tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57785287070640673412024-02-20T07:38:42.105+00:00Walking the Moon!Preparing for the Edinburgh Moonwalk, 16th June 2007lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-56044454731494608812007-06-19T20:15:00.001+00:002007-06-19T20:15:20.978+00:00The right hattitude<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560237458/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1413/560237458_0ec8ccad83_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560237458/">Ready for the off</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>I'd love to see a satellite image of the MoonWalk as all those pink bunnets bob and weave through the streets and into the dawn. We took our first steps through the start gate at 23.46 surrendering our identities and becoming 'the MoonWalk'. We were no longer individuals taking part in a charity marathon power walk. Instead we were a part of a living, breathing, mobile entity that became much more than the sum of it's chattering parts as it pounded the streets like a megalithic pink millipede. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560240022/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1075/560240022_2b3e412f86_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="If you spot yourself shout up - who are you?" /></a><br />The pace was brisk and demanding as we wound our way up and around Arthur's Seat and then back to town and straight up the Royal Mile. Before we knew it the first hour had passed and with it the first four miles. Not a bad pace we thought, but could we keep it up for 26 miles? <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560657145/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1101/560657145_d43cac9d35_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Leith Docks" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560657503/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1396/560657503_8f3d9db488_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mile Marker 17" /></a><br />The amazing thing was we actually did. With the exception of a 20 to 25 minute queue for the loo halfway round we managed to keep plodding on and gradually the miles rolled by with lots of cheers and encouragement from the volunteers posted along the way. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560244588/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1097/560244588_7d47c26b91_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Two miles to go" /></a><br />By the time we reached Holyrood Park again the end was almost in sight. Just two miles left to go. By now we had gone through the pain barrier. We had 24 miles behind us, already 2 miles further than we'd managed before, and with one last pause to stretch out the muscles it was heads down for the grand finish. Endorphins and adrenalin were carrying us the final stretch and by now we were totally focussed on getting to that finish line. Not even traffic was going to hold us back as we sprinted several metres to catch a crossing before the volunteer let the traffic move... not a chance. We knew if we stopped now we might never start again. Against all conventional wisdom we managed to summon up the final reserves of strength for an impressive power walk down the hill and across that line, not forgetting to do a quick time check on the way past.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560660419/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/560660419_32ad92d96d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="WE DID IT!!!" /></a><br />WE DID IT!!!!<br />And in a very respectable time of 7 hours and 50 minutes. What a feeling to know we'd actually managed it and could collect our medals. With our muscles screaming for rest and adopting a work to rule ethic we headed for home on a high and celebrated with ibuprofen and a much needed cup of hot coffee on the train.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-58581569617243019052007-06-18T10:26:00.001+00:002007-06-18T10:26:19.853+00:00Nina's Ark<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560229800/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1409/560229800_e00c9369e1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560229800/">Arriving at Moonwalk City</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Pink Central, the hub of all things MoonWalk. When we arrived it was a cold, dreich Saturday evening and we were anticipating the worst. This is the point when you ask yourself, quite seriously, <i> what the hell am I doing this for? </i> The prospect of 26 miles in the pouring rain was not a pleasant one. Added to that we were having to try to tiptoe through the mire as the field slowly but surely turned into a mudpit courtesy of drizzle and feet. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560645361/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/560645361_9385d6d141_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="The big pink tent" /></a><br />Consoling ourselves with the thought that at least it was only for one night we squelched in confident that if nothing else, there would be good humour and cameraderie among the Moonwalkers. We were, after all, all in the same big, muddy, pink ship. The trip to get here had been a good one having met other walkers, Helen and Fiona, on the train. We struck up a conversation and eventually shared a taxi to the Meadows. We never saw them again after that. I wonder how they got on?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560233626/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/560233626_5568e3f4ec_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Inside the big pink tent" /></a><br />Once inside the tent we began to realise just what a big event it was. 10,000 women (well there were a few men in there too but not too many) make a lot of noise and everywhere was a sea of pink hats and flashing, sparkling, fluffy, jingling, multicoloured bras. Truly a bizarre spectacle. With the party atmosphere in full swing, four hours didn't take long to pass and before we knew it it was time to stow our bags and head out to the start line.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560649969/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1364/560649969_63be9f66fe_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="The Countdown Begins" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560650381/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1193/560650381_e4c2a84c63_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Ready to go." /></a><br />By now we were all just desperate to get going. This is what we came for and the sooner we started the sooner we could get finished and home to a hot bath and bed. Something that was becoming more and more appealing as we donned our plastic ponchos against the rain and tried to stop our feet from slowly sinking into the mud. In about 8 hours it would all be over and hopefully we would be the proud owners of a moonwalk medal.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560235702/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/560235702_7451029942_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Moonwalkers" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560234176/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1193/560234176_229702ef67_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Nearly time to go" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-44104531437094248772007-06-17T15:51:00.001+00:002007-06-17T15:51:09.867+00:00WE DID IT!!!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560661507/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1161/560661507_a612741cfb_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/560661507/">Full Moon medal</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>We actually completed the Moonwalk in a very respectable time of 7 hours and 50 minutes. We're tired and our muscles ache but amazingly we have no blisters or injury and we are delighted to have achieved our personal best both in distance and time. The pace was quick but we kept up admirably and even had the strength (endorphine and adrenalin fuelled as it was) to attempt a power walk for the last 500m to the finish. <br /><br />What an experience, what a night! Despite the aches I am so glad we did this. Six months ago I found it hard to believe that it was possible but we gave ourselves the challenge and we made it happen. I can't thank Red enough for doing this with me. I'm fitter, healthier and we raised a few pounds for a great cause. What more could we ask?