the autumnal bracken, was what is known as The Standard Stone. It is part of the natural bedrock, with two oblong holes cut into its surface, both roughly the size of an A4 sheet of paper, and has laid here watching the comings and goings for the past 800 years, long before any power stations, oil refiner<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ies or bridges spanning the river</span>.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3U4irPe8qT4/W7YmDqWzRCI/AAAAAAAAE5E/7DW5VuTUX1o1R3Uw8tNlfYXmYxVzs9eMgCLcBGAs/s1600/Standard%2BStone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3U4irPe8qT4/W7YmDqWzRCI/AAAAAAAAE5E/7DW5VuTUX1o1R3Uw8tNlfYXmYxVzs9eMgCLcBGAs/s640/Standard%2BStone.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">No one is quite sure what it was for, but folklore has it, that it marks the site of the battle between the Scots and the Danes in 1038, and the holes are alleged to have been supports for the standards during battle. Some say it could also be a boundary marker. But as a fan of Shakespeare's play Macbeth, I prefer the idea that it was at this spot where King Duncan and his generals Macbeth and Banquo fought, and were ultimately defeated by, the Vikings.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88xLq1zn2MU/W7YoIc4oDPI/AAAAAAAAE54/twjvwEzB5r0abjvXlK_Sm8S7gOli__d1QCLcBGAs/s1600/Path%2Bto%2BPlague%2BGrave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88xLq1zn2MU/W7YoIc4oDPI/AAAAAAAAE54/twjvwEzB5r0abjvXlK_Sm8S7gOli__d1QCLcBGAs/s200/Path%2Bto%2BPlague%2BGrave.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our lunch over, and entertained by ancient history, we headed back out of the forest on the trail. Pauline then told me there was another piece of history hidden away in the woods, that she wanted me to see. We took a turn along what could only just be described as a path, with the sun twinkling through the dense trees. Just 100 metres on we stopped and chained up the bikes, climbed over a fence, and headed into the woods.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In a small clearing, dating back to 1645, the time of the Jacobite uprisings, was a small grave. Not just any grave though, for here was what is known as The Plague Grave, where the three children of James Bald were buried, having all died on this very day, the 24th September, 1645, of the plague. To this day people leave small toys and trinkets at the graveside.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our route now headed back toward Edinburgh, dropping down to the coastline of the Forth. Within a short distance we were entering the Royal Burgh of Culross (<i>pronounced coo-ross</i>), acknowledged as one of the most picturesque villages in Scotland, and the most complete example of a 16th century burgh. And I have to admit it lives up to its reputation. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Little wonder it is used as a shooting location for film and television. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the centre stands a 16th century merchant's house called Culross Palace. For us though, the most alluring place was a small courtyard next door, home of Bessie's Cafe, and more importantly, coffee and cake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Suitably refreshed we joined the cycle path again, and were soon upon the new road system that feeds the recently opened Queensferry Crossing bridge.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDqSyY0ngaU/W7YnT2j6QdI/AAAAAAAAE5s/feVg3I8RvR8629vmWkm_LlOTZ5OZScumACLcBGAs/s1600/Queensferry%2BCrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDqSyY0ngaU/W7YnT2j6QdI/AAAAAAAAE5s/feVg3I8RvR8629vmWkm_LlOTZ5OZScumACLcBGAs/s640/Queensferry%2BCrossing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful as it is, the Forth Rail Bridge still wins, which I was to get a view of as I did something for the very first time. With the opening of the new bridge the original suspension bridge is now closed to traffic, except buses.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzDElZmz6fw/W7YoYlcqIAI/AAAAAAAAE6E/SvQRjPj2kiMXyNGV-KuhUCZdyTxO3KMeACLcBGAs/s1600/Forth%2BRoad%2BBridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XzDElZmz6fw/W7YoYlcqIAI/AAAAAAAAE6E/SvQRjPj2kiMXyNGV-KuhUCZdyTxO3KMeACLcBGAs/s320/Forth%2BRoad%2BBridge.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Forth Road bridge was opened in 1964, and at the time it was the largest suspension bridge in the world outside of the United States, and at its peak carried 65,000 vehicles per day. Though it has always been possible for cyclists to use the bridge on an adjoining cycle and footpath, I had never ridden a bicycle across it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Down the other side we turned into North Queensferry village, and sat eating our lunch admiring the beauty of the Rail Bridge, opened in 1890.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">With a gentle tail wind, we set off on the 10-mile journey back to Portobello, via the Dalmeny Estate and Crammond, a total journey of 45 miles.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-53800481264577781222018-09-21T11:13:00.001+01:002018-09-21T11:13:16.990+01:00THE BINN<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When Pauline suggested we have a trip to The Binn, I thought she meant clearing out my apartment and taking unwanted items to the trash. Not a great suggestion for a day off.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Binn in question was, in actual fact, a small 193m hill across the Firth of Forth in Fife. I can actually see it from my apartment front window.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have only known its name for the past few months, when Pauline first mentioned it, but I have looked at it often over the passing few decades since I moved to Edinburgh. In fact, anyone who has installed a TV aerial will know which hill I am talking about, as on its summit sits Craigkelly transmitting station mast, some 125m high, beaming out TV signals to a vast area since 1968.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYP5TD20zF8/W6IhNtYxjvI/AAAAAAAAE3s/PQO6fD_JvNwrPFGIgBL2YxL7aAHZNWENQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYP5TD20zF8/W6IhNtYxjvI/AAAAAAAAE3s/PQO6fD_JvNwrPFGIgBL2YxL7aAHZNWENQCLcBGAs/s200/IMG_1493.