Had a lazy weekend last week and went for a short wander around Lochore with M. This weekend is also going to be a quiet one, albeit enforced due to a cold M has kindly infected me with. Lochore is re-wilded land on the site of an old colliery here in Fife. It makes for a pleasant afternoon stroll at this time of year.
This mild weather has been really boring me though, my next couple of weekends aren’t free for outdoor pursuits, other than more local stuff, but I’m keen to find a window to get out further afield with the tent [the Akto’s last trip?]. I’m in the mood for subzero camp and clear starry skies, in the meantime I’ll be planning and reading blogs for inspiration. There seems to have been fewer snowy trip reports this winter, it seems the Nordic crowd are all having kids or breaking bones. Any recommendations of some snowy trip reports would be gratefully received.
McAlisterium 
Your shots are superb as usual (that is not meant as a throw away comment), they are always head and shoulders above anything published by the other hill bloggers.
This series had it all, very shallow DoF close up, landscapes and I presume telephoto.
I keep swithering between an RF digital and DSLR for the next big spend and sometimes I favour the pros of the RF route and overlook the cons, but when I see your shots extolling the pros of the DSLR, I tend to overlook it’s cons.
It will take a lot of thinking before I decide where to spend the cash.
Sorry to hear about your indecision with the Akto. I was thinking about selling mine when the market picks up with the better weather, but I am now almost certainly going to hold on to it, if I follow through on my hill walking plans for this year. I plan to do regular multi day trips and for some reason, I have no qualms about leaving the Akto with all the sleeping/cooking/food stuff as a base in the middle of the hills, but I do not feel happy about doing the same with the Trailstar!
I suppose it’s like not sleeping well at night if you know you have left the windows open, but if they are all closed, ie, the Akto is zipped shut, you feel safe and secure.
Hi Eddie,
Thank you for the kind words, although it feels like ages since I’ve been near a hill, too long certainly ;). I’ve never used a rangefinder, but was tempted by various exquisite Voightlanders, Leicas, Mamiya 7, etc. I would like one one day, but ultimately a dSLR was the more pragmatic choice. I have a MF TLR and while wonderful in it’s own right, my scanner is not capable of matching the resolution I achieve with my 5D mkII, so it would have required further investment to close that gap [not that I really need 21MP!]. The case for a dSLR was also stronger due to having some investment in lenses already. I’m sure whatever you decide, you be delighted with your choice.
There’s no doubt the Akto is a classic design, it’s served me well. But I think it’s due a wee update from Hilleberg, some improved venting options and maybe a diet. However, for me that main reason I’m thinking of a Trailstar is the increased flexibility and space, in particular not having an inner inches from my nose. Like you, I’ve been holding onto the Akto until the market picks up nearer spring, but it’s testament to Hilleberg’s design that I expect to sell it for roughly around the same price as I paid. I can’t really justify keeping it sadly, but who knows, maybe I’ll hang onto it until I’ve used the Trailstar for a few months first!
Interesting compositions and subject matter. Beautiful pictures!
Thank you!
Dunno why but I particularly like the second last two pictures. (Rock sticking out of frozen water and swimming duck)
It has been a bit dreary and grey this year so far, I’m hoping spring will be a good ‘un this year.
Thanks Sandy. Spring has to be good. I demand it!
Great photos as usual Fraser.
Thanks Mum!
These are beautiful!
Thank you! Glad you like them!