As
you may remember, our usual autumn visit to the glorious North-West Highlands
had to be cancelled last year, so we have been starting to look forward to
heading north again when spring arrived. In the meantime, having recovered from
the round of family visits over the festive season, I was settling in nicely to
a quiet winter at home when DH casually dropped a very small bombshell at
bedtime last night.
On
our way to bed we stopped to look out of the landing window at the frost
already forming on roofs and road and it occurred to him that the little house on
the north coast hadn’t been winterised as usual. Except for the odd night or
two of frost it’s been an unusually mild winter so far, but of course there’s
no guarantee that this will continue and the last thing we would want would be
to arrive in spring to find that we’d had a burst pipe weeks or months ago.
 |
| Our frosty Welsh garden |
It
didn’t take us long this morning to decide that a trip north sounded like a
good idea and since then I’ve spent the day turning the contents of the
vegetable basket into soup for the freezer and generally getting ready for a
spur-of-the-moment winter break for a couple of weeks.
My
camera is packed, along with my new pride and joy, a Samsung tablet (my early
70th birthday present to myself). So I will be blogging from the
north for a little while and hoping for some clear weather to capture again the
beauty and wildness of that extraordinary landscape. See you there…
 |
| Ben Loyal in the snow |
What a surprise!! Prayers for a 'bubble of protection' as you travel North - and for no accidents while you're there! Will you be back in time for the Feb meeting? Hope all is well with the 'wee hoosie'. And - you clever people - you'll be there for Burns Night (wish we were too!!) Just send us a haggis - give it a programmed Sat Nav and tell it to find it's way here (we've got the whisky, neeps and tatties, and most of the necessary bits for the cranachan!!)
ReplyDeleteHave a good time, and hope there isn't too much snow - although Ben Loyal looks fabulous in her winter garb.
Love to you both from us both (e-mail to follow - news re BH's eyes.) Helva x
It was a surprise to me too, Helva, but it made sense. We simply can't rely on the winter to continue being basically mild. Remember the blizzard in March 2013? Yes, we'll be back for the February meeting. We're only going for a fortnight, as I have my Ypres trip with my sister to get ready for. By the way, if you want haggis, Tesco sell a very nice one. We buy it at other times of the year too.
DeleteI gather the mountains have snow, but with rain forecast it may well diminish or disappear. We'll see... xxx
Selfishly I look forward to the photographs...with a bit of luck you'll have time off from lagging pipes to get out and about.
ReplyDeleteI know you always enjoy my photos of Scotland and I hope to oblige. The pipes are all lagged already. It's the header tank in the loft which is the problem. We usually drain it down for the winter and of course haven't done so this time. That's a LOT of water if anything goes wrong...
DeleteI've been away from the U.K. so long that I'd forgotten about header tanks!
DeleteI appreciate your anxiety!
I have a feeling header tanks may be a peculiarly British phenomenon, Helen. :)
DeleteThat must have been a sleepless night, Perpetua! Have a safe journey north, and I look forward to seeing some winter photos from Scotland.
ReplyDeleteSurprisingly it wasn't, Kristie. I think I've got to the age where I only worry about people, not things. Photos will definitely follow if the weather obliges.
DeleteI also look forward to the photos. I bought myself a Samsung tablet a year ago as a back-up when my previous desktop was giving problems and just love it. That frost looks quite severe to someone who is amazed to see any white on the lawn.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good trip and successful visit putting your cottage to bed for the winter.
Thanks for your comments on my posts.
Glad to hear you enjoy your Samsung tablet, Susan. I'm still getting to know mine, but find it easy to use so far and very clear to read. I haven't tried the cameras yet...
DeleteThe frost in the photo looks worse than it was. The temperature was only 2 or 3 degrees below zero C, but with so much moisture in the air, hoar frost forms very quickly. It's due to get milder from today for a while.
You certainly don't want a burst pipe!!
ReplyDeleteSafe journey north. I look forward to those posts from 'up there'!
We certainly don't, Pondside, especially with a full header tank above it! It's lovely to see you back commenting and posting. You have been missed.
DeleteDear Perptua - Sometimes these unexpected spur of the moment choices can be even more satisfying than long planned trips. Safe travels to you both, and I hope that you find your house in safe order.
ReplyDeleteEverything is fine, thanks, Rosemary, which was a big relief. DH and I aren't really spur of the moment people and most of our trips are planned far ahead, but we're glad we followed our instincts on this one.
DeleteWhen most of us are huddled in front of the fire, you are off on a highland adventure. I admire your pioneer spirit and will enjoy your posts knowing that my journey North is a good few months away.
ReplyDeleteWe had a surprisingly good journey for January, though the weather for the next few days looks like being miserable. Luckily we love it up north in all weathers and at all times of the year and are glad to be here, though I can't see myself taking too many photos this time.
DeleteHave a wonderful trip.... counting the days until end of April and use getting back up there :)Looking forward to your pictures :)xx to yourself and DH
ReplyDeleteWe thoroughly enjoyed the journey, thanks, and it's lovely to be back so unexpectedly. The weather forecast for the coming week doesn't look conducive to taking many photos, so I'm hoping for better luck in our second week. :)
DeleteHari om
ReplyDeleteYup it has been pretty cool... though now, of course, warm weather is predicted for the next few days... still take care on those roads!!! I love my wee tablet, but not so much for blogging. On screen typing is a right old pain ... YAM xx
The temperature of the house on arrival told us how cool it had been, Yam, though thankfully there has been no damage. The journey was fine, thanks, and the main problem in the week ahead looks like being the wind. I already love my tablet (a 10" one) and the on-screen keyboard is fine for quick comments, but I have my laptop with me for posts. :)
DeleteLike several previous commenters, I too look forward to seeing more photographs of the very far north of Scotland. I hope the weather will be kind to you, both for the journey there & back, as well as during your time there. Plenty of snow here in Prague at present & the temperature hasn't risen above freezing for several days.
