6 Jan 2016 - Murray's Monument Circular Walk

The circular walk encompassed several waterfalls all on the Grey Mare's Tail burn with a lovely rest stop at Black Loch and the 'eye' (a forestry sculpture). From there the Grey Mare's Tail path and visited the 150 year old sheep holding pens and yards (y'all know I'd love this - it was FABulous)
In the dry stone walls are the carved heads known as the Quorum (completed 1997 and this is known as 'art in the forest')  Although the walk today was only 4 kms don't be too quick to scoff, there were some steep climbs, challenging inclines and ankle deep mud to negotiate. I really enjoyed this walk and it was a balmy 6°C, with rain expected but it never came. Not so for the next day or two though!

 .....parked and set off up the hill to Murray's Monument admiring the view

leaving Murray's Monument behind I gathered my balance along a level trail for a time

waterfalls large and small everywhere and some gorgeous pockets of forest and old mine 

and leaving this lovely part of the trail it's back to Black Loch and the'eye' for a brew + break

love and hugs from Scotia

5th Jan 2016 - Glenamour Loch

It always amuses me how quickly a new year takes off - I'm sure it's a race towards Easter so we can then wonder where the year is going.
Glenamour Loch, parked up and first walked to Glengarren Loch (through the enchanted forest) and then on to Glenamour Loch.  Leaving the lochs we drove further along the Queens Way to view the Palnure Burn and Clugie Lynn waterfall under the forestry bridge. Doubled back to walk to the Mares Tail waterfall which is near the start point to Murray's Monument (which we didn't finish as the weather came in making it not very enjoyable) Another day for that walk.

Enjoy the pics!

 from just-too-beautiful Scotia  -   even on a very dreich day!

New Year's Eve from Scotland 2015 & The Flood Newton Stewart

This is the worst major flooding Newton Stewart has experienced in living memory . What I did notice yesterday was how many people were out and about but more so, the pragmatic and positive approach and attitude shared among the community. A huge cleanup is underway as I type and new year's eve for many in Newton Stewart will be filled with mixed feelings and emotions but uplifted by the help-thy-neighbour motto and the unselfish dedication of emergency services.
I can't say as I usually do 'enjoy the photos' - but here they are....... this is what I saw. 

 For many it is not over yet.

BTW the date on the photos is out by a day...

the wall did not hold and finally broke, flooding the town centre

thank you

30th December, 2015 

Amid the human tragedy, many were wondering how local celebrities Mr and Mrs Goose & Gander were fairing, and we couldn't believe it - they were found trying to find their usual grassy bank, and later totally exhausted tucked asleep in the closed car park of Sainsbury's supermarket. 

THE END