<br /><br />More details to follow but right now... I'm off to pamper my aching muscles and feel glad that it's all over.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-48725989650932717502007-06-15T17:49:00.001+00:002007-06-15T17:49:54.213+00:00One day to go...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/517528943/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/245/517528943_61cfa61bc6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/517528943/">The T-Bra</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Wow. It's here already. That has to be the quickest six months ever. I can hardly believe we are actually going to do this tomorrow night. All that's left now is the running around trying to find odds'n'ends like vaseline for the feet and dextrose tablets to keep the energy up. A pack of ibuprofen to keep the muscle pain at bay... oh yes and something to sit on for the four hours in Moonwalk City before we set off. Red and I have opted for foldable 3 legged stools - Walk the Walk suggested blow up cushions but we're saving our puff for the walking. We reckon we'll need it.<br /><br />So, good luck all you other moonwalkers out there. Apparently there are about 10,000 of you. If you're one of them, why not leave a comment and tell us what you thought of the walk? The training alone has been a tonne of fun for us. <br /><br />Just one last thing left to pack... my camera! <br />Watch this space!!<br />Who knows - you might just appear here!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-31663539431856003872007-06-11T20:45:00.001+00:002007-06-11T20:45:12.357+00:00Bra necessities<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/541231267/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1288/541231267_7e76a1993a_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/541231267/">Fluffy stuff</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>The time has come - the end is nigh. And so begins our final week before the big day... er... night.<br /><br />The decoration bit came at last and we had to think of some way of glamming up the over the shoulder boulder holders for our moonlight trek into a world of boobs and muscle fatigue. In the absence of time and inspiration we were left with little choice but to raid our local 24hr supermarket for whatever they had available. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/541122452/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1288/541122452_6dcf7ecce7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Bra necessities" /></a><br /><br />Luckily they had a fluffy heart shaped cushion and some lovely printed voil that I figured would be just the very thing for us. With the cushion suitably dismantled and the voil neatly split we set to work fixing our bras amid a sea of pink fluff that flew everywhere and stuck to everything. In the midst of it all, just as I was modelling my dynamic creation... which incidently would win awards in Ann Summers, I was mortified to find myself face to face with Red's hubby who had just returned home. Needless to say he had no sooner walked into the room than he walked straight back out again in the direction of the kitchen where I suspect he was preparing himself a stiff drink to combat the shock. Hey ho - all in a days work for a Moonatic!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/541122656/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1403/541122656_33d5be2978_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Creative concentration" /></a><br /><br />I bet Lorraine Kelly's not having this much fun.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-49596330316672564832007-06-04T23:47:00.001+00:002007-06-04T23:47:55.231+00:00Wetter than the wettest wet thing in wetland<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/282060327/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/96/282060327_e016532c2c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/282060327/">After the rain</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Ok, I've officially never been that wet in my life outside a swimming pool. We thought we were smart going for a walk around the loch in the heat of a dull but muggy warm day. I, in my infinite wisdom opted to go sans waterproofs thinking it's only a little rain. hmmm oh how wrong I can be. Soaked, soggy, splooshed and dripping. Two rounds were quite enough thanks. I'll stick to doing sit ups on the living room floor and rewarding myself with glasses of wine in future. Wetter is better in, I always say... hehehhe.... hic.<br /><br />On the upside it is great to see the sponsorship building up. We've actually got somewhere in the region of about £240 in pledges and donations between our sheets and the online sponsor page. Thanks everyone who has done this. It's much appreciated.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/390295600/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/390295600_6c377b76b5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="High rise puddle" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-7727764534426034552007-05-28T08:57:00.001+00:002007-05-28T08:57:51.528+00:00Kit & Ca-boob-le<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/517504936/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/517504936_b3ebe4dbab_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/517504936/">Kit & Caboodle</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>It arrived!<br /><br />We are now the proud owners of our walking kit - cap, t-shirt, bra and walker numbers. No turning back coz we even have sponsors. <br /><br />My knee is feeling much better already and I'm feeling much more positive again. A little more rest followed by a gradual increase in excercise and finally perhaps a little strapping to remind me to be careful with it. I <I>AM</I> going to be ready and <I>WE</I> are going to do this thing.<br /><br />All we need now are some ideas on how to decorate our bras. Will it be fluff? Sparkles? Who can tell?</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-45515486336789687102007-05-27T15:21:00.001+00:002007-05-27T15:21:20.856+00:00Kneesy does it<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515955315/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/515955315_eea703671c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515955315/">Beinn an t-Sidhein</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>We added a bit of height this time just for a change. <br /><br />We always opt for the flatter easier routes because we're trying to put in distance in preparation for our Moonwalk. But this time we decided to change the rules slightly. We took a slightly different route on one of our favourite walks between Callander and Strathyre and were rewarded with some spectacular views.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515930554/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/515930554_012c004207_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Creag a' Gheata, Loch Lubnaig" /></a><br /><br />It was a beautiful day and the walking was very pleasant to the point that we even considered stretching it to Balquidder. In the end we walked a little further along the road but not quite as far as Balquidder . It was lunchtime and the lure of a meal and a Guinness was too much to resist. Well it's all part of the experience. I have to wonder though, how we'll cope on the Moonwalk with no pub lunch half way through. Then again, it will be night time and I won't be stopping to take photos every 5 minutes so there's a good chance we could be finished much quicker than we think... and then again...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515958971/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/515958971_7b1ce91932_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="River Balvag" /></a><br /><br />I'm not sure what went wrong this time but by the time we were walking back towards Callander I was feeling pretty rough. Figuring low blood sugar, I scoffed a bag of Midget Gems... for medicinal purposes. Stuff your nut and granola bars, I needed energy. With the energy balance successfully restored I was hopeful of a pleasant return walk but alas it was not to be.