NikonGear'23
Travelogues => Future NG Events - and Location Reveries => Topic started by: David Paterson on November 09, 2018, 10:50:49
-
I emailed the owner of Woodlands this morning, just to check, and she replied saying she is no longer the owner.
After I picked myself up off the floor, I asked her to put me immediately in touch with the new owner, and I have just had a long phone conversation wih them. They sound very nice, they live locally, and they said our rental was completely safe and safeguarding the existing rentals (not only ours) was part of the sale/purchase agreement.
It was a nasty little shock, but I am satisfied that our May week is safe from everything except the weather. And Donald Trump, of course. Nobody is safe from him.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi y'all
Not long to go now - less than 4 weeks. The local Tourist Board have not been helpful, and the same goes for the National Trust office - I was wanting to get a few "information packs" like we had here in Killin the last time. But I know the area pretty well so we will manage ok.
A reminder about money. The total cost is £980 and this has been paid in full. A deposit of £250 is reqd in case of damage, etc, and I will give the owner a cheque for that. It is of course returnable unless you guys tear the place up.
I have mentioned previously that the price we each paid was based on 12 participants ; however two members have dropped out so the price per head rises from £81.67 to £98.00 and you owe me £16.33 each 8) 8) 8) Also, since I have plenty of time to do a little shopping, I intend to get a few of the absolute basics so that we can at least snack a little on arrival and have some breakfast on the Sunday. I plan to get -
Tea-bags
Decaff instant coffee, Nescafe Gold Blend
Muesli
Another breakfast cereal
Semi-skimmed milk
Bread
Butter
Biscuits (cookies)
A dozen eggs
Salt and pepper
Mineral water
Apple juice and orange juice
Bacon
Smoked salmon
Rice for Frank
My wife will definitely contribute a couple of jars of her wonderful jam/ marmalade.
If anyone wants something added to the shopping list, just me know. But Beluga caviar and Alaskan oysters are OFF the menu. ;D ;D
I don't want to be paid either the extra cost per head, or the food, until we are all safely in Kintail - the number of members could still change.
See you all in Kintail on 11th May, soon after 4pm (we can't get in the lodge until that time).
All the best,
David
PREVIOUS POST
I have paid in full the rent for our lodge, so the accommodation is secure. At the moment we are 9 plus one possible and as I have mentioned before, the per person cost was calculated when we were 12, so later on there will have to be some adjustment unless new participants join us.
Nearer to the date of our meet-up I will try to get information packs from the area tourist board.
Not much to do now except wait for May 11.
David
(Original 18th Jan post - )
The week beginning 11th May is the clear favourite and we have two lodges holding that week for us - this will only last a day or two. Both are in Glen Shiel in one of the finest areas in the Highlands. One can sleep up to 10 people and will cost approx. £100 per person; the other is much grander altogether but with our present number of members - nine - would cost around £150 per person. This grander lodge can sleep 16-18 people so if we can recruit more members, the price will come down. But this is not certain.
My advice is to go with the smaller lodge; one of our number thinks he will camp rather than sleep in the lodge; also Bent and Gunver will not arrive until the 13th, so we will not be over-crowded.
Unless I hear something different by the end of today, I will go ahead and book the smaller lodge, and pay the deposit.
Dave
-
sounds great, thank you. Are you sure we will not reach 15+???
-
My best wishes of a fun and productive trip to all the participants.
As already explained to David, this week does not work for me, so I am sad to say I will not be joining you.
Glen Shiel is a very beautiful place and I much envy you; you'd better be organised because the nearest shops are a fairly long drive away!
On the plus side, a (long) day trip from there to Skye should be possible, for those interested.
-
Unfortunately I cannot make that week (or the following week).
-
Sounds good, will plan accordingly.
Bent
-
I am looking forward to a meeting in a very beautiful area of Scotland :)
-
Even with a great interest on my part I can not commit. School schedule is pretty much set and can not be avoided. I´ll try to find at least a couple of days to fit a weekend?
-
We are pretty much all singles, wouldn't mind paying 50 pounds more to have my own room and think most of us agree looking back at past events.
-
We are pretty much all singles, wouldn't mind paying 50 pounds more to have my own room and think most of us agree looking back at past events.
I agree with Jan Anne about having some privacy and paying a little extra bu I can't spend other peoples' money without some kind of permission - can I have some more opinions on this - Urgently!
-
The bigger, more expensive lodge has only 8 bedrooms so if we take a few more members, some sharing will be inevitable.
Here is the bigger lodge -
http://www.glenshielestate.com/shiel_accommodation.htm (http://www.glenshielestate.com/shiel_accommodation.htm)
I think the smaller lodge has 7 or 8 bedrooms. I will check again and give more details.
Later. I was wrong - Woodlands, the smaller of the two lodges, has 5 bedrooms - 2 double and 3 twin, plus there are a couple of long sleepable settees - I don't mind having one of those. If Birna and Bent/Gunver have the two doubles; six share the twins, Seapy plans to camp, two rough-sleep that makes 12 possible places.
http://woodlands-glenshiel.co.uk (http://woodlands-glenshiel.co.uk)
Dave
-
As Jan Anne points out the number of bedrooms is the most important factor. Unless we have couples on the trip, the double beds will not be
suitable to share.
(Dave, I did not see your "Later" edit)
-
I need single uninterrupted access to a bathroom in the morning -- otherwise, I'll sleep anywhere shared accommodation or not.
Price is not a primary concern.
-
The big one will take 9 persons, as most rooms will not be shared.
So maybe we should god for this bigger place.
-
price is not a primary concern. Kitchen and common rooms of reasonable size, working WIFI, enough toilets and such are more important for me.
