How much - QS report arrived yesterday (Monday) He had signed off work valued at much more than we expected to be paying out. But.... when we read his report that was because the lovely builders had completed much more work than we had anticipated. Therefore, happy to pay up once we receive sign off from Dualchas and the invoice from the builder. Now we just have to move the cash around and make ready to transfer (another story in itself; bless The Coventry)
So progress report is: Lots of concrete poured, timber frame on site and fitted, roof beams in place, some underfloor heating pipes laid, all trenches complete and a whole host of other things well under way. And no problems to report this month.
So here we have the house as at 2.9.13.
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| A true Misty Isle day but with the added bonus of a house taking shape |
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| A similar view with added builder! Looking at the lounge and guest bathroom |
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| This is our dining area, nice to see the steelwork and window frames |
Just happen to be visiting the north west of Scotland next week so perhaps a visit is in order. If so, expect plenty of photos.
Between posts, we have been hitting the hills hard. Getting properly hill fit again.
The first week in August we managed to "do" Ben Vorlich and Stuc a Chroin as threatened. This little jaunt led to the second part of the title. How far and How high???
The plan was to summit both Munros which we did but it was hard work. Decided to visit Stuc first as we thought if we did Vorlich first we might not have the will[power to carry on. Walked via the normal path and a boggy path above the glen to arrive at the bealach between the two mountains. Ahead of us was the huge lump of rock known as the Prow. had our breakfast looking at it and watching several other walkers attempt to find a way up and over. We spied a path up a gully that looked OK and watch another group go up this. Very steep and a bit unstable in places but we managed it. Two summit cairns to visit and stunning views.
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| View across to Lawyers range |
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| Back to Vorlich - we have to climb that next! |
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| View back to Vorlich, showing the Prow which we avoided |
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| Back across the summit, afternoon weather gathering to rain on us. |
Set off back up the path to Ben Vorlich from the bealach. When you have already climbed to 975m then descended to 700m, a further 285m of steep climbing was a real test for the legs and the mind! Lunch half way up helped and we were soon back at the summit where we had stood a few weeks ago. The return walk down was busy, never ending and wet as the rain arrived. Back at the car after 8 hours of walking. Very tired the next day but still able to move around (just)
The next weekend was local Ochils walks, testing as always, then we did the reverse route on Ben Lomond to our trip there last year. Up the tourist route and intrepididly down the ptarmigan ridge. Yet another steep downhill finish through ferns, grasses, thorns and with heat and no air. Did I mention the mighty midge? Smidge on arms and legs but they had a feast around my hairline, ears and forehead. Very lumpy and bumpy the next day, not to mention itchy. Enjoyed a peaceful drink lochside before heading home.
Ochils again this weekend, twice in two days. Including a frontal assault on Dumyat which was interesting and quite challenging in parts.
Happy to report improved fitness levels that should last through the winter and very happy to report such good progress on the house.
First snow of the year on the high mountains this weekend just gone. very cool once you climb higher than 750m. Winter gear back in the bags.
