A Trip Back In Time To Isle Martin…

I have been meaning to get back to continuing with this blog for sometime, but until now it obviously has never happened.
Better late than never, here is my return…

Friday 15th August saw me and a few others head out for a day trip to Isle Martin.
If Isle Martin sounds familiar to some of you, well it is the one which I saw on a daily basis when I lived at Ardmair.
And Friday 15th saw me return to Ardmair and set sail for Isle Martin…

There were five of us and we arrived at Ardmair Bay to meet our Captain and his Isle Martin Ferry ‘Auk’.
When we had left home, the clouds were breaking and blue sky and sunshine were poking through.
When we arrived at Ardmair, it was grey, misty and wet! Typical good ole Scottish Weather.
This however did not dampen our spirits.
Hoods up, leggings on, we boarded The Auk.
(Actually, when I say ‘Leggings on’, there was one person of course who had forgotten theirs, yes Dear Reader, it was I).
It is a short 10minute crossing to Isle Martin, not quite a mile, but with so much to see around you you’ll wish it could go on for a little while longer.
And John (Captain of the Auk) has a wealth of knowledge to share with you and as you near the Isle pier, he points out the few buildings on the island.

These buildings were our first port of call (As it was still raining).
We visited the Old Mill House & Information Point, the Macleod House and the Art Exhibition!
Then the New School and the Isle Martin Micro Museum were you take a step back in time and imagine what life use to be like. It was fascinating, but we wish we had more time booked that day to take everything in.

Hoods back up, it was time to explore the Isle.
We took the trail up from the Croft House and just as we neared the edge of the Trees, the rain cleared.
It was an easy walk to reach what is called the Back Beach.
I held back and just stood and soaked it all in, priceless.
There was a short path to the left and it took you to the well designed Shelter Bench and the perfect place to break out the pack up and exchange pleasantries with a Dutchman.

Due to me stopping to take photographs on every other step, I would find myself walking alone and just taking every moment in. Grey the day may have been, but it was truly stunning.
I then began to climb uphill and make my way to the Seawatch Point.
Here I watched some Seabirds and unearthed the 300mm I had in my backpack (I was shooting with the Olympus OM-1 mk ii today).
There were some Common Shags on the rocks further up the coast and in the sea breeze I managed to photograph them. Not much else at that point, but given the time of day and weather this was not surprising.
But I got a great view of Rhue Point Lighthouse and some boats passing by and the Summer Isles.
It looked and felt quite Autumnal, but for me that was fine, just perfect walking.

Heading back from the Seawatch Point, you have a choice of trail to take. Sadly not enough time to make the summit, loch and Dun Canna viewpoint, but I decided on a lower hill trail which would take me back down to the houses.
And … I got lost! How I managed this, I just do not know, there are markers along the trails, but somehow, I just could not locate the one I needed!
I looked at my watch and a moment of panic hit me; I was not going to make it back in time for the return Ferry!!
I texted my husband Alistair…

“Up the hill. On me own. It’s a bit boggy. I’m a little bit lost”.

He swiftly responded with …

“How on earth can you be lost, it is only a small island. Only You!”

He then sent another message … (Please read in a sarcastic mans voice)…

P.S. I best call search and rescue!

I put me phone back in me pocket, deciding he needed no more messages from me to humour himself with!

And then I just stood for another moment and my heart skipped a beat, there just across the water to the mainland was my old home at Ardmair.
I decided to message Alistair again and tell him that I could see the place where we first met in person.
“Great” he lovingly replied (Again, insert sarcasm).
I turned round and retraced my steps back downhill to the trail I started off on.

I was going as fast as I could to make the pier in time, but it is fair to say that, after some time off, I certainly wasn’t that fit anymore!
I make it to the houses and home straight and could see The Auk approaching the Isle and the rest of my fellow travellers waiting on the pier.
Captain John & The Auk and I reached the pier at the same time.
It was time to say farewell to the wonderful Isle Martin.
We lifejacket up and I hand my backpack & camera to John.
I get one foot in The Auk, with the other still on the pier and then…
I felt the boat move and just for the slightest moment I was doing the splits over the water of Loch Kanaird!
Amongst the laughter my fellow explorers pulled on the ropes to bring the Auk back in.
And before I knew it we were sailing back to the mainland, with chatter of when we were going to return and to enjoy the bit of sunshine which was just beginning to light up the odd patch of land of the surrounding hills and there was the mist lifting off my old neighbour Ben More Coigach.