Two single beds in one room are ok. In Heidelberg we had four single beds in one room. Was OK
-
WiFi? Will be needed for sharing on NikonGear ;)
-
I would prefer my own room, too. Price is not an issue.
-
I am ready to pay less for sharing a room 😋
-
Nobody so far wants the smaller lodge - I am waiting for the big lodge people to come back to me with details of exactly how much, what deposit and when must we pay.
Alas, no mention of wifi on their website. I will ask.
D.
-
Just in case our fans of the Isle of Skye had not noticed - the little town of Kyle of Lochalsh is only 15 miles (24km) from the Glen Shiel lodges.
Kyle is where the Skye Bridge takes you over to the Misty Isle. ::) ::) ::) 8)
-
David: I trust you and know I am in good hands
-
Just in case our fans of the Isle of Skye had not noticed - the little town of Kyle of Lochalsh is only 15 miles (24km) from the Glen Shiel lodges.
Kyle is where the Skye Bridge takes you over to the Misty Isle. ::) ::) ::) 8)
Awesome, looking forward for a redo of Skye :)
-
Big lodge, single room is my preference.
As JA pointed out, we have good faith in you Dave. We trust that we will be some place special. Wi-Fi of no Wi-Fi, is just a small set back. We can always hot spot internet via our smartphones...
-
We might even take the opportunity to focus (sic) on photography and friendship :D during our stay ....
-
we have learned before that Smartphone reception can be even worse than WiFi in Scotland...
.... we could print the pictures and send doves?
-
Big lodge, single room is my preference.
As JA pointed out, we have good faith in you Dave. We trust that we will be some place special. Wi-Fi of no Wi-Fi, is just a small set back. We can always hot spot internet via our smartphones...
Jakov - excellent!!! For some reason I don't have you on THE LIST and I was planning to pm you and ask why you are not coming. I have the small lodge on hold while I try to contact the big lodge. So far they have not responded to three emails and two voice-mails. But their calendar shows most of May unbooked so we should be ok.
-
We might even take the opportunity to focus (sic) on photography and friendship :D during our stay ....
Yes, a very good idea :)
-
we have learned before that Smartphone reception can be even worse than WiFi in Scotland...
.... we could print the pictures and send doves?
We use crows in Scotland.
Seriously, nearly everyone I know uses a smartphone (except myself) and I don't hear them complain about reception. But in a mountain district it might be different, I suppose.
I think 12 participants is the sweet spot for this get-together - it keeps the cost very reasonable for impoverished ex-photographers like me; several can have private rooms; and there are enough of us to support a variety of projects each day.
We currently have 10 people on the list, however Robert (Seapy) says he plans to camp and does not require overnight accommodation; and Bent and Gunver cannot join us until the 13th. My impression is that they have had to move things around in order to meet with us at all, and to be fair, perhaps they should pay less than the full amount. Robert should probably pay something - presumably he plans to participate in other ways, share meals, discussions, join in projects, take a bath or shower? These questions should probably be decided by some sort of democratic process; I don't want to decide these things by myself. And to cover all possibilities - should those who want single rooms pay a little more than those who share?
Answers on a postcard, please, to:
The Conservative Party
Brexit Department,
Estate Management Office,
Tariff-sharing Division,
Short Rentals Section,
Proportionality desk. (Average response time, 2 years)
8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
;D
-
apropos Brexit: Do we need VISA for Scotland after a hard Brexit?
-
Passport should suffice.
-
BrunoSchroder has joined the group. Together with Erik, this brings us to 12. With 12, five people can have a bedroom to themselves; if we allow the list to grow to 14, the number of singles goes down to 3.
Opinions?
-
Gunver and I are still looking forward to this gathering, this time with many participants :)
-
Given that the GBP (Pound) has slipped today against the major currencies, my opinionis that it might turn out to be a quite affordable get-together.
If there are single rooms still available I would like to reserve one for myself if possible.
-
Plane tickets ordered ;)
See you in Scotland :)
Gunver and Bent
-
Hmm. Further procrastination might not be wise. I'll look into travel arrangements as soon as possible.
-
I'll arrive on May 10 and depart May 19. Landing at Edinburgh and driving up to Killin to meet Dave for the first night, then the next morning proceeding to our meeting place.
I really am looking forward to meeting all of you again, old or new acquaintances. Plus there is this special aquatic plant I would love to find on Skye :D
-
What will be the total cost of the hotel??
-
The costs according to David should be approximately £1400 for all participants, so the individual cost is depending on the number of participants, at the moment more than 10 :)
Maybe David has a more precise cost estimate.
-
Having asked for opinions about room-sharing, the most common response from our single men was that they would prefer single occupancy but would share a twin-bed room if necessary. If we close the list at 14 it means Bent and Gunver will have a double; three will sleep in the lounge on large settees, three will have singe occupancy and six will share 3 twin-bed rooms.
Erik is not sure he can make it; we have one other enquiry at the moment
I suggest that on the day of arrival we wait until everyone is there before working out the bed arrangements. I know it is probably a more difficult thing to agree on than Brexit (yeeeee-uch, spit), but those people doing the negotiating are politicians who see their role as making everything 1000 times more complex than it really is.
-
our morning paper writes today that in case of an unregulated Brexit the future of the 1000 flights per day to and from the UK is totally unclear. I delay my booking till after Brexit
-
I fly in from a non-EU country.
