As our Discovery got bogged down and Charlie Sutherland rescued it, Jim and I were dog training whilst Nigel was off deer stalking with Chris for Red and then Malcolm for Sika.
It was my temptation to emulate the off-road driving feats of Chris today but soon became bogged down! This came late on a less-than-successful day. Nigel was off deer stalking today after Red this morning with Chris and then Sika this afternoon with Malcolm near Lairg, having hired a Land Rover from Charlie Sutherland for the day. I took Jim after some grouse and we trained the dogs together trying to find them roosting up on the roadside banks. This was pretty unproductive as we found none at all. Instead, we took things fairly easy, having brought a vacuum flask and some snacks.
**"Read More" BELOW for the complete story**
With time to spare in the afternoon, we tried the off-road trial and became firmly stuck just a couple of metres from the access ramp by the White Loch. We wasted time trying to jack up the vehicle and put things under the wheels and found this to be futile as everything was so boggy. Instead, I then used the mobile telephone to leave messages for Nigel in his alternative vehicle and then finally I arranged for Charlie Sutherland to come on his way home from work. This he did; but it still meant that Jim had to walk all the way down to the gate to let him through. Even so, I got Jim to carry his gun and he was pleased when a goose flew within range and he downed it!
Another white-fronted goose unfortunately and I challenge anyone to separate this from those on the quarry list when they are flying overhead at dusk. Good old Charlie dragged us out, but it took some pulling to do it as he commented, "It 'ad a fair grip o' yee!". There was still time for us to try to shoot geese on the loch before dark, but we could not quite get near enough under them. Nigel came back happy having bagged a Sika stag, but I was to hear how he had completely missed two others and only scored with his third shot! At least my two companions were happy over dinner.