My 3 day trip to Torridon was interrupted by a few factors. The main one being a landslip and a 100 mile detour.

Being that the route I had satnavved was basically to the Kyle of Lochalsh and across the A890, I decided to just crack on and go to Skye. I didn't have my OS maps etc so just went straight to Elgol. The sunset was OK, and the full moon meant no truly spectaular sky at night shots, but the one I have tried to add is as good as it gets with a very bright full moon.

A horribly cold night in the car followed, before a breathtaking dawn, followed by a weather front which killed off the rest of the week. I was home later that day!

Days off from work are a God-send. Unfortunately for me however, they often coincide with dreadful weather. The last week or so has been glorious, however I have been at work. The next few days are rumoured to be garbage, and I'm off!

I am heading North on Monday however, more in vain hope than anything else and am fighting the temptation to head straight back to Skye. I've never photographed anything of much worth around Torridon, and even though the areas which are easily accessible have been shot to bits, I may head there. I may even go back later in the year to try some of the less accessible bits.

Got to get the car set up tomorrow, then early rise on Monday to head up the A82. I hate the A9!

Well, this seems to be working.

The start of a new year (even one 25 days old now!) means that it's time for me to start thinking about my goals for the year ahead.

Sales - I'd like to sell a few photos. That'd be nice. I have some in a gallery which are, I'll be honest, a bit overpriced. I sold two there last year (bespoke frames and all), however nothing much has been doing since. They are overpriced, not because of my greed (which mainly covers chocolate cake rather than money) but the shop takes 1/3rd commision of the price. If I priced the peices like I would selling them myself, I'd probably make a loss.

I am excited at the potential for a new site I am involved in, Crafted in Scotland. Set up my my pals girlfriend, it showcases arts and crafts from Sctoland and said arts and crafts can be published there too.

Gear - I'm happy with my digital camera equipment. I use a 5D Mk ii, a 17-40 f4 L lens, a 50mm f1.8(The Nifty Fifty) for panoramas, and a 70-200 f4 L. If a 5D mk iii comes out, I won't be in the queue. I would however, really like to get a film panoramic camera - the Fuji G617 would be lovely. If you have one, see this and want rid of it for not much cash, let me know. I'll probably not end up getting one this year, but within 2 years would be cool.

Car - As much as I love my '52 Focus estate, sleeping it in for more than 3 nights is hard for a 6'1" Prop forward (I play rugby too). Again, not likely this year, but within 2-3 years I fully intend on getting myself a VW T4 or T5 camper, even if I have to convert it myself. The design in my head is constanlty changing but when it becomes reality it will rock. If we aren't all prices off the roads with fuel prices by then.

Art - As much as I was determined to break away from travelling to Skye this year, I think I'll be there at least once. Recent trips to Rannoch Moor, which I have photographed many times has re-ignited some creativity and I have come away with some of my favourite ever photos in the last couple of visits. A couple of trips to Skye to capitalise on this, and then it's definitely the Cairngorms next year! (All plans subject to change....) I've noticed a change in my style recently, this can especially be evidenced by visiting my flickr stream and going back to the very first page and working through to today. I'm pleased with how my craft has developed, and rather than get rid of many of the older shots, I'm going to keep them there as a demonstration of change.

Take it easy.