-
CPH should have a plan, so I hope we don’t have problems ;)
-
I will sure be at the meeting, someone will figure out how to transport me there
-
Scotty? ;D ;D ;D
-
Scotty? ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D
Captain Kirk retierd and is producing camera accessories now.
https://www.kirkphoto.com/
-
;D ;D ;D
Captain Kirk retierd and is producing camera accessories now.
https://www.kirkphoto.com/
fly me to the moon....
-
Unable to follow board activities here for a few weeks and just realizing that you will meet up again in Scotland.
i‘d have liked to join you, but unfortunately that week will be a busy one at work.
Wishing you fun, good weather, and great photo opportunities!
Günther
-
I just discovered this thread now...
Just one question : is it too late to join ?
If not ,I would be more than happy to join.
Please, let me know.
I am going to reread the whole thread.
Cheers, Francis.
-
Francis, I want to cook with you, sleep in my room, I will share anyway.
PS: sharing is cheaper than single room?
-
Send a PM to David he will know if there is space.
-
Francis, I want to cook with you, sleep in my room, I will share anyway.
I want it too indeed, Frank ! Will depends upon accommodation possibilities... ???
-
Send a PM to David he will know if there is space.
Just done it ! :D
Cheers, Francis.
-
I want it too indeed, Frank ! Will depends upon accommodation possibilities... ???
you might rent a mobile home and park outside in case of no room left
-
you might rent a mobile home and park outside in case of no room left
Frank, I am considering this option ! ;)
-
It 's not so long now (5 weeks) until payment is due for our accommodation in Kintail. On "The List" we have 3 "maybe" and I will pm each of them within a few days because decision-time is approaching fast also. Before I ask all participants to pay their share, we have to be sure who will be there.
So if anyone who was definite, is now not sure or has had a change of mind - please let me know. In fact, any change of status - late arrival, spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend/coming/not coming - whatever - please let me know.
-
I will pay my share even if Brexit should keep me from Scottish turf.
-
I will pay my share even if Brexit should keep me from Scottish turf.
Good on you, Frank.
Brexit - an ugly word for an ugly process. I don't often support any kind of nationalism but I am very happy that while England was voting 52/48 to leave, Scotland was voting 62/38 to stay. Not that it did us any good.
-
For me, the main aspect is that Scotland is a lovely country to visit. My own opinion on brexit is of no importance in this regard. I'll meet all of the merry NG members attending the Scotland 2019 trip later, in May, and am looking forward to that.
-
Gunver and I are also looking forward to visit Scotland, and all the nice people from NG.
We will arrive late 20ish on Monday.
-
I just booked a flight to EDI with a Huyundai i30 size nice car...
I will arrive at 3 in the afternoon local time on 11 May
If someone wants to share the car you are welcome to drop me a message
-
I propose here a summary to make sure I undersood everything about the get-together :
Please, correct me if something is wrong.
# DATE : from 11/05/2019 to 18/05/2019;
# VENUE : Glenshield estate, Shiel Bridge, Kyle IV40 8HW;
# PRICE : between £100 and £150 depending on the total participants.
So, now I confirm my booking, as I did already by PM to Dave. I am planning to come with my autosleeper (95% chance), pay my part same as everybody to cover parking, perhaps mains electric plugging and the use of facilities (bathroom, toilets, kitchen, etc). This leaves an extra bed.
My plan is to stay with the group, then stay longer touring and fishing the following week until my girlfriend comes for her half term holidays. That will make a nearly 3 weeks stay in Dave's beautiful country ! 8) 8) 8)
-
.
Looking forward to see you again, guys, and meet new people ! ;)
-
.
Looking forward to see you again, guys, and meet new people ! ;)
wonderful, Francis
-
The more the merrier. This appears to become another successful NG meet-up :D
-
Now we are ready for our Scotland trip, car, and hotels after the NG meeting are now booked.
Looking forward to meet you all :)
-
It's not long now until we have to pay for the main lodge - the residential caravan can be paid later.
The due date for paying for the lodge is 16th Feb.
The list of participants at 18th Jan 2019 is as follows -
Bez
Frank
Birna
Dave
Jan Anne
Mike (Selby)
Bent and Gunver
Robert (Seapy)
Jakov + 1
Bruno (11 members) ***
*** LATER. NO!!! I CAN'T COUNT!!! Including Jakov's guest there are 12 on the list and the cost per person is now £81.67 so Frank and Birna have already overpaid - sorry, both. However there will definitely be further changes as members join in or drop out, and we decide whether to take the caravan or not (certainly we will need it.)
As far as I know these are all definites, and we have one maybe - Patrick Berg-Pederson.
If anyone is changing their mind about coming, or there is anyone who would like to come but hasn't yet said so, please get in touch with me urgently.
The final date for payment of the lodge is 16th Feb - not so long away, and the amount is £980.00 - if the number of members stays at 11 12, the cost per person is £89.00 £81.67. (If Patrick decides to join us, the cost per person comes down to £75.40 - however,we won't all fit into the lodge, so later we will pay for the caravan. For now we will just pay for the lodge, and the simplest way is for everyone to send £81.67 - always in UK pounds, please - to my Paypal account. When all individual payments are in, I will pay the owner. (I have already paid deposit of £294.00 to the owner and will show receipts for this and the main payment.
My Paypal account address is paterson@wildcountry.uk.com
Later, the caravan will cost an extra £350 and the number of participants may have changed. At that point I will pay the £350 and when we are all assembled in Scotland we can have a final accounting and adjust the individual payments.
If we reach the max. number of participants the accommodation can take (14), the total cost will be £1330 (Lodge £980 + Caravan £350 ). This works out as £95 each and is the probable final cost per participant. However, for now just pay the cost of the lodge which £81.67 per person. PLEASE NOTE - after I pay the owner on 16th Feb, there will be no possibility of refunds; it's becoming a very hard-nosed world out there.
