Through to the semis...

No, that has nothing to do with the photo, but it's the conclusion of today's sporting activity in Ireland! Contrary to appearances, I didn't spend the whole day glued to the computer watching touch rugby, but, prompted by links sent by my older son, watching from the sidelines in Limerick, we both watched James shine in the 10-3 victory against China in the morning, while I caught up on the much closer-fought game against Ireland around our dinner-time. As you'll have gathered, I'm very proud of him. 

As for me, I feel much of today was useless as far as I was concerned. I doom-scrolled a bit - though don't feel at all doom-laden at the announcement I've just seen that Scotland will recognise the state of Palestine with no strings attached. But me? I hung out a small washing and moved a couple of plant-pots to what I hope are more sheltered parts of the garden in view of the storm heading this way. I'll not have time tomorrow. I also stacked the garden chairs against a wall ...

By afternoon the cloudy morning - after a brilliant start - had given way to gentle sunshine. We were on our way south to walk up the farm road when we realised, just beyond the Dunoon limits, that the road had been newly tarred and left for the traffic to flatten down the grey stones they finish the surface with. Despite the speed restrictions the gravel was rattling around in the usual destructive way, so we ducked into the first possible turning-place and drove north instead. I hate the way our council leaves us to wreck our cars every time they repair the roads ...

We ended up having the most lovely walk along West Loch Eck, as far as the waterworks. In the recent past we'd have gone on much further, but as it was we had a hing (in the Weegie sense) on a five-barred gate to give our aching legs a rest, talked to a couple with a most attractive collie who was grumpy at being put on a lead to pass us (he was let off when he decided we weren't a threat), and enjoyed the sheer silence of the woodland. I couldn't help, however, noticing the great piles of felled trees cleared from the damage done to Benmore Gardens and surrounding forest by Storm Eowyn, and wondering how much more the coming gales will bring down, especially when the trees are in full leaf. 

The photo shows the southern end of Loch Eck, with the chalets of the holiday park on its shores just visible. The loch looked benign rather than brooding (it's a very steep-sided loch) and we were glad we'd changed our minds and come here. The round walk gave us 3 miles - a whole mile more than we've been managing since the virus, and we were both exhausted. Reasonably cheerful, however - we'd really enjoyed it.

I'm trying to get to bed earlier again, though it's already 11.30pm - we've got a very full day tomorrow. Really ought to think of retiring ...