I had taken a step back in time today and in more ways than one and it was just a fantastic day.

There are so many photos I could show, yes, even from a misty day like ours was, but I do not want to spoil things for future visitors.

I saw the following words written on a leaflet in the information centre;
We are sure a visit to Isle Martin will captivate and inspire you

And I can say it certainly will and I hope you come away with the memories we did.

Karen x

P.S. It’s good to be back

*The Shelter Bench & Time For A Sandwich*

*A Tree and Rocks and another outstanding View*

*Simply Stunning Scenes, It truly was a day to remember*

The Lonesome Duckling…

There was a break in today’s weather and I would take some things out of the house into the garage.

On my return I heard such a commotion on the river and saw Ducklings heading in all directions with what looked like a female duck chasing them off.

Now we have a pair of Mallard who seem to have taken up residence with us for the second year.
I call him Charlie Drake & her Mrs Drake. He’s quite a character and he dotes on her. They didn’t seem to rear any young last year, but hoped they would on their return this year , as yet nothing, but I think she could be sitting and Charlie Drake is never far away, often sitting on one of the boulders or visiting our feed station and there he was watching todays drama unfold.

After half a minute of seeing this female Mallard chasing Ducklings, I soon realised she wasn’t chasing them away as such, she was trying to scare them away and it worked, 3 of them headed down river, but one would stay glued to her feet. This had me a tad concerned as there were five last week. I then looked up stream and I could see a Heron and with Mum still calling out, I wondered if that no5 Duckling had met with a grizzly end last week and maybe this is why mum was in the panic that she was today?
Now some people may dispute this and say Herons would not eat Ducklings, it may not have actually happened here, but having seen it before, I can categorically say, that yes, a Heron will eat a Duckling.

I would head inside to get the McNikon and came back out in stealth mode.
But I was now also like a sitting duck and because of our positions there was no way that the Heron would not see me.
I got into the best position I could and managed to bag a couple of shots of said Heron, but of course ever watchful, he would eventually spy me and for a second, I’m looking through the McNikon and he was staring right back at me , just like the scene from Crocodile Dundee which sees Sue photographing Dundee at the Aboriginal gathering.
He then turned away and took a low flight further up stream.

Now in this short space of time, it hadn’t gone unnoticed that all Ducks, young and old, had gone.
That is, all but one! I could hear it, a Duckling, calling out, but could not pinpoint it.
Its calls were those of distress. I would then see it, sat low in the water near a rock. I would change my position and move to a better place to sit, I wouldn’t abandon it, I was here for the long haul to keep guard and I text Alistair to see if he would bring me a coffee.

Somewhat slower than Costa, Alistair arrived with my coffee and I pointed out the Duckling. And then right before us, the lonesome Duckling moved and began to face downstream and swim away from its hiding rock, then its call changed, it became almost excitable and coming into view appeared Mum and its three siblings. Mum scrambled onto a rock and Duckling made it to her and this family was reunited and soon began swimming and feeding with the last horror hour soon becoming a distant memory and I would get a photo for the album, then sit back and just thought ‘Awww’, Nature can be cruel and that’s life, but it can also be blooming wonderful.
The Lonesome Duckling was lonely no more

– Karen – x

P.S. For those that aren’t aware, in 2022 we moved and are now in the Highlands living on the side of a river. Life has changed somewhat again and I thought it was about time I got back to this blog Kx

Heron Watching me right back! — Heron Watching Me Watching Heron

The Family of five get along with their lives

A Game of Toads …

Don’t run over that random stone in the road!
Chances are, that in some areas over the last few weeks, it has been Bufo bufo aka The Common Toad AND more likely than not, the random stone, wasn’t one Toad, but Two!
The much smaller Male Toad, on top of the larger Female Toad.
And this is known as travelling in Amplexus.
Basically, it is mating time and they are en-route to their breeding ground.
You will even get Triple Amplexus, two males.
And on the odd occasion, the Female may well have picked herself up & kissed a Frog.