Please make sure I have all payments by 12th Feb at the very latest.
My best wishes to all participants - I'm very much looking forward to this get-together.
Dave
-
Thank you for the clear update David.
-
Hope you all enjoy the gathering!
-
Payment sent. Looking forward to the new Scottish experience :D
-
Dave: you forgot Francis who is a definite
-
I sent the money, but I am not sure if I did it right. I dialed in the number of pounds and clicked "send". The app then said that I had paid for goods and services not sent money to a friend which may cause you a penalty of a few quid. sorry for that your beer on me.
I never used the app before always the website. I am not used to the interface
-
Dave: you forgot Francis who is a definite
Yes, I definitely want to come.
However, I need to know whether I am allowed to stay with my van in the premises or be charged separately ?
-
Yes, I definitely want to come.
However, I need to know whether I am allowed to stay with my van in the premises or be charged separately ?
I'm so sorry, Francis - how could I forget? I am sure your van will be ok in the grounds of the lodge - we will have quite a few vehicles there. I will add you to the list immediately, and then if our one "maybe" becomes definite, then we have filled our max. of 14 places. My feeling now about payments is that everyone should pay the same and if they want to make some different arrangements, that is their decision. Already there are many differences in what people are planning - Bent and Gunver will arrive two days late; Bruno is thinking of bringing a tent, also Robert; some single men will get a room alone, some will have to share; 2 will have to sleep on settees in the main room; 3 will have to occupy a large residential caravan which is more expensive per person but will separate these three from the group to some extent; who could work out what is fair to every person? Better just all pay the same.
However, if the participants think fairer individual shares can be calculated I will go along with whatever the group decide. And in any case I am intending that we will have a final adjustment of payments after we are all in the lodge - by that time I will have paid advances of over £640 to the owners and I wll want to get my money back. ;)
-
Payments are beginning to trickle back ....
-
how could I forget?
No problem at all, Dave !
I know you are busy organising this get-together, it's time consuming and in addition, you have to manage your exhibition... ;)
So, now, I just sent my contribution via Paypal.
Cheers, Francis.
-
Dear David, dear all,
I won't be able to make to Scotland this time around.
I am sorry I won't be able to see you all and enjoy your lovely company for personal, but good and exciting reasons.
I am looking forward to seeing your images though, and Francis can take my spot!
Yours, Jakov
-
Money for Gunver and Bent transfered.
Looking forward to the meeting.
-
I won't be able to make to Scotland this time around.
So shame you won't be with us Jakov ! :-X
Perhaps a further occasion to meet will occur this year... ;)
-
Dear David, dear all,
I won't be able to make to Scotland this time around.
I am sorry I won't be able to see you all and enjoy your lovely company for personal, but good and exciting reasons.
I am looking forward to seeing your images though, and Francis can take my spot!
Yours, Jakov
Jakov - i am really sorry you won't be there. We will greatly miss you and Erik.
My very best wishes for your other plans.
David
-
We just saw an episode of “Vintage roads” with Christopher Timothy and Peter Davison in Scotland, they ended at Skye.
Now we really look forward to the Scottish landscape, they turned of were close to where we are go stay, in order to use a very old ferry. :)
-
Paiement done. Glad to take part in this meeting after having missed all previous gatherings.
-
Paiement done. Glad to take part in this meeting after having missed all previous gatherings.
This can be interpreted as we now finally get the opportunity to meet *you* :D
-
We just saw an episode of “Vintage roads” with Christopher Timothy and Peter Davison in Scotland, they ended at Skye.
Now we really look forward to the Scottish landscape, they turned of were close to where we are go stay, in order to use a very old ferry. :)
As far as I know, there is still a very small ferry to Skye, operating out of Glenelg which is not far from our lodge, over an interesting mountain pass. The ferry takes only 4 or 6 cars so long queues do build up at busy times.
Although the boat is so small, the skipper is required to have the highest UK qualification in navigation. This is because the narrow neck of water to be crossed is extremely difficult, with tidal rushes, swells and boils, cross-currents and whirlpools. Its dangerous reputation makes the ferry extremely popular with tourists.
-
This can be interpreted as we now finally get the opportunity to meet *you* :D
Bruno was there in the Dutch / Belgian meetups, so many of *us* already met him two or three times ...
-
Indeed but most of the participants here will be new to me, besides you and Birna I think, and it is the first time multi-day meeting for me. Work always interfered in the previous years.
-
Birna, or the previous installation of the Fierce Bear (Bjørn), has met many of the participants. Nonetheless my belief is we cannot meet too often and that these events help foster an NG community spirit which has high intrinsic value for us all.
-
Birna, or the previous installation of the Fierce Bear (Bjørn), has met many of the participants. Nonetheless my belief is we cannot meet too often and that these events help foster an NG community spirit which has high intrinsic value for us all.
+1!!!
-
Nonetheless my belief is we cannot meet too often and that these events help foster an NG community spirit which has high intrinsic value for us all.
Which is why I am sad not to be able to join this time.
-
Birna, or the previous installation of the Fierce Bear (Bjørn), has met many of the participants. Nonetheless my belief is we cannot meet too often and that these events help foster an NG community spirit which has high intrinsic value for us all.
It does.
I know I'll be missing it but I'll do with following the experience from here this time.
Enjoy it!
-
Which is why I am sad not to be able to join this time.
cancel other stuff more vigorously!!!
,😙😎
-
cancel other stuff more vigorously!!!
,😙😎
Sadly not possible on this occasion.
-
Sadly not possible on this occasion.