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We stepped off the train at the picturesque Fife coastal village of Aberdour, at its well kept little station, which has been in operation since 1890. Our first destination was the former shipbuilding port of Burntisland, just three miles away, along a foot and cycle path. I have cycled this way a number of times, but never walked the route, so it was a pleasant change. A ferry used to cross between Burntisland and Granton in Edinburgh until 1890, when the Forth Rail Bridge opened<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It hugs the shoreline, as does the railway line running parallel, and when I've passed this way on board a train I would regularly spot seals basking on exposed rocks. But on this day the tide was in, and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">there were </span>no seals to be seen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rock carvings dating back 4,000 years have been found in the area, and there has been a settlement at Burntisland for 2,000 years, when the Roman commander Agricola set up a camp at nearby Dunearn Hill, using the natural harbour as his access point. In the 12th century a town had started to grow, known then as Wester Kinghorn, when the monks of Dunfermline Abbey owned the harbour. In 1601 James VI chose the town as an alternative site for the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and it was at this time when the King James Bible came into being.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our destination was the top of a craggy escarpment, rising steeply to the north behind the town. The Binn is the remains of a volcanic plug, formed some 300 million years ago, and serves to shelter the town of Burntisland form the worst of the northerly winds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Very quickly we were on the slopes of the hill, and though the forecast was mixed, we enjoyed bright weather all the way. The path hugs the top edge of the crag as it curves across, and in under an hour we were passing the giant transmitter mast that I had seen from a distance for so many years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the distance dark clouds were gathering, which gave a sharp contrast to the sunlit field of corn beside the path. We sat a while on the top, taking in the uninterrupted view across the Firth of Forth expanse to Edinburgh in the distance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As we neared the base of the walk a sharp shower came across, and as we sheltered under the trees Pauline pointed out that there was once a small settlement where these woods now stood. I had seen evidence of a building as we had entered but all other signs had long since vanished.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Finishing our little jaunt at the old Port building in the town centre, we headed for the railway station of Bur<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ntisland for our short journey </span>home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I take the trash out <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in the future</span>, and glance across to the TV mast atop The Binn, I will think of it in a different way.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-13103544226876503832018-09-06T17:55:00.000+01:002018-09-06T17:55:02.477+01:00PORTOBELLO<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am very fortunate to live just metres from the beach front of the capital city of Scotland. I have lived in the area for 40 years altogether, and it has never lost any of its appeal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Though I am on the outskirts, our transport links are excellent should I have the need to venture in to the city itself. And there are many reasons to do so throughout the year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It has the worlds largest arts festival for one thing, during the month of August, which doubles the population of the city. At the same time it plays host to a book festival, preceded by a jazz festival. My main interest of course is the internationally renowned Edinburgh International Film Festival in June.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then there's Hogmanay, again bringing tens of thousands of people here.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is the seat of the Scottish Government, and a centuries old castle dominates the city horizon, and the remains of a millennia old extinct volcano sits between the castle and its coastline where I live.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But for all of this, I prefer to spend the majority of my time in Portobello.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PK1bim9SI2s/W5FZYQZPJ2I/AAAAAAAAE2k/s6hQgOC0heQPHs8kBa624Y4jCrXHN3t9ACLcBGAs/s1600/Bike%2Bon%2Bprom%2Bwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PK1bim9SI2s/W5FZYQZPJ2I/AAAAAAAAE2k/s6hQgOC0heQPHs8kBa624Y4jCrXHN3t9ACLcBGAs/s640/Bike%2Bon%2Bprom%2Bwall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During this past couple of weekends we have had our very own, busy, festival-feel time of it. The previous weekend saw the mile-long promenade play host to a variety of musicians, all busking their hearts out in the late summer sunshine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then just last weekend we had two events; the "Porty Art Walk", and the Village Show. The latter brings everyone in the community together, and always seems to have good, sunny weather.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Locals can have a stall table to sell their crafts and homebaking, while other tents sell beer, hotdogs, coffee and cake, and right in the centre there is a gazebo which is the stage area for local bands to perform.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Around mid way through a dog show was held, with local teenagers acting as judges, followed just a few minutes later with a traditional duck race.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">My favourite thing though was an old, traditional model railway. It was mesmerising just watching two trains going round and round the large oval track.