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515929100/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/515929100_4c512ac7f5_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Am Fireach" /></a><br /><br />My muscles were aching from the climbing, which though not excessive, was obviously enough to make a difference. But worse yet my knee was beginning to give me considerable cause for concern. Six miles from Callander I was struggling with every step becoming increasingly painful until I could barely manage the snail-y speed of 1mph. Not good. Eventually as we reached Leny Falls I had to concede defeat and let Red go on ahead for the car. Meanwhile I hobbled a further mile and met her at Kilmahog where she picked me up... just one mile short of the end. Grrrrr.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515928854/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/515928854_ac8d5ef0a7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Loch Lubnaig from Dail an Dubh Shruith" /></a><br /><br />I'm so disappointed in myself for not making the final mile but I really was finding it tough and though I would have done it, it would have taken me another hour to get there. As Red pointed out, the further I walked on a dodgy knee the more damage I could be doing. It's only 3 weeks to the Moonwalk, and I really don't want to be dropping out now. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/515952035/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/515952035_0ce4bda8b9_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Falls of Leny" /></a><br /><br />I'm now seriously worried about the Moonwalk. What if I really can't do it.? We've been building up to it all these months and now it's looking like it could be a bust. I really hope not. Meanwhile I need to consider just how I use these 3 weeks. Rest, walking, strength exercises? Not being an expert I guess I have to be careful I don't make the wrong choice. After dragging Red this distance I don't think she'd appreciate me bailing at this late stage.<br /><br />What to do???<br />Answers on a postcard please...</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-58381991988030434222007-05-15T09:32:00.001+00:002007-05-15T09:32:05.353+00:00A little friendly support<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28167437@N00/152315709/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/152315709_f55735de91_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28167437@N00/152315709/">101_0149</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/28167437@N00/">lil'z</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>I can't take credit for this image but I just had to blog it with a thought for the day. It's a bit on the smooshy side, I know, but I just wanted to say a big thanks to Red for being supportive - and buying chocolate - when I accidentally poisoned my car.<br /><br />A Friend Is Like A Good Bra<br />Hard to Find<br />Supportive<br />Comfortable<br />Always Lifts You Up<br />Never Lets You Down or Leaves You Hanging<br />And Is Always Close To Your Heart!!!<br /><br />1-2-3 Awwwwwwwww =O)<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------<br />Breast Awareness Bra Fence, Wanaka, New Zealand</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-23366595831928914702007-05-14T09:56:00.001+00:002007-05-14T09:56:22.396+00:00Whang Dang!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497594308/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/497594308_5cac19148d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497594308/">Doorway to light</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>What a cracking walk... literally. <br /><br />Today's adventure went off road somewhat heading for what is known as The Whangie. Strange but true. A couple of miles north of Carbeth on the A809, we pulled into Queens View car park and headed up... and up... and up the Auchineden Hill, braving bogs and cow pats in search of this unusual geological feature.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497624327/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/497624327_b37563f40d_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="The Whangie" /></a><br /><br />To explain the Whangie is a geological fault that is about 50 ft deep and 300 ft long. and was probably caused by glacial movement way back in the dim and distant past. The more colourful explanation however is the local myth suggesting that it was a crack caused by the devil whipping his tail during a meeting with witches and warlocks. Either way it's an interesting walk and popular with climbers although they were hiding on our visit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497625567/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/194/497625567_7b599d0765_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="The Whangie" /></a><br /><br />The walk from the car park over to The Whangie is about 1.5 miles - so not very far... unless you're us. It's pretty unclear as you go, which path you're meant to take and at one fork we opted to go up the hill (following the people) taking us up to a fairly level area of bog, marsh and cow pats surrounding a trig point. The views from up here were pretty spectacular. To the north - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, to the west - Burncrooks reservoir, to the south Glasgow and the northern suburbs and to the east, Strathblane and the Campsie Fells. Beautiful enough on a dullish day but on a clear day this would be even more amazing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497625905/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/497625905_927d0a1eaa_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Loch Lomond" /></a><br /><br />But of course it wasn't a clear day... or particularly sunny and bright - no. Fortunately it wasn't raining but that didn't really make any difference to the going. This was, quite something else and more than once we found ourselves trying to leap across burns and bog and not a few quagmires into the bargain. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497626083/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/497626083_32cf89d9c5_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Euch" /></a><br /><br />Us? Shy away from adversity? Never!<br /><br />We just kept plodding on... in roughly the wrong direction. Ho hum. We were so caught up in the views from the top of the hill that we forgot to watch where everyone else was going and headed off the wrong way. It was a lovely walk, wade, walk, wade, but eventually we realised that we weren't getting anywhere close to our destination and decided to retrace our steps... wade, walk, wade, walk... <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497621727/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/497621727_7a90b2886b_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Rough going" /></a><br /><br />What we should have done was taken the lower fork in the path which leads straight to the Whangie... but we didn't know this. So we went the long way round and in the process were rewarded with the views I mentioned earlier. Not to worry. We got there eventually and it was well worth the trek.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497597008/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/497597008_36499d094f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Auchineden Hill" /></a><br /><br />And that was it. Whanged! All done bar the wade, clamber, walk, stumble back to the car for a well earned banana and a fresh pair of unmuddy shoes. Only that wasn't really it... was it?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/497620969/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/497620969_c92f5b6c63_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Across the marsh" /></a><br /><br />Oh we made it off the hill okay, and in one piece which I considered impressive given some of the rough ground. We jumped in the car and headed for home to the tune of my dashboard playing the bagpipes and asking for fuel. I duly stopped and filled her up with petrol - as you do... if you happen to have a car that runs on petrol.<br /><br />DANG!