😪😪😪
-
A couple of rough route-maps.
The first shows the logical route from the town of Perth (and has written details of how to get to Perth from either Glasgow or Edinburgh airports). At Perth ignore signs saying "City Centre" and follow the ring-road and any signs for The North, Pitlochry, Dunkeld or Inverness, or any combination of these. This will get you on to the A9 (north), and from there you follow the map.
The other map shows several variations of the two basic routes (as above). Logic and speed are abandoned in favour of more scenic landscapes, and depending on how often you stop to take a few snaps, any of these could spill over into a second day. And it has to be said that most of the "logical" route has pretty good scenery too.
-
Hi David
Thank you for advice, as we are coming late to Edinburgh I guess we will take the fastest and logical route.
We will have time later to discover the highlands. We are having a night stay in Pitlochry, on our way back home.
-
A couple of years back I took the road from Fort William to Malaig. Very scenic and with a little bit of luck (or careful planning) you'll see the Hary Potter train.
-
Even more of a treat is the train journey, one of the top rated routes in the world, was featured by the BBC an a series they did some years ago. I have made the journey myself, it was spectacular, even as a child.
-
Even more of a treat is the train journey, one of the top rated routes in the world, was featured by the BBC an a series they did some years ago. I have made the journey myself, it was spectacular, even as a child.
Which train/route would that be?
-
This one:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jacobite_(steam_train)
-
This one:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jacobite_(steam_train)
Cheers!
-
I will go by car from Edinburgh to our hideout by midday. I just need a point to navigate to....
-
Is it still Woodlands?
-
This one:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jacobite_(steam_train)
Thanks Bent, I hadn't realised they had a steam special service, I was just thinking of the regular daily service, the views are the same!!! 8)
It must have been about 1957 or thereabouts when I rode that train, I can still remember the scenery and wonderful views of the coast and the viaducts. Many of the bridges and viaducts are made of concrete but look very much like mason built, stone structures from a distance.
This is a slightly long trip on a service train from the cab.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOLvuG58VXQ
-
I will go by car from Edinburgh to our hideout by midday. I just need a point to navigate to....
Woodlands it still is, Frank (and Bent) - Shiel Bridge, Glenshiel, Ross-shire, IV40 8HW.
And just in case you need more, the bridge is over the River Shiel, and if you reach Shielfoot you have gone too far. 8)
-
On a whim I bought a AF-S 35mm DX today, small an OK, just testet the close-up performance ;)
The exposure may be a little dark, but that is my main problem at the moment with my D500, it does not like white ???
We are looking forward to meet you all.
-
Hi David
Thanks for a head-up.
We will bring some cash for the payments.
Looking forward to meet you, thank you for your efforts.
-
Thanks, Bent. I questioned the new owners about extras such as towels, but for the time being they are staying with the previous owner's set-up. I will be bringing some extra.
WiFi is ok, I'e been told.
-
Thank you David :)
-
David, after contemplating to cancel because of Greta Thunberg, Donald Trump and Theresa May I decided that these people are simply not worth it, so I stay to my word as the new owners seem to stay with the old owners. For breakfast I like rice , salt , pepper and Scotish salmon.
-
Never thought of cancelling any trip to Scotland ... I have my list of locations on Skye and environs to investigate, and NG friends new and old to meet again.
Eggs and a few rashes of bacon will do me nicely for a breakfast.
-
bacon and eggs are nice, yes
-
OK all you gourmands - that's bacon, smoked salmon and rice added to the shopping-iist. I'll also get some fruit juices.
-
we love you and we will of course pay for all the stuff. Thank you!!!
-
Many thanks, Dave for shopping !
I just came back from a tour in Cornwall with my autosleeper and I am considering different option because this campervan DOESN'T LIKE hills. So the returp trip would take at least 4 days, which is too much time (and fuel) for just a week. So, I am hoping there is a bed for me due the cancellations ?
-
It would be interesting to know about kitchen utensils and appliances available (cooking trays/dishes, ovens, burners etc.) so we can know which kind of meals we can prepare with Frank. Also about barbecue... ;)
-
Francis: I guess it is better to bring knives with a car than with a plane...
-
Francis: I guess it is better to bring knives with a car than with a plane...
Oh ! Really ? ;D
More seriously, I think you can take knives in a bag checked-in ?
-
Checked in should be ok on planes. Not on trains unless you are certified chef or written for a restaurant (at least in Spain) as the luggage is always with you.
-
Checked in should be ok on planes. Not on trains unless you are certified chef or written for a restaurant (at least in Spain) as the luggage is always with you.
And even in the ferries now ! You have to open your bag, but it's just eye checking, but any malicious individual can hide a knife in a sock... :(
-
Many thanks, Dave for shopping !
I just came back from a tour in Cornwall with my autosleeper and I am considering different option because this campervan DOESN'T LIKE hills. So the returp trip would take at least 4 days, which is too much time (and fuel) for just a week. So, I am hoping there is a bed for me due the cancellations ?
To be perfectly honest, I am not sure exactly how the bed situation will be managed, except to say IT WILL BE MANAGED. 8) ;D :D :) :( >:( :-[
-
If there are clear skies I probably won't need one, at night... ;D
-
So, I am hoping there is a bed for me due the cancellations ?
Hi Francis, you can have my room :)
I've been struggling with a rather stubborn inflammation to the intestines for the last couple of months, I'v tried to postpone the decision to join as long as possible but reality is that am not yet comfortable travelling abroad. I am doing OK since a week or so but it's a fine balance which is easily disturbed and want to be close to home in case of a relapse.
-
Sorry to hear this, get well soon.
-
Sorry to hear too. Take good care.