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qk5Pkhnuu20/W5FaB4hTcGI/AAAAAAAAE3M/SXBpHUCFScIlWNEu6SIqf4ky33Y_bMyQwCLcBGAs/s1600/Train%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qk5Pkhnuu20/W5FaB4hTcGI/AAAAAAAAE3M/SXBpHUCFScIlWNEu6SIqf4ky33Y_bMyQwCLcBGAs/s640/Train%2Bset.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Portobello is known as a place of many creative people, and for a number of days spanning the weekend the Porty Art Walk takes place. This comprises outdoor installations of art, like the bicycle on the prom wall pictured above; displays in several shop windows; and a few local artists open their homes up for people to wander in and enjoy their work.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Even when the sun doesn't shine, and the beach is empty, there is a welcoming warmth, and I can't imagine calling anywhere else home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">As I made my way home after the Village Show, with a smile on my face, I stopped for a moment to enjoy a little corner of wild flowers, which just added to the colour that is Portobello.</span></span></span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-84851456049921165232018-08-17T13:44:00.002+01:002018-08-18T09:22:39.918+01:00THE SEQUEL<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having run a brand new film academy for kids from age 9 to 18 in July, I decided to reprise the event in August.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Film Academy summer school, the sequel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">There were a number of parts of the July summer school that didn't work as well as they could have for the students, and during the week that followed I went back to the drawing board, or maybe more appropriately, the storyboard.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">One thing that occurred to me was we needed to get the students working on cameras more quickly, so we upped the ante, and threw them in at the deep end, shooting their main film after just two days.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlz5mlz951k/W3bAETwskQI/AAAAAAAAE14/kMAhBl-NicUiTWMv3nzPNfGZTLx4ePgEwCLcBGAs/s1600/4S3A5726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlz5mlz951k/W3bAETwskQI/AAAAAAAAE14/kMAhBl-NicUiTWMv3nzPNfGZTLx4ePgEwCLcBGAs/s640/4S3A5726.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">We had received various bits of feedback, all very positive, but a few were surprised the students were filming a pre-written script. They had assumed they would film their own. We had decided this for very good reasons.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A five minute short film script takes around a month of full time work to write and perfect, ready for shooting. Part of that is getting everyone to agree on story, parts and roles. To have been able to do this well in just two days was going to be impossible, hence the pre-written script.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But it gave me an idea for the second week, to satisfy both.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">First of all, we altered the website, listing a basic schedule for the week, so everyone knew in advance they would be filming a pre-written script.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">During the actual week we trained them up, and shot the film, a day early. By the Thursday lunch time they were wrapped. Then we presented them with a challenge; they had now been shown how to do it all, so we gave them one hour on Thursday afternoon to write a one-page script, with full reign on what they could do. On Friday morning we handed them a camera and a microphone, and gave them just 30 minutes to shoot five short scenes to tell their story, in sequence, no editing allowed. Whatever came out of the camera was the finished film.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIePfLSYOwE/W3bANVNArEI/AAAAAAAAE2A/yK_U1PmzC3UL9c7i1rRfD6ZjuZIgsU5EACLcBGAs/s1600/4S3A3517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIePfLSYOwE/W3bANVNArEI/AAAAAAAAE2A/yK_U1PmzC3UL9c7i1rRfD6ZjuZIgsU5EACLcBGAs/s640/4S3A3517.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And they pulled it off amazingly well. These six shorts were both the most popular with the parents at the end-of-week screening, and it was the most popular activity with the students. An idea I am taking forward to the weekly academy.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYo6qHsxDZA/W3bAVQQHrfI/AAAAAAAAE2I/loTbkNsDVdc-Qk2jYuzEMHNmHEiTjrU0ACLcBGAs/s1600/4S3A5897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tYo6qHsxDZA/W3bAVQQHrfI/AAAAAAAAE2I/loTbkNsDVdc-Qk2jYuzEMHNmHEiTjrU0ACLcBGAs/s640/4S3A5897.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">So by taking the plunge into the first week, listening to the feedback, we were able to deliver more of what they wanted. Everyone left happy. Click on this link to see just how much fun we all had:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/284521768"><span style="color: yellow;">https://vimeo.com/284521768</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Some students said that having to wait around for their turn to be in front of the camera during any of the shoots, wasn't their favourite thing, but that is part and parcel of filmmaking, and if that was the only moan, then we were doing well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The closing event, once again, though not quite as problematic as week one, was plagued with last minute technical issues. We found a workaround but we were 30 minutes late. This is real life. Tech issues happen all the time, but for me this felt like a failure, and I left feeling less than happy, thinking, well, I tried it, but it looks like it's not going to work long term. I knew I had five young people overall that wanted to do a weekly, after-school version, but five was not viable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Six days later and we have 21 signed up, and as I write, only two places remain in the teenagers group. Our capacity is 30, mainly to ensure tutors have a manageable class.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At my current place of work on a Saturday, I have to deal with up to 30 students per class, and it just doesn't work very successfully. It has been invaluable experience over the past four years, but I need to make this better. Having a maximum of 15 is at the top end of numbers in my opinion, with 12 being ideal, but we have to balance the books.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the future, and I never thought I'd be considering this, we are looking at opening a second academy on a Wednesday. And just this morning I have had inquiries from the Borders and Fife from fellow filmmakers to open something similar there.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What have I started?!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.filmacademyedinburgh.com/weekly-filmmaking-classes/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: yellow;">https://www.filmacademyedinburgh.com/weekly-filmmaking-classes/</span></span></span></a><br />
