tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7279156236270542862024-03-13T14:20:55.931-07:00Nigel@TuftonArmsI run the Tufton Arms Hotel in Appleby, Cumbria, England. With interests in wine, eating out, salmon and trout fishing, shooting, sport, politicsNigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-3370541219715803422010-06-30T05:03:00.000-07:002010-07-03T00:14:13.123-07:00A Small Fisherman is Born!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tln0uPIB2HQSimhkBTidxsA7tKMH2dwftTj403MQetFP6cYn4FX4UZTzHFhnsz-LVD1NKw3WA89nyMY_1ZihMwn6ak0g4jQXUIHXNfv0SSgy-3UBN18ULWmdVcxbKAHgFd-X0jT3dDMr/s1600/River+lochy+(39).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488547605281245346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tln0uPIB2HQSimhkBTidxsA7tKMH2dwftTj403MQetFP6cYn4FX4UZTzHFhnsz-LVD1NKw3WA89nyMY_1ZihMwn6ak0g4jQXUIHXNfv0SSgy-3UBN18ULWmdVcxbKAHgFd-X0jT3dDMr/s320/River+lochy+(39).jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg782Hk4DWdQTTEmVR0ZZfeiQoIImnpQYTTU0TPoB881gNQO6iyuoyvIIPCLPeciLSLb5Q86HLI0F0IG-dHuT1GdYWnXpana7nwHrVRwGtXk6MxrnmggpmhnuCpoAuYCGnQSmM7ZFP5IW-z/s1600/River+lochy+(32).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488547600692644338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg782Hk4DWdQTTEmVR0ZZfeiQoIImnpQYTTU0TPoB881gNQO6iyuoyvIIPCLPeciLSLb5Q86HLI0F0IG-dHuT1GdYWnXpana7nwHrVRwGtXk6MxrnmggpmhnuCpoAuYCGnQSmM7ZFP5IW-z/s320/River+lochy+(32).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHdXjK8Mm9nE7dXONBmNSv8cDegUHADmlFa01MEwj2Iv6J4ieqJWbqTiR8V0ucgWZp2c1XQ7YIMz0SvmKBD7kOTor53wVwAb1QS34O2-5GdLfcb-0RkHgliV_KG6OizybU9KgOUKuJIEy/s1600/River+lochy+(6).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488547597135239298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHdXjK8Mm9nE7dXONBmNSv8cDegUHADmlFa01MEwj2Iv6J4ieqJWbqTiR8V0ucgWZp2c1XQ7YIMz0SvmKBD7kOTor53wVwAb1QS34O2-5GdLfcb-0RkHgliV_KG6OizybU9KgOUKuJIEy/s320/River+lochy+(6).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk5YJD-xB47zvtfre0Uo000Yjf5NsSOtdtvoHT3gvyRCDLEyYh4TlSqCWcHNI30brKN1lQKwfaThfj83UWUd5R1z84-7W0hQOdnnAQ8f_VIz9tMj90BOh8nV1e5h9SDbEknUE2T9Uysp8/s1600/River+lochy+(3).jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488547585599654770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihk5YJD-xB47zvtfre0Uo000Yjf5NsSOtdtvoHT3gvyRCDLEyYh4TlSqCWcHNI30brKN1lQKwfaThfj83UWUd5R1z84-7W0hQOdnnAQ8f_VIz9tMj90BOh8nV1e5h9SDbEknUE2T9Uysp8/s320/River+lochy+(3).jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I have just returned from a few days fishing on the River Lochy near Fort William. It is one of my favourite rivers, even though I have never managed to arrive in the right week at the right time. In fact I have only caught one fish in four or five trips, however as I get older and definitely wiser there has come a realisation that catching a fish is not the only thing to enjoy on a fishing trip.<br /><br />Anticipation of an event is a very enjoyable thing in its own right and here the Lochy comes into its own, as it has a run of seriously large spring and early summer fish. The feeling that any contact with a fish could be one of these salmon, keeps ones enthusiasm going and hope really does springs eternal. When this sense of excitement on the river is combined with lovely fly water, varying wildlife and differing views of the majesty of Ben Nevis from every pool, perhaps someone who has not fished there, can start to understand what makes it special. This is further enhanced by the privilege of fishing with our professional ghillie Willie Ritchie who has such enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the river and its environs.<br /><br />On departing Appleby with Eddie Braithwaite on the Tuesday evening after the annual horse fair it was raining and continued to do so all the way to Fort William. My hopes rose as I was aware that the Lochy had had no water since very early May and that the fish were waiting in Loch Linhe ready to run. Sadly when we arrived it was apparent that the Lochy catchment which is north west of Fort William had missed the rain. Life though does have its compensations, I had booked a new lodge for the party, which had recently been refurbished and it was simply splendid right down to a master bedroom where Edward and Mrs Simpson had been guests. A first meal of local langoustines freshly caught that day and a roast rib of beef from Comrie soon made me forget the low state of the river.<br /><br />Despite the low water we fished hard on Wednesday and Thursday and did see the occasional fish. On the Friday Willie kindly offered to take Father and I trout fishing on Loch Akraig. It was a 25 minute drive up to the loch which took in the Caledonian Canal and Loch Lochy itself as well as several splendid views and a succession of very nice properties. The loch itself was very impressive some 18 miles long, 500 ft deep in places with lovely mountain scenery. Willie was waiting when we drove up and we were soon in the boat motoring up the loch on an ideal overcast windy morning, with a decent swell on the water. I was really looking forward to this as I had never participated in proper highland loch fishing before.