Boston Dynamics Big Dog (new video March 2008)

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1czBcnX1Ww

Sent from my iPod

Canvas

What about one of these as a canvas filler?

These are just mock ups I did in photoshop for ideas. Got inspiration from a painter called Pam Carter.

Linn Park

Took a walk to Linn Park today. This is the second largest park in Glasgow, full of history and wildlife. It is the location of Cathcart Castle and the viewpoint where Mary Queen of Scots watched the battle of Langside before fleeing to England. It was a soft day and the 1.5 mile walk is one I should have made sooner. The park is huge with the river Cart flowing through. Birds include the usual mallard, wren, tits, robin, sparrowhawk even a dipper was spotted. Light was at a minimum so didn't get many shots. However on the walk home along the river a kingfisher was glimpsed in the dusk, the second time I've seen one on the river!

The Freeze Sets In

Things are cooling down nicely. Hope we're getting enough white stuff on the hills. Been snowfall in Glasgow and this morning risked life and limb going to work on the frozen canals that were Glasgow's pitiful cycle paths.

White Cart Way

From Ruanaich.com

A beautiful sunny Autumn day. A stroll along the river in front of my flat. Leaves in bright colours and lots of life on the river. Was lucky enough also to see the bright blue buzz of a kingfisher after a passer by mentioned its presence. After 2 years its nice to know there's such life in Glasgow.

Early Snow

Cold temperatures and some early flurries are helping prepare Glencoe for a good season. Keep everything crossed for a continuation of these conditions and another corking snowboard season.

Lots of pain and no glory

Glasgow leg of the British Snow tour. I decided to enter this indoor event with nerves that go with any comp. After about 5 practice runs on the tight course I almost had it. 6th run and I went heelside off the first double woops then dropped 3-4 foot onto my lower back. The next day i'm still sore.

Microsoft Zune To Release Joy Division Player | 24/04/2008

Microsoft Zune To Release Joy Division Player | 24/04/2008
| New Order Online - A New Order / Joy Division Web Site: "Microsoft is readying a Joy Division edition of its Zune MP3 player to coincide with the June 10 release of an eponymous DVD about the band."

Dot and David's Wedding 11th July

Played usher at brother's wedding at Ross Priory, Loch Lomond. It was
a lovely outdoor humanist ceromony. Weather held up and after formalities we headed to the bar for drinks and a Ceilidh.

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Loch Lomond Cycle 25th July 2008

As we did last year we took the bikes down the cycle path to Balloch
from Glasgow. This time however we headed up via Crow Road to meet
Niels at Lock 27 in Anniesland. It was a warm evening but the journey
down was pleasant enough. Drinks and chips were consumed before Jon
and myself got the train home. Emma took Niels back in the car.

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Crawford's Stag do 1-4 August 2008

Easy Jet flight from Glasgow on the Friday to Berlin. On arrival we
had some beers at the hostel then moved on to the beer festival for
real. Over a mile of tents hosted beers from around the world and over
the next three days we just about covered the whole lot. On the last
day we did manage to squeeze some culture in. Walking up to the
Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. Good beers, good weather and good
company. Not a lot could be said for the music however.

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David's Stag do 28-29 June 2008

Left in morning from Luss on two nifty little speed boats. These took
about ten of us to Inch Cailloch on Loch Lomond. There we had beers
and a barbeque, even a wee walk around the island to see the sights.
After returning to mainland we headed up to the Drover's where we
spent the rest of the evening. After pints and too many sambucas we
then beaded down in the wooden wigwams at Bein Ghlas campsite. The
following morning was hazy and we had a rather rough taxi ride home. A
good night was had by all though.

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Kelvingrove SnoStorm 24th May 2008

I went along to represent Trespass to the Kelvingrove SnoStorm. Niels and Emma popped along to enjoy the sun and snow action.

MNM Birthday Dinner 15th May 2008

Since Mhairi and myself share the same birthday and Niels's is a few days later we popped into a southside eatery for a lovely meal.