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-26721432475673413842018-08-04T17:57:00.000+01:002018-08-04T17:57:08.499+01:00AND . . . CUT!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Run a brand new summer film school.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Tick. Done that!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I've been hiding away this week, sleeping mostly, as the previous week saw the launch of my new venture, The Film Academy Edinburgh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> Back in April no one had ever heard of it. By the end of June we were on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google Adwords, had our own website, and had even been mentioned in notices in the Scottish Parliament.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">By mid July 62 kids were signed up. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm11n5FcddU/W2XZYWWj-gI/AAAAAAAAE00/B7JTXHtwKtcVNaDSWUzNZKZrztfcWg8ewCLcBGAs/s1600/4S3A1772.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jm11n5FcddU/W2XZYWWj-gI/AAAAAAAAE00/B7JTXHtwKtcVNaDSWUzNZKZrztfcWg8ewCLcBGAs/s320/4S3A1772.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day one was tough, but then, it was just day one. They say you learn something new every day, but boy, is that an understatement! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">But we made it through to day two, changed a few things as we went, and started to make headway.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> As previous experience has shown me, the 9 to 12 year olds would be full of energy and up for anything we threw at them. The teenagers on the other hand, well, they were teenagers. They still showed keen interest, but in the way that teenagers do. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mU60UuSDoWo/W2XZiYFqYrI/AAAAAAAAE04/K1s9bkPMwXsYfkspuSPyRYZMn8sFCEwTQCLcBGAs/s1600/4S3A1839.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mU60UuSDoWo/W2XZiYFqYrI/AAAAAAAAE04/K1s9bkPMwXsYfkspuSPyRYZMn8sFCEwTQCLcBGAs/s320/4S3A1839.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesday was when we realised as a team that we could have had them shooting. We had them in more workshops and prepped them for the shoot, but we took note to make this the first shoot day in future camps.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">By the Thursday cameras were finally rolling and they were all shooting their first films. It was manic, and footage was flying back to the edit suite as we went.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Come Friday lunchtime both films were wrapped and the students spent the afternoon in masterclasses, covering special effects makeup and sound effects. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3e4LdVgaHo/W2XZyRzPJ8I/AAAAAAAAE1E/ANNPgvkgvL4i-7-1bur30QWQPdodOoYBgCLcBGAs/s1600/4S3A2188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N3e4LdVgaHo/W2XZyRzPJ8I/AAAAAAAAE1E/ANNPgvkgvL4i-7-1bur30QWQPdodOoYBgCLcBGAs/s320/4S3A2188.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Over in the edit suite fingers were a blur on the computers. I was pulling together a fun, behind-the-scenes film, whilst Chuck the editor was trying his best to finish the kids films. By 3.30pm, half an hour before parents arrived to view the kids work, we were still editing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At 4pm I came on stage, and announced we were a little behind, though not revealing just how far. Our acting consultant, and Scottish film star, Shauna Macdonald, improvised with a Q & A with the kids, then presented each with a certificate for the week. She was brilliant, but we were still editing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you've ever seen the episode Gourmet Night in Faulty Towers, were Basil's wife, Manual and Polly play for time while Basil flies around trying to bring a new roast duck to the event, then you'll have a rough idea how I was beginning to feel.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully I wasn't going to end up with trifle instead of duck. By 4.30 the transfers were transferred over to the laptop, and I walked back to the projection room with the laptop open in my hand, still rendering! The progress bar was at half way as I stepped back onto stage and delivered the thank you's. We were now 45 minutes late, but we had made it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The films played, not at their best as we hadn't had time to check them, but everyone was</span><span style="font-size: large;"> happy and left smiling, and not a trifle in sight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">And relax. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, not quite, as I'm about to do it all again next week! This time with a different model, and we will be filming on Wednesday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The editing suite should be a little less pressured and I'm confident it's going to be a great success.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-58309748203407769282018-08-04T17:42:00.000+01:002018-08-04T17:42:22.616+01:00LITTLE LOCH OF THE NOISY SOUND<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Normally,
as soon as the Scottish schools break up for the summer holidays, the
heavens open and we endure 6 weeks of poor weather. But this year has
been a pleasant change, and the sun has shone almost continuously for
several weeks now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To
