We have waited almost six weeks for the latest update. Even architects and builders have to take a holiday. The builders have been on site though and the weather has been relatively good so much progress has been made.
Today we received our second valuation certificate and bill. Never been so pleased to see a demand for money!
So the road is 60%, site clearance 80%, foundations dug and metal struts arriving and being fixed for the mezzanine level.
 |
| Temporary access road plus a number of diggers hard at work |
 |
| The framework for the mezzanine level, which will be above our bedroom |
One small matter that we had to resolve at the end of last week. A slight issue with the measurement / placing of the foundations. 300mm error. Once we had considered the impact and looked at a sketch of what it actually meant, we were OK. No major impact; a slightly smaller outer lobby and recess for the TV. What was lost here was gained at the other side of the building. The builder was presumably pleased to hear that we were OK and did not require the original design to be reinstated.
Really good to see our house rising from the ground and some actual progress at last. We are hoping to visit Skye again in September and see it for ourselves.
So to the humid, hot, sweaty and wet trek up from Ledard Farm to Ben Venue. Regular readers might remember that this was our very first true climb of a Scottish mountain when we first moved here in October 2011. On that occasion we followed a route from the OS guidebook and scaled a near vertical route in failing light. Never made the summit as we needed to find the regular descent path. Returned through the forest and bog at a later date and enjoyed a good day but major bog-fest on the middle of this route.
We met some people on the top last time who recommended the path from the farm. So seeking a new challenge, we decided to go for it. Approached by a single track road past Aberfoyle, we set off early and parked up in a large layby opposite the track.
The first hour of walking is through forest, ferns and long, wet grasses. It was very hot and there are plenty of buzzing, flying things around. And it is steeply up hill following the course of the river which we can hear far below us. Within 15 minutes, I was wet through from ankle to waist from the dew and rain on the grass and ferns (head high at times) The remainder of me was wet from good old sweat. We finally emerged into a beautiful glen where we stopped for breakfast. A few flies remained and it was hot in the sun. We were plastered in midge repellant and sunscreen so no bites but they were very annoying buzzing in our faces and food.
Onwards, crossing the burn using metal beams that rocked and wobbled and would be under water in even slightly wetter times. Safely over, then it was a bit of a slog up a good track to a stile. Here we saw Ben Venue in the distance - note the word distance! Still quite a way to go then.
Wound our way around crags with glorious views across Loch Katrine and further into the Highlands. Met the path that crosses the mire and bog and continued up (and down) for a further 30 minutes until we reached the summit. We had forgotten how tough this relatively low hill could be. Enjoyed a good rest and lunch at the top, drank in the views then headed back the way we came.
 |
| Loch Achray where the boggy path starts from - not for us today |
 |
| Loch Katrine (L) with Ben A'an between the two lochs |
 |
| Loch Katrine, no steamer to be seen, Highlands beyond |
Back down we went, still quite hot but with a good breeze. Was dreading returning through the glen but the breeze followed us and the trees provided some welcome cool shade and shelter from the sun. Some very fast walkers passed us on the way back to the car.
Changed into clean clothes and used the wet wipes to good effect then visited Aberfoyle on the way home.
Sunday was a rest day!
Monthly reports from site and accompanying demands for money will now take place at the end of each month so blog will follow.
Will return at the beginning of September unless there is news to report in the meantime.
This weekend sees us return to Stuc a Chroin if the weather plays the game.