The breeding ground, can vary, Garden Pond, Lake, Woodland Pond, Roadside Ditch etc
If you see the surface bubbling away, then you may be lucky to see dozens of Toads underneath, in Amplexus and Spawning away.
You may hear them too, but for that fantastic sound, then nighttime is the best.
We have a few Amphibians in the garden here at Tulloch and you can here them at night, but, the best sound comes from the Forest Pond, on a still night, it is incredible to hear Bufo bufo echoing across The Glen.

Over this last month, we have seen many on our travels, I never tire of this time, Nature and Spring are waking up.
I will give them a helping hand across the road if I think they are in great danger.
Oh and remember to keep your Dogs away from them!
Sharing a few Toady images for you
– Karen – x

Lurking Under The Surface

Watching For His Mate

Triple Amplexus and a Passer By

Just Hanging Around

Nearly At The Pond

In Amplexus

Watch Where You Step!

At The Roadside

A Squirrel In The Chicken Coop…

A quiet Sunday and McTufty decided it was time for lunch, which meant time to visit Tulloch.
Because it was quiet, McTufty took a good look around, including going into the Chicken Coop!
McTufty fancied a change for lunch, so wanting a lazy Sunday, opted for ground feeding & Sunflower Hearts instead of Peanuts.
But, McTufty wasn’t the only one!
The Chickens had made the same plans.
A new and unusual friendship was soon formed…

Venturing In …

And Taking A Look Around

Who’d live in a house like this?

Lunch on the ground

McTufty Keeping A Low Profile, Hoping The Chickens Wouldn’t Notice

You’re A Funny Looking Chicken!

Lets Lunch Together & Have a Wee Blether

Time To Say Farewell for Today…

…And With A Swish of the Tail, McTufty Was Gone

Going Through Changes …

Christmas and the eve of New Years Eve has given me some time for reflection, the changes life has brought in 2018 and the changes which lie ahead for 2019.
And Christmas is a quiet affair this time, just doesn’t feel like Christmas to be honest. The absence of my dear Father is probably greater than ever.
Boxing Day Morning, took a phone call from one of our closest friends, who sadly broke the news to me of another old friend who passed away on Christmas Eve, he was just 46 years old, could have knocked me over with a feather and my thoughts are with his family.
2018, I will not be sorry to see you go, though yet I hang onto you, for you are the last time I spoke to Dad.

And there have been other big changes too!
When I hit half a century in August, it was also the start of another new era…
I now have a new camera (Hope you are sitting down), am now shooting with an Olympus! (For those interested – OM-D E-M1 Mark II)

No, I did not think that I would be saying that either, but there you go.
To cut a long story short, I haven’t totally said goodbye to Nikon, have still got one body & lenses, but the D5 & the D800 have gone to new homes.
I was in two minds about all this, but am absolutely loving using The Olympus (McOly), once I got my head around the menu system (Still doing that ha ha), it is a breath of fresh air and a joy to use and you may not realise, but you’ve been looking at Olympus images for the last couple of months now.
I scoffed when my Camera Dealer was prepared to bet me that I would leave Nikon within 6 months, he wasn’t far wrong and am looking forward to shooting more with it.
I will then see what happens when Olympus upgrade & Nikon release the Z8!

Nature has changed this year at Tulloch too, Curlews were drastically down in numbers this time and there are less Deer this season, as yet not the usual amount of visitors round Tulloch Garden, hopefully we will see some once proper winter arrives, just so mild the now.
We are usually so lucky to have thousands of Geese flying over, now they’ve been flying south of Kindrogan summit, with only the odd skein passing over us.
Fieldfares arrived early, then them too absent again.
One solitary Brambling feeding here for 10 days now and one Siskin, who, is a few weeks early.
Pleased to report that some healthy looking Greenfinch have reappeared, though some Chaffinch now seem to be carrying a similar illness to Trichomonosis and here is some Info from BTO
Christmas Day afternoon, about dusk, feeding & bedding up the Tulloch Menagerie , when a Woodcock flew low over the house & paddock, fantastic!