Monkey Skull

Do you not think this phone pic looks just like the skull of a monkey? It is actually a random shape caused by packing tape being ripped off and leaving the damaged print.

End of my season

Well it has been a great season, but Nevis Range has decided not to open this weekend so I think I have to concede defeat and realise I'm not going to beat my record season. I was only 3 visits away! I shouldn't be grumbling but I must admit that as I type this there is a rising ebb of depression. Don't know how I'll cope this coming summer. You can never have too much of a good thing. Its just unfortunate the Scottish resorts don't get to much of the paying visitor. Snow definitely wasn't a problem and the amount of blue sky days was also unprecedented.

Let's keep fingers crossed for next season. Hopefully the resorts will be as lucky and provide the wonderful playground they have this past season. For those of you with strong legs and a true passion for sliding on snow, there are plenty of patches left on the hill. I may just have to resort to a few hikes myself. Coe's stash could be there well into the summer, depending on how much rain falls between now and then, Anyway, until next time.

Ruanaich | Snow Diary

Glencoe Closed :(

Just heard today that Glencoe are closing up for the season. Not happy. Tons of snow left up top, but I think it has to do with fuel crisis. I think they could have easily gone well into May. What's worse is I decided to give it a rest this weekend. Weather turned out a lot better than forecast too.
I hope Nevis stays open for next weekend!


The management signed off with this bittersweet comment: "So here we are again, the end of another epic season. On behalf of the Management and Staff we would like to thank you all for your continuing support and we look forward to seeing you all again next season. ROCK AND ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!"

Glencoe, April 19, 2008

Scattered cloud and a brisk wind but plenty of sun and excellent spring snow. Went all over the hill. Deirdre loved the idea of the Flypaper so I had to bite the bullet and show her. did it twice, but it was much easier than last time thanks to the excellent snow and a slightly different route down the right hand side. The canyon is still fun and mugs alley is holding up still with lots of little jumps. Even Thrombosis down the middle. As well as the up rail at Cliffhanger Chair we did the box in the main basin and Deirdre coaxed me into doing the C-box. Got 3quarters along then was thankful of my impact shorts.
Today was great, wind did not hamper things. Temperatures were just warm enough to soften the ice from night before into great soft stuff. Deirdre was excellent on the Flypaper, really confident and she really loves the run.
Hopefully a few more weeks of the season left, although it looks like the weather may start to take a turn for the worse in the coming week. Fingers crossed!
Picasa Web Albums - Michael - Snowboarding - IMG_0004 brig...

France Trip

This is an old video from 2000 documenting our drive down the west coast of France.

The Daily Swarm - Joy Division New Balance Sneakers Really Limited Edition: One pair only

The Daily Swarm - Joy Division New Balance Sneakers Really Limited Edition: One pair only

What do you think of these? If only they were a pair of skate shoes I'd definitely go for them. As a JD fan I'm not offended at all by this sort of thing I'd love a pair!

Glencoe, April 13, 2008

Another great day at Glencoe. The drive up was blue skies until we got to the mountains. High clouds prevented consistent sunshine although we did get brief spells where the sun came through. Snow was still good, starting crisp but eventually softening through the day. Still a bit choppy in areas.
Jon, Niels and myself covered all of the mountain. Etive Glades had just enough to avoid rocks, Main Basin under the poma provided some untouched wet powder and scars for our bases. We also did Flypaper which Niels flew down in a few turns, however my legs went, especially after seeing Jon slide from top to bottom on his back. Hilarious and slightly worrying all at the same time.
Ruanaich | Michael MacDonald

Glencoe, April 12, 2008

What started as a fairly unpromising day turned out to be a Glencoe classic. A lot more sun than was expected, zero winds and fresh snow.
Spring Run had improved and the canyon was fun. Fresh snow had improved out toward Etive Glades and the rails at the Cliffhanger were fun too.
There were no queues to speak of although hopefully busy enough to keep the accountants happy.
Glencoe really comes into its own in the spring and it looks like we're set for a corker!
Picasa Web Albums - Michael - Snowboarding - IMG_0006_2.JPG