<br /><br />Or similar four letter words to that effect. Six miles from home and we were stuck in a petrol station with my poorly wee diesel buggy filled to the brim with the wrong fuel. And guess who forgot to pack her AA card. <i>Doh! </I>The good news is they came anyway and towed us home but that was all they could do - being a Sunday there was no garage open and no hope of getting her running again. Sorry Foggy. (Yes I'm one of those sad women who names her car - deal with it).<br /><br />And there ended a lovely day. Understandably there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth from my husband and subsequently much draining of funds from el credit cardito. But also a valuable lesson was learned. Never trust the bright green circle inside my petrol cap that seems to suggest it might take unleaded... it doesn't. <br /><br />Before I go I should mention that The Whangie is also a popular destination for scouts and guides visiting the local outdoor centre at Auchengillan. And in the spirit of this it just remains for me to start a sing song. All together now, after three...<br />1 - 2 - 3 <br /><I><br />Lidie is a diddy<br />Lidie is a diddy<br /></I><br />!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-74994311464823872772007-05-11T21:46:00.001+00:002007-05-11T21:49:00.635+00:00Mammories are made of this...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480172037/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/210/480172037_6f0382fc35_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480172037/">The Paps of Jura</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span> <p>I have to thank my friend Angie for this one - she sent this through on an email and I just had to share it with you... so with my tongue firmly in my cheek, let's go.<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Many women are afraid of their first mammogram, but there is really no need to worry.<br /><br />By taking a few minutes each day for a week preceding the exam and doing the following exercises, you will be totally prepared for the test and best of all, you can do these simple exercises right in and around your home<br /><br /> EXERCISE ONE:<br /><br />Open your refrigerator door and insert one breast in door.<br /><br />Shut the door as hard as possible and lean on the door for good<br />measure.<br /><br />Hold that position for five seconds.<br />Repeat again in case the first time wasn't effective enough.<br /><br /> EXERCISE TWO:<br /> <br />Visit your garage at 3AM when the temperature of the cement<br />floor is just perfect.<br /><br />Take off all your clothes and lie comfortably on the floor with<br />one breast wedged under the rear tyre of the car.<br /><br />Ask a friend to slowly back the car up until your breast is<br />sufficiently flattened and chilled.<br /> <br />Turn over and repeat with the other breast.<br /><br /> EXERCISE THREE:<br /><br />Freeze two metal bookends overnight.<br />Strip to the waist.<br />Invite a stranger into the room.<br />Press the bookends against one of your breasts.<br />Smash the bookends together as hard as you can.<br />Set up an appointment with the stranger to meet next year and do<br />it again.<br /><br /> CONGRATULATIONS!<br /> YOU ARE TOTALLY PREPARED!<br /><br />-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Don't forget to have a mammogram!!!!!!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-61617603768177141082007-05-08T20:49:00.001+00:002007-05-08T20:58:51.065+00:00Beauty and the bay<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/487970790/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/487970790_f6648fb926_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); width: 275px; height: 208px;" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/487970790/">Port Ellen, Islay</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span> <p>So just a few short hours left to enjoy the sunshine and scenery. It's all gone so quickly and it hardly seems any time since we were disembarking from the ferry at the start of our weekend. It's true what they say - time definitely does fly when you're having fun. Rather than bemoan the fact that it's nearly time to leave however, we elected to squeeze the best from the time we had left and took a wander around the bay at Port Ellen. I'm not even going to post between these shots. These are some of my favourites from the weekend and nothing I can say can do the scenery any justice... so justice once isa gonny shut it!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/484991448/" title="Photo Sharing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/484991448/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 394px; height: 541px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/484991448_fdf9aaed3b.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/484992340/" title="Photo Sharing"><br /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/484992340/" title="Photo Sharing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/484992340/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 392px; height: 520px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/484992340_447d773938.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485734831/" title="Photo Sharing"><br /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485734831/" title="Photo Sharing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485734831/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 390px; height: 294px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/485734831_a3471b617c.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485709388/" title="Photo Sharing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485709388/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 390px; height: 295px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/202/485709388_d07922b28e.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a></p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485709198/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 386px; height: 291px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/485709198_ddfa603fe1.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a><br /><br />And that's basically it. All done and dusted. A fantastic weekend walking through some of the most beautiful landscapes with the warm smell of peat smoke lingering in the air. What could be better?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/487996529/" title="Photo Sharing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/487996529/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 390px; height: 293px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/487996529_af74a74e7e.jpg" alt="Moonwalkers, Port Ellen, Islay" /></a><br /><br />Four very tired but happy moonfeet later we have a whole lot of wonderful memories and a very sound intention to return. Not only that but given the distances we covered we feel confident that the Moonwalk, though still a challenge, is not outside our grasp. It might hurt a bit but we can definitely do it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/487971612/" title="Photo Sharing"><img style="width: 392px; height: 537px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/487971612_06e29ddbca.jpg" alt="Homeward bound" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-6930452371586152772007-05-07T13:39:00.001+00:002007-05-07T13:39:13.885+00:00Ruins & Relics<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485734583/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/485734583_a5d8f21908_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485734583/">Port Ellen, Islay</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>And no I don't just mean us!<br /><br />One thing that abounds on Islay, no matter where you go, is evidence of her history. Everywhere you look there are ruins and relics from the past whether it's just a derelict cottage, a standing stone, a church, a cross, a hill fort... the list is endless. At one time there were over 15,000 inhabitants on the island. Today there are just 3400.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480159759/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/480159759_0c69343fa1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Ruin near Ballygrant" /></a><br /><br />Right from the start of our break we were faced with ruins and we hadn't even reached Finlaggan yet where the most famous ruins of all still sit in evidence of the era of the Lord of the Isles.