<br /><br />After motoring 3 miles or so we stopped and started to fish the drift. Willie had set us up with fairly stiff 11ft single handed trout rods with a team of 3 flies on each and we were instructed to cast them as far as possible and strip them rapidly back in. If we felt a anything at all then an immediate positive strike was in order. After a while I managed to get into a reasonable rhythm and achieved an adequate distance on my casts but not as far as Willie when he took over Fathers rod. It was surprisingly hard work and requires concentration at all times or boy can you get into a mess! We tried hard for some 4 hours and apart from one take that did not hook up we caught nothing, apart from a tired cast of mine that caught Willie's hat and plucked it clean away into the water. Apparently the trout fishing in the loch normally goes off around early July and Willie speculated that perhaps it had happened earlier than usual. A shame, but it was still a great experience that I will have another go at in the most lovely of surroundings.<br /><br />On Saturday morning we met up with Willie on Beat 1 and amazingly the water had got even lower and it just looked hopeless for salmon fishing. I therefore tackled up for wet fly trout fishing with my 8ft Merlin. Jerry and Teresa arrived and I suggested that as they had not really fished for trout before they get Willie to take them for the morning and teach them how to catch some trout. With my second rod and a borrowed rod from Willie we were soon organised and went our separate ways. I started of with my usual North Country spiders, a greenwells on the tip and a snipe and purple on the dropper even though I had been given some home tied local flies. It is great to see if what works at home is effective elsewhere. My first fish caught me totally by surprise, second cast in quite fast water, a nice beautifully marked half pounder. I continued to catch fish all morning of all sizes up to 2lb on both flies, truly great fun, one forgets how well they fight and what speed they can move at. I was late for the rendezvous as I forgot the time but so had everybody else! Jerry and Teresa had both caught fish and we had all kept one trout for lunch. Whilst comparing experiences it occurred to me what an opportunity it was to get my nephew William into his first fish so I asked Willie if he would take his young namesake out after lunch!<br /><br />William was impressed with our fish for lunch and soon excited about having ago himself in the afternoon. After an excellent lunch of pan fried trout in butter and olive oil, for once we were on time and hoping that the trout were still taking. Willie took William under his wing, teaching him how to wade properly in the river and to cast. Soon William was getting knocks but was not quick enough to convert them into hooked fish. The two Willies moved downstream with official photographer Teresa ready for the big moment. I stayed with Jerry and he soon got into a good trout in a spot where I had some success in the morning. We then moved down to join the others and say goodbye to Willie and there was one beaming nephew who had caught 4 fish, including 2 at once. I wish that I had caught my first fish at seven and a half instead of 27 ½! Willie then left to go and teach fly tying to the youngsters of Fort William. Whilst our William was keen to keep fishing. We got my spare rod from the car and he was soon into his first fish totally on his own. It was his biggest fish of the afternoon and was proudly taken home, a true hunter gatherer in the making and a lucky one to have had such a special start to his fishing adventures. Touchingly, I think he realised, as walking up from the river he asked if I had Willie's number. He then rang him and told him about the fish he had caught on his own, and thanked him for teaching him.<br /><br />I guess I have really come back in a full circle to where I started. What a brilliant fishing trip we had, even on low water and no salmon. The whole party from Eddie who came with me just for the craic and to do some walking to Richard and Sally Clark who fished a little but toured the area and retreated to the royal bedroom each night, we all had a ball.</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">trout fishing </a>at The Tufton Arms</div></div></div></div>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-59657132709562530462010-05-11T07:42:00.000-07:002010-05-11T08:23:03.076-07:00Early Season Salmon Fishing on The River Dee<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EW8nyXewnmKYDxXUHTFK8WRtLxgQIWihQh0TPZ86b3GASjDZHgR8d5HScYK8cV8I_9-9NVoAYXEaIQg-rQKyQQj90lr92NvyvWFTmPEPvR7jXNSTFTR-lxs2mZ3U2uJ3reuG2RWe8M_7/s1600/Spring+Salmon+River+Dee.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EW8nyXewnmKYDxXUHTFK8WRtLxgQIWihQh0TPZ86b3GASjDZHgR8d5HScYK8cV8I_9-9NVoAYXEaIQg-rQKyQQj90lr92NvyvWFTmPEPvR7jXNSTFTR-lxs2mZ3U2uJ3reuG2RWe8M_7/s320/Spring+Salmon+River+Dee.