I will leave it here for now, with a song choice to match and I wish for better changes for us all in 2019, walk your life & make it count.
I’ll be seeing you next year – Karen – x

Kelly & Ozzy Osbourne – Changes

The Dunnock & The Holly

Sunrise

Floods

Something Had To Give …

It’s been a difficult few days since my last post. Work busy and good, but the rest of it completely sucks.
Nothing like a Sunday evening and your wedding cancelled/postponed for making you say enough now.
Am not meaning Alistair of course, am meaning this Rollercoaster ride of 2018. Want it stop and I want to get off!
I turn half a century this summer and we were to be wed on that day and it was one thing which has kept me going.

Obviously am trying to grieve Dad, but just nae getting chance. And we’ve several other difficult things going on too, all making life exceptionally hard. Trying to deal with things and balance things.

A friend commented the other day, that as long as she’s known me, I’ve always been putting other people first etc and that I should look after myself more. It certainly has given me food for thought.

Talking of Father, it has made me question life after death, signs, spirit, etc etc Wanting to believe there is something, but unsure. Yesterday morning, was sweeping the yard, questioning something else, thinking of Dad, when all of a sudden, a Woodpecker Feather appeared in front of me. The most perfect feather. What are the chances!!? I thanked Dad and put it on the photo frame of us. Now as I type, am wondering with how yesterday ended up if he was just letting me know he was around?

Tuesday, my Wedding Dress arrived.
This brought on a few tears and thank the Lord we have the most amazing Postman!

Wednesday as a day just wasn’t great, well, let me rephrase that, it didn’t end up great.

I had advertised for help with housework and getting the house in order, amazed with the number of people wanting to help. I met Linda and she decided she would pick up the gauntlet, reassuring me, that the hoose wasn’t that bad and she had seen worse and she would begin the following day.

The Farrier arrived early doors to see to McKenzie.

Then, a busy gallery morning eased up after lunch but a pleasant surprise to see a couple of friends appear.

They had come for my help, involving a photo shoot for the following morning. It was something I would have normally loved, but just didn’t see how I could fit in. I would think up on it.

Pet Lamb was sheared this afternoon. Now got a totally different looking sheep and Barclay has been going ballistic ever since! Am sure he thinks another resident has moved into the Tulloch fold.

As the day wore on, I could feel myself getting down. And the fact I was unable to help the friend out tomorrow really began to play on my mind. Their help was invaluable when I lost Father and this was one person I would and should have gladly helped.
WHY.. was everything happening at once!

By evening, my mood hit an all time low.

I think absolutely everything from so far this year just hit me and the tears began.
I was mentally exhausted and openly admitted I could not cope with everything.

Something had to give!

Thursday morning, up for the 2nd time, making coffee and look out to see young Wagtails hopping around the yard, wonderful.

Following Dawns Phone call last night, I did heed her advice and didn’t open the Gallery today. I would instead begin wading through outstanding jobs I never get round to.
And … I finally made the decision to contact Airbnb!
I explained what was going on in our lives and from the 24th July, I will no longer be taking bookings or hosting guests.
Alannah from Airbnb was incredible. And I want again, to give her my thanks.
She was very understanding and efficient. She took over everything for me and for the the first time, I actually understood what the term ‘Weight off my Shoulders’ meant and felt like.

Of course, I am so very sorry that some guests beyond July have had to be cancelled and how disappointing and annoying that will be. Some things are just beyond my control, am not Wonder Woman and Airbnb was something which has to give.

Is it permanent? Who knows.

Perhaps wasn’t meant to do photo shoot for friend, as me back went mid morning! Ow!

This weekend sees my begin the count down of hosting guests.

And tomorrow evening will begin to see in a new week and some precious time spent with my best friend.

Onwards, Upwards, One Step and One Day at a Time

Karen x

Woodpecker Feather

Half a year gone ….

