tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8854722379023216982024-03-06T03:59:41.918+00:00Dalavich ArgyllDalavich is on Loch Awe in Argyll and our holiday cabin is in the heart of this lovely, wild place.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-6900981096021223542012-02-28T10:53:00.006+00:002012-02-28T12:02:23.443+00:00Spring is here - the work is done - ready to welcome you<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBcKdtKdKOAwV3llH3rsEvXR4higEe0kfvCSMsBzwb3NB7nxPPcea2Bq2gXsz6nMpqYYDkjqJ84jjNitAIh7C13UzixaZvU6i6BS621h7ZFynJ4M_94IA6VTtkBErXp4EuvGfUiB_iydR/s1600/398751_3302611206930_1317473329_3245008_1946184631_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBcKdtKdKOAwV3llH3rsEvXR4higEe0kfvCSMsBzwb3NB7nxPPcea2Bq2gXsz6nMpqYYDkjqJ84jjNitAIh7C13UzixaZvU6i6BS621h7ZFynJ4M_94IA6VTtkBErXp4EuvGfUiB_iydR/s320/398751_3302611206930_1317473329_3245008_1946184631_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714140106962819858" /></a>It's spring, and we've had an exciting winter, with the new extension completed by Gillies Brothers of Taynuilt (free ad in gratitude for excellent quality work). It blends in perfectly and gives us a mud room for coats and wet jackets, good storage and a brand new shower room. The bedroom has more space - no more clambering over each other in the night - and the living area too. The new kitchen works well and the extractor makes a real difference. Now all we have to do is finish the decorating and some improvements to the bunk room and we are ready for a wonderful season. There are Golden Eagles on the hill above Loch Avich - the Osprey are back - both pairs - and I saw a Goshawk with strange red eyes and beautiful markings. As you can see from Michael's pic from last week, the squirrels are back to their early morning tricks. Before we know it the bluebells will be in flower. If you want to spend your holiday this year exploring loch, forest, wildlife and historic Scotland, email orchydalavichcabin@btconnect.com or go to http://www.cottageguide.co.uk/orchyforestcabin/Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-10822243975863651042011-08-09T11:25:00.003+01:002011-08-09T13:49:06.428+01:00Best Holiday Ever<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BBByg38-z1MVP4LCMsBBclFBWpgXRHVzQJzqmMRee67wBQHui0-kb88bpltCvwGG_W7AuVFlu1MOheR78SY9_JVL0yimaCLscU6AzrJ5101Epanm_RqUVu0CdF9gYmTQVCzxmqvsqiDe/s1600/Avich+Falls.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BBByg38-z1MVP4LCMsBBclFBWpgXRHVzQJzqmMRee67wBQHui0-kb88bpltCvwGG_W7AuVFlu1MOheR78SY9_JVL0yimaCLscU6AzrJ5101Epanm_RqUVu0CdF9gYmTQVCzxmqvsqiDe/s320/Avich+Falls.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638836537124580626" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;">Jennifer writes: "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;">We had a fabulous time. We cannot wait to go back. We loved the cabin - my daughter now wants a triple bunk for her bed. It was so well kitted out- we didn't need a third of the stuff we brought. We loved how it looked out onto the forest and how quiet the area was. We loved watching the antics of the birds and waiting for the squirrel to come by and try and steal our bag of peanuts.</span></span></span><div style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;">We did activities outside everyday. We hiked the Oakwood Forest Trail and to Avich Falls. My daughter mountain biked on real mountains. We biked around the forest cabin complex and Dalavich. My husband fished everyday! We even hired a boat from someone in the town of Dalavich and visited the Innischonnel castle on the island in the lake.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FFFFCC;">We went out on a day trip to Inverawe and my daughter biked and I hiked the Loch Etive trail while my husband got to fish for trout in the river. Even when it rained, we enjoyed ourselves by playing Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble, and putting together a puzzle." On the right is Jennifer's picture of the Falls of Avich.</span></span></span></div>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-56505221991393125762011-07-26T10:42:00.002+01:002011-07-26T10:45:40.818+01:00Update on Bike HireGreat news on bike hire. The excellent RCS Cycles near Taynuilt have all sorts of bikes for all ages/sizes for hire by the day or by the week. For a fee they will deliver and collect to Dalavich or if you go to collect, Nick might be able to lend you a bike rack to fit your car.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-41125681223722037882011-07-19T21:49:00.005+01:002011-07-19T22:04:10.023+01:00Saturday Outing to Oban<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3DLkPFEmV0OA29IQGet33ZJfpahLdqWpT6lOgMfXMQFmHR5j050Br2FuxVPlYZfWB3bLibjztyWo3F2RepFgc0C2eCKyZPVVeU4Qu7950Y8PeN2uO6V22ZB6cc-rBcGLWhK9RLQOh61B/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3DLkPFEmV0OA29IQGet33ZJfpahLdqWpT6lOgMfXMQFmHR5j050Br2FuxVPlYZfWB3bLibjztyWo3F2RepFgc0C2eCKyZPVVeU4Qu7950Y8PeN2uO6V22ZB6cc-rBcGLWhK9RLQOh61B/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631170607946637058" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FFFF;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Katie and Barry spent a weekend break at the cabin: "We thoroughly enjoyed the short rest within its wooded environment. Oban was easily found by car for a Saturday afternoon out and the site's shop had all necessities required. Although there were only the two of us, the cabin could easily hold a family and looked well equipped with games, books and films. The open deck out back was ideal for morning coffee and reading. Even though we had beautiful weather the deck appeared well covered for the event of rain and could easily have seated four or five."