A last view of a highland loch

Helena and I left North Connel to go home this morning and we took Tanya with us so we could drop her off at their other sister Kate's house in Preston, Lancashire. We didn't need to rush off early so I hadn't rushed to get ready. When I looked out of the bedroom window I was surprised to see a small coastal cargo vessel a few hundred yards off shore, which must have come in to the protected tidal loch for shelter some time in the night. The ship was circling slowly as the tide rose, waiting for enough depth to enable it to sail over the Falls of Lora which separates the Loch Etive from the sea.

After about 9am the ship finally disappeared between the cliffs and went out to sea under Connel bridge. Not long afterwards a formation of about a dozen geese flew over the loch towards and then over the house, followed soon after by a large flock of seagulls. I photographed all of this activity but none of them look very good on reflection under the dull grey skies and the threat of rain.

Once we left Kirsty, our journey was uneventful except of the amusing stop for some shopping at the well known Green Welly Shop at Tyndrum services. The autumnal colours of the trees of the Highland glens looked amazing and I'd hoped to stop for a blip opportunity but a suitable location never emerged. As we neared Callander I was aware that the lochs were running so stopped at a picnic spot on a lake edge, whose name I don't know. I nipped out of the car for a few minutes and snapped a few pictures looking up the loch, but the rain was still falling and there was little light to bring out the colours. But I'm still glad I have taken this picture as it reminds me once again of how much I love this landscape despite the inclement weather that so often seems to found there. We will be back, but not for many months, so our blips will be a useful reminder in the meantime.