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480162846/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/480162846_4d33fe22d4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chapel ruin, Finlaggan" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480989737/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/480989737_b47533ff98_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Ballygrant Cross, Islay" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481596955/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/481596955_7ce87569b0_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Bridgend Tower, Islay" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480172441/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/480172441_c16b4630b1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Standing stone at Finlaggan" /></a><br /><br />Sadly the ruins aren't confined to the ancient past. We also came across many buildings that had obviously been in use until very recently before falling into disrepair. The most striking example of this was the Islay Hotel in Port Ellen. The beautiful old building is in a prime location but has suffered greatly from a lack of funding and basic love and care. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485025803/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/203/485025803_0ac970a99e_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully the issues surrounding this will improve soon but in the meantime it stands as evidence of a community still balanced very much on the knife edge of economy. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/484990454/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/484990454_290e04c68a_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-24762931863994607832007-05-06T11:31:00.001+00:002007-05-06T11:33:32.559+00:00Malty mania<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480159071/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/480159071_86b4eb8077_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480159071/">One very happy Red</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span> <p>Okay so we've covered some of the walking stuff on Islay... all well and good as that was the main purpose of the trip. The Moonwalk is approaching and we definitely need the training. But reason number two was definitely the draw of the peat. There are an astonishing number of distilleries on this little island and we made a point of getting within visual distance of at least a few. First on the list was Laphroaig - Red's tipple of choice. She says she enjoys the medicinal quality... haha - I think it smells like hospitals myself. Way too much bromide in there for me but it is definitely a favoured drop by many.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485742131/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/485742131_c7329ee538_m.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />The thing to bear in mind of course, is that peat is everywhere on Islay. You only have to look at the colour of the burns as they bleed into the sea to realise just what a rich resource it is. Small wonder there are so many distilleries when you think about it.<br /><br />Our first glimpse of these was from the ferry as we arrived. There are four distilleries on the south of the island that serve as mile markers along the coast.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480156789/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/480156789_901a13d43b_m.jpg" alt="Ardbeg distillery" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />Ardbeg<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480157079/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/480157079_0fcca21ab4_m.jpg" alt="Lagavulin distillery" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />Lagavulin<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480144948/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/208/480144948_d41832d687_m.jpg" alt="Laphroaig distillery" height="180" width="240" /></a><br />Laphroaig<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/485026907/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/485026907_1cdbe5f7f4_m.jpg" alt="Port Ellen, Islay" height="240" width="180" /></a><br />And the now closed, Port Ellen, although the Maltings in Port Ellen are still very much alive pumping the glorious smell of peat smoke into the air and providing the remaining distilleries with their principle ingredients.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481597138/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/174/481597138_c1afdafd95_m.jpg" alt="Bruichladdich distillery" height="176" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Of course no trip would be complete for me without a wander past Bruichladdich. <i>Humina humina. </i> Yup I like it light and sweet and the free taster of their 12yr old malt put wings on our feet for the return walk to the hotel that day. It's what's known as piggy heaven - you take something you love and just wallow in it. Some people like mud - me I prefer a dram... hic!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482952742/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/482952742_e236615666_m.jpg" alt="Think Pink" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /><br />So all in all we did not too badly - we missed Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain and Caol Ila but that just gives us even more of an incentive to return... oh yeah like we really needed another one. Meanwhile we take great pleasure in remembering our Think Pink haze of delirium as we hiccupped our way back to the hotel for dinner... oh yes... and more whisky... hic!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-36516660868359032007-05-05T15:27:00.001+00:002007-05-05T15:27:07.610+00:00Buddies<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482940073/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/204/482940073_bf009c2a7c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482940073/">Spring</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>There's nothing quite like taking a break away with friends to find out how well you get on with them. I can't speak for Red but I for one didn't want this weekend to end. Before we left Ballygrant we decided to take one more short walk down to the loch. We missed walking this on our arrival because the ferry put in at Port Ellen instead of Port Askaig but we didn't want to waste a chance to at least see a small part of it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482940369/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/482940369_c277d243f3_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="The road by Loch Ballygrant, Islay" /></a><br /><br />There was just time before our lift down to Port Ellen to take a quick walk down through the village to the lochside and snap a few more pics before we had to say goodbye to Ruby - our hilarious hostess with culinary skills to rival even my Gran... and I don't say that lightly I promise you. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482940487/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/482940487_af79589a9e_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Primrose" /></a><br /><br />It was pretty sad to be going so soon. We crammed a lot into our stay but there was so much more we wanted to do. There was still the rest of the walk past Finlaggan up to Bunnahabhan and back down the coast past Caol Ila. That's definitely on for a future visit. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482931774/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/482931774_c35625449f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Timber" /></a><br /><br />There was also the walk past the three lochs, Allen, Lily and Ballygrant, or up through the Lossit estate where the remains of an ancient cairn are still visible. And all that in one small corner of the island. They all have to wait for another time. And to top it all our friendly Bird of Prey came back out for another fly past, giving us one more chance to catch a picture. It couldn't have been a more perfect way to finish.