say I am busy just now is the understatement of the year. My new film
academy for kids is just around the corner, and there is so much still
to do. However, I am aware of the old saying, that "<i>all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy</i>". I needed to find a way of taking a break, despite there being only days until the academy launch.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's
midgie season, so getting into the Scottish mountains is usually not a
good option, but with such relentless heat the biting insect population
is somewhat reduced, so Pauline organised a two night trek to take in
five Munro's north of the Angus Glens, with the famous Lochnagar as the
main goal, named after the small lochan in the mountain's northeast
corrie.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With
no public transport available at all, we reluctantly took my car. From
Dundee we traveled the length of Glen Clova and arrived at the head of
Glen Doll, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, around mid
afternoon on the Saturday. Not surprisingly the car park was full of
visitors, but within minutes of leaving the car we were alone on a
track, leading north up the glen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
achilles tendon on my left foot has been playing up in recent weeks,
and the pain I experienced in the first few kilometers started to look
like the trek would be over for me before it had even begun. I devised a
routine to stop every so often to massage the ache out, and borrowed
one of Pauline's walking poles to aid my ascent.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AD40Qw9uBM/W1C0PWFfcdI/AAAAAAAAExo/ojHIObiFPAE0I47DQgCwyo1ndsRQ3qkSACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070692.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AD40Qw9uBM/W1C0PWFfcdI/AAAAAAAAExo/ojHIObiFPAE0I47DQgCwyo1ndsRQ3qkSACLcBGAs/s320/P1070692.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With
long days and clear weather I had the opportunity to take it slowly,
and by early evening we had climbed up to a saddle just below the first
Munro, Broad Cairn, to camp for the night at 750m. Unsure of access to
fresh water, we had decided at the bottom of the path to carry two
litres each to the top. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And let me tell you, water is heavy!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">750m
was high enough, combined with a slight breeze, to be free of the
annoying midges, and after a late dinner, with views down to Loch Muick,
we settled in for the night.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nU424tDS-hM/W1C0V8yFsVI/AAAAAAAAExs/QqddkgWg9f4DQWgQ5-PxIII0ocrq9FU9gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070695.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nU424tDS-hM/W1C0V8yFsVI/AAAAAAAAExs/QqddkgWg9f4DQWgQ5-PxIII0ocrq9FU9gCLcBGAs/s640/P1070695.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another
glorious day greeted us, and with most of the hard work done, we set
off over the first Munro, a short distance from our nights camp. The
area is very popular, and there is a well worn path along the whole
route, but in some places this has grown to several metres wide, as many
walkers have chosen to walk side by side, thus increasing the erosion.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTOWYuu0ENI/W1C0heUutUI/AAAAAAAAExw/zL58kZCn1mof-NJm4nRK36xlh7UBapaKwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070698.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTOWYuu0ENI/W1C0heUutUI/AAAAAAAAExw/zL58kZCn1mof-NJm4nRK36xlh7UBapaKwCLcBGAs/s320/P1070698.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Peak
two, Cairn Bannoch, was probably our favourite Munro, mostly because of
its bouldery summit and the view of the whole route ahead, all the way
across to Lochnagar. There were few people at this early hour, which was
very pleasant.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
achilles was once again reminding me of its presence, and I decided to
sit several metres below the summit of Munro number three, while
Pauline, having dumped her pack with me, ascended solo.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By
now I was getting hungry. The path cut along the side of this Munro
toward number four, and halfway along there was a crystal clear small
river flowing, cutting across the path, so we parked ourselves for a
while, munched our lunch, and watched the world go by.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c_I5gd5J3c/W1C1L7HR3OI/AAAAAAAAEx4/qcXu3MHTclsNYWOAErCDDEqlyeTUXtOMgCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070709.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c_I5gd5J3c/W1C1L7HR3OI/AAAAAAAAEx4/qcXu3MHTclsNYWOAErCDDEqlyeTUXtOMgCLcBGAs/s640/P1070709.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-704aRzBOy2s/W1C1hKfQGdI/AAAAAAAAEyA/3qsPIBpoOfARulC0a_9zr7n9ylm7JjPNQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070724.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-704aRzBOy2s/W1C1hKfQGdI/AAAAAAAAEyA/3qsPIBpoOfARulC0a_9zr7n9ylm7JjPNQCLcBGAs/s320/P1070724.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Already
on the route we had disturbed several female grouse, that displayed a
behaviour designed to distract us. The reason being was because we had
walked too close for her comfort to her young chicks. So small and cute,
I imagine they were just a few weeks old.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As we moved on, over to our right on the hillside in the distance, were a he<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rd of young red deer, mostly males, starting to move swiftly away, having detected our presence.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT2VrZRLQ-c/W1C1pCzWhnI/AAAAAAAAEyE/swiJE0F2hSMOES3Cr2foHd9v7gr66g_rQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070718.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GT2VrZRLQ-c/W1C1pCzWhnI/AAAAAAAAEyE/swiJE0F2hSMOES3Cr2foHd9v7gr66g_rQCLcBGAs/s320/P1070718.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Munro
number four, Carn an t'Sagairt Mor, was literally just a bump in the
landscape, and not long after, we were approaching our main goal of
Lochnagar. It was easily more than 30 years since I was last here.