And you are gone.

Over half way through June.
The year is going by far too quickly.

We have two lots of House Martins nesting, on a night in bed you can hear them chattering, tis lovely.
Swallows diving in and out of the stable, but nae as many as last season.

It has been hot, can you believe way too hot, then Thursday Storm Hector paid us a wee visit and yesterday was torrential downpour, the yard was about flooded!

And we now have a Pony living at Tulloch! Two mugs broken and a Garden Parasol demolished this last week! And as I’m sat typing this, Alistair reckons he’s messed up the Sky dish too!
He is a proper Thelwell character!
Am hoping that all the animals will get on together (Eventually)

I can’t say I’ve had time to enjoy this Spring. Work is nonstop and that is why I have now blocked off Airbnb and am taking no more bookings. Still too soon to say if I am finishing it forever, but certainly come August I am done for now.
Exhausted and really struggling to cope, never mind not getting any Photography done and I need to be and WANT to be.
And The Wee Scottish Gallery is coming into its own, yet lots more to do there too.
Just work, work, work, hence behind on this journal too, it HAS to change.
On a positive note, oh boy, the sleep, the Gravity Blanket is awesome!

And talking of Photography, am (Can you believe), looking at trying something other than Nikon!
I think I have decided to trade in one of the McNikons!!
More on that if/when etc

Mum came up for flying visit this weekend, waved her off again this morning, far too short.
But, your ashes are now with me Father and I do so hope that you can hear me talking to you.

I want to wish you Happy Fathers Day Dad and to tell you that I miss you every day, as does Mum.

There is a huge void in our life’s, which try as we might, it will never be filled.

Life is changing again but more on that on a future post.
Just want to talk to you again
Karen x

Basil Fawlty …

Saturday 5th May and another beautiful day break, alas, short lived.

Good Gallery day and the new Galley in the Gallery was launched.

Come 3pm, it was between now and 6pm that tonight’s guests were due to check in. Just before 6pm, Phone rang, due guests …. “Would 7 or later be okay, we’d like to do more sightseeing”! I am ashamed to say that I turned into Basil Fawlty within a split second! And the French girl soon felt my wrath down the phone! We were meant to be going out tonight to the Kirky Bar for Gary’s official opening night. When they arrived, they also wanted to use the kitchen and wanted to checkout before 7am. Basil Fawlty part two came on!

I have been contemplating finishing Airbnb, well, am certainly cutting down bookings and on a whole, we have been blessed with guests, but ones like these really do make me question it and as I said in my review of them, a hotel would have been a better option for them. By the girls own admission, she just hadn’t read the house manual or my welcome message.

Sunday 6th May – What a cold dull one! Then after mid afternoon, the skies cleared and the sun burst. It almost became too warm! Time for a glass of Prosecco (Or two) and to soak up some free vitamin D. Stunning sunset, even our Russian guests took a walk down the glen to view it.

Monday 5th May – Woke at 12.30am, paddled round the house, eventually returning to bed, only then to be rudely woken by the Poodle!

Disappointed to see the sunshine had gone, was colder again and then there was a downpour! Typical Bank Holiday and reckoned it would be a quiet gallery day. Come lunch, out came the sun and what a beautiful afternoon and I was (Pleased to say), wrong about a quiet gallery day, help was needed! Also pleased to say, that the Tulloch menagerie behaved themselves with visitors today.

No idea what’s up with 4G, lack of it is driving me mad!

First Wasp of the season today.

The Galley

The Galley in the Gallery

Chickens Enjoying the Sunshine

Tulloch Sunset

Spring Lambs …

What a manic couple of weeks! And way behind with my journal. It has been nonstop busy! But … the joyous news is … that I have been sleeping! The Gravity Blanket seems to be doing its stuff. I have still woken during the nights, but managed to pretty much fall right back to sleep again. I am nae very good at explaining things, but the gravity blanket is the most amazing feeling. I have my fathers legs , now those of you who know , will know that this is not necessarily a good thing, yet this weighted blanket makes them feel so light and I’ve had no aches during the night from them.

