Loch Rannoch I - The Animals

Stayed for a week in a farm cottage half way along Loch Rannoch. The farm animals were doing a very good impersonisation of pets. The ducks swam in circles on their wee pond pretending to be afraid of me while arguing with each other.

The cockerel was very proud.

The Jacob's sheep were a bit Celtic looking, with some woad-like horn painting.

In the fields by the loch, wild geese were finishing their evening meal. Rather than fly and waste energy as I tried to sneak up quietly, they just sidled away. Invariably keeping one eye on me and one eye on where they were going. A mixture of Canada geese and Greylag.

This guy was crossing the road when I almost flattened it with the bike. Colourful, but painfully shy.

This pheasant was yet another camera shy potential dinner. Every time I tried to focus he skittered away another couple of feet further into the dim trees with me clambering, slipping and sliding up the bank. I need a much longer, faster lens.

Museum of Modern Art

Visit to the Modern Art museum in Edinburgh to have lunch with friends. Always good to get in a bit of culture and some good café food. Especially good to arrive and find out that everything was going to be alright.

The big sculptured pond area at the front is a nice outlook for the museum but I found a 'top up' pipe which was interesting.

Edvard Munch was featuring as the special exhibition but we didn't see that, as the museum wanted some money, and I am famously mean when it comes to culture. I've seen his pictures in other museums and find his images a bit depressing - but good they are.

Big smile generated by the huge sculpture in the café area of, I presume, Thor (didn't see an info card).

A stroll down the Water of Leith (again) to help the food go down gave a few more chances of images. Looking over the side of the first bridge an overhanging tree provided an oil painting result.

One of the numerous access points which probably daunt the less athletic.

Presumably Dutch Elm disease or similar prompted this very warmly radiant bonfire. The camera just about captures the feeling of intense heat. Nobody had any marshmallows.

 Took a shot weeks ago of a new chestnut leaf - this could be the same one looking a little worse for wear now.

Back to the museum for a . . . comfort break and the aforementioned date slice and coffee. This 'pile of stones' art is on the way in.

The stairs down were to the loos - nice sculpture.

Before going out for lunch we had a quick 10 miles of exercise going to West Linton on the bikes. This field, on the way, usually has a couple of horses - instead, a duck and ducklings were taking advantage. It doesn't look as like it's going to dry up quickly.

 Happy pedalling.