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/482940733/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/482940733_87d0c38d16_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Golden Eagle???" /></a><br /><br />It's pretty rare to find someone that sees life in much the same way and has similar if not identical interests. Before we took off for the weekend I confess I was a little worried that we might begin to get on each others nerves spending so much time together. But for me it just wasn't the case although I daresay Red will have many tales of my resonant snoring or how I grind my teeth or something... ulp! I really had a lovely time and whatever else I do in the future I will remember this weekend as one of the best. Partly because of the amazing scenery but mostly because it was spent with a good friend.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-84442686883264573242007-05-03T17:13:00.001+00:002007-05-03T17:13:23.892+00:00Lord of the Isles<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480164902/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/175/480164902_157566c127_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480164902/">Standing stone at Finlaggan, Islay</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>In the middle ages Islay was a seat of power for Clan Donald which ruled the west coast of Scotland from Lewis to Kintyre virtually independantly of any royal power. The centre of activity was Finlaggan where ruins remain today on two small islands to the north end of the loch. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480979900/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/480979900_5d7f0a1d5f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Prey" /></a><br /><br />Finlaggan is approximately 2 miles north of Ballygrant which made it a must for an evening walk last Friday. Okay so it's not very far but we knew we would be doing the distance thing the following day and decided this would be an excellent way to ease ourselves into the way. Better yet as we headed north we spotted what we think may have been a golden eagle. With virtually no wind and a clear sky conditions were perfect for a wander and it wasn't long before we were soaking up the atmosphere and the history.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480162846/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/480162846_4d33fe22d4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chapel ruin, Finlaggan" /></a><br /><br />Of course, being the organised people we are, we'd arranged a time for dinner and were soon conscious that that time was approaching and we still had to walk back the two miles. But hey... we're on island time now. Everything is a little bit later on an island. So technically we had plenty of time for a few more pictures... really.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480173971/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/480173971_1521f73471_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Finlaggan walkway to the Lord of the Isles" /></a><br /><br />That said, we are girls who like our food and our stomachs were grumbling for some attention, so we didn't hang about too much longer. A quick jog back down the road and we were ready to demolish whatever was put down in front of us... and demolish it we did, every last bit. One thing was for sure, we weren't going to starve on this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480177241/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/480177241_1a534bfef6_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Finlaggan walkway" /></a><br /><br />For anyone interested, there are more pics where these came from. Just click on any of the images to be taken to the complete set on flickr. And look out for the next post tomorrow.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480164756/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/480164756_07442175d7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Reeds on Loch Finlaggan" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-71957253923085181182007-05-02T19:53:00.001+00:002007-05-02T19:53:23.462+00:00Oddity is a commodity<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480989149/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/480989149_2add084852_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480989149/">Conical comical</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>You better believe it!<br /><br />One of our first conversations on the island took place while we stood by the side of the road. A van pulled up and with a grin as wide as the Clyde the man inside asked "are you waiting for a bus?" We nodded in assent, "that's right." To which he replied, "Aye well there might be one. You just never know. Remember you're on an island now!" <br /><br />Fortunately our bus did arrive at that point but little did we realise how prophetic his words of wisdom would be.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481700607/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/481700607_cd03ea5351_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="There might be a bus..." /></a><br /><br />Incidently, this has to be the most bizarre and confusing bus timetable I've had the misfortune to cross eyes on. And just when we thought we had it sussed we noticed the box telling us that actually there probably wouldn't be a bus until the ferries were running from Port Askaig again!!! <i>Taxi!!</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481727914/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/224/481727914_97372ef1fc_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Ruff ride" /></a><br /><br />The result was we walked everywhere, which was good as it was kinda the point of the weekend. We are after all just six weeks away from the Moonwalk. Doesn't time fly? We had to revise our original plan to walk over to the west coast as it was just too far for us to get there and back on foot. We did consider hitching a ride on a quad bike being kept ticking over by a dog. No really - and that was without alcohol. But in the end we made the decision to walk from Ballygrant to Bruichladdich - a very respectable 11miles - and then back again... hobble hobble ow!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481597212/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/481597212_8a7d7ac736_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Bruichladdich distillery" /></a><br /><br />Luckily while we were in Bruichladdich the girls in the shop took pity and handed us tasters of some very yummy 12yr old whisky. For purely medicinal purposes you understand. If it wasn't for the fact we were walking and would have to carry the extra weight we would most definitely have bought more than a couple of miniatures to take back with us. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481712984/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/481712984_957e2e566b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Bruichladdich...hic" /></a><br /><br />Ironically as we tramped our way around Loch Indaal and along the road to Ballygrant we were approached not once but twice by well meaning locals offering to give us a lift to our destination. Now where else on earth do you find people offering lifts to total strangers??? Not only that but every other car that passed waved at us as we plodded on. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/481598468/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/481598468_9959b4cd30_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Loch Indaal, Islay" /></a><br /><br />This has got to be the friendliest place I've yet encountered. It was particularly good because after all the waving back with our left hands we had an excuse to raise our right hands in the evening complete with compensatory weight in the shape of an Islay Ale in a toast to the local pirate... honest!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/480980690/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/480980690_d7d374ab43_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="There be pirates on this island" /></a> <br /><br />Slainte!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-8123281071022562282007-05-01T07:58:00.001+00:002007-05-01T07:58:15.094+00:00Reflecting on last weekend<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/478843112/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/168/478843112_77ecd188d6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/478843112/">Ardgarten, Gare Loch</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>We couldn't have had a better start to the weekend. Yes it finally arrived, and what a weekend it was too. It's hard to believe it's all over now but the good news is we had a wonderful time and the weather was perfect. Oh yes and we took photos... lots and lots of photos. In fact there is a good chance we have somewhere in the region of about 600 lurking on our memory cards which is pretty obscene when you consider we were only away for three days.