Glencoe, April 9, 2008

Gareth gave me a last minute call the night before to come to Glencoe. Did a few checks and I was onboard.
The morning was bright and sunny. As we drew closer to the hill it was obvious this would not be for long. We did however keep great visibility even though it was overcast. The snow is still great. Main basin full, so is Spring Run, although both a bit choppy. Mugs Alley a bit sugary and the Plateau looks like it's on the way out. Would be great to keep that going, but the upper half of the hill is still alive and kicking.
Messed about under the Cliffy Chair, Bumhole at the bottom of the canyon and did the lower rails. Another great full day at Glencoe.
Picasa Web Albums - Michael - Snowboarding - IMG_0003.JPG

Glencoe, April 5, 2008

Jonathan and myself left a bright cool Glasgow after a few failed attempts to get the company car rolling. We arrived at a blustery Coe with company banners and flags. The guys at Glencoe were very helpful, sorting passes, locating good spots for our banners around the ticket office and once on the hill the GPC & Legion guys helped us at the park.
Weather was changeable to say the least. Blue skies one minute, blizzards the next. The snow itself was changeable at first it was hard and choppy, but falling snow improved it slightly and lower down it was quite sugary. The wind picked up and visibility dropped as we dismantled the flags at the park.
There had been some snow loss in the past week because of a thaw, but in general there is still lots of coverage, you can still get right down to the Access chair.

Glencoe, March 31st, 2008

Something strange about having a whole piste to yourself on a sunny March day. That's what I've got now though. Just went down an empty Spring Run & Main Basin! A perfect day apart from being on my own. It is a Monday though and I did leave short notice at 10. Just lucky to scam a car.

Glencoe, March 30, 2008

A grey start with rain in the car park. The snow was falling on the plateau but gradually dispersed and revealed great snow conditions all over the mountain. Irv and Ange arrived a bit late as they forgot the clocks went forward. Unfortunately they seemed to bring the wind with them. Visibility started to deteriorate, so we went to the cafe for a coffee. The sun immediately appeared and we finished our drinks only for the bad weather to be awaiting us on the hill once again.
No matter, at least the snow was coming down, topping up what Coe already has. Ange and Irve left and Deirdre and myself made the Spring Run our last of the day.

Although there was a bit of wind and wet snow, snow conditions themselves were excellent. Wet powder! If you can have such a thing - it is Scotland, so anything is possible. Needles to say, the sun poked out fro the clouds as soon as we descended to the car park!

Ruanaich | Snow Diary

Glencoe, March 23, 2008

Easter Sunday, and I was not sure about the weather. I decided to leave Glasgow in the morning, nick mum's car and head up to Coe for the afternoon and meet Fiona. Webcams showed sun shining down on the mountain, but it was the wind that worried me.
On arrival it was snowing. Good for coverage, not so good for visibility. However clear patches came and went and the snow conditions were great. Glencoe really is getting a solid covering.
From previous thaws there were a few wee icy bits poking through, but nothing worth worrying about. The snow kept coming in waves and this means Glencoe must be doing the best out of any Scottish resorts.
Go to my YouTube page to see a day in my life in Glencoe Half Day.

Glencoe, March 16, 2008

The same windpack powder was a bit choppy and harder this morning, however this started to soften enough to make for a great day. Sunny spells as the not so cold northerly wind whipped the clouds away. Generally good visibility. It looks like there will be plenty of the snowpack to last till the end of the season, maybe into May once again.
The rainbow rail has been dug out along with a few others. The snow has certainly buried many of the main features of the hill.
The spring run once again proved excellent, bowing out convexly with the weight of snow its holding.
Deirdre and myself headed up for today and what a beautiful day it was. Not as cold as predicted and the strong sun at times meant the old pit vents had to been undone at lower level. A few wee jumps were had on rollers and the bum hole at the bottom of the canyon. And full length runs from the top down spring run, main basin to canyon were all great fun on the abundant snow.

