Edinburgh Festival

Last night visited Edinburgh to go and see some comedy. Got train from Glasgow (one-way single, on Norm's instruction). On arrival at Edinburgh, Norm discovers that his return ticket is not a waste after all as they are running late trains. Bob, Jon and myself however have to look forward to paying full amount to get back, brilliant, great start.

We had a struggle finding a pub to watch the rugby in. Scotland were playing Ireland so we thought that would be a good start to the day. We eventually settled on a Wetherspoons and enjoyed pear cider and a rare Scottish win with trys and everything. The rest after that becomes a bit of a blur.

Weather not so nice but still had to go for chips on the bench, its tradition now! Chips scoffed, off to another pub before meeting Niels at the Pleasance. I was only going to see Simon Amstell so I sat and was taunted as 'Robbie William in disguise' and asked for beard growing tips for an hour while the others went off to see Rob Deering.

On their return it was a quick turnaround to see Amstell. I do remember it being funny but the individual jokes were lost in my residual haze of pear cider and lager. Not sure if its is an indictment on the Festival, but as usual the best laughs were had on the return train at the end of the night.

Photos of the day

Apremont Wedding 26-30 July 2007

Ange & Steve's wedding in Apremont & St. Cristoph where we stayed. Many thanks for the hospitality of both sets of parents. As well as the wedding a great break was had by all invited.

My Photos

Renny's Photos

Paul's Photos

Blood Red Shoes

Today I have been mostly listening to Blood Red Shoes. Let me know if you hear they're coming to Glasgow.

Lots of folk will mention the obvious similarities to White Stripes, however they sound completely different still loud though and the girl is a lot cuter than Meg (sorry Meg).

Ben A'an - A kick up the Trossachs

It was a late start since we weren't prepared so Ben A'an is suggested since it's a small hill, but a fun climb and great views. Jon and myself got train to Westerton where Niels picked us up. It's not long until we get to the north end of loch Achray and the car park for Ben A'an walk. The route through the larch is steep and the atmosphere is very muggy. The sweat is pouring off me already. The fact that whole families with young children are coming down looking remarkably fresh disturbs me. I'll have to comfort myself with the fact that we must be doing it a lot faster! The sun stays with us and we get to the top in 30 - 45 minutes I think. The top is busy with people taking in the lovely views across Loch Katerin to Ben Venue and the Lomonds. We have a long lunch in the cooling breeze before heading back down. Once in the wood again the humidity hits again. I don't know we're never happy. Too hot one day blowing a hooly the next. These are the pleasures I suppose of walking in Scotland.

Control

New film by photographer Anton Corbijn on the life and relations of Ian Curtis is due for release in the UK this coming September. Looks really good. Check out the Youtube trailer. Looks like it did well at Cannes too.
To view other videos on Control. Click the menu button on the Youtube clip.

Glencoe, Sunday 1st April 2007

No April fool today - beautiful weather persists all day.
Clear skys once again lead to lovely spring conditions. A firm pack with corn snow was available in the Main Basin. Flypaper and Spring Run were open but the walk out put me off. Good fun messing about in spring conditions. The Glencoe park looks like its getting there too, The unbroken sunshine and warm temperatures had some folk skiing in shorts and T-shirts, incredible.
Drove up on Sunday morning having got the train from Glasgow to Cardross. Drive up was as spectacular as ever. Deep blue skies and snow scattered mountains. Went up on my own as all others couldn't make it or woosed out somehow. I've got to make the most of it since this is only my second shredding day in Scotland this season. Very poor, still more than many others I know.

Glencoe, Friday 23 March 2007

Took the Friday off work and headed up on my own to Glencoe. A beautiful day from the outset and a lovely drive up the A82. Although Coe has not had much snow the Main Basin was full and enough was there to warrant the best part of a day up there.
Temperatures were quite warm, but the night before had been clear and the snow pack was very firm. The runs had great visibility and both Flypaper and Spring Run were both open although they involved a walk at the bottom back to the Cliffy.
Views from the top were incredible with an inversion cloud banks at the back of the mountain rolled by revealing the tops of neighbouring hills.
Since I was on my own and I needed to get back to Glasgow for a night out I threw in the towel about 2 but it had been worth it as this was my first and potentially my only snowboarding in Scotland this season. This had been due to my earlier Calf injury as well as poor snowfall.
Well I have a few more days to take off work in the following week so maybe I'll get another chance. I'm keen to try out the new Glencoe Snow Park should it get finished in time. Check the links page on Ruanaich.com for more detail.