Travelling from winter to spring
Halfway down the A9 last Sunday afternoon we were midway between winter and spring, with the snowline clearly visible. As was the speed camera - the yellow and red striped box on the left.
We had left Speyside in heavy falling snow. Ruthven barracks looked as bleak as I've ever seen it, and I could imagine the soldiers stationed there to quell the Jacobites in 1745 pierced to the bone with cold as they looked out on a similar scene.
Coming down from the Drumochter pass the deer were close to the road, foraging for food.
I was quite pleased with these paparazzi shots, as we were on the dual carriageway section at that point and travelling rather fast (no, I wasn't driving). For those who don't know about the A9, it's the main route north through the central Highlands, up to Inverness and on to the northeastern tip of Scotland. 270 miles of mostly single carriageway in each direction, a lot of frustration and a high number of fatal accidents. At the rare dual carriageway sections everyone speeds up and overtakes frantically, and then settles back into an only slightly re-arranged queue of traffic when the dual section ends.
It's best not to get too frustrated and to enjoy the scenery. Or the journey from winter to spring. By the time we had reached Blair Atholl spring was unfolding at lower levels. The castle-like building is a hotel, by the way - the Atholl Palace.
cool photos...
ReplyDeleteA lovely tour! It certainly looked cold and miserable up north!
ReplyDeleteLinda, I have been on A9 adn spent some time in the Highlands... love it! Are you as tired of winter as the rest of us. Although we don't have snow, our days have seen downpouring rain (generally we only have a constant light rain) and with some cold winds. We do have some blossoms, but... Soon! don't you think. Happy Spring.
ReplyDeleteyou have brought back great memories of travelling the A9 from Perth to Inverness and beyond. i am really sorry to hear of all the accidents on that road. as you say, if you are not in a great rush and you take time to look around, it can be a beautiful drive. thanks for the pictures!
ReplyDeleteTruly some beautiful scenery your way.
ReplyDeleteI am always excited when I see a new posting form you! Love looking at 'your' world!
ReplyDeleteThese snowy photos are a true delight. The driving style is the same here - on rural highways, whenever the 2 lane road temporarily becomes a 4 lane road, watch out. In fact, people also pass when they are not supposed to on the 2 lane road. Crazy!
ReplyDeletep.s. Thank you for your comment about Chips.
Great shots! I love the one of the deers.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy your photographs! Interesting changes in the snow levels, very pronounced. Glad your trip was safe! Cheers, Jenni
ReplyDeleteGood job on some tough photos to get!!! I've heard about deer and elk on our highway, but have yet to see one...and quite honestly, that's probably a good thing, because they often cross the road and get hit by unsuspecting motorists...
ReplyDeleteDeb, glad you liked the photos.
ReplyDeleteRedPat, it was indeed miserable. Normally we're sorry to be travelling south, but not this time.
Di - you've experienced the joys of the A9! I liked the distinction between the constant downpours and constant light rain.
Journeys to Scotland, the A9 is a lovely drive. Just a few more dual carriageway sections would be good.
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteA brilliant post. Only a scot could capture Scotland in this way.
I feel like putting fuel in the van and driving up now!
Great set of photos. We often see different seasons at different altitudes - in my area it's possible to go from summer to winter in an hour, as you drive (or take the train) from 6,500 feet elevation to 14,000 feet and go from 30 C to 0 or 5 C. But we don't have awesome old buildings and castles like these.
ReplyDeleteOh it's so funny reading your post ... It's all so completely familiar! I was brought up exactly one mile away from Ruthven Barracks and my parents still live there, so I know that road (and that speed camera!!) better than the back of my hand. I love seeing all the deer at Drumochter in winter :-D
ReplyDeleteThat said, the A9 is a stinkingly dangerous road and I just live in hope that it'll be dualed in my lifetime, and before the death toll gets even more appalling than it is.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see Ruthven Barracks in the snow. They were shrouded in evening sunlight last time I was there, with Highland Cattle guarding the entrance. The time before that there was a huge rainbow ... always an evocative area.
ReplyDeleteThis is scary Linda - I've got a picture of that speed camera too!
ReplyDeleteThe deer have had a second rough winter in a row! I once saw on at the roadside caught in the headlights (further north). Everyone else in the car was asleep and I still half think that I imagined it.
Your photos look a lot like Lapland except that castle of course. Good spring to Scotland. You need it soon.
ReplyDeleteI loved these photos! I feel I've had a little excursion, without running the dangers of actually driving on the A9. And just as you say, you can see both seasons at once. That photo of Ruthven Barracks could have been taken any time in the last 5 months!
ReplyDeleteJust to prove it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.flickr.com/photos/41673094@N08/5553727507/
and there's the Barracks too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41673094@N08/5553726359/
(Of course the quality isn't quite the same)
As always, wonderful shots and a nice glimpse into a life and place I can only imagine.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views indeed: I enjoy them very much!
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the comments. I'm intrigued by how many people are familiar with this stretch of road, and have taken very similar photos. I've enjoyed reading all the A9 experiences.
ReplyDeleteThank you, too, for visiting my 'blog corner' of South wales!
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonderful journey especially when you can drive away from winter. I like the bottom photo best with all that green grass.
ReplyDeleteThe A9 is our 'local' road: I have to use it to drive the children to school every day. A horrible road full of idiot drivers, but with some of the best scenery in Britain. I take my hat off to you for capturing these shots from a moving car, as I have tried and failed on many occasions! The one of the Barracks is especially atmospheric.
ReplyDeletegorgeous, beautiful pics!
ReplyDelete