I talk often of balance and this campervan morning is another one. Having had mainly glorious park ups for the last four weeks, this campervan morning is brought to you from a spot situated between the A9 on my immediate right and the Strathspey Railway line on my immediate left, a few miles short of Aviemore. Not one of my finest moments. Although the road is busy the trains are not as frequent. Quite a cloudy start to the day, birdsong and lush greeness, even in a lay-by. However yesterday did involve one of the most breathtaking drives, I have so far been lucky enough to have been part of, down the A836 from Tongue to Lairg. Coming West along the coast and then just prior to Tongue turning left. Mile after mile of huge mountainous landscapes that fill the horizon, not a house or a soul to be seen. The inviting deep blue of Lochs Crabbie and Loyal with gently lapping water, clear blue skies, with very little cloud, driving a need to just stop and take it all in on many ocassions. I tried to photograph it, but they just do not do the view justice, so abandoned the effort and just looked in pretty much awe. As Adams once said :
“ Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment.”
Leaving thoughts of images behind, I just concentrated on drinking it all in and being in the moment. Passed The Crask Inn and into miles of open bog land bordered by far distant mountains. I came across two viewpoints with installations for seats that were just so beautiful, a combination of Iron, faded wood and a beautiful view. Also interesting in as many miles to go from thermals, hats, jackets, waterproofs and the like to shorts and T- Shirts and sun cream in Scotland ! So this morning the chug southwards continues at a slow pace, but inexorably forward. Self care Sunday today people so do something for yourself. Lovely days people.
“ Landscape... can 'enlarge the imagined range for self to move in.”
Robert MacFarlane.
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