Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Scotland: Packing for Mother Nature . . .

A couple of days ago I read a Tweet from Marta a fellow Slow Traveler and Blogger, Postcards from the Trail, about the weather in Scotland. She posted a link to a BBC news article about some serious floods happening in Scotland and commenting that she hoped it would not affect my trip. The flooding seemed pretty bad and I feel very bad for those who were affected by the storms and hope their recoveries are speedy.

But after reading the article and watching the videos about the flooding, I realized that I had not factored in the extreme and unexpected bad weather that I might be facing. Marta's helpful tweet made me realize that I have to be a bit more prepared for what Mother Nature may bring to me. I usually try to be optimistic about things and am really hoping that the weather will be okay, but I'm also a firm believer in being prepared just in case. :)

So here is my rain gear that I spread out on the bed in my spare room (aka packing room): my trusted bright red rain jacket which has got me through some serious weather challenges, my new travel umbrella, my weather proof camera bag, my gortex shoes, my map and gps ... and I also bought a rain jacket for my camera! :)


I've been tracking the weather and have found a couple of webcams to see how things are shaping up. Here are a couple of screen shots of Eilean Castle and the small town of Donrie that I took today . . .



The weather thankfully looks pretty descent here and hopefully it will stay this way when I am there. However, I also know that the weather can be very unpredictable too. But thanks (so much) to Marta, I will be prepared!

6 days to go . . . and I'm so excited!

8 comments:

  1. Yippee! I am so excited for you too. I hope you get good weather and don't have to use the awesome gear you are packing:)

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  2. Boy those webcame photos look so beautiful! I love traveling in the winter for many reasons, but you do have to be prepared for Mother Nature. Looks like you are ready for anything (and I'll cross my fingers for mild weather for you). I can imagine how excited you are!

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  3. No matter how much time and preparation you put into a trip weather is the one thing you can not control!! Looks like you are ready for rain. I hope Mother Nature cooperates and gives you some beautiful days!!!

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  4. Hi Everyone, thanks so much for your comments...

    Candi, Yippee is right. Rain or shine I'll be geared up and ready...:)

    Annie, last night I found the webcams but because of the time change I had to wait until this morning to check out the weather and was happy to see it not raining. I'm like you I like winter traveling too and weather is just part of the deal. I'm hoping for good weather as well. It also feels really good to know that I'll be prepared in case I do run into some weather.

    Hi Maya, soooo true . . . thanks, I'm hoping for good weather too, but if Mother Nature thinks differently, at least now I know that I'll be very prepared. It'll be interesting for sure.

    Thanks so much girls! I can't wait to write my first blog post when I get there. :)

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  5. And Kathy, I can't wait to see your blog postings from Scotland!

    You're wise to bring your water-proofed boots and a good rain jacket, just in case. Then, nothing can hold you back from having fun!

    The shots from the webcams are so beautiful, I'm really excited for you.

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  6. I'm sure you'll have a terrific trip no matter the weather. I also like to travel during late fall, early winter. Everything is quieter and the light is amazingly golden.

    I can't wait to read your first blog post from Scotland.

    Happy Saturday!

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  7. It looks like you are well prepared. If it was me, I would be packing 5 pairs of long underwear (to be layered on top of each other), fleece, and mittens/gloves as well as rain gear. Of course I am a huge cold weather wimp.

    I hope you have some good weather days. Both photos are beautiful. Less than a week now!! Woo hoo!!!!

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  8. Kathy, you must be on your way by now.

    I hope the weather cooperates so your trip can be perfect!

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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.