Sunday 21.07.2013

So if the dog won`t go to the mountain....well, you go on your own. This house-sit has been a pleasant sojourn in a stunning setting which it`s hard to imagine ever getting tired of.......

....but after a while simply looking at it ain`t enough.

So snuck off this morning early, leaving car-averse dog in bed, and headed for Oxen Craig.

Another beautiful summer`s morning,warm and still in the woods...

...a cool breeze above the tree line, a sky full of clouds which still hung over the tops adding a touch of atmosphere.....

.....then back through the woods

returning before dog realised I`d been away.

Three more days staring at the view will be easier now.

Wednesday 10.07.2013

Failed to agree that driving to the Back o` Bennachie was the way to go so we could walk in the woods and possibly climb up Oxen Crag but avoid walking on the busy road.

Thought I was on to a winner as dog bounds enthusiastically into back of car but then he bounds just as enthusiastically out again and sinks to the ground with a look that clearly says "No way, you can`t fool me,cars mean Vee Eee Tee Ess and I`m not getting in".

Well, his owner did warn me he didn`t care for cars.

But it was another perfect summer`s evening so we did walk along the road, dog lunging occasionally at the passing traffic, and made it into the woods at the foot of the hill which were quite magical in the evening light.

Delicate grasses

a rich mix of flowers and scents,

and that familiar backdrop.

Thursday 4.07.2013

Tempus has been doing a serious amount of fugit-ing - whoops, look out there goes June and mind your backs because July has come up behind at a gallop.
And can there be better conditions for an evening walk than a July evening in the north of Scotland, the sun just going behind the hills, bathing the grasses in a beautiful light

casting shadows and silhouettes

making for an altogether magical midsummer atmosphere.

Current house-sitting gig affords stunning views and the delightful company of an Hungarian Vizsla - neurotic and laid back in equal measure, the kind of animal that simply makes you smile.