Inverness!!

[camo]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Bicycles are a _must_ for Culbin! It's a huge area with planted pines on a grid of landrover tracks. I've been there several times, but unless you're a connoisseur of pines it's a pretty dour place frequented by clegs! I'll not bother visiting it again, unless with a guide with local knowledge.

Jim

Sorry Big Bill I have to agree with Jim, my only visit (two weeks ago) was boring as any birds were so high I could only get flashes. I did see a Crossbill at a distance, I think it must be better if you know the area and benefit from a guide.

However although I won't rush to return to the woods Culbin Sands is another thing and I will certainly give myself a day out on the beach and dunes

Bill can you give us some tips on getting the best out of Culbin Woods.

Monkey, it is close now have a great time and we look forward to hearing about your travels.

Roy

[hammock monkey]

Hi Big Bill,
thats very good to offer to do all that - i've written down everything everyone's said and i'll see what I can fit in once i'm there.
...most likely it'll be a bus ride south one day, and north the other.

4 weeks to go...cant wait...there's nowhere quite like Scotland...not sure what it is about the place, something about the light and the air I think...

[hammock monkey]

'just got back - had a really great time

high point for me was the Kincraig Highland Wildlife Park. They have wildcats, and as much as it hurts to see them caged, they seemed pretty happy (the breeding program is going great) and they even let my wife and I help feed them... loved it.
Had a really good chat with the cats main keeper, Dave. Nice chap and very knowledgable.
Getting that close to the cats for that long was amazing - surpassed my expectations many times over.
I have a lifetime ambition to see one in the wild, seeing them up close has inspired me to crack on with that.
'Rest of the park was great, I especially loved the fact that they generally concentrate on UK endangered species...although they seem to be expanding into more exotic animals.

Another high point was hill walking in Aviemore... so beautiful. Saw a peregrine falcon, climed a mountain, made a friend...fantastic.

Its all highly recommended, Inverness's 2nd hand book shops are fantastic, Leakys is the kind of place you could easily spend a whole day (plus the fact it isnt particularly well organised!) - its like stepping into a film set.

'looking fw to going back already

[camo]

Hi HM

Glad you had a good time it is a fabulous place. Did you see any Dolphins or Otters?

Roy

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by hammock monkey

'just got back - had a really great time

high point for me was the Kincraig Highland Wildlife Park. They have wildcats, and as much as it hurts to see them caged, they seemed pretty happy (the breeding program is going great) and they even let my wife and I help feed them... loved it.
Had a really good chat with the cats main keeper, Dave. Nice chap and very knowledgable.
Getting that close to the cats for that long was amazing - surpassed my expectations many times over.
I have a lifetime ambition to see one in the wild, seeing them up close has inspired me to crack on with that.
'Rest of the park was great, I especially loved the fact that they generally concentrate on UK endangered species...although they seem to be expanding into more exotic animals.

Another high point was hill walking in Aviemore... so beautiful. Saw a peregrine falcon, climed a mountain, made a friend...fantastic.

Its all highly recommended, Inverness's 2nd hand book shops are fantastic, Leakys is the kind of place you could easily spend a whole day (plus the fact it isnt particularly well organised!) - its like stepping into a film set.

'looking fw to going back already

Good on you pal. Sounds a good trip. Any photos to share perhaps?

Regards, Chris

[hammock monkey]

Originally Posted by camo

Hi HM

Glad you had a good time it is a fabulous place. Did you see any Dolphins or Otters?

Roy

Hi Roy,
afraid not, we walked a good few miles along the Ness, very populated although absolutely beautiful in the sunshine. No otters though, I'm guessing they're either futher towards Loch Ness or further in the other direction? not sure.
Unfortunately the dolphn boat trips weren't running. We found the portacabin, called them but they said they wouldn't be starting until May. Bit of a shame but going to Avimore and spontaneously going mountain walking (below snow line) was great.
The best thing about it was that my wife didnt think she could do it, and as we wandered along the path we met an older lady (a pro cross country ski instructor who was out walking her dog) who essentially joined us and inspired my wife to reach the top.
After the past few years it was a big psychological step for my wife to realise she could quite easily get there.

...hopefully its going to lead to a lot more of it

Hi Chris,
We did take a lot of photo's, although I didn't get round to buying a dslr beforehand.
I did use my compact to take video of the wildcats - maybe I should put it on youtube?
My wife's new compact seems pretty good - we'll get all the pictures together and put the half decent ones up.

'still scratching my head wondering how 2 days can be so good!?

cheers

[hammock monkey]

as expected, most of the pics of the wildcats are blurred but I took a good few video clips of them, I've started putting them up on youtube, here's one to begin with.
and another.

...i dont think Sir Dave has too much to worry about just yet

cheers