A wee walk with Butch and Sundance.

[soulminer]

It has been a while , glad to see I wasn't missed Having some problems with my knee, so this is limiting my outdoor activities. The dogs decided they were a bit fed up with the usual 2hr wander round the Parkhill Woods, so persuaded me to 'get some exercise' and they would help me climb a Corbett.Since the last report,I have treated myself to another car-as the old one was 'chewed' at the back. In order for this not to be repeated in this car I purchased the criminal Collies a new 'cell',

Butch and Sundance, locked up


IMGP0050 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

We left early, and arrived at the Green Welly car-park for the start of my assisted rehabilitation. Suited and booted, coated and harnessed we set off to the start of the West Highland Way path, beside Brodies shop. A bit chilly, but soon warmed up as we negotiated the gates on the path up. Keep Butch and Sundance on the leads as there were some Woolly-backs about, and we didn't want any gun fire Let them off once we passed the bulk of them, only to find some more further up The boys were interested, striking collie poses, and giving them the 'eye', but didn't bother with them as I was armed to the teeth with Prime Beef cut from todays dinner well prepared !!

A fine hill is Beinn Odhar, a steep climb with the views opening up with every upward step.


IMGP0001 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Mug shots of the criminal Collies


IMGP0002 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0006 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Some patches of snow, and plenty of icy run-offs, but no problems on the ascent. Taking our time as my knee support was doing an excellent job of stabilising the offending joint-not overdoing it !. A few wee refreshment stops for me, and some prime beef for the boys and taking in the surroundings. The light was changing rapidly,so giving an opportunity to catch some cracking shots.


IMGP0007 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0009 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0010 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0011 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0013 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0014 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


We reached the small plateau, and the fence line- then made our way up to sample the delightful vistas available from the summit. The sun was out for a good part of the time, but there was a slight wind which made it rather 'bracing' -just like my knee We sat for a bit eating and drinking, then took some more photees

The fence line through the plateau in this one,


IMGP0015 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Ever have the feeling you are being watched ?


IMGP0019 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


Chill time


IMGP0032 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0035 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0037 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0038 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0043 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0044 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0042 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

The cold was now getting the beter of us, so we set off for our descent.

On the way car ward


IMGP0022 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0023 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A easy descent considering the under foot conditions nearer the top. I had to clip the boys up near the bottom as the sheep were all lying not far from the gate. We met a man called John Greenwood, who was prospecting for gold all morning, and had a pleasant wee blether- and interesting man indeed
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... lands.html

Panned gold,

IMGP0048 by BoydBlair, on Flickr


IMGP0049 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

Cheers for taking our photo John, and hope you finish the task you set yourself

Last of the day,


IMGP0047 by BoydBlair, on Flickr

A magic day, the boys were walked, some rehabilitation and met someone interesting- hope you enjoyed reading about it. Cheers

[Silverhill]

Aw, you've got lovely dogs! Despite their (nick?)names they look very well behaved!
Good on you for letting the dogs take you up a hill Enjoyed your report

[dogplodder]

Well I for one missed you SM and wondered what was up.

You've got some classic shots of those angelic mutts in their red coats which I'm sure you could sell to make money for collie rescue! Good to see you back and hope the knee is none the worse for the stravaig.

[soulminer]

Cheers to you both.
Have an appt' with the orthopods in March, so I want to keep it stable till they see what they want to do. Been missing being out, and about DP -- so have Butch and Sundance ,was a once or twice a week thing! Don't want to scare the wild life with the 'clicking' racket my knee makes

[annakerr]

Great report and a lovely couple off dogs. Thanks, I think we might follow in your steps when we're up there in a couple of weeks

[pigeon]

Good to see you back reporting SM,great pics as usual,hope you get that knee fixed soon

[rockhopper]

Cracking day for it - good to see you're getting back out. You certainly picked quite a steep hill though - these corbetts up there can be harder than their bigger cousins - hope the knee improves - cheers

[Fudgie]

A cracking pair of dogs you have there although they look as if they're as thick as thieves

Thats a great Corbett and the view North from the summit is one of the best I've ever seen. It has me wanting to get back out after a 2 month layoff.

[johnkaysleftleg]

Great report with some fantastic pics

[soulminer]

Rockhopper wrote :
You certainly picked quite a steep hill

Looks much worse than it actually is, I thought it was a decent test for one so infirm

Fudgie wrote :
Thats a great Corbett and the view North from the summit is one of the best I've ever seen

That was one of the reasons we decided to plump for it !

annakerr wrote :
I think we might follow in your steps when we're up there in a couple of weeks

I would definately recommend it, just plod on and take your time -it is worth it !!

johnkaysleftleg wrote :
Great report with some fantastic pics

Cheers !

[coachmacca]

Looked a great day out and "the boys" looked in their element! Great shots too

[dooterbang]

Glad to see your getting over your injury too and experiencing the outdoors again.

Some great photos of them cowboys