-
Very sorry to hear the news, JA. You will be missed. Get well soon and don't forget some 'Dutch Medicine' :D
-
Jan, get well soon!
-
Very sorry to hear the news, JA. You will be missed. Get well soon and don't forget some 'Dutch Medicine' :D
get well soon. Frankicensecapsules help stabilize the immune system in case of inflammatory intestines. I did heal my collitis, it is gone. Only dietary changes were necessary ,,, incense helped very much
an the book "Microbiome diet" by Raphael Kellman
-
Jan Anne - very sorry to hear your news and I hope you will soon make a complete recovery.
I also have some not-good news for the participants. I had a meeting with the new owners yesterday at the lodge and was not impressed by the standards of the fixtures, fittings and furnishings. In fact I was extremely disappointed and told the owners. They say they have new furniture waiting to be delivered and hope to make significant improvements before we arrive. I certainly hope so. I have made a couple of suggestions. But now I understand why this lodge is so cheaply priced - other similarly-sized lodges range from twice to four times as much.
I will keep you all informed.
-
Hi Francis, you can have my room :)
I've been struggling with a rather stubborn inflammation to the intestines for the last couple of months, I'v tried to postpone the decision to join as long as possible but reality is that am not yet comfortable travelling abroad. I am doing OK since a week or so but it's a fine balance which is easily disturbed and want to be close to home in case of a relapse.
That's a shame, Jan Anne ! :(
Fortunately, there are 12 days to come before the meeting, so you might be completely recovered...
I will keep you all informed.
Dave, many, many thanks for your time consuming...And don't worry too much !
If there is :
# clean and working toilets;
# Hot water;
# Heating;
# working fridge;
# Clean bedding (with extra blankets),
and working burners + kitchen utensils
It should be fine.
-
Jan Anne - very sorry to hear your news and I hope you will soon make a complete recovery.
I also have some not-good news for the participants. I had a meeting with the new owners yesterday at the lodge and was not impressed by the standards of the fixtures, fittings and furnishings. In fact I was extremely disappointed and told the owners. They say they have new furniture waiting to be delivered and hope to make significant improvements before we arrive. I certainly hope so. I have made a couple of suggestions. But now I understand why this lodge is so cheaply priced - other similarly-sized lodges range from twice to four times as much.
I will keep you all informed.
Look at it this way:
If the lodge is not as comfortable as possible, you'll probably be more willing to stay out photographing (even if weather is so-so), instead of staying at the lodge. A big plus! ;D
Ciao from Massimo
-
Two images of things to see within a few km of the lodge, and final instructions on how to find it.
1. Eilan Donan castle - one of the most photographed things in the UK but still worth a look.
2. Loch Duich and the mountains of Kintail.
3. You will be on the A87, approaching Kintail from the east. Pass a shop and petrol station (the only ones for many miles) on your left side - the entrance for Woodlands is 100m further, on the right. Look out for the bollards. (The ugly old shed is not part of Woodlands.)
4. Once off the main road, immediately turn right. The gate into Woodlands is straight ahead.
-
Insiders PLS advise on insect protection (midgets???)
-
Insiders PLS advise on insect protection (midgets???)
Frank - midges should not be a problem this early in the season, but I will come prepared, just in case.
Were you troubled last time in Scotland?
-
Frank - midges should not be a problem this early in the season, but I will come prepared, just in case.
Were you troubled last time in Scotland?
no, in Granada I was probably bitten and spent 8 weeks in and out of hospital
-
no, in Granada I was probably bitten and spent 8 weeks in and out of hospital
Scottish midges don't carry any parasitic or other problems in their bite - they are a nuisance but no more than that. Mayumi is allergic to midge-bites which develop into small swollen red lumps on her skin - rather like a flea-bite. That is as bad as it gets with midges.
Ticks, on the other hand, can cause serious problems and we all have to be aware of that. Birna can tell you much more about that than me. But to put things in perspective - I walk our dog every single day - often through long grass, heather, etc, and often on pasture-land where farm animals have been. I don't remember the last time a tick attached itself to me; it's more than 2 or 3 years ago.
-
Anyone interested in sharing a car? I'm landing in Glasgow at 11h20 on May 11 and departing from Glasgow at 11h45 on May 18.
Thanks.
-
Anyone interested in sharing a car? I'm landing in Glasgow at 11h20 on May 11 and departing from Glasgow at 11h45 on May 18.
Thanks.
I wanted to share a car but this time I fly into Edinburgh, see above
-
Anyone interested in sharing a car? I'm landing in Glasgow at 11h20 on May 11 and departing from Glasgow at 11h45 on May 18.
Thanks.
Just for information : I will be around Glasgow end of morning the 11th of May. I have one seat available in my car. however, I planned to stop at Glenfinnan were the steam train is coming on the viaduc from Malaig. The walk from the car park to the point of view is about 0.700km.
Glenfinnan is on the way to our destination.
So, I would collect at Glasgow airport.
-
Great, thank you Francis. Are you also driving back to Glasgow?
-
Glenfinnan is on the way to our destination.
Rosko, Bruno - Glenfinnan is only on your way to Kintail if you intend to take the ferry from Mallaig to Skye, then drive north up the island until you can take the bridge back to the mainland. There is nothing wrong with this - it's a good route but it is essential to book
your car on to the ferry, and the last one leaves Mallaig at 6pm. **Make the booking at least 48 hours before you intend to sail.**
https://www.calmac.co.uk/mallaig-armadale-skye-ferry-summer-timetable
-
Great, thank you Francis. Are you also driving back to Glasgow?
Bruno, Yes, I come back right toward South.