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470033199844714098" /></a><br />On an early season trip to Lower Crathes near Banchory on The River Dee for the first time in my life I encountered “grue”. I was aware that suspended ice in the water could prevent fishing as my Father had encountered grue many years earlier on the Tweed and I could clearly remember his frustration of not being able to fish Hendersyde at the time. <br /><br />We stayed overnight at Comrie on the Sunday night and set of early in the morning to miss the rush hour traffic through Dundee and made good progress. The route through Fetticairn was blocked with snow so we carried on to Stonehaven and cut across to Banchory. Although very cold it was now a lovely sunny morning and as we turned inland the scenery in the snowy landscape was lovely. Our spirits were high and as we got to within a few miles of the river we noticed several fields where the snow was sparkling as if there were a million diamonds embedded in it. We stopped and tried to take photographs but unfortunately they could not do this natural phenomenon justice. Doubtless it was caused by the temperatures of -10c creating ice crystals that were refracting the sun, but it was fantastic.<br /><br />We carried on and rapidly reached the bridge downstream of our beat and were horrified by all the ice floating down the river and Father became a prophet of doom with gruesome tales of grue. On arriving at Crathes we met up with Cleeve and started learning more about grue. How many days it could last for, what was required for it to stop. Apparently a rise in water could stop it which would be associated with a rise in temperature, however as the prospects for Monday were non existent, we went and took possession of our two holiday cottages on the Inchmarlo Golf Course. Strange to be on a golf course under 5ft of snow and I still have no idea where the fairways and greens are, and will have to go back and have a look another time.<br /><br />After a good first night and a bit of session to put the worlds to rights we did not rush to the river, as Cleeve reported that there was still grue everywhere but he hoped it might clear by the afternoon. Sadly it did not, but being of a inquisitive nature we did try and fish for the hell of it. There were now big rafts of ice coming down where the the grue had been compressed together by ice narrowing the channels from each bank. The only choice was a wet cell 2 and a big tube. It was quite fun in that there were small areas of clear water between the rafts of ice that were moving quite quickly and to hit them was a bit like dry fly fishing with a 15ft rod! We got better at it, Cleeve thought I am sure that we were mad and there was definitely very little chance of a fish, but at least we tried. I felt very sorry for Paul a friend who was on his first fishing trip after having some casting lessons on the Eden a few weeks earlier. I had thought that it would be a great introduction to Scotland and Salmon fishing and that he would at the very least get hold of a few kelts. I have fished for 20 years for salmon in February and March and never lost a day to grue and he had already lost his first 2 days.<br /><br />After an excellent evening where Paul revealed well hidden culinary talents to produce a quite awesome curry, that will make him even more welcome on future trips. Rose and I decided to drive up the valley to Balmoral and see if the grue coming down was getting any less further upstream. Driving past Potarch Bridge we saw a ghillie breaking ice in readiness for his rods and were encouraged a little by this. The temperature was still – 10 and the gritters were out in force going along in tandom which I had not seen before as we arrived at Balmoral. The castle was shut up, but we stopped on the charming bridge built by Brunel and looked at the water and there was not very much grue present. After a stop in Ballater always a lovely little town I think, we returned to Crathes full of optimism. When we got there the river was still grued over. Robert the ghillie from West Durriss paid us a visit and we found out more about the vagaries of grue. It forms in the large pools on plant matter or on shingle where small portions of ice form in the water which is at freezing point. As these get bigger they start to float and rise to the surface a bit like the crushed ice you get from supermarkets. The bridge over the Dee at Balmoral had little grue because it is in a long rocky part of the river where the water cannot get a fixing to freeze the same. Apparently there can be grue above Banchory and some beats below Banchory can still fish. Fascinating but still no good to us!