18th April – Saw my first Lambs of the Spring.

Lost me phone in the evening. I’d left it in the Fridge! I know, well, don’t know, so please don’t ask.

Haven’t had a Brambling in the garden this winter, but this morning (Sunday), heard a noise and there was one in the Cherry Tree above the feeders.

Woke in discomfort, this was due to the Poodle & the nest he had made out of me Gravity Blanket. Told him I would look at getting a kennel for him today!!!

Trying to integrate Barclay and others, McQuack nae impressed and puffs himself out at Barclay! Also, think Barclay fancies the Tame Sheep!

Tuesday 24th April 7.30pm – The first Swallow has arrived, but a summer it doesn’t make!

Wednesday 25th The Tame Sheep has it in for McQuack and chased him down the glen!

Thursday 26th April – 4.31am, woke to Bruce cock a doodle doing! Wtf!

6.30am Bruce’s song was replaced by that of a Song Thrush, beautiful

Saturday 28th April – Beautiful but frosty and a covering of fresh snow on the hills.

Alistair in earlier tonight, so we headed off to the pub for tea.

Sunday 29th April – Cool start but beautiful & it soon warmed up.

Visitor sat out with Coffee enjoying the sunshine, when McDuck appeared off her nest and without warning, pretty much beat the hell out of Bruce the Cockerel! She soon had him literally pinned to the grass and was showing no mercy! I had to intervene with a stick, then Bruce turned on me! The visitor just sat drinking his coffee taking it all in!

1st May – Seriously, where is this year going to?!! May Gosling, but still no sign of Ducklings yet, surely can’t be long now? Though Muscovy do take 35 days.

2nd May – Another manic day and just as manic tomorrow. All will be revealed (Hopefully) at the weekend. It was a downpour last night and the river was in full flow this morning.

Looking out onto more new born lambs as I type this.

All in in all, it’s been a stressful couple of of weeks and the Tulloch menagerie are still running amok.

McDucks Downy Nest

Alistair & McQuack

Gravity …

Continuing on Saturday 14th, was just thinking about Bedfordshire, when we notice the outside light come on, there was a pussy cat visiting Tulloch. All I saw was it’s wee white paws. Barclay was beside himself!

Sunday 15th – And 2.10am wide awake, oh and cramp thrown in for good measure. WHAT? Was Loch building yesterday, does that not warrant a wee bit of extra sleep at least??! AND I had taken two sleep Gummies!

Struggled on throughout the day, but come 3pm I could do no more. Tonight I would move back into the marital bed after having a few nights in spare room. Don’t think it really matters where I sleep, I still struggle.

Monday 16th – Awoke at 4, but nae up til 5, this was good. Had woke earlier with a hand across my face, but Alistair said this was due to the fact he has been able to spread out the last couple of nights! Mixed weather, but milder at least. Great progress with the Gallery extension. I mounted prints for best part of the morning, then it was website work and hopefully getting SEO sorted.

Noticed McQuack spent most of the day swimming on Loch McBasil, which saying that Muscovy Ducks are different to other Ducks and usually don’t do ponds etc, am impressed. McDuck was late off the nest this evening for her break. She is doing ever so well, I’m counting down the days til Duckageddon, so she surely must be.

Woodpeckers, Wagtails & Siskins all very active.

Tuesday 17th – And up at silly o clock, laid in sunroom for a while listening to the rain on the roof, 5.30am, could feel sleep coming on, so away back to bed I went, Alistair would get up and Barclay would join me. And 15min later, ”twas no good, up again!

Still a downpour and we got wet in said downpour.

Exciting progress with the gallery extension today, an entrance has been cut through. Gives us a much better idea of the finished project. Whilst Jim, Dawid & I were stood admiring their work, main door crashed open and tame sheep ran amok through gallery!!

Delivery this afternoon and … did you heed my words and take shares out in insomnia industry?? I hope so, as the Gravity Blanket has arrived! So heavy, that Alistair had to carry it upstairs for me, but I have every faith in this product and it will be worth every penny if I get some decent sleep. *Watch This Space*