Wednesday 27 July 2011

Gorge Walking with Mosstodloch Scouts



What a wonderful day gorge walking with Mosstodloch Scouts and their visitors from Denmark! Despite water levels being a bit low they still found the deep pools to jump into and generally have loads of fun. I was very impressed by the skills and effort everyone put into the activity and I learned a wee bit about Denmark. Its a pretty flat country with its highest hill being some 600 metres high. Apparently its called Sky Hill!!

Thanks to Mark and Louise for their excellent leadership support. I think you both enjoyed it as much as the kids.

Loads of kit washed and dried and put away tonight. The new van worked brilliantly, was able to hang the wetsuits, cags and ba's on bars across the van in their sizes. Made handing out kit so easy.

Two open boats and other bits of kit went out on hire on Monday and was returned tonight.

Hoping to get back to work on the bunkhouse over the weekend.

Sunday 17 July 2011

Girls out Gorge Walking



What a lovely day we had yesterday. New van got an outing as the old one is in the paint shop having new wings put on and rust fixed before a repaint job!

Gorge Walking with Emma, Abi, Sarah and Lisa at Bridge of Brown. Having never done anything like this before they were brilliant. In lovely weather they took on the challenges of duckings, splashing, climbing the twisting falls and shoots and doing the high jump at the top. Awesome!!

Finished of with some hot food in the bridge of Brown cafe, perfect end to a perfect outing.

Sunday 10 July 2011


Had a great morning on the rivers Divie and Findhorn today with our hydro speeds/river bugs. Feedback was brilliant with everyone being very positive about the activity despite some knocks and bruises. We found the rivers in peach condition after the recent heavy rain.

James and his family arrived to stay in the bunkhouse this evening. Australians currently living in Shanghai visiting Scotland for a holiday!

Lovely family and brilliant just listening to their stories about the lifestyle in China.

Saturday 9 July 2011


Coaching session on the Rothes pond today caused a bit of a stir! The farmer is upset at me using his land and pond to be coaching paddle sports and threatened me with violence and the police.
I accepted his offer of getting the police but declined the violence bit. He declined then to get the police but continued his threatening behaviour towards and refused me access back onto the pond. After being called a number of obscenities I advised him that I was exercising my right under the access legislation and that if he obstructed me in any way I would most certainly calling the police. At this an uneasy truce was established and we got back on the pond for our afternoon session.

Despite this we had an excellent days paddling the open boats and kayaks.

Saturday 2 July 2011


A day to be spent on the bunkhouse extension. Work is progressing slowly as I have been so busy working on courses and activities. A wee bit disappointed with progress but cant't really complain when trying to do the work myself.

Getting it tidied and usable for our first visitors next week!

We have Matthew and Sandra's little one, Lucy's christening tomorrow.

Friday 1 July 2011


Had a great paddle on the Spey last night, lowish level but that allowed lots of playing.

Bunkhouse is progressing, mainly just tidying things up from getting the roof done.

We have a family over from Australia staying next weekend. Still plastering and building but they are happy with that so all good. They can also use the annexe so its not as bad as it might sound!!

I have an introduction to paddle sports day next Saturday with 2 people booked on it. Another chance to use the little pond at the end of Rothes.