<br /><br />Finally on Friday morning we could fish, the grue was largely gone, but there were large chunks of ice coming down, some of which were 10 metres across and several inches thick making wading very dangerous. But at least we were all fishing, sadly the two Pauls and Father had to go home at lunchtime and John Young and big Gavin from the River Earn had arrived to take their place. Conditions were improving in the afternoon and the ice rafts had passed through, however the river was starting to rise a little and colour up, I therefore decided to put a brighter fly on and chose a Dee fly that Paul Zissler had copied the year before on a brass tube that had some orange in it. Third cast once I had lengthened I had a take, quite gentle, my first thoughts were a kelt and I did not disturb John Young fishing downstream of me. The fish went on a little run and I started to hope that it was a springer as there was none of the head shaking movement that kelts often give. I put some pressure on and moved the fish back towards me, it came for a bit and then it was off downstream a solid 120 yard run. No chance now of not disturbing John, and he went for the net. The fish came back steadily and I got the backing back on the reel and we had a good tussle until it went on another long downstream run, this time I had to get out the river and chase it down the bank, trying to not let it get too far away. I had got to within about 75 yds of it when to my horror I saw a large chunk of ice about the size of A2 paper moving down my fly line. Helplessly I watched the ice move along the line and force the salmon to the surface, so that I saw the ice with the salmon's head above it. There was then a jolt and a lurch and the ice had gone, amazingly I still had the fish on the end of the line but something was wrong with it. The fish was wallowing in the side of the stream and drowning and appeared foul hooked in some way. I carried on down the bank retrieving line and managed to get some sideways pressure on the fish which could not fight at all and rapidly I was able to sweep the fish over John's net. A relief as it was a lovely hen fish of some size and I was in danger of killing her. The hook was stuck in her anal passage and this explained her inability to swim. We rapidly got the hook out and resuscitated her in the 32 degrees water, thankfully she was soon away with no harm done. John pronounced that it was a good “wee fish of some 15lbs” I argued that it was heavier having held it and felt its weight and put it in the records at 16lb.<br /><br />As a sequel on looking at the photograph of myself and the fish and attempting to gauge the length I think that it may have been more than the 16lb. On discussing this with John Young he told me that actually he had had in his land rover a proper net for weighing fish but had forgotten it in all the excitement. I commented that this was a pity as it would have been nice to have settled the discussion to the fish's weight. John answered “It does not matter, the net would not have made any difference at all, the fish would still have weighed 15lb!” Which I guess proves it is impossible to have the last word with a scotsman! John did manage to catch a fish the next day which suggested that we could have had a decent week with out the grue.<br /><br /><a href="www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">Salmon Fishing at The Tufton Arms</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-42760928616803364502010-02-17T08:48:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:54:16.354-08:00Political WailEvery now and again it is good to get things of your chest and this can prove very therapeutic or so I am told. I hope so, as I am currently stuck on a Virgin train returning from London that was going to get me me to Carlisle at shortly after 9.00am. However, overhead power cable failure has kept us sat in Hemel Hempstead station for some 3 hours. I then asked the guard whether I could have free internet access so that I could put the time to good use and he answered that it was broken and even first class had not got it! However they did keep us informed at all times and the guard signed my ticket for a full refund. <br /><br />I then took solace in the newspaper I borrowed, the Telegraph and though I appreciate that its viewpoint is conservative, what a depressing experience it proved. In random order I read about a bogus ethnic police commander, upwards of 200,000 young people who will not get university places this year with far better grades than I got, the MPs trying to evade justice by claiming parliamentary privilege, poor retail sales in January sparking a second recession, why we are nearly in the same parlous state as Greece (with Gordon Brown prescribing them austere measures!), an all party group of MPs slating the treasuries handling of the financial rescue (no controls and the banks are still not lending), the number of soldiers who have died in Afghanistan has passed the losses sustained in the Falklands, cold weather has stalled the housing market again.