</span></span></span><span><span></span></span>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-63535139861112233612011-07-19T21:25:00.007+01:002011-07-19T22:05:12.058+01:00Wildlife experiences<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB8_StuYciINC3mw_r7TcCBgokdLTH27XKuaSEw9P8xR7FuvDBFl0ZN9io4rcYh2cR8pPs8NrAy662aGTftMhTPKTtf1GrKQT8kroXifCDwhaYBloMYSJarwD0R6t8_NVYxgr1pzQWFHQ/s1600/DSC00911.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAB8_StuYciINC3mw_r7TcCBgokdLTH27XKuaSEw9P8xR7FuvDBFl0ZN9io4rcYh2cR8pPs8NrAy662aGTftMhTPKTtf1GrKQT8kroXifCDwhaYBloMYSJarwD0R6t8_NVYxgr1pzQWFHQ/s320/DSC00911.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631164377531541010" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">Laura and family enjoyed the wildlife: "</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CCFFFF;">The cabin was excellent, such a delight we were woken up every morning by a woodpecker eating the nuts, we brought lots for the birds and were very grateful for the use of your binoculars as we forgot ours. We had bird spotting books too and my daughters were ticking them off one by one. My husband was checking the tags on the mattress as he said it was the comfiest bed he has slept in!! And i had to agree. We went fishing just in the loch but didn't catch anything my husband was fly fishing, but not the right rod for a loch and we never spotted your until we were tidying up to come home. Seen 3 owls, and red squirrels' were visiting us all the time got some good video footage of them. Cabin is idyllic we hope we would love to come back, it is worth the drive.</span></span></span>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-49685748537834248872011-07-17T21:55:00.004+01:002011-07-19T22:06:32.821+01:00Fun and games in the forest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk0ZtUGjGvwrCsypEYyqin8JRYqiCbJv1ItL-q1oUD-2FF-FXD7BXMURhJMRAPl7hIwjgxJ7TpSvncRLh9lH73lNcePyfu5XbJZJRTlCN0EbZE5Zm_jKF34KQ0cViesCumPwjR3e1HapW/s1600/Dalavich+Easter+2011-7.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfk0ZtUGjGvwrCsypEYyqin8JRYqiCbJv1ItL-q1oUD-2FF-FXD7BXMURhJMRAPl7hIwjgxJ7TpSvncRLh9lH73lNcePyfu5XbJZJRTlCN0EbZE5Zm_jKF34KQ0cViesCumPwjR3e1HapW/s320/Dalavich+Easter+2011-7.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630429052006048146" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FFFF;">Matt and friends enjoyed their visit to Dalavich in July: "H</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FFFF;">ad a great time. Glad to say everyone had nothing but positive things to say about the cabin. It was very well provisioned and having the games there was great for the evenings. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FFFF;">Really nice location and lots to see and do. Its a shame the shop doesn't do bikes anymore as it was the one thing we really missed doing, but the boat hire made up for it." Yes it is a shame because it's a great place for cycling, with miles of forest tracks. Guess in future people are going to have to take their own bikes.</span></span></span>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-20616064941875670392011-07-17T21:28:00.003+01:002011-07-19T22:07:25.504+01:00The new bridge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrKyElyvW8acs1gJuMsDntavQvNck9IICjvT7NV2l0wH1i1v0qS6QU59ID30-1j3bEzg8J-FOUOEZ58LauVvRosEQ6XlYLvf40JI81O45S80FUSm50ntJyXfH_YWTng1ST2SrMDDhYWpY/s1600/poohsticks.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrKyElyvW8acs1gJuMsDntavQvNck9IICjvT7NV2l0wH1i1v0qS6QU59ID30-1j3bEzg8J-FOUOEZ58LauVvRosEQ6XlYLvf40JI81O45S80FUSm50ntJyXfH_YWTng1ST2SrMDDhYWpY/s320/poohsticks.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630421243804981778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FFFF;">A wonderful walk on the Oakwood Trail, just a few steps from the cabin. The Forestry have been busy building a nice new wooden bridge. Here's some people playing Pooh Sticks off it.</span></span></span>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-89743632391283947682011-06-05T10:16:00.004+01:002011-06-05T10:23:40.204+01:00Rain, sun, rain, sun<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGumKSyyTcOUz9QkfR7guWtboJGXvOPywfMGd_E16n9NY1x7PHw9EzNplQJwAJRq0embFiGRLKz92YBKcFcEPQyHNUEaRRSQBtFQFe-6CgMjMa7fgWWloQdAqfFggTWP7wKKre3mEXZrZ/s1600/4695_111931682003_765087003_2763898_534995_n.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGumKSyyTcOUz9QkfR7guWtboJGXvOPywfMGd_E16n9NY1x7PHw9EzNplQJwAJRq0embFiGRLKz92YBKcFcEPQyHNUEaRRSQBtFQFe-6CgMjMa7fgWWloQdAqfFggTWP7wKKre3mEXZrZ/s320/4695_111931682003_765087003_2763898_534995_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614662595392746210" /></a><br />All four seasons in one day - that's the climate of Argyll - but as Dave says it takes a lot of water to fill a loch. As you can see, from this picture of Loch Avich - a lovely walk from the cabin on a marked trail which would be doable for almost anyone. It goes uphill through Dalavich oak wood, across a dry loch, down through the forest, along the side of beautiful Loch Avich, then back through the forest to the oak wood. It shows you every kind of habitat and fantastic bird, butterfly, moth and plant spotting.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-37550389183773093222011-05-16T17:21:00.004+01:002011-05-16T17:25:23.512+01:00What a great weekIt was a spectacular week, with so much sunshine. Walks were amazing and the bluebells and primroses were out. We heard two cuckoos - one over by the Kilmelford road where we hear one every year, and one at Dalavich. We saw roe deer and red deer and heard lots of woodpeckers. It was one of the best visits we've ever had.