Glencoe, March 14, 2008

Windpacked powder slightly wet making first few turns under the cliffy a bit sticky. Once used to it though conditions were excelent. Sunny spells amongst light showers. The hight of some of the drifts was incredible. Haggis trap and most of the canyon was completley filled. The canyon was almost like a new run. Spent most of my time under the cliffy to stay out of the wind and take advantage of the rare terrain change.
Main basin was totally loaded with snow. Rainbow rail was buried and snowcovered all the rocky islands that are usually near the bottom of this area. For a Friday the car park was pretty full. Nice to see people taking advantage of the great late season conditions.

Tignes, France. March 2008

6 Days in Tignes France, started with sunshine and plenty of soft snow. Conditions got a bit colder with a wee bit of snow added midweek. Did pretty much the whole Tignes basin and over to Val D'Isere.

The Chalet Anapurna was a great base with ski in and out conditions. The food provided was excellent and the group of 20 was well catered for.

Check the picasa album for images.

Oban, 15-17 February, 2008

From Oban

Norm's Birthday weekend in Oban, obviously involved too much drink, not enough snowboarding, some poor food, some excellent food, bar pool, darts, sore heads, queazy stomachs and no sea-faris.

Glencoe, February 9th 2008

Misty conditions prevail with warm temperatures and spring snow conditions. There was not a drop of wind but this also meant that the mist did not move and visibility was shocking. Up top snow was plentiful and soft so this was not a problem, however it was very disorientating. Top T-bar was dismounting 1 pylon early due to windblown top. There was quite a bit of snow loss further down with the bridge at the Cliffhanger starting to show through and the very bottom of the Plateau run starting to break up. The plateau poma was fully operational though.

Went up on my own and car park was full. In the hill it still seemed quiet that was until on the rare occasion when the mist lifted you could see people scattered across the mountain. Very strange as the mist also seemed to deaden the sound.

Could do with a top up of snow, but the  base is holding together.

Glencoe, February 2nd 2008

Stu, Jon and myself headed up to Coe from a snowy Glasgow. We had a weather window where the wind had eased just for the Saturday, winds had been ferocious and were due to pick up again on Sunday.

The hill was scoured with the bulletproof base showing through, however where the wind had deposited the softer stuf it was great. Main basin had lovely compacted powder and this also followed the fences lower down. The Wall also allowed for some powdery turns.

Spindrift and the wind made visibility poor at times, but there was plenty of give in the softer snow which made for easier riding.

A full day was had just as winds started picking up again.

Glencoe, January 12th 2008

Fantastic! Fresh snow after a few stormy days. All the way from the summit down to the car park. Not a breath of wind and blue skies all day. About -5 at the top but nice in the sun. Snow firm and wind packed. Spring run best as usual. Lovely consolidated pack. 

The busiest I've ever seen on first sight, however this seems to due to the non existent organising of the car park. Cars dumped all the way down the access road. We ended up parking at the side of the A82 and walking up access road. Although incredibly busy, queues didn't take too long. Gareth, Deirdre and myself had one of the best January days there has been in a long time.

Glenshee, 6th January 2008

Cold with sunny spells. Snow compacted with some crust bit good coverage. Sunshine and occasional cloud. 9 lifts open. A good start to the Scottish season. Winds non existent. Much lighter than forecast.

Fiona, Deirdre and myself headed up to Glenshee for what was a great start to the season. Weather was calm and bright. All good with pleanty of long runs. Only one minor hicup when I landed a kicker on my backside. Over-shot the landing and made a crater that some guys had to fill in. Noticed some lifts did not have their T-bars loaded, was Glenshee caught out by the favourable conditions. The car park was busy but apart from the two chairlifts, queues moved quickly.