glencoe valley - day one

The epicness of Glencoe Valley cannot be overstated enough. Today I felt like a kid in a candy shop.....where do I point the camera first??!! I ended up driving down Glen Etive Rd. and found some great shots along the way to Loch Etive.                                                                                                                                        

Some observations about today.............first - driving Glen Etive Rd. - a very narrow one-lane road with passing places - is not for the faint of heart!  😬  But the views to be had that entire stretch all the way down to the loch --- oh, my......they're totally worth the death road!                                              

Second - motorhomers who consciously choose to drive on Glen Etive Rd....., well.....I think your elevator might not go all the way to the top, as the road is challenging enough to navigate in just a small sedan. But I digress. 

Third - and this is important,  so pay close attention - passing places are not suggestions and for the love of God, PLEASE stop parking in them!  But again, the payoff of the jaw-dropping views in every direction, is more than worth dealing with all the motorhomers and passing place campers  👏👏 

LESSONS LEARNED TODAY:

1. The incredible light will always return, so just because there wasn't a good place to stop at that particular moment, rest assured it'll be back by the time you come across a place to safely pull over (not in a passing place) and shoot for a bit.      

2. Similar to the light, the rain will let up soon and you'll be able to get out and shoot your little  heart out. 😁

3. Just because the forecast says it's going to be 45F, that doesn't mean it's ok if you accidentally forget your gloves. Oh, no. In the Highlands, 45 feels like 37 once you factor in the wind 🥶  So be sure you throw those in the bag before you leave for the day, you'll need them!      

4. Don't bother worrying about fixing your hair, it's going to frizz our no matter what you do before you leave the cabin. Hey, that just gives you more shooting time!  😊

4. Maybe the most important lesson of all......slow down and just look. Listen. Stand in the rain just because (without the camera).. Take in what's right in front of you, behind you, and all around you. I've been to some beautiful places before, but I've never seen anything nearly as beautiful as the Scottish Highlands. The raw, natural beauty here is like no place else, so allow yourself the time to enjoy being there, in that moment. 

                                                                                          THE JOURNEY IS THE DESTINATION

Today was incredible and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Good night, all 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