First Aid..............

All weekend I've been in Aviemore staying at Glenmore Lodge for an Emergency First Aid course run by B.A.S.P. It was very good, thanks to Chris the instructor and the other participants, with lots of outdoor scenarios, and now my First Aid Certificate is refreshed and up to date.

However, it was a bit claustrophobic having to be a student all day. So after the session on Saturday afternoon and just before dinner (a prompt 7 pm) I took myself off up the track towards Ryvoan Bothy for a little walk. The forest was very calm and peaceful and the Green Lochan looked beautiful. I used my new phone to take a few pictures.

{Green Lochan - living up to its name}

After I'd dawdled about on the little beach for a while I wandered back to the Lodge via the hill track marked with a blue post. It climbed up through mainly mature Scots Pine and rocks. A few midgies were just coming out and I soon collected a cloud of them, although luckily they didn't seem to want to bite. Must have been the marmite!

{Tree roots just beginning to show through the path}

There was quite a lot of erosion in certain places as it's a popular area and evidence of the recent strong winds with some big branches and even whole trees down. After I reached the viewpoint, with a nice wooden bench to sit on, the narrow footpath became a wider track and flattened out. I could see the main track from the Lodge below me and spotted a way down through the trees. I think it was probably used more by mountain bikers than walkers, but it returned me neatly almost back to the carpark and my dinner at the Lodge.

{Large Scots Pine tree next to the path}

I was feeling much less stressed about the First Aid and that little walk was most enjoyable. Aviemore is only about an hour and a half away from home so it reminded me that I should explore the area a bit more, maybe even do a little backpacking trip over there, in the not-to-distant future.

I'm beginning to get to grips with the new phone. Although I have to own up to sending a few blank texts to the long suffering members of my family. I have yet to discover how to transfer my Viewranger maps from my computer to the phone. I have managed to install the Viewranger app. (!) and I have new registration keys for my licences ready to put in - BUT things have got a bit complicated so I'm taking a rest before I try anything more.........

NB - My apologies if you want to comment on this post but Blogger seems to be acting up again so it may not work!  I'm trying to find out how to fix it.............