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-57536041322781388482010-06-28T11:29:00.006+01:002010-06-28T12:02:44.740+01:00The great northern midge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUWHHm8EHV0E_ed5owy_tVkBYZDLckqu52yyFH2jCKiN8k-jMuBjnf4mnGSUGgojxfEHA-w8hVQSK8nFqcB7lso70P5dFcMz4wBqB9iEgkpQpWRn-42YUfdwZcSjRUfnih1-kL4vskNtX/s1600/DSC00867.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYUWHHm8EHV0E_ed5owy_tVkBYZDLckqu52yyFH2jCKiN8k-jMuBjnf4mnGSUGgojxfEHA-w8hVQSK8nFqcB7lso70P5dFcMz4wBqB9iEgkpQpWRn-42YUfdwZcSjRUfnih1-kL4vskNtX/s320/DSC00867.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487775157202733794" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">After a fabulous few weeks at Loch Awe, the rain is back but it's still warm - so ideal Midge weather. It turns out that all theories that the hard winter would reduce midge numbers were wrong. Instead, the midges survived better than their natural predators - bats, etc. - and so there are MORE this year. So here's my midge advice:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms', serif;"><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">1. Buy Jungle Formula but spray it on a hat or neckerchief, not your skin.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">2. Put bog myrtle lotion or Avon skin-so-soft on your skin. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">3. Wash with Citronella soap: http://www.auravita.com</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">4. Take a vitamin B table every day, or a baker's yeast tablet, or eat tons of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Marmite</span>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">5. If you react badly to bites - just take the anti-histamine tablet daily!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Here's my midge poem for your entertainment:</span></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:42.55pt"><b></b></p><span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">West Highland peace talks</span></b></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> We sat round the table; </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> the midge representative was flighty </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and hard to pin down, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> we put our offer. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Each arm free for one hour from sunset. </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">And in return, we switch off the machines </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">that suck in billions. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Her response, beyond our hearing </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> translated as: “You would still condemn millions, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> thin the Great Cloud to a mist.” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I leaned towards her and spoke passionately: </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">“And yet we might end the war, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">the crushing and poisoning that leaves a bitter taste </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">in all our mouths.” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">“We live so intensely,” she replied, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> “our one brief day on sedge and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lochside</span>, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">absorb the scent of birch and pine </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and then bite, lay our eggs and die. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">“Those that do not bite – </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> what would you have them do?” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Our chairman smiled that smile, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">kindly, lofty.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> “Perhaps they could write poetry, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> form theatre groups? </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">stand for election? </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">learn to salsa?” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">The midge sighed: “I have consulted</span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">the collective mind of the Cloud </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and this is their answer.” </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Flying to our chairman’s dainty ankle, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">exposed between trouser turn-up and silk sock </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">she bit him </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">then she laid her eggs </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">and then she died. </span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">We withdrew without speaking and separated. </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">It is always like that when diplomacy fails: </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">some rushing to be first blaming the rest, </span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">others already planning the next phase of the war.