<br /><br />Sadly this is just one day, one snapshot of life at the moment. It is very difficult at present to keep the sense of perspective and optimism that one needs to be an entrepreneur. The last 2 months have been the worst trading months I have experienced in 20 years running hotels. We had the floods in November followed by the snow of December and January and this coupled with the recession has been a bitter pill to swallow. <br /><br />I understand the reluctance of everybody to spend money, we all feel uneasy about the future and want the reassurance of something put by for a rainy day. Many people though have never been better off, low interest rates have shrunk mortgages to a fraction of their former levels but most people have opted to leave payments the same and pay their debt off. We are depressed are from the top down. Has there ever been a more sad, less inspiring, leader than Gordon Brown. Tony Blair's virtuoso performance at the Iraq Inquiry just served to highlight the paucity of Gordon Brown's era. What will it take to restore confidence? <br /><br />At the present we have no leadership, the country is drifting along with a Prime Minister who has been indecisive from the very start and seems to be motivated mostly by the need to be prime minister. He then becomes paralysed by the prospects of taking decisions that might jeopardise his position as prime minister. I have always felt that it is better to fail having tried to do something in life rather than fail for not taking a decision. We all feel that the country is rudderless and we fear for the future as the government hangs on like ostriches with their heads in the sand neither admitting its errors or acknowledging the gravity of the situation. It is not possible to predict the result of a general election, but what is apparent is how desperately we need one whatever the result !Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-67428301294024924262010-02-17T07:18:00.000-08:002010-02-17T07:42:08.083-08:00Grouse Survival in Extreme Weather<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDupa_CBMaPZQ8tCiQRYg11zhsWFvsp5z7S4K-WPicwbv0qznG_4bV3xeVHa0_N-K-msDmxZoowEaTryJ4MnJDz6zjj4Ti49wxsAZ5l0J5OQgVHxyS5gHSVvdF7ii6W9xvB7zio86M_aA/s1600-h/grouse+crop.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDupa_CBMaPZQ8tCiQRYg11zhsWFvsp5z7S4K-WPicwbv0qznG_4bV3xeVHa0_N-K-msDmxZoowEaTryJ4MnJDz6zjj4Ti49wxsAZ5l0J5OQgVHxyS5gHSVvdF7ii6W9xvB7zio86M_aA/s320/grouse+crop.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439238117904108194" /></a><br />During the recent bout of extreme weather which in Cambric totally covered the fells and high ground for nearly a month I was interested in how the grouse reacted. I have always been told that they will come down from the high ground to lower areas. Unfortunately on the North Pennines in the Eden Valley there is very little low ground heather. It has nearly all disappeared due to a mixture of severe grazing by sheep and the drive after the second world war for more food which resulted in the drainage and cultivation of much land.<br /><br />I well remember driving along the road above the fishing's at Lazonby with Hugh Egglestone who informed me that he had shot grouse there as a young lad, this was difficult to believe as I looked at all the fields and sheep. Indeed numerous areas are still called moors with no heather present in the valley. Appleby Golf course has a few bank sides of heather that have survived but in reality the only sizable bit of lowland heather is below Dufton Fell above Bow Hall on the way to High Cup Nick. This is part of our sporting rights and indeed it had good grouse populations going back some 10 years ago. Sadly now though due to continual grazing by sheep, including overwintering and no burning, as we are not allowed the heather is very tall and stemmy and getting patchy. However on a stunning, very cold day of minus 10 in early January as Rose and I wanted a good walk I decided to go and see if we could see any grouse.<br /><br />The landscape was totally spectacular as we drove up past Bow Hall and large snow drifts prevented us going any further by landrover shortly after the hall. We continued by foot on the Pennine way and got our much needed exercise. Several skiers were visible ahead coming down the slope as we climbed, with groups of walkers intermingled. The snow had drifted and frozen over level with the stone walls that enclose the drovers track and was strong enough to take our weight even though it was some 5ft thick. Which gave some idea of the severity of the conditions for the grouse. As we approached the lowland moor I kept Tia our labrador in, and we soon saw grouse everywhere. They looked massive, as they had no cover and doubtless had their feathers puffed out with air to keep warm. The grouse moved constantly, foraging over the frozen landscape, and it was only when I walked across the moor to the next rise to see how many grouse I could count that I could see what food they were finding.<br /><br />Odd tips of heather were just poking through the snow which was not as deep due to the wind blowing it. It was also very difficult walking as the snow would not support our weight and we crunched through down onto and into the heather. Breasting the rise so that I could perhaps see towards 40 % of the lowland moor we counted some 140 grouse. We retreated back to the track as the light was going and slid back downhill to warmth and civilisation with a healthy respect for grouse and nature.