Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Paddling the moody (peaty) blues of Loch Tay...


Conditions on the North Sea, off Arbroath, are looking good for the next day or so but it was another fresh water paddle this week on a favourite loch.

Loch Tay is delightfully moody. It's dark, peaty waters, surrounding Munros, and lightly treed banks are given to changes in character and emotional tone. One moment, the highland loch is calm and peaceful. The next, dark clouds can suddenly appear, the waters darken, and the increasingly "textured" surface reflects a gloominess, even a glowering. When the wind comes up, it's time for vigilance. Loch Tay can exhibit a rather bad temper...producing some impressive swell.

One such wind storm came up and the giant waves and massive gusts literally picked this ship up and tossed it high up on the shore!


Well, that's not really true, but it would make a great story!

The loch is the sixth largest in the country, stretching 15 miles in length and a mile in width. The bottom of the loch, deeply carved by glacial ice, is almost 500 feet in places - 15 atmospheres.

Is there a "monster" that inhabits these impenetrable depths? Yes, I'm convinced of it.

In the shadow of its much more famous relative in Loch Ness, the Loch Tay Monster is rarely spoken of...but there are "hints" of its existence. Perhaps after a couple of pints in the local inn, a local will let slip a story, a feeling, a theory...an observation kept secret for many years.

The waters are mysterious.


Were the very old wooden pilings, for example, placed there for strategic reasons? Did they, in fact, create a defensive position?


I imagined they would, once-upon-a-time, have been set in place to slow any egress from the water onto the land by the giant creature. Had they now become a trap for the unwary? Paddling amidst the pilings, and buffeted against them by the increasing wind, I wondered if I had innocently penetrated its nearby lair. Was it about to turn the tables on the brave construction efforts of an ancient highlander?

Briefly entangled, I fought to release myself and my narrow craft from their grip.


Free again, I set out, ever vigilant, eyes peeled for anything unusual: a sign of "mysterious waves"; movement beneath my narrow craft; or strange and amphibious protrusions above the surface waters.

There would be no apparent evidence of the Loch Tay Monster on this day.


The only other species to be encountered were a trio of mallards, with gleaming green heads. Interestingly, they were each wearing a clerical collar, similar to mine! There were far too busy to chat.


Ah yes, and then there was this lovely forest maiden - preparing to re-enter and launch her yellow Scorpio. :)



After a good day's paddle, it's always nice to return home to the family castle for some refreshments, a nourishing supper, and some story-telling around the old stone fireplace.


Paddling the moody (peaty) blues of Loch Tay always sets the imagination afire. ;)


6 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you escaped the monster and were able to enjoy the paddle. Beautiful forest fairy...I hope you were able to bring her back to the castle with you!
    Continue to explore and dream!
    L

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda, yes, thankfully there were no issues with respect to the monster. I have a feeling it was watching us though, from deep down. ;) As for the maiden, she came with me back to the castle...and the day on the water ended, happily ever after. :) Thanks so much for your comment. Warmest wishes. D.

      Delete
  2. Nice to see you guys getting out so much you already have favorite paddle spots!Even if I'm not commenting I'm reading as you post. Always enjoy em guys...keep em coming1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roger that, Lee. Always glad to have you along and always appreciate yours on the other side of the Atlantic. Many thanks and very best wishes from us both. Duncan.

      Delete
  3. I just know there will be a book coming out of this and other adventures in Blue Sky Scotland. If Prince Chrles can write about The Old man of Lochnagar, no reason for you not to follow suit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! I appreciate the vote of confidence, Mike, but it could be awhile yet. :) Mind you, the dramatic disclosure, by a Scottish-Canadian kayaker, of the secrets hidden beneath the deep and dark waters of another Highland Loch might just be a good read! Working on it. ;) Talk to you soon. Duncan.

      Delete