</span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:42.55pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"></span></p></div></div>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-58310942849971328892010-03-20T11:11:00.007+00:002010-03-20T11:26:56.455+00:00Spring is here - pipes are mended!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-pUSaT_WhhQ6ioYqRngQ35BX8G0qykWLwJJrA97XmzypASiaZJz2bgk8K4ysQpx6EiPKGiYhTNyQ-UkcEPAq6AxEJjpN2moJZsuzRwqwMo3dKDkhphQKrU70JQG24Pw9KncexXgOOdFp/s1600-h/Otimbertrail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-pUSaT_WhhQ6ioYqRngQ35BX8G0qykWLwJJrA97XmzypASiaZJz2bgk8K4ysQpx6EiPKGiYhTNyQ-UkcEPAq6AxEJjpN2moJZsuzRwqwMo3dKDkhphQKrU70JQG24Pw9KncexXgOOdFp/s320/Otimbertrail.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450674783343595202" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wjd6QY3W51ZtFjm4qDUNRvclOutpN_Zq8t5SqCbqsM0wBqxhCk-JoXYgh4YmnZiwt-007Ly-ua1jiEv9Uuaz7l9uHLbhdLu8N29nG6ywe3Po1rJ7jzraRdtwbDVu0zbb8uqdlHSmfH4a/s1600-h/MOardfern.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wjd6QY3W51ZtFjm4qDUNRvclOutpN_Zq8t5SqCbqsM0wBqxhCk-JoXYgh4YmnZiwt-007Ly-ua1jiEv9Uuaz7l9uHLbhdLu8N29nG6ywe3Po1rJ7jzraRdtwbDVu0zbb8uqdlHSmfH4a/s320/MOardfern.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5450674631898755698" /></a><br />It's water pipe repair time after the freezing winter - but we seem to have got off lightly, compared to some Highland areas. Argyll's temperate climate is fantastic really - it was often warmer in Dalavich than in London during this hard winter.<div>Michael, Madeleine and Orlaith made their first visit of 2010 and aside from emergency pipe repairs (cheers Norman) they had a great time, driving to Kilmelford and Ardfern for walks in fine, dry weather and rambling on the timber trails near the cabin. The pictures show Michael and Orlaith at Ardfern, and Orlaith on the Oakwood trail.</div><div>Now it's time to get ready for spring and summer visitors - already we have a family from Paris, one from Birmingham, one from Renfrew and several returning visitors. We wish them all a lovely stay.</div>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-54691476539310301282009-11-04T11:42:00.003+00:002009-11-04T11:54:02.675+00:00Autumn in Argyll<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s3Zj6IMixsf2FPSItt1Vrh3ETlLsmXlWcSzkx4RoyDOmvobVNgMq0jgKX2xRvdc3NXBiMcHE1SPyDw1o4SebV8afkqCGIMohPykc1M9gng5ZESjntbnJAtToX8sqqwIYPKDUHGd3aMfX/s1600-h/2009-10-23+12.33.20.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7s3Zj6IMixsf2FPSItt1Vrh3ETlLsmXlWcSzkx4RoyDOmvobVNgMq0jgKX2xRvdc3NXBiMcHE1SPyDw1o4SebV8afkqCGIMohPykc1M9gng5ZESjntbnJAtToX8sqqwIYPKDUHGd3aMfX/s320/2009-10-23+12.33.20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5400213297773575714" border="0" /></a><br /> Karell and David spent a long weekend at the cabin October.<br /><br />David said: "We had a really relaxing time. There was a lot of rain, but without it we wouldn't have been able to see the spectacular double rainbow near Kilchrennan on the way down. And it meant that when we went on the Avich Falls walk on Friday afternoon, the river was in full spate; foaming and powerful.<br /><br />"On Saturday we walked down to the the crannog remains and saw a huge osprey hunting over the loch. Then we went round the Oakwood trail, enjoying the colours of the turning leaves and bracken, and then headed back to the cabin for a late lunch.<br /><br />"It was great to be warm indoors, reading and relaxing, watching the trees swaying in the wind through the picture windows. We put out nuts and seeds and enjoyed seeing the great tits, coal tits, blue tits and robins flying in to get at them.<br /><br />"Couldn't have been better. Thanks very much."Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-85407607819837252662009-08-25T15:02:00.002+01:002011-07-19T22:09:23.891+01:00Red squirrel holidays<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;"><blockquote type="cite"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="word-spacing: 0px; font: normal normal normal medium/normal Helvetica; text-transform: none; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-indent: 0px; white-space: normal; letter-spacing: normal; border-collapse: separate; orphans: 2; widows: 2; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#99FFFF;">Katharine Lay, her partner and 3 children piled in to the cabin for a very enjoyable week in August: "We reckoned it probably had the best situation of all the cabins - I could spend hours just looking out of the window. The birds were always entertaining too, and we had a great red squirrel moment on our last evening when one came and had a good go at the peanuts as we ate our supper. The bilberries were abundant, and the whole area just so beautiful.</span></span></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">" </span></div></span></blockquote></span>Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-40250359892108793802009-06-16T09:43:00.007+01:002009-06-18T11:20:15.706+01:00"WE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfg4GjyvpcbNy6_CYbDV1h7BtjosOqDHSZJo94xbVuULjwzXnedBXraCCjE6yaKxyqbC0EhrqEwg6lW6qlAOiLumIzZTJ_yRCbD6Ikqn9oaUJk5CbiMVpvhJCGgvH6EQ4TcM-b9TZOZnr/s1600-h/4695_111931697003_765087003_2763901_3509248_n.jpg"></a><span><span></span></span><span><span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1hGU8ZNawH1TaSIOxyyFCYEVMuQt-ae1aNPP2_R7Xic5W-1cslJX2v8PFzm8iSnZ5PNVopywHwkjxaifPcPq1sSItMaoJZHbFAgkqILSUtCi0DCcaftxIzGFGk7gT9lOMCYzcmUl5Idh/s1600-h/4695_111931742003_765087003_2763908_5830525_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1hGU8ZNawH1TaSIOxyyFCYEVMuQt-ae1aNPP2_R7Xic5W-1cslJX2v8PFzm8iSnZ5PNVopywHwkjxaifPcPq1sSItMaoJZHbFAgkqILSUtCi0DCcaftxIzGFGk7gT9lOMCYzcmUl5Idh/s200/4695_111931742003_765087003_2763908_5830525_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347844117522618354" /></a><br /><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxl2QbrrpngPGBUQv9o_P8P5c4hReCtNO8Y7A1u9Mp8I1nrdLGvoLRXKOKKr1DVtg3Ka9n39Ftnycv-cMeWxO6v1cLBbDQ31sPZjjhCAFklXuJYZryyRMddvUfkJ1q9KuP6xIM-BvrvGk/s200/4695_111931697003_765087003_2763901_3509248_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347844120454727234" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxl2QbrrpngPGBUQv9o_P8P5c4hReCtNO8Y7A1u9Mp8I1nrdLGvoLRXKOKKr1DVtg3Ka9n39Ftnycv-cMeWxO6v1cLBbDQ31sPZjjhCAFklXuJYZryyRMddvUfkJ1q9KuP6xIM-BvrvGk/s1600-h/4695_111931697003_765087003_2763901_3509248_n.jpg">Joanne and her family spent May bank holiday at our cabin at Dalavich:</a> "</span>Just a short note to let you know how we got on at Dalavich. What a long winding road!<br />The primroses and the bluebells were still out (so were the midges) although for the first few days we had quite a lot of rain so that cleared them for a while.<br />Gorgeous setting with loads of wildlife around the area. Had a lovely time the cabin is cosy and quirky the boys loved it.<br />Visited the Dalavich community centre a few times in the evening; we enjoyed playing badmintion and we tried out the fishing rod but I think it takes a little more patience than we had to catch anything. We fed the birds: they were on the bird table within seconds.<br />After the bank holiday weekend the weather picked up and we got to see how gorgeous the area around us was. We had a fantastic time." The pictures show Loch Avich (a short walk from Dalavich) and one of the burial chambers at Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland's prehistoric sites.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-38675873185609600842009-01-04T21:20:00.009+00:002009-08-06T12:24:00.338+01:00Christmas at Dalavich<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88eSnpEsnMvm8VzeCiAqwdn5IEiRawbFHCci94SGLPZ9H0Rq_KCqDvG80439wgsSdNqrW9vfgh1B4HoU06dRfx9TSEzdWgYjooit8BeJkza7kaOa6l3L8C-8ScmlkclQ3PesanKSGUAoU/s1600-h/standing+stones.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh88eSnpEsnMvm8VzeCiAqwdn5IEiRawbFHCci94SGLPZ9H0Rq_KCqDvG80439wgsSdNqrW9vfgh1B4HoU06dRfx9TSEzdWgYjooit8BeJkza7kaOa6l3L8C-8ScmlkclQ3PesanKSGUAoU/s320/standing+stones.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287552816565403378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ818kOanRa3hsu2q2coCAh8FCeYyBjxdTM-vtW5c5bn7wc6fKlsQTBGs6jVmubw9o5KHzZmxBR02VSQZBumjbw2ZDdtszx3jLQM8W4-x1Pw5Jq9sVrDNxOug_2aH68EfGDqbPuwPiTgOP/s1600-h/n1317473329_221096_1875.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ818kOanRa3hsu2q2coCAh8FCeYyBjxdTM-vtW5c5bn7wc6fKlsQTBGs6jVmubw9o5KHzZmxBR02VSQZBumjbw2ZDdtszx3jLQM8W4-x1Pw5Jq9sVrDNxOug_2aH68EfGDqbPuwPiTgOP/s320/n1317473329_221096_1875.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287552251672764482" /></a><br /><br />We had a wonderful Christmas at the cabin at Dalavich, with visits from friends and family and fantastic weather. It was bright and dry, but frosty - the trees and the loch looked amazing. This is a photo of Ben Cruachan shining in the sun. And the other is of standing stones in the church at Kilmartin Glen - some many hundreds of years old - some just 300. It is a 40 minute drive from Dalavich to Kilmartin, one of Scotlands most ancient monuments.<br />For information about booking our cabin in beautiful Argyll, go to www.cottageguide.co.ukPennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-56497224817163581072008-08-26T07:48:00.003+01:002008-08-26T08:01:10.082+01:00Dalavich delivers calm and wildlifeWe heard from Gideon and Gaynor, who spent a week at the cabin with their boys, and Gideon told us:<br />"The lack of loch view was more than made up for by the feeling of being in the wood with no one else around - but with the comfort that there was. Lovely cabin, really well-made, great design with great use of space, comfortable, calming.<br />"The boys enjoyed the chance to expolore the surroundings in safety and loved playing by the loch and in the wood. Gaynor and i loved the late night and early morning walks with the dog, seeing the early mist over the loch or the late sun. The dog loved the woods and swam in the loch every day.<br />Without needing the car much we enjoyed the Oak Wood Trail, the Avich Falls walk and the Loch Avich Walk, all easy for all ages.<br />In fact we did the 5 mile Loch Avich walk setting off at 7.40pm and returning in the dark as a treat for the boys. Glen Nant also a treat of a walk.. our 22 month old managed it all 2.5 miles on his own and loved it.<br />"Watching black throated divers dancing and hearing their call over the still moonlit loch was something to behold. The red squirrel came calling many days as did hundreds of tits and finches. We saw foxes on the road and numerous deer.<br />Also buzzards galore and two osprey - a real treat.<br />"It's a very relaxing space and we had great weather. We walked every day, shorts the only gear for us boys, and waterproofs not needed much just t shirts and tops."<br />All this more than made up for an outbreak of wasps (a new plague from ever-active Mother Nature at Loch Awe) and a man-made disaster - the handle on the grill pan has disappeared! Upgrading of the cooker for next year definitely required.<br />It had been a wonderful summer at Dalavich - of course there has been rain but often it has been wetter here in London than up there. Thanks to all our guests for their comments - we hope to see them all again soon.