Gartmorn Dam

What a favourable spell of autumn weather we're having. We walked the circuit of Gartmorn Dam, Scotland's oldest reservoir. It's only three miles and flat as a pancake but it's very attractive. The last time we walked the Dam was 11 months ago and afterwards we went to meet Flora, then two weeks old, for the first time. Today she went for a dip (extra) which must have been so chilly. But she was determined to get into the water and enjoy herself. Luckily the sun was still shining when she got out but the temperature was a cool 6 degrees. There was frost this morning. Had soup and banana bread after the walk in Dam Fine Coffee, the cafe in the visitor centre. Just what was required.

The trees were looking good reflected in the water with the Ochils behind. I've decided to tag this blip for the changing seasons challenge.

I was really sad to read yesterday about the death of journalist Deborah Orr. I knew she had been gravely ill. I'm looking forward to reading her acclaimed memoir Motherwell when it's published in January. She was a fine writer. We need all the principled journalists we can get at the moment and apart from her loss to the people who loved her she's a loss to her profession.

Home now and I have some admin and prep to do for what is, for me (these days anyway), a busy week ahead.