Whizzin' up the Whangie! (& a taste of winter on the way)

We were blessed with yet another beautiful Autumn day of crisp blue skies and sunshine with just the teeniest hint of warmth left in its rays. So, we all headed up to the Kilpatrick Hills for a quick blast, trail-running up the path to the summit of Auchineden Hill, a mere 357 metres, but a wee hill none the less. 

The path is a slow gradual climb to a pretty featureless plateau summit but the most fun is passing through the pinnacles and rocky cleft of The Whangie... a slice of hillside that is separated from the main slope. We stopped for a quick breather, some rather rugged looking posey photos amongst the rocky outcrops and of course a ponder looking out at the most amazing view, taking in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs with the Arrochar Alps beyond and Dumgoyne & the Campsie Fells.

And the reward... a beautiful crystal clear day with 360 degree views all around. But not for long... dark clouds are gathering around the mountains of the Lomond & Tossachs National Park and moving pretty swiftily in our direction so time to get a trot on and a quick trail run retracing our steps off the hill. In the end those clouds brought HAILSTONES... and although the day was glorious and warm for a time.. winter is definitely just around the corner!! 

The Watcher II

Ever get the feeling you're being watched?

The Trouble With Sticks...

One morning Finn awoke to a tennis ball swelling on the side of his neck just underneath his jaw line!! The day before he had been pottering about on the undergrowth and so there was potential for a wasp sting? After a couple of days the swelling had not lessened and in fact Finn managed to scratch and burst it open... so with a horrible mixture of blood and puss running down his neck...instant panic ensued... and a quick dash to the vet immediately.  

The vets take on it was the possibility of a splinter from a stick had gone through his soft jowels from the inside of his mouth and lodged somewhere in his neck. A course of antibiotics and all should be well. Initially it healed up well but then the swelling started to fill up again... so back to the vets we go. This time they decided that the best course of action was to give Finn an anaesthetic, open up the area, investigate and flush out. No particles were found , it seemed that the area and flesh underneath was still inflamed and irritated from the infection, so another couse of antibiotics and all should be well!! Pheeeewwww!!

Only down side is that poor Mr Finn has to wear the plastic lampshade... otherwise known as 'the cone of shame', and be butt of humiliation for other fit & healthy dogs!! He is not a happy pup!! :-(

Whoopsie Poopsie!!

Enough said!!......

The Watcher...

Wandering at Witching Hour

Bluebird Skies at Boden Boo