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/478847984/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/478847984_be40f1c8e2_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Tarbert, Loch Fyne" /></a><br />That said it was difficult to avoid ooohing and aaahhing at all the scenery as we headed round to Kennacraig for the ferry. In the interests of posting some of those images here I'm going to split the blog over the next few days. Trust me. The scenery is well worth the wait.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-82608700315470422462007-04-22T11:16:00.001+00:002007-04-22T11:16:14.367+00:00www. hic<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/468166865/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/468166865_a84ee97477_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/468166865/">Islay</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Less than a week to go and are we excited... oh hell yes! Why??<br /><br />It's time for our Whisky Walking Weekend hence the www.<br />We're dumping the rugrats on the Daddies and we're off for a girly weekend tramping round Scotland's tropical Isle ostensibly to train for the Moonwalk... oh who are we kidding? We're off on a freedom ride to Whisky World. Point of interest - have you ever noticed how Walt Disney sounds remarkably like Malt Whisky? <br /><br />Now obviously, as we are raising awareness of Breast Cancer and the ways it can be detected or even to some extent avoided, we have to point out that alcohol is a known risk factor. With that in mind we are clearly not going to be silly about this. Everything in moderation, as my Gran was always fond of saying. So we will be considering the potential hazards of over indulgence and imbibing only on what is medically necessary to anaesthetise our poor, aching, blistered feet. We will have a moderate amount of Bruichladdich, a moderate amount of Laphroaig, a moderate.... you get the picture.<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/468180572/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/208/468180572_f6f0562f7b_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Bruichladdich" /></a><br />So we had another 9k stroll around Broadwood in the rain this morning where we discussed the mutual humiliation experienced at our respective job interviews through the week before getting down to the business of planning the minutiae of next weeks jolly. After our interviews we were both in need of some retail therapy to ease our stress with the result Red has invested in some new trainers and I in a pair of lightweight breeks that fold into their own pocket for traveling. Unfortunately they don't iron themselves when they emerge from said pocket but what did I expect for £40?</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-13148167387414799592007-04-16T22:13:00.001+00:002007-04-16T22:13:06.581+00:00Round the bend<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/460550681/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/460550681_54be130458_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/460550681/">Kilsyth in distance</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Are we insane???<br />We took another walk on the Forth & Clyde canal - this time continuing on along a 7m stretch from Auchenstarry Basin to The Stables Restaurant in Kirkintilloch and back again. Just 14m and my legs and back were really beginning to feel it. How on earth will we ever cope with nearly double that distance? As much as I'm loving the walks I'm now beginning to doubt myself. What if I really can't do this by June 16th?<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/460539046/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/460539046_2d712e7419_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Joe's Wharf" /></a><br />I'm going to blame my poor attitude on the fact that spent the night in sleepless contemplation of a forthcoming interview and didn't have nearly enough to eat or drink before we set off. Not very wise. I realise that I need to buck up a bit - particularly as Red and I have an entire weekend of walking planned for a fortnights time and we do intend to cover a full 26m in the process. <br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/460546365/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/247/460546365_8948741fa0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Kirkintilloch" /></a><br />Ambitious?? Well yes but then we are counting on the anaesthetising effects of our ventures into the land of distilleries. Ooooh piggy heaven. We'll either float the distance on small fluffy clouds or we'll walk twice as far because we can't make a straight line. Either way - I fully intend to enjoy it. In the meantime, it's on with the shorter hops along the canals and around the lochs of our local patch. Who knows - maybe one day we'll even take a detour and visit the Twechar Attractions!!! Who knew these delights were on our doorstep???!!!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/460543202/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/460543202_ee9700ca14_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Twechar attractions" /></a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-22063139635255402692007-04-04T17:31:00.001+00:002007-04-05T22:23:57.225+00:00Recycled<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446196686/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/206/446196686_ce05ba3223_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446196686/">Bedrock Bicycle</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span> <p>We may be shrinking but not from walking. Despite having a quieter couple of weeks while Red dealt with work and conferences and I took care of interviews and job offers we did still manage to squeeze in a couple of circuits of Broadwood Loch. Sadly that's about all we managed but at least it was something.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446198990/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/242/446198990_aa4f01b1e7_m.jpg" alt="Calor Fisherman" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />But that's all behind us now. It was a glorious day today and better yet Red had some time off so we spent the afternoon walking a disused railway line that has been recycled as it were and is now Cycle route 75 from Gourock in the West to Edinburgh in the East.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446198602/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/446198602_507d04b351_m.jpg" alt="Hillend Loch" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Okay so we didn't actually walk all of it. We met up at Hillend Loch just outside Caldercruix and joined the line for 5 miles along to Blackridge then turned and did it all again in reverse.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446198990/" title="Photo Sharing"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446198086/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/446198086_6871f873f2_m.jpg" alt="Airdrie Bathgate railway walk" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Along the way we encountered some very bizarre sculptures and some stunning scenery. Being a gloriously sunny day didn't hurt at all which is more than can be said for my feet. I didn't realise quite how comfy my new trainers were until I wasn't wearing them. There's a mistake I won't be making again.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446204427/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/446204427_d2d98c1054_m.jpg" alt="Lidwit" height="240" width="164" /></a><br /><br />It was such a nice day in fact that I even let Red persuade me to relinquish the camera for a nanosecond during which time she snapped a very rare pic of yours truly. Honest, I do actually attend these training walks. It's not a ruse. Anyway, this was a lovely easy walk and definitely one we would repeat, perhaps by cadging a lift to a different point along the line and walking a longer route in one direction<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/446202813/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/178/446202813_8a71e43699_m.jpg" alt="Hillend Loch" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />That will be us for another couple of weeks as we deal with Easter holidays, families and kids. That doesn't mean we'll be forgetting the training though. In fact we're planning a girls weekend minus distractions at the end of the month and to be honest we're pretty excited about it. More on that one later.