Clambering over its rocky main summit, called Cac Carn Beag, were
several young walkers, and I remarked that the last time I was here,
none of these people would have been born.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XsdPL16HIQ/W1C10vQH-NI/AAAAAAAAEyM/Gmt_RB3Amd4JGYy_LXHBd_ODH9ZH1HVkwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070736.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XsdPL16HIQ/W1C10vQH-NI/AAAAAAAAEyM/Gmt_RB3Amd4JGYy_LXHBd_ODH9ZH1HVkwCLcBGAs/s640/P1070736.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlDVhvhAw_U/W1C2MXUbg-I/AAAAAAAAEyY/K1AgL5UMzHE3n901Bw0-ywKaqCYFkxv1QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070742.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlDVhvhAw_U/W1C2MXUbg-I/AAAAAAAAEyY/K1AgL5UMzHE3n901Bw0-ywKaqCYFkxv1QCLcBGAs/s320/P1070742.jpeg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clouds
were gathering and the blue skies and relentless heat of the day was
slowly diminishing. We circled round the top of the curve of cliffs that
makes up Lochnagar, to catch a glimpse of its face from the eastern
flank, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">with a view down to five <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">deep blue pools at the head of the small lochan, in Loc<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hnagar's northeastern coire</span></span></span>, the Little Loch of the Noisy Sound.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On
the way down, blending in well with the landscape, I spotted a
Ptarmigan, motionless on a rock. It too had small chicks, which looked
remarkably similar to the grouse from earlier.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NyO8npkhAHw/W1C2Tn48mMI/AAAAAAAAEyc/ifYm1IZr-XUUx0bANiRPkgC8JWmWD6BEwCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070752.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NyO8npkhAHw/W1C2Tn48mMI/AAAAAAAAEyc/ifYm1IZr-XUUx0bANiRPkgC8JWmWD6BEwCLcBGAs/s640/P1070752.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Camp
for the night was a little below the summit, at 950m, probably my
highest camp in Scotland. It was by far a more comfortable spot than the
previous evening. With everyone off the hill for the day, it was very
pleasant to enjoy the evening and the landscape all to ourselves.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5FpsqSLGEU/W1C2cWUW9WI/AAAAAAAAEyk/jzd1xCQX2RYNCegBAe1Npelw9azcSnsiQCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070757.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5FpsqSLGEU/W1C2cWUW9WI/AAAAAAAAEyk/jzd1xCQX2RYNCegBAe1Npelw9azcSnsiQCLcBGAs/s640/P1070757.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We
awoke to thick cloud, and set off toward Loch Muick around 8.30am. The
path is steep in places, hard packed and worn by many boots, which had
ground down the granite rocks into tiny marble-like grains, which
occasionally caused me to slide and lose my grip.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSnYPKONx8M/W1C2jv3k9YI/AAAAAAAAEys/tUX-ZWemrVcRKQ_rbhx_ukFE0dGD_cwCACLcBGAs/s1600/P1070783.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSnYPKONx8M/W1C2jv3k9YI/AAAAAAAAEys/tUX-ZWemrVcRKQ_rbhx_ukFE0dGD_cwCACLcBGAs/s320/P1070783.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
going was slower than either of us had expected, but eventually we
dropped out of the clouds beside a cascading waterfall, and down to the
shores of Loch Muick. At the bottom of the path stands an abandoned,
rather grand-looking lodge, built, so I'm told, for Queen Victoria to be
able to take a boat trip up the loch for afternoon tea.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-6RASWfAMI/W1C2sj9ZI7I/AAAAAAAAEyw/eXet7Zfe2AUJcVESUv4E80uZn6cvBtt0QCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070788.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-6RASWfAMI/W1C2sj9ZI7I/AAAAAAAAEyw/eXet7Zfe2AUJcVESUv4E80uZn6cvBtt0QCLcBGAs/s200/P1070788.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As you do.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We
rounded the western end of the loch across a beach covered in geese
footprints. Out on the water we could see large numbers of birds, most
likely the ones that had left their prints on the beach, and we wondered
if they were in fact resident there all year round.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our
final ascent was steep and long, but not as bad as it had looked from
afar. The ridge ahead was shrouded in low cloud, but as we reached the
summit it started to clear. We had come full circle, and stopped for our
lunch just meters away from our first nights camp. We retraced our
steps back to the car park, along the same track through the glen,
beneath craggy peaks and wild flower meadows.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3mNrM4By-E/W1C23EvnRZI/AAAAAAAAEy4/Pd3BfdDRIgYsYkQA685hFSFPt_DW6W6_gCLcBGAs/s1600/P1070795.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3mNrM4By-E/W1C23EvnRZI/AAAAAAAAEy4/Pd3BfdDRIgYsYkQA685hFSFPt_DW6W6_gCLcBGAs/s640/P1070795.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
achilles had held up not too bad, though by the end, after what was,
afterall, a long hike from Lochnagar, I was grateful to be finished.