ReplyDeleteThe weather was very kind to us on the way here, thanks, Ricky, but the forecast for the week ahead isn't looking very promising for photography, with rain and strong winds heading our way. Not much snow visible on our way through the Highlands. It really has been very mild except for the recent cold snap.
DeleteHave a safe trip Perpetua. I hope the weather is good for your travel and I am looking forward to pictures from the north. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWe had a very good journey, thanks, Bonnie, and I hope to get out and take photos if the weather allows. Unfortunately the forecast for the next few days isn't very promising - strong winds and rain. Fingers crossed it improves...
DeleteEnjoy your trip Perpetua. I look forward to what I know will be some wonderful photos of the NW Highlands sent from there. A good idea to go and stay in your cottage for a week or two.
ReplyDeleteWe arrived safely to an undamaged house, Linda, though the weather has deteriorated markedly since our arrival. We're hoping it will improve before we leave, or the photos could be mainly of rain. :)
DeleteHave a safe trip, a lovely time and definitely no burst pipes to contend with.
ReplyDeleteThe journey was good, thanks, Molly, and there wasn't a burst pipe anywhere, I'm glad to say. Now hoping the weather will improve...
DeleteHave a good safe journey and I hope all will be well when you arrive.
ReplyDeleteI must say after Tuesday night's frost (-8) in this area, the thought of going North at this time of year would prove just too daunting to me.
Maybe you will send the weather into reverse.
Best wishes anyway.
We had an excellent journey, thanks, Ray, and found absolutely no damage, though the house was understandably rather cold. The weather is now milder, but windy and wet, so we're staying snug in the house and relaxing until it improves a bit. :)
DeleteBen Lloyds looks stunning Perpetua. You are probably there by now, and I hope your trip went well and the house is in good order. Inspiration for a little journey comes from many directions - but plumbing is definitely original :)
ReplyDeleteBen Loyal looks impressive in all weathers, Patricia, but especially so in the snow. We arrived in the evening of the 22nd to find all well and are now feeling rather pleased that our concern for the plumbing motivated us to come. :-) We love it here, whatever the weather.
DeleteSafe travel and good weather, Perpetua. Hope you will be able to do a post or two; I do love to see "what's up" during your travels to your homes.
ReplyDeleteSafe travel has certainly been granted, Penny, but unfortunately not good weather, at least since we arrived last night. The forecast for the coming week is for strong winds and some rain every day - not untypical for January up here. That won't stop me posting though... :)
DeleteSafe journey to the wonderful north Perpetua. May the snow not hinder your trip but only provide visual delights. I know from experience just what a disaster broken water pipes can cause! A condition to be avoided at all costs.
ReplyDeleteWe had a wonderfully unhindered journey, thanks, Shirley, though there wasn't a great deal of snow to be seen as we travelled up through the Highlands, except on the highest mountains. All is safe here and the header tank will definitely be drained before we head home again. :)
DeleteBeautiful photos of the landscape.. Enjoy your time in Scotland. I am glad you are getting away again, always exciting.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time .. look forward to seeing your photos.
kind regards
Val xxx
Scotland is enormously beautiful, Val, and can look impressive even in bad weather. That's a good thing for me as the forecast isn't good, at least for the coming week. I will do my best to get some new photos for you. :)
DeleteI hope your trip is enjoyable... I know being at your destination will be ! I also hope the tablet is performing well and you are enjoying it. Have a great stay in the north. Jx
ReplyDeleteThe trip went very well, thanks, Janice, and the weather was kind. Unfortunately it's taken a turn for the worse and we've stayed snugly inside today. The tablet is great and I'm gradually finding my way around it. Must try the cameras before too long... :)
DeleteNice to see you blogging again....
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the Big Country in Winter...
the end of January into February is often when you get some of the best "light" up there.... even if it is shorter lived...
the weather is often clearer and the contrasts greater.
Question... do you paint at all? And I don't mean walls!!
It's nice to be back, Tim. I've been a rather dilatory blogger recently, what with this and that...
DeleteThis by no means our first winter visit up here and I know just what you mean about the light, though it certainly isn't in evidence at the moment. I will live in hope that it makes an appearance before we go home again.
The answer to your question is No. I never showed the slightest talent for drawing or painting at school or since, though I love looking at paintings. My artistic leanings are towards music and craft, though I do enjoy taking photos.
Enjoy your unexpected time in Scotland. Sometimes they make for the best getaways. Hope the North weather is gentle on you x
ReplyDeleteHello and a warm welcome to my blog. :) We always love coming to Scotland, though I don't think we've ever planned and packed for a visit within 24 hours before! It's turned much milder, though rather damp and windy and thankfully there was no damage to deal with when we arrived.
DeleteBy now, you are there. I look forward to reading all about it.
ReplyDeleteYes, we arrived on Friday evening, Sally, and are nicely settled in, though the weather is being less than kind so far. Still, what can one expect in January?
DeleteBest wishes to you, hope everything is ok at your northern retreat. Love the photo of Ben Loyal. We tried to walk up it in August, started out in sun and were in a think fog before we got half way, turned round and went back only to have the sun come out for the last mile - typical Sutherland! Give it a wave for us and tell it we'll be back...
ReplyDeleteEverything is fine, thanks, Anny. The cold snap that had us worried didn't last long enough to do any damage and of course it's now milder, wet and windy.
DeleteSorry your attempt to climb Ben Loyal was cut short. It doesn't surprise me, as I've seen the weather on it change several times in the course of a day. The photo was taken from our conservatory, but today it's totally shrouded in mist. I've still waved though. :)