<br /><br />The walk was so enjoyable we returned the following lunchtime. On arriving at the moor we were disappointed that there were only a few grouse visible and I had come armed with Mother's new digital camera to give it a test run for her. We were chatting and wondering whether to go higher up to see if we could see where the grouse were when suddenly a covey of some 200 came over the hill and landed in front of us. I had a few teething problems with the camera, not my forte and I was struggling with instructions and zoom buttons when the whole covey took off and flew straight at us. Miraculously I managed to catch a few in flight by sheer good fortune as they streamed over us. I was fascinated by where they were heading as they turned right and headed downhill towards the farms. Unfortunately we could not see where they went and we never picked them up again.<br /><br /><br />Resourceful though grouse definitely are, I am still worried about our high worm counts and likely mortality in the harsh weather. Several friends and keepers informed me that in the old days when weather like this was much more common, oats used to be fed to the grouse and I wondered if whether anybody out there had tried this? I have also heard rumours of grouse eating hawthorn berries and dying.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Shooting.html">Grouse Shooting</a> at The Tufton ArmsNigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-71888720416486359142009-11-25T12:31:00.000-08:002009-11-25T12:40:33.662-08:00Making Sloe Gin in Large QuantitiesThe following are my tips on the easiest way to make sloe gin in large quantities. Firstly only make it in years when the sloes are plentiful but make a lot when you do! There is no point taking ages to pick your sloes, in good years the bushes are festooned with berries and you can rapidly gather them. You should be able to pick enough sloes to make 8 litres of sloe gin in an hour. <br /><br />On returning with the sloes put them in a sink to wash them and pick off any stems that are left in the berries to prevent the sloe gin getting a woody taste and simply freeze them. This encourages the skins to split thereby avoiding having to prick the sloes with a pin. I then assemble everything needed to make the sloe gin. I use 2 and 3 litre jars that mustards and mayonnaises come in, but I have also bought large half gallon screw top jars from Ebay. I use Constance Spry's ancient recipe so the only other ingredients needed are sugar, gin and ground almonds or (almond essence). Perhaps almond essence is safer to use as it is less likely to give an nut allergy. I buy the cheapest London gin I can find and this year 2009 I paid £10.19 per litre.<br /><br />I then simply assemble by adding 365 grammes of sugar to a 2 litre jar. Then put on top one and three quarter pints of sloe berries still frozen and add 7 drops of almond essence to which I top up with gin until full. I then put the lid on and give the bottle a good shake to entirely soak the sugar and settle everything down and then top up again until the bottle is brimful. I then store the gin down the cellar shaking the jars occasionally when I remember.<br /><br />I generally leave the gin for the best part of a year before removing the stones. I have heard that leaving the berries in for along time can cause the gin to taste bitter and woody but have not personally found this and plenty of mine gets left 2 years with no ill effects. On decanting I pour into a sieve over a large jug and allow all the liquid to drain through and throw the berries away. I then simply filtrate the gin to leave it clear by passing it through a cotton hankerchief. Lastly I store the sloe gin in litre water bottles to release the large jars for the next crop of sloes.Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-18595831468702449672009-11-11T10:20:00.000-08:002009-11-11T10:33:33.414-08:00Fishing the Mayfly on the Derwent at ChatsworthI was lucky enough to enjoy a day with Richard Yardley and Rob <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rusby</span> on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Derwent</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Chatsworth</span> early in June. Though Richard wished me to go the week after to try and get the best chance of hitting the hatches of Mayfly at their optimum, we have the annual Gypsy Horse Fair in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Appleby</span> and that precludes <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sneaking</span> off fishing, however attractive the invite. As I was travelling North anyway early Tuesday morning, it worked out perfectly and I was on time at 10.00 am at the car park by the bridge in readiness to fish the river in the parkland of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Chatsworth</span> House.