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-19494698723488008142008-08-04T14:12:00.004+01:002009-06-18T11:18:43.931+01:00Dalavich waterfall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZcXHQVALApVIm8oDGPVGcsENbK3k9mT_b1nR8xJL7-K4qt8bOkrM9P6VR7HJBd3YlJEXQLhyphenhyphencWzpIkKubdmSIWb0kh7zgyZYAdUSxTQrYRXVrI5B6QFjWcPrpG3D-3m3khtT2E68ikQ1/s1600-h/Dalavich+falls.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZcXHQVALApVIm8oDGPVGcsENbK3k9mT_b1nR8xJL7-K4qt8bOkrM9P6VR7HJBd3YlJEXQLhyphenhyphencWzpIkKubdmSIWb0kh7zgyZYAdUSxTQrYRXVrI5B6QFjWcPrpG3D-3m3khtT2E68ikQ1/s320/Dalavich+falls.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230650663168974418" /></a><br />It has been a wonderful summer - for Dalavich. Days on end of sunny weather, though I think this week is not so good. Julian Hudson & Leen Van Nieuwenhuyze came over from Belgium for a holiday: "We had a great time. The cabin is very well equipped, which helped things run smoothly," Julian told us. They kindly left some DVDs and fishing things for future guests to enjoy. Now that's the kind of cabineers we like!<br />I always feel guilty when it rains when we have guests - as if it is my fault! But as Dave always says, it takes a lot of rain to fill a loch as big as Loch Awe.<br />And it takes a lot of rain to make this too. It's the tumultuous Falls of Avich, just a short walk from the cabin. Water, woods and wildness - that's Argyll.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-5916416133499096532008-07-27T18:55:00.007+01:002008-07-30T21:42:23.302+01:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CYgs4cXJ8CcfdPM2m3-qS08s8ZYovugsLQwcovrvIhfhEHVIxgrKTvW2xRoWEIqpcOwqLLrfQm9woeJyvz5tPNpqbJ6lXD1yAPWKYeVBQT1poHrMRsGXthFZRKLU_ptGrwiDMoDa19TN/s1600-h/carol.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CYgs4cXJ8CcfdPM2m3-qS08s8ZYovugsLQwcovrvIhfhEHVIxgrKTvW2xRoWEIqpcOwqLLrfQm9woeJyvz5tPNpqbJ6lXD1yAPWKYeVBQT1poHrMRsGXthFZRKLU_ptGrwiDMoDa19TN/s320/carol.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227755404230270658" /></a><br />This is Carol Keelan; she and her husband Chris, both qualified language tutors, bought the former Dalavich primary school and have turned it into lovely little apartments with kitchenette, sitting room and bathroom and roomy, comfy bedrooms. As you can see they kept the theme of school days. To find out about booking one of the apartments, check out the link on the right of the blog. They are offering special fishing holidays where a qualified fly fishing coach, Willie Dewar, will teach you the basics. Willie is an experienced fisherman who really knows what he is doing. If you would like to book a cabin, or one of the apartments at the village school, and learn to fish in some of Scotland's best waters, contact us for more info. They are also offering English Language tuition for visitors from Europe who want to experience a wild holiday, and brush up on their business or tourist English at the same time. What a great idea!Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-23627613719308172002008-07-19T16:56:00.008+01:002008-07-30T21:44:33.827+01:00July at Dalavich<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqi0AFC0_ra469_vrMw2qMowvHFcE7S1M9bKNP30CESM6htr2AeG6r-7jW1mQajob8S1Mfnf4tPO1NKPQmlvyAofz1n2le4PwkLTcaJn7oyxPSPk-rxDCAFIQhAi6zkMF_QF-ZoDplp49/s1600-h/picnic.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUqi0AFC0_ra469_vrMw2qMowvHFcE7S1M9bKNP30CESM6htr2AeG6r-7jW1mQajob8S1Mfnf4tPO1NKPQmlvyAofz1n2le4PwkLTcaJn7oyxPSPk-rxDCAFIQhAi6zkMF_QF-ZoDplp49/s320/picnic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224758903306335346" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFv7ugcYlgc0P40WlMmUuOZ81LQzQgPx-6lM-tY4BgCu_2p0Sf7iPfwM4AGzh-C0_zqN6mf1RhotitBkh-QBxcjrb_P5wXcZhjxyZLNwoN-3CXRJVvpC2o20mVXXDfxTUZg_zd5Cw8tFk/s1600-h/bbq.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFv7ugcYlgc0P40WlMmUuOZ81LQzQgPx-6lM-tY4BgCu_2p0Sf7iPfwM4AGzh-C0_zqN6mf1RhotitBkh-QBxcjrb_P5wXcZhjxyZLNwoN-3CXRJVvpC2o20mVXXDfxTUZg_zd5Cw8tFk/s320/bbq.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224758909483070626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7SGVzks92-Hxwo1GAts2xP7XyMHT4Jz_t1Pk4M2Vw-HUTlWRw2tdPTTIqD6fGZj4J4L0wDSIS5hFlaZ5cpX74unLUoMnEWg1tQqWtsluf-p3hNhbweAb39OhCVUf4m5ffpBTPMsN8SoU/s1600-h/red.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK7SGVzks92-Hxwo1GAts2xP7XyMHT4Jz_t1Pk4M2Vw-HUTlWRw2tdPTTIqD6fGZj4J4L0wDSIS5hFlaZ5cpX74unLUoMnEWg1tQqWtsluf-p3hNhbweAb39OhCVUf4m5ffpBTPMsN8SoU/s320/red.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5224758907200431410" /></a>We had a fantastic fortnight, with many fine days and some wonderful walking weather. For the first time we did the marked trail from Barnaline to Loch Avich and back. It is spectacular - especially the path that goes across the "dry loch". This is at the top of the hill, and is saucer shape. It was a loch with water held in by a natural dam which at some time in the distant past, broke letting the water flow out. Now the area is a unique peat bog and meadow habitat with the most spectacular wild flowers. We stopped here for a picnic.<br />The walk is only 5 miles and very easy walking - but you go through the full range of oak wood, peat bog, flower meadow, conifer forest and loch side. <br />The pics also show us enjoying a bbq on a lovely evening and also a regular visitor we had arriving early in the morning to take peanuts and seeds from the bird feeders.<br />Book a holiday at Dalavich and you can see not only this chap, but also deer (red, fallow and roe), pine martins, buzzards and if you are very lucky an Osprey or Eagle.