Boat Race on Loch Ness

Witnessed an unusual spectacle on Loch Ness yesterday morning as about 40 various boating craft including The Fingal activity barge and many colourful sailboats passed in front of the house and went down the loch from Fort Augustus to Urquhart Castle.When we went into Inverness later in the morning we saw them tacking back and forth in and around Urquhart Bay. Looked as if everybody was enjoying themselves in this friendly event.Luckily for those with sails the wind was coming from the southwest along The Great Glen.

Osprey over Loch Ness.

There are carpets of wild bluebells covering the forest floor and colouring the roadside verges.Encouraged me to fill the hanging baskets and tubs around the garden and pray that the deer leave them alone.Several deer have been very near the house and also down the front bank 'mowing' the grass for us.The sunshine seems to bring out more wildlife than usual and the weekend weather has been very bright and breezy.Enjoyed a rare sighting of the osprey hovering over the loch - a regular visitor to Loch Ness since we have lived here for the past 12 years and we look out for it from April to August.The ospreys at Boat of Garten have produced a chick and it is fascinating following their progress. Bird life at the feeders has quietened down and we wait for the first youngster to appear.The grey heron occasionally flies by and has been seen standing on the narrow jetty beyond Farigaig pier.Red squirrels leap along the tree logs on the front bank which are waiting to be chopped up ready for winter fires.Enough talk of winter - let's enjoy the warm weather and all the pleasures that come with it.

Red squirrels.

Red squirrels have been spotted in Farigaig Forest and appear to have great fun chasing each other up and down the trees and playing amongst the bluebells in the undergrowth. They are very quick and do not stop to pose for a photo!

Fun for everybody on Loch Ness

The activity on Loch Ness has increased during the month of May with boating craft of all shapes and sizes taking to the water.The Fingal activity barge was moored in Dores Bay and passengers were being ferried to the shore, possibly to The Dores Inn but we can't say for sure!
Over the weekend it was quite sunny and bright but with a cool north-easterly breeze and the yachts took full advantage of the wind behind their sails and crashed up and down on the choppy white waves. Others were just out enjoying the peace and quite of the loch and hoping for a catch or two.

River Oich Forest Trail.

Loch Ness was shrouded in early morning haar mist but as we drove over the mountains and down to Fort Augustus the mist slowly cleared and the sun emerged through the clouds. Several boating craft were in the lock gates including two yachts crewed by the sea scouts who were having a fine old time judging by the noise and laughter.
Drove a little further along and up to the River Oich Forest Walk Trail. Enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the forest of very tall trees listening to the birdsong and then took the trail down to the River Oich where the bluebells and gorse were growing in profusion along its banks. On the return journey we spotted several stags and hinds on the open moorland on higher ground.

Walk through Farigaig Forest.

The weather has been really wonderful this week so went for a lovely long leisurely walk.

Strolled along the forest track in front of our house admiring the carpets of wild primroses, the tiny white wood anenomes nestling in the shade and the abundant yellow gorse bushes covering the verges everywhere.

Walked throught the forest, up to the single track road for a short while and then through the gate signed to Easter Boleskine. Slowly climbed the uphill path but it was worth it as we had a marvellous view of Loch Ness from the top facing down to Fort Augustus and snow topped mountains just visible in the distance.

Strolled through Farigaig Forest enjoying the peace and quiet .......................
....and finally down to Farigaig Pier and home.