Looking Sheepish in Glen Isla Saturday 30th May

Steady westerly wind forecast and only a few hours for me to get out to play saw me parked in the sunshine at Knock of Formel and heading up the hill with my Cyril just before 10. 

Initially the path goes through a field which was full of sheep and lambs. The wee lambs were bouncing around as they are inclined to do except for one which was was lying motionless on its side. I could see its eyes were open so it wasn’t dead and I debated whether to seek the farmer and alert him to his wee lamb in distress or not. A closer look was required. After all I had insulation tape in my rucksack (various colours including white) and some superglue. I can fix most things with that although livestock would be a first!

As I got nearer the poor wee critter its glazed eyes suddenly focused on me and it sprang to its feet and with a loud baaa for its mum headed away across the field. It stopped for a moment, farted, unloaded some ballast, and headed off once more. That was easy! I am considering a new career as an animal fixer!  Glad I didn’t drag the farmer away from his warm kitchen though!

Cyril having a rest. Looking north to Glen Isla. 

On top of the hill the wind wasn’t the forecast 15mph westerly, it was about 30mph and west-north-westerly so a bit crossed from the right. My Cyril liked it though despite it being very bumpy and a wee bit uncomfortable at times low down. Big thermals kept blowing through which were rough but Cyril bounced along really well with over a kilo of ballast onboard. 

I spent a bit of time tweaking the aileron differential but also spent a bit of time sitting drinking iffy tea from my flask and enjoying the summer weather. A few degrees warmer would be good!

Looking west over south end of Glen Isla.The long distance Cateran Trail follows the track right to left past that thin line of trees halfway up the slope opposite.

South towards Hill of Alyth and Strathmore beyond.

Loch of Lintrathen to the east

I headed home for a late lunch well happy. Turned out I could have stayed for another hour but I’m not one to moan!