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-80368902714778182872008-05-17T18:29:00.006+01:002009-06-18T11:16:05.821+01:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE0R_fZmnKdre9BbEfYJ8BAG74ueSn1wiSSlejQ_3LpnxwcrDgK1EHieuLio8cpRtEFCfP0EWqeLd3llnPQZuP9AL0nJBvi1oyzIjMCXaQCGzscFllQnTy501EGY56hyr3Xd3VWByWdzB/s1600-h/images-1.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPE0R_fZmnKdre9BbEfYJ8BAG74ueSn1wiSSlejQ_3LpnxwcrDgK1EHieuLio8cpRtEFCfP0EWqeLd3llnPQZuP9AL0nJBvi1oyzIjMCXaQCGzscFllQnTy501EGY56hyr3Xd3VWByWdzB/s320/images-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5201402393851506258" /></a><br />Keith and Olive from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, enjoyed their week at Dalavich: "Hi, just got back. The cabin was almost perfect (no telly) but apart from that a perfect place. We managed to see the red squirrels outside the cabin. We also spotted three eagles some wild deer, but no pine martin or osprey - is it too early? Fantastic setting though - thanks very much for a great time." Dalavich has that effect on people - they chill out, forget the telly and discover the amazing Argyll countryside.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-89562786437818577912008-05-09T15:03:00.008+01:002009-06-18T11:17:17.448+01:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s2WfYmxnpLv-c0qhC1jpwJOxg5Fqc7lIdN7nRkQZCtLcixkhJ2XKzgiDEIWhiZ9mSRfH0psctix-azrqueFC2g7MCt17cjcLlQ8PpmwF_RSlhF3WO7ffcsu26GsTOSf1sM3j9XIYp1vh/s1600-h/trees.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s2WfYmxnpLv-c0qhC1jpwJOxg5Fqc7lIdN7nRkQZCtLcixkhJ2XKzgiDEIWhiZ9mSRfH0psctix-azrqueFC2g7MCt17cjcLlQ8PpmwF_RSlhF3WO7ffcsu26GsTOSf1sM3j9XIYp1vh/s320/trees.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198380913325987266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKoHr8B3ild_9IEDzulGd0FlDs3JIySXtJCI4zxiQaQcaEL-nkvoHLQW6pTSoVfbRGyfnlDAcbGoIEjaSp71ef0Ajq9bA-Exeqhge4dXdXaBB7V-PKIlYrmZh1ToqGhm1XPR95uIFLVIa/s1600-h/loch.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKoHr8B3ild_9IEDzulGd0FlDs3JIySXtJCI4zxiQaQcaEL-nkvoHLQW6pTSoVfbRGyfnlDAcbGoIEjaSp71ef0Ajq9bA-Exeqhge4dXdXaBB7V-PKIlYrmZh1ToqGhm1XPR95uIFLVIa/s320/loch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198380917620954578" /></a><br />We had a wonderful week at Dalavich at the end of April, with great weather. The absence of rain meant we could do some chores - we cleared the gutters and painted the facia board and got the winter grime off the windows. Strimming the grass was hard work! We installed the new giant bird table made by Bloater's dad - it truly is a mansion amongst birdhouses. Though we had some nice birds visiting - including a female woodpecker - it was the sisskins that were most in evidence - noisy, cheeky and aggressive, but very pretty in green, white and black.<br />We drove from Dalavich to have lunch with friends at the Crafty Cafe in Ardfern - we recommend it. We also had a good walk out towards Kilmelford, and the cuckoo wood lived up to its name yet again this year. I must admit we got a soaking that day, but typical Argyll, by the time we got back to the car the sun was out. We had lunch at the General Post Office at Kilmelford - very good Butternut Squash soup.<br />Bookings are now coming in for the summer - take a look at the brochure and see what a good place Dalavich is for a Scottish holiday - just the right combination of isolation and use as a base for exploring the islands, Kintyre and Argyll.<br />On an early morning walk to work up an appetite for breakfast I took these pictures of the blue sky breaking through the trees and the sun gleaming on Loch Awe.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-76148735422843953622008-04-08T21:33:00.005+01:002008-04-08T22:07:23.983+01:00Happy Easter visitors<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UYGlDBo5tKcBkAatkltyZ2nTgR81QgYc5tbWuIPFFZrjLwirR9aXQ3uan8BgRk2XkkhmxwNOF9bnZC3V7yztmKZmXIkzSZTmkRfFn5un7prAHUwaeJcyxombK8L4QQdJLKM9hyXxuJUs/s1600-h/bluebell+dalavich.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UYGlDBo5tKcBkAatkltyZ2nTgR81QgYc5tbWuIPFFZrjLwirR9aXQ3uan8BgRk2XkkhmxwNOF9bnZC3V7yztmKZmXIkzSZTmkRfFn5un7prAHUwaeJcyxombK8L4QQdJLKM9hyXxuJUs/s320/bluebell+dalavich.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186983876288227090" /></a><br />We had two lots of visitors over the Easter period, and they all had a good time. Mark writes: "The weather was better than we had hoped for with only Tuesday being a complete wash out. Sunday afternoon at Easdale was blue sky and sun shimmering on the sea. <br />We enjoyed the cabin and the surrounding walks, the single track road was my only concern, but luckily we hardly met another car coming the other way (which was a relief on the short cut route past Loch Avich).<br />As you mentioned we filled both bird feeders and had numerous birds turning up at all times of the day, and on Thursday morning a red squirrel was on the bird table. There was one bird in particular who pecked at our bedroom window first thing in the morning even trying to fly in as well (maybe a chaffinch?)."<br />And Louise writes: "We had a lovely time as ever at the cabin, no problems at all."<br />The picture is from this time last year, when the woods were full of bluebells.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-44778238542105113032008-03-11T19:25:00.007+00:002008-07-30T21:44:56.345+01:00Enjoy a holiday in red squirrel country<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-fyeDnh6crhFvKvdFUEIqES26f_M3UIu3N7Y03XxGEB7YuYWUjtWKzNy9bN1hEtGHDy1vlUPszBXtrXQ-dFuSLik39irYWpPizAFinKM3fcGz6OtTsyrSfXxliq9w1J9xbkSGudI83kS/s1600-h/redsquirrel.