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-5659302140328155162007-03-09T20:42:00.001+00:002007-03-09T20:42:07.281+00:00Moonshoes and missing stuff.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/413814840/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/413814840_7646205719_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/413814840/">My Moonshoes</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>The new feet have arrived and I'm waving farewell to blisters. Yeehaw! It was beautiful afternoon so I decided to break these puppies in on a 3k circuit of Broadwood Loch. I figured Red wouldn't mind me conducting the trial in her absence and I could probably cope with up to 1.5k of pain if it all went horribly wrong. It didn't. In fact far from it. I found myself marching round the loch with ease and covered a surprisingly comfortable 18k. Sorry Red.<br /><br />Delighted with the lack of discomfort, I was aiming for the half marathon (21k) and was gearing up for the final circuit when my adrenalin mist cleared for a nanosecond and it occurred to me that something was missing. My shadow.<br /><br />I looked around and began to realise that it wasn't the only thing... the dog walkers were missing, the joggers were missing, the duck feeders were missing, in fact even the sun was missing... no wait, it wasn't missing, it was visiting Australia again while I was losing the feeling in the tip of my nose and my stomach was crying 'cause it thought my throat was cut. Then I remembered I have kids and they were missing their tea. Damn! Failed again as a parent. I'm really rubbish at this mum stuff and now my muscles are screaming at me again.<br /><br />On the positive side, my feet feel great.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-48802390740044371152007-03-06T00:35:00.001+00:002007-03-06T00:35:07.836+00:00It's official!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/411986349/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/155/411986349_77174f5315_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/411986349/">It's official!</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Way Hay! :D<br />The confirmations came in the post today and we are definitely Moonwalking in June. <br /><br />This is the bit where we start asking for money. Apparently there's a way to set up an online sponsor form... you have been warned!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-49709890160158689732007-03-04T12:02:00.001+00:002007-03-04T12:07:57.432+00:00On reflection<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409073179/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/409073179_b9e9358b92_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409073179/">Loch Lubnaig</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span> <p>Despite the aching muscles, sore knees and tired blistered feet I would have to say that yesterday's trek was well worth it. We were greeted with so many stunning views along the way that the miles seemed to disappear surprisingly quickly.<br /><br />I must admit we were a bit concerned as we left Callander in the rain. This could easily turn into a nightmare. No sooner had we started walking than we had to divert to avoid a flood on the track. Ben Ledi had a good covering of snow and the going was pretty muddy. The forecast predicted showers and sunny spells so we remained hopeful that we wouldn't get too wet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409079009/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/409079009_93a5da1bf1_m.jpg" alt="Leaving Callander" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />The route follows a disused railway line north past Kilmahog before narrowing to wind through the forest by the falls of Leny. Beyond this it widens to accommodate the minimal traffic to the forest lodges near the bottom end of Loch Lubnaig. The going was easy for some distance by the loch shore giving us the chance to enjoy the sunshine and the spectacular views. The loch is famed for it's glassy reflections in calm weather and with the rain receding we weren't to be disappointed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409072838/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/170/409072838_5e09f0bef0_m.jpg" alt="road rising" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Lubnaig is known as the loch with the bend and shortly after this we found we were climbing around the base of Arnandave where we ran into a swarm of ramblers coming in the other direction. It's at this point that the scenery really begins to change from the gentler slopes to the more rocky mountains capped in snow. Sadly a lot of this became obscured by the rain which made it's return and stayed on until the last mile through Strathyre.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409070880/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/409070880_1cd9bdfef2_m.jpg" alt="lunchtime destination" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Soaked and hungry we were delighted to finally reach our destination and even more delighted by our welcome at the Strathyre Inn. Within minutes the Guinness was served and our meal was on it's way. This is definitely somewhere we'd recommend and I'm sure we'll be back again at some point.</p><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409070741/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/409070741_7fda2155fd_m.jpg" alt="No we haven't had hailstones... yet." height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></p><p>We set off again in the sunshine but it was at this point that Red took a call informing us that there had been a hailstorm back home and had it reached us... ulp! The rain was miserable enough but hail. With this in mind we set off at an exacting pace in the hope that we could be clear of the mountains before the worst of the weather swept in. As it turned out we reckon that Ben Ledi and Ben Vane bore the brunt of it before it reached us although we still had to cope with the rain again. For my part I was beginning to feel quite soggy even inside all my waterproofs. Fortunately it didn't last too long and by the time we reached Callander again we were aiming for the rainbow that seemed to have it's beginnings just where the car was.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409065471/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/409065471_385a9eef8e_m.jpg" alt="pot of gold" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /><br />Tired and triumphant, those last few steps were slow and tortured but we did it. And next week we'll do it all again. We just haven't decided where yet.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5778528707064067341.post-41493354913113801412007-03-03T21:20:00.001+00:002007-03-03T21:20:06.913+00:00Ow! Ow! Ow!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409065209/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/409065209_411e49f691_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lidwit/409065209/">We made it! 19 miles+</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lidwit/">Lidwit</a>.</span><br clear="all" /><p>Callander to Strathyre... oh yes and back again.<br /><br />19 miles and a bit more for good measure as we avoided the floods. That was 37,691 steps to be more precise. Phew! It was a mighty trek for us but well worth it for the scenery in spite of the vaguaries of the weather system. We developed a real 'on again, off again' relationship... with our waterproofs.<br /><br />We're paying for it now of course as we ache and can barely lift our celebratory whiskies. Who knew walking could be so much work? In fact I'm calling this blog short in the interest of alcohol... and my partaking of it. I can tell you all about the actual walk tomorrow when I've had my beauty sleep.</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Walking the moon
http://redlid.blogspot.com</div>lidwithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06591762215415550320noreply@blogger.com0