Great Glen Skiing

Invergarry is fast becoming one of the best winter snow sport destinations in Scotland, if it's not sledging, having a snow ball fight or making snowmen, it's skiing the Great Glen Way. I made it up to the local viewpoint but couldn't see much because of the snow.


Ever seen a dog on a ski slope? No, you know why? Because they (or at least Dylan) are a massive pain in the neck when it comes to skiing. He just about got used to me skinning up the hill but when I took the skins off and set off down the hill he just couldn't comprehend what was happening and kept trying to jump on top of them and eat them, still he wasn't good the first time we took him running either.


I'm sure he'll get the hang of it next time. All was good apart from as I was walking the 500 metres to the bottom of the hill, along a not very snowy, ploughed and gritted road with my skis on my shoulder, first my neighbour Jimmy came past and looked at me like I was from another planet, I then bumped in to Colin from the bowls team who also couldn't believe that I was going skiing.

I was on my own so couldn't get a photo of myself but so you know - I looked the business, orange skis, orange boots, grey trousers, orange jacket, grey hat (thanks mum), I even had orange logos on my gloves... I looked like one of those super coordinated aging french super skiers that whip past you in the alps whilst blowing smoke in your face that look like they are wearing the same gear they bought in the 80's. Cool.

Happy New Year (again)

--Matt

A Seasonal Ski Tour Adventure

My brother Mark and his family have come up for Hogmanay and we managed to get permission from the wives for a morning out as long as we were back by lunch time to look after the kids. My brother thinks he's some sort of ski touring demon so after an alpine start (7.30 am) we headed down to Fersit to tackle the two Munros to the south east which Mark reckoned wouldn't take too long.

I think he only does all this ski touring and ice climbing business so he can look cool in car parks, I got a example of this this morning as we met half a dozen walkers which he impressed before they set off up the neighbouring hills.

After some basic hints and tips from big brother and him trying to tell me you have to shout "lock and load" (he doesn't get out much) we were off.


We made steady progress up to about 750 metres by which time gale force winds and thick fog and dangerous hoar frost conditions and the impending wrath of two wives and three kids we decided to head back down to civilisation and a lovingly prepared lunch - is anyone else still eating turkey?

Mark deciding he has absolutely no idea where we are.

Good fun, shame the weather wasn't better and the "pass out" for a few more hours, maybe I'll start taking the dog for ski tours instead of walks.


Happy new year.

--Matt

New marketing campaign launched!!

Advertising space available to rent, please send enquiries to mail@invergarrylodge.co.uk marked for the attention of Alby.

--Matt

Crafts ahoy!

We've not been up to much since the wee man was born 23 days ago, but we did manage to host a stall at the local craft fair along with our friends Crafty Helen and Winky Lisa and with craft contributions from Alby's Granny and Great Granny - East Yorkshires' finest knitters and Ranger Dave.

As you can see from the photo below we had an excellent looking stall but think it's fair to say we can't afford to give up our day jobs and make a living solely from craft fairs - we spent most of our profits on refreshments at the cafe.

Can you tell where Alby is? (it's like those old spot the ball competitions)...

Alby was without doubt the biggest hit of the day, we really should have been charging for cuddles!


--Matt