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-fyeDnh6crhFvKvdFUEIqES26f_M3UIu3N7Y03XxGEB7YuYWUjtWKzNy9bN1hEtGHDy1vlUPszBXtrXQ-dFuSLik39irYWpPizAFinKM3fcGz6OtTsyrSfXxliq9w1J9xbkSGudI83kS/s320/redsquirrel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176570669172951794" /></a><br />One of the most delightful things about the cabin is that you can see red squirrels playing in the trees from time to time. This time of year is important for the squirrels because in the spring they produce their first kittens. They eat fungus, pine kernels and nuts. And here's some more information - red squirrels can swim - and they are either right or left handed. Most of the remaining red squirrels are in Scotland - there are, it is thought, around 120,000.<br />You can find more information, including how the Forestry Commission are trying to conserve habitat, at www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/RedsquirrelPennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-7423907374263411612008-02-29T09:40:00.008+00:002008-07-30T21:49:08.465+01:00Living with the midgies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gateGHu7cDsctPa6yLXisAAuK1euE3SwzpAZgG39TZm0cMYKHGh-tLT_fXAMg1c-QV_dEvSKdvJfUm5JPTnsZhCc7nJFG9_3tC11XBu8pZ99KqumCzKMqKUAKHDkfqyWKyYKCJSN9rQd/s1600-h/midge.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gateGHu7cDsctPa6yLXisAAuK1euE3SwzpAZgG39TZm0cMYKHGh-tLT_fXAMg1c-QV_dEvSKdvJfUm5JPTnsZhCc7nJFG9_3tC11XBu8pZ99KqumCzKMqKUAKHDkfqyWKyYKCJSN9rQd/s320/midge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176604599414590210" /></a><br />It is said that warm wet summers in England mean midges are appearing in greater numbers. We Scots can give some advice on how to live with them - we are old hands at it. There are repellents ranging from Avon Skin-So-Soft, through Jungle Mixture to delicate infusions of bog myrtle. Fisherpeople wear midge nets over their heads and necks. Last year we all got excited when Lidl had a special offer on mosqito netting until we saw the holes were wide enough to let the midges through about six abreast. We use Jungle Repellent and the cabin always has a supply of different repellents, citronella candles, and an electric fan which can be used when you are sitting on the verandah. The midges like damp, still weather. They hate direct sun and wind - even a breeze - hence the fan. We wear the impregnated scarves/sarongs you can buy in Sainsburys and find they work well. A holiday in the highlands in high summer means taking measures to avoid being bitten, but having a zen attitude to the midges. We are against the new midge eating machines, which in effect pump CO2 out into the atmosphere - not very environmentally-friendly! This is my own poetical response:<br /><br /><br />Highland peace talks<br /><br />We sat round the table; <br />the midge representative <br />was flighty and hard to pin down, <br />we put our offer: each local arm <br /><br />freely offered, tourists off limit.<br />Her response beyond our hearing <br />translated: “You would condemn millions, <br />thin the Great Cloud, mute the swarm.”<br /><br />I leaned forward and spoke passionately:<br />“And yet we might end the war,<br />halt the crushing and poisoning,<br />that leaves a bitter taste in all our mouths.”<br /><br />“We live intensely,” she replied, <br />“our one brief day on sedge and lochside,<br />breathe the scent of birch and pine<br />and then bite, lay our eggs and die.<br /><br />“Those who do not bite – what would you have them do?”<br /><br />Our chairman smiled that smile, kindly, lofty.<br />“Perhaps they could write poetry, <br />form theatre groups?<br />stand for election?<br />learn to salsa?”<br /><br />The midge sighed: “I have consulted the <br />collective mind of the Cloud and this is their answer.” <br />Flying to our chairman’s dainty ankle,<br />exposed between trouser turn-up and silk sock<br /><br />she bit him<br />then she laid her eggs<br />then she died.<br /><br />We withdrew without speaking and separated.<br />It is always so when diplomacy fails:<br />some rushing to be first blaming the rest<br />others already planning the next phase of the war.Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-885472237902321698.post-24452577650292660972008-02-06T09:19:00.001+00:002008-07-30T21:49:33.003+01:00First Australian visitorHere are the impressions of our first visitor from Australia, who went to the cabin for the weekend with family:<br /><br />"I had a really lovely weekend. It was worth the long drive – especially the last part on the single track road – to arrive at such a lovely place: little cabins dotted throughout a wintry pine forest; it was like entering a fairy tale. The cabin itself was quite magical, so small but so cleverly designed that everything was provided. And it still allowed for privacy (the fan in the bathroom is a very good idea!). It quickly warmed up because of the efficient wall heaters. Interesting doors and shutters opened onto a little balcony where Mick placed food for interesting birds. In the evening, we walked down to the loch and watched the light fade and a heron fly in. Next morning Mick took us on what was to me a long walk through the woods, lots of varieties of trees and bushes and mosses, to a lonely hut (old stables?), and then to a waterfall and ending up at the village shop. There we had coffee - not the best coffee ever, but welcome after all the trudging - and bought postcards and tablet. Then back to the cabin for a big brunch – which, of course, Mick cooked while we lay around reading the papers. It was a great pity to leave."Pennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07387609493035952664noreply@blogger.com0