Four Munros, albeit the hard work done on the first afternoon, felt
quite satisfying. Five for Pauline, but it had been many years since I
have stood atop any Scottish peak.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It felt good to be back.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-15020911463231503562018-07-06T14:22:00.002+01:002018-07-06T14:22:48.044+01:00BACK ON THE HUNT FOR THE FERRIES<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is getting to be a habit, only posting every two weeks. Maybe it's a thing I'll continue, just so you don't get bored with my chat!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With a low tide forecast and the glorious summer weather continuing, I set off once again to capture footage for my documentary film, <i>The Last Ferries Of Ballachulish</i>.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Despite it being the week before the Scottish schools went on their summer break, the Highlands were surprisingly busy. I dread to think what it must be like now!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On a misty, chilly morning I left Edinburgh just after sunrise, with Glenelg, near Skye, as my destination. The low cloud and mist didn't lift until I was well past Stirling, but until that point it was all motorway anyway, so I didn't miss much.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My route north took me through spectacular Glencoe, on to Fort William, Spean Bridge and Kintail. Just a short distance after Spean Bridge I detoured down to the Caledonian Canal at Gairlochy, to reshoot pieces-to-camera at the old wreck on the shores there. Once rumoured to be the remains of the Glen Duror, it is now a mystery itself.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was only half way to Glenelg by this point, and the clouds were starting to gather. By the time I took the steep and winding Mam Ratagan pass from Kintail over to Glenelg, I had lost the best of the weather. However, as it turned out, filming the Glenachulish turntable ferry from the air would have proved almost impossible, with any bright sunshine reflecting of the surface of the Kyle Rhea waters, so as it turned out it was perfect for filming.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOf_Y3JT5GA/Wz9hxphIiwI/AAAAAAAAEwM/XzADfFUi7YcW3z3HVd9vipEzN6Pjf0oowCLcBGAs/s1600/Ferry%2Bcoming%2Bin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOf_Y3JT5GA/Wz9hxphIiwI/AAAAAAAAEwM/XzADfFUi7YcW3z3HVd9vipEzN6Pjf0oowCLcBGAs/s640/Ferry%2Bcoming%2Bin.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I love visiting this ferry, and without fail it always brings a tear to my eye when I hear her engine and glimpse her Ballachulish colours for the first time.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A familiar sight is the skipper Donnie, and it was a joy to sit a while over a coffee and let the world go by, despite a few cars already aboard the Glenachulish waiting to cross, the drivers and passengers scratching their heads, wondering what time departure was.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_MQA-CU9Mw/Wz9i69JTvkI/AAAAAAAAExM/HPdOmtM42xQQ1GUO4T6FtRTo_-lpFun2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Glenachulish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_MQA-CU9Mw/Wz9i69JTvkI/AAAAAAAAExM/HPdOmtM42xQQ1GUO4T6FtRTo_-lpFun2ACLcBGAs/s640/Glenachulish.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Across the other side of the water a Sea Eagle swooped down on fish near the surface, then flew off to it's nest, where this year they have two successful young.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Watching the world go by does not stop the clock, and to my surprise it was already 5pm by the time I decided to make tracks back down the road. I bade farewell to the Glenachulish, who will turn 50 next year, and headed south for the Isle of Mull.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just a few miles south of Fort William is a roll on, roll off ferry, taking cars and passengers across the tiny 300m span of Loch Eil where it meets Loch Leven, onto the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. I was heading to Lochaline, and a small B&B for the night, 40km along a single track road, which has to be one of the prettiest little roads I've ever been on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As night fell a full moon rose over Duart Castle far away on a promontory of land on Mull.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At 7am I was aboard the CalMac ferry that would take me the three kilometers across to Fishnish on the Isle of Mull. From there, under glorious blue skies, I headed for Ulva on the west coast. Single track road all the way, surrounded by stunning scenery, looking out to the Treshnish Isles, Coll and Tiree beyond on the horizon. My goal was to capture aerial shots of Ulva and the 50m crossing from the island where the Glen Duror saw her last service.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just around a corner of land, in a small bay, lies the wreck of the actual Glen Duror. Carrying heavy camera gear on my back, a steel flight case in one hand and a tripod slung over my shoulder, I battled my way through shoulder-high bracken to reach her. It was evident the winter had taken another toll on her. Though I had the footage I needed from my last visit nine months ago, I decided to shoot more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But my main reason for coming back was to wade out into the water, to what I had seen was the line of her bow from an aerial shot taken on my previous visit. By the time I reached the front I was already waist deep in water, and underfoot was precarious with slippery seaweed growing around all manner of rusted metal parts. The tide just wasn't low enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Job done, I bade farewell to the old girl again, and headed for the large CalMac ferry that would take me onto the mainland and the town of Oban. Ahead was an hours drive north to Ballachulish, my childhood home from almost 50 years ago.