I hope, though I can't be sure (Gmail!!!), that you got my last two PMs so I will repeat their message here,.
To be blunt, I am quite unwell, getting worse, and need a degree of personal help that I couldn't expect the NG team, on safari in the Highlands, to provide. Most of this new-scale problem is Parkinson's which usually describes a long, slow decline; but in fact, a few weeks ago, I became very much worse very quickly. I have the usual tremor and shuffley walk, plus a huge loss of strength, stamina and dexterity; I have bowel and bladder issues; am no longer permitted to drive, cannot walk more than a few dozen metres, or dress myself without help, can rarely swallow without choking, have muscle-cramps regularly in every major muscle-group in my body - there's more - should I continue?
I couldn't cope with a week in a highland lodge, so I will not be going. I will continue to make the arrangements, will make sure the deposit is paid on time, and give you and the others all the local knowledge I can muster, plus all information I have about the lodge, its owner and his agent. Also I hope I can talk Mayumi into driving me up to Glenelg where I hope we might stay one night, driving home the next day. I will not be at the get-together, except in spirit. Long before our week in Glenelg I will post a short version of what I have just told you. It's not that my presence is needed, I'm being polite and keeping them informed of the basics.
As a separate issue - Killin lies just off the route from Glasgow Airport to Glenelg, and just off a possible route from Edinburgh (though not the most direct, I must admit). We would welcome any of the group who cared to drop in for a visit, either on their way north or when returning.
Last - the Highlands can look very fine at any time. This, from our front garden this morning -