Francis.
-
Just in case anyone was thinking of doing a little swimming or sunbathing - here is a little reminder of how a Scottish spring can look - shot this morning - Stobinian is 20km north of here, but 150km south of where we will be staying -
-
We had thought about something for a rainy day, but maybe something warm clothes is needed ::)
-
We had thought about something for a rainy day, but maybe something warm clothes is needed ::)
Don't panic just yet - in the week of the last Scotland event - also in mid-May - it was around 25ºC every day.
I'll post a 10-day forecast next Wed/Thursday.
-
Rosko, Bruno - Glenfinnan is only on your way to Kintail if you intend to take the ferry from Mallaig
https://www.calmac.co.uk/mallaig-armadale-skye-ferry-summer-timetable
Thanks, Dave, for your suggestion.
Actually, I didn't plan to go toward Mallaig this day, but rather when I come back home. Just because we would arrive at destination quite late.
So, I'll go to glenfinnan from Port William, and then return to A82 (ben Nevis distillery) and carry on the normal way.
That mean I was wrong when I said that Glenfinnan is on the way. :)
Francis.
-
We had thought about something for a rainy day, but maybe something warm clothes is needed ::)
bring your long johns and kidney belt
-
bring your long johns and kidney belt
Well this is what the BBC weather are currently forecasting, it will get firmer as days come nearer but the trend looks good. Clearer night skies would have been welcome but we can't have everything.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/8299863
-
Almost a Norwegian summer :D
I'm hesitant to ask about water temperatures but will soon enough find out.
-
Almost a Norwegian summer :D
I'm hesitant to ask about water temperatures but will soon enough find out.
you will go bathing in the Hebridian Sea?
-
Naah. Two or three lochs on Skye are my primary targets. Aquatic plants of the unusual or exotic kind are attractive to some minds :D
-
Bruno, Yes, I come back right toward South.
Francis, do you think you'll be leaving early enough for my flight at 11h45 from Glasgow? I guess arriving there at 11:00 should be enough.
Thanks
-
Francis, do you think you'll be leaving early enough for my flight at 11h45 from Glasgow? I guess arriving there at 11:00 should be enough.
Thanks
Google maps are saying 4 hours for the journey from Kyle to Glasgow Airport. Distance - 172 miles from Kyle, so 156 from our lodge. So average speed has to be over 62km/hour on mainly Highland roads - that's asking a lot. Motorwayautobahn/autostrada/interstate only for the last 30km.
-
I don't know if the road to Kyle is the same sort then the one from Fort William to Mallaig, a one car wide road with stops to let the oncoming car to pass (not to speak of the roaming sheep that stubbornly thinks it can go faster then you and keep running in front of you instead of jumping sideway...). ;) I think that David timing is a generous one (hoping there is no caravans)!!! 8)
-
I don't know if the road to Kyle is the same sort then the one from Fort William to Mallaig.
While it's not a motorway, it's a reasonably major road, some twisty bits but also some very fast sections if you don't respect the speed limit.
-
5 hours then, instead of 4? Meaning leaving at 6:00...
If it is too early, Francis, I can rent a car.
-
If it is too early, Francis, I can rent a car.
When I am travelling, either using air or ferry, I always make sure having a comfortable margin of time, to face any unexpected delay for any reason like road works, slow traffic. This applies whether I use train, bus or car to commute airport or ferry port.
And this margin is proportional to the distance. that means we have to leave very, very early, which I don't mind at all[/b].
So, if we have to get up at 4 o'clock in the morning, I am absolutely fine.
There's an alternative, tough : we leave friday afternon and you stay for the night in a hotel near the airport. It's not holiday time, so, it should be ok for you to get a bedroom, but at extra expenses. I would carry on my journey toward the south until tired. The advantage of this option is that we can take our time stopping for pictures as we'll cross very beautiful scenery...
Up to you, Bruno, I am flexible... :D
Francis.
-
Great. Thanks a lot.
-
Yes, the Kyle of Lochalsh road is a good two-lane road all the way to Fort William and the south; the same is now true of the Mallaig road which has been greatly improved and no longer has any single-lane sections. But anyone needing to catch a flight would not go via Mallaig because of the ferry - too much time lost. Via Fort William, four hours is definitely possible. Ten days ago Mayumi and I did a very similar journey from the north of Skye to Killin in 5 hours with many stops including M. doing some supermarket shopping and me calling in to see a friend in Glencoe.
While it's not a motorway, it's a reasonably major road, some twisty bits but also some very fast sections if you don't respect the speed limit.
-
I'm in the preparation and pre-packing stage of the upcoming Scotland journey. Due to the side effects of my recent transition and hormone therapy, I need to bring less gear than usual. Thus I'm torn between the decision whether to take with me the usual Df kit, or spring for the newer Z system. My view at present is that I cannot use both on this trip.
To make headaches even more troublesome, I had intended to use a full-spectrum D600 for experimental forays into UV, IR, and multispectral ranges. This dictates that few if any wide-angle lenses can be carried with me this time and implies I would require additional lenses just for the Z6 (or Z7).
Are any of the participants to this meeting bringing Z gear with them? That might sway the outcome on my part.
(I have packed AW1 for the loch visits to Skye. They are unaffected by the above)
-
Birna. Is anything wider than 24mm needed?
I for one would like to try the Z series, 6 or 7 is nor important, as it is the ergonomics and the MF lenses I would like to use.
I will have FX optics from 24mm to 105mm (micro Nikkor f 4.0) plus the 300 mm PF with me and some DX from 10mm (10-24 zoom)
-
I have the 8-15 Fisheye with me ...