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I drove across the ugly Ballachulish Bridge the light was beautiful, so I detoured off the main road to capture new aerial shots of the bridge and surrounding area. As I did so I realised that had I not arrived here when I did, the sun tomorrow would be in the wrong position for the shots I wanted to capture.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The evening was unbearably hot in the youth hostel, and despite paying for a room, I decided to sleep in my car, which, though not as a comfy as a mattress, was preferable to sleeping in a pizza oven!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On the last morning I met up with Kate once again, daughter of Peter McKenzie, the last ferryman of Ballachulish, and the one I identify with from my childhood. Her and I, in her words, are probably the last two remaining people who feel so passionately about the old turntable ferries, so it is always a pleasure to meet up.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">With a few more shots ticked off, I headed 20 miles south toward Appin, to shoot the ruins of Castle Stalker, which sits atop a small island, before turning the car toward Edinburgh, and the three hours back through ever increasing tourist traffic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It had been a whirlwind tour over three days, but as before, it was an absolute joy across arguably the most beautiful country in the world . . . in my opinion. </span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6093923435560402759.post-91629017581502614532018-06-21T18:27:00.003+01:002018-06-21T18:27:38.220+01:00T MINUS 4 WEEKS AND COUNTING<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, that was a first; no blog last week! In my defence it has been a crazy week as I race to clear the decks before month end.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My film academy is just four weeks away, and to say I'm mildly terrified is probably a vast understatement. It seems my to do list grows bigger, not shorter. But things are easing off ever so slightly, as we now have enough youngsters signed up to run it successfully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This past two weeks has seen a slight shift in the original idea, which has created the need for a larger team. Double in size to be precise, and I am little daunted at the way my role has become much more responsible.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That said, credit where credit is due, and in true collaborative filmmaking style I couldn't have got this far, or deliver what is ahead, without the immensely talented group of people onboard, who share the same vision as myself. What is very humbling is everyone's keenness to be involved.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I wont bore you with the details, but the two summer schools have taken an inordinate amount of work, which in no way seems to match what will be delivered. For nine weeks I have been just a few days short of seven days a week, which is largely because of all the bureaucracy that it takes in forming a new company, at the same time as delivering on my other work commitments.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And it is the other work commitments that have filled every space, but that is coming to an end very shortly, thankfully.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The word is getting out there as well. During the past couple of weeks the Edinburgh Evening News ran a very encouraging <a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/entertainment/stars-back-edinburgh-kids-movie-academy-1-4753545" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">article</span></a> on the Film Academy, which was closely followed, at great surprise, by MSP Gordon Macdonald reading out a motion in the Scottish Parliament all about my vision, seconded by nine other MSPs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That was a fall-off-the-chair moment!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In Edinburgh the 2018 International Film festival has begun, and for the first time I feel a strong connection to the industry, on the cusp of possibly creating the next Scottish filmmaker. What a thing it would be to book tickets to see a film made by a former student.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of our team is Shauna Macdonald, a Scottish actress with an impressive career to date and without doubt a draw to our academy. In turn I have been privileged to work with her very own youth theatre in my local area of Portobello, and together with very talented youngsters we have created two films that premier tomorrow night locally.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After years of championing filmmaking for kids for many other organisations, I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that this plan works out for the long term.</span></span></div>
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Graham Kitchenerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11739211596797486870noreply@blogger.com0