The probability of bringing the Z6 is now 95%.
-
Birna, I am planning to bring a D200IR (720nm) I can also bring my full spectrum D200 if it helps. I am also bringing my 16mm f/2.8 fisheye.
-
I guess I will bring my small and light kit
D500&D850 plus 8-15, 20, 35, 58, 85, 300PF
plus extension 14Empty and 14E3...
Due to Air Traffic I will possibly bring no tripod or monopod other than the 190 Manfrotto for emergency.
-
Are any of the participants to this meeting bringing Z gear with them? That might sway the outcome on my part
I am bringing my Z7 plus a 24-70/2.8S, a 14-30/4S and a 35/1.8S that I have been carting around Sicily for the past couple of weeks (plus the FTZ adapter)....
-
I'll bring the D500 and a few DX lenses (10, 35, 85, 16-80) and the 500 PF and a few manual lenses. At the moment, I'm torn between bringing the DF or jumping on the new Z discounts …
-
My gear for this event :
# Z6 + FTZ
# M42 to Z adapter.
# Meyer trioplan 100mm f/2.8;
# Meyer Lidyth 35mm; (for tests)
# Zeiss Jena Biotar 58mm f/2
# Zeiss Tessar 85mm f/2.8 Contax/Yashica;
# Zeiss 35mm f/2 ZF2;
# AFS 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 VR;
# a macro lens no decided wich one.
# Will bring 2 tripods, so, one can be borrowed.
:)
-
Thanks, guys. The probability of going the Z route is now 99.99%. At some time I just have to come to grips with the Z system as a work horse and this opportunity is as good as any. I know my beloved Df inside out and now need to learn the Z in the same manner.
I'll be centred on the Z6 with 50/1.8S and the Fotodiox extension plus FTZ. Additional lenses 8-15 Fish (vis + IR), 24/1.8, 60/2.8 Micro, UV-Nikkor 105/4.5, and Voigtländer 180/4. The three latter lenses to be used on my full-spectrum D600. There will also be a filter heap of some size for 52mm thread.
In addition to the above, a small field kit of AW1 + 11.5-27.5 (for Sky lochs) and possibly the V1 with 18.5/.8.
A cut-down Sachtler tripod and Burzynski head round off the gear list this time.
-
Speaking of equipment, I will be without one of my two workhorses - the 18-35 AFS G - which I lost, about 3 weeks ago. Since when my insurers have done nothing but f*ck around, wasting time, sitting on their hands, asking for "more information" which they already had - twice.
I could just go out and buy another lens, but I pay an annual premium of 2.5% of the new value of my equipment, and have done for more than 45 years, so I am happy if the insurers stump up for this one.
-
TO BRUNO...
Great. Thanks a lot.
I need a confirmation if you want me to collect you at the Glasgow airport saturday morning.
If so, can you tell me :
# Time of arrival; (11:20am ?)
# Flight number;
# Town of departure;
# Terminal number if there's more than one.
Cheers, Francis. :D
I will be on line until thursday 10:30pm (tomorrow night)
I leave home friday morning heading Scotland. I hope I'll reach no too far from Glasgow and sleep there.
;)
Francis.
-
Here is a final version of the Google map, showing all road numbers etc - how to get to and from Scotland's two main airports
-
Francis, sent in PM. See you there.
-
Francis, sent in PM. See you there.
Thanks, Bruno !
Just replied. ;)
-
I'll take the "high road" from Edinburgh to Killin first, to team up with Dave. Then head westwards towards Kintail.
Anyhow one really gets a cross-section of the fair Scottish landscape. Anxious to be there tomorrow.
-
Tomorrow's weather looks poor, but from Saturday we are promised a pretty good week. No rain forecast in the week beginning Saturday 11th, but temperatures down around 12–14ºC; warming up as the week progresses so that Tues–Saturday 18th we should have 18–20ºC.
Our hills this morning, however -
-
Our hills this morning, however -
Oh, oh !
Much more snowy than the last stay in 2016... ;D
I guess the Ben Nevis might be entirely snow capped ?
-
Oh, oh !
Much more snowy than the last stay in 2016... ;D
I guess the Ben Nevis might be entirely snow capped ?
Actually no - there is much less snow there than here. Google "Ben Nevis webcam".
-
At the top of Benmoor botanical garden, wonderful day, a little less breeze might help but it’s a really good place. The 105mm f/4.0 micro is working well.
-
Oh, you brought the classic 105/4 Micro? then we can make comparisons against the UV-Nikkor 105/4.5.
-
I will bring a 105 f4 as well, even comparisons between samples can be done ;)
But I will leave my Df at home
-
This is going to be fun!
I just called on David since I was passing, he didn’t recognise me with a beard! 🙄
I have start sky at the moment, too tired to take any photos though.
Am poised near the Malaig railway Glenfinnan Viaduct to try to get some pictures of a steam train in the morning.
-
Shutting down the home computer network and head for the airport in a few minutes. I am really be looking forward to this event.
-
A last look in the forum before heading Scotland from Winchester.
A great journey to everybody !
Francis.
-
Always a pleasure reading about these NG Events. Looking forward to this one 👍😀.
-
Save journeys, everyone - see you all on Saturday.
-
to morrow we meet again!
Will there be nice wine???
-
Am poised near the Malaig railway Glenfinnan Viaduct to try to get some pictures of a steam train in the morning.
if you do not catch the train ... we did in 2016.
-
Safe travels amigos, will be keeping a an eye out for all the nice things I will be missing out on.
-
Have a great time, all, sorry I cannot be with you.
-
Hope you all enjoy the gathering! Am looking forward to seeing the results!