<br /><br />It was a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">scorchingly</span> hot morning with not a cloud in sight as we tackled up whilst chatting to Matt the river keeper who thought that we would see a decent hatch of mayfly mid afternoon onwards. We therefore agreed to fish for a little bit, but to have an earlier lunch to maximise the afternoon and evening. I elected to fish to start with on a nice stretch with trees each side to try and get a little protection from the bright sun, there were odd fish rising <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">I think</span> mainly to black gnats of which there were swarms dashing about. I wanted to stick to fishing a dry fly as I have every opportunity to nymph on the River Eden at home and I am trying to become more proficient at using a dry fly. Unfortunately the selection of flies I had bought from John <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Pape</span> included every type and stage of mayfly dressings and a few old favourites like a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tups</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">greenwells</span> glories but no gnats. I persevered and did manage to pick up one decent fish on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">greenwells</span> that I was pleased with. Richard came by and had done much better <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">nymphing</span>. A gentlemen walking by with a Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Russell</span> enquired if a chap who was tackling up nearby with a spinning rod was with me. On being told that he “was not” he phoned Matt. The chaps girl friend then came down and asked “If I had a spare float for her boyfriend?” I did not have the heart to tell her that her boyfriends fishing was about to be terminated. Shortly afterwards Matt arrived with two policemen and the boyfriend duly had his rod confiscated by the constabulary!<br /><br />We went off to lunch at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Devonshire</span> Arms in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">qaint</span> village of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Pilsley</span> and all had Roast Beef with a pint of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Bakewell</span> bitter, which was fine and hit the spot. We then went through the grounds of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Chatsworth</span> itself, by the front of the house and around behind the cricket ground where I had enjoyed a memorable evening a couple of years ago when I first witnessed the dance of the mayflies. We split up and agreed to meet at 5.00pm for a bottle of an excellent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Provencal</span> Rose that I had enjoyed in the past. Initially things were tough and I moved through several pools searching for any rising fish. Having tried fishing faster water trying to induce a take eventually I sat on a convenient bench a little chastened and just watched the river. I saw a decent fish rise opposite me underneath a large oak tree and at the same time noticed a few proper mayflies drifting down the river. For once I had the perfect match in my fly box so I changed my fly and went back in well downstream of the tree with some optimism. Immediately a fish rose in a stream the other side of some weed and a cast across with the leader landing on the weed for once was on the money and I tightened into a nice brown trout. It was well hooked and I managed to keep its head up and not lose it in the weed. This signalled a good hours and a bits sport and I caught a further 6 fish all brown trout of varying sizes and ended up nearly an hour late for the rose! I need not of worried as I was first back and Robert and Richard had also enjoyed a productive time though Robert was complaining of lost fish and fish that he had failed to hook which made me feel a lot better and a little smug.<br /><br />We drunk our rose and set of for the evening and I fished upstream of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">car park</span> with some luck. There was not an extravagant hatch of mayfly but enough kept hatching to keep the trout and me interested. Not many rose to just generally tempting them but excitingly I had much more success when casting immediately to rising fish. What a thrill when the cast is accurate and well presented and the fish takes almost straight away! You can never tire of this and time just flies and very soon it was starting to get dark and we stopped and rounded of the day with an excellent curry and a few lagers on the way to Roberts house in Sheffield. Many thanks to Richard for the chance to fish these lovely waters in such hallowed surroundings, a real honour and a special day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.fishing-shooting.co.uk/">http://www.fishing-shooting.co.uk</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-15980989122129152552009-10-15T06:33:00.000-07:002009-10-15T08:45:21.731-07:00Les Jardins de Loïs, BeauneWe were lucky enough recently to be invited to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beaune</span> for the harvest by Phillipe <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dufouleur</span> and his wife Anne-Marie. Robert <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rusby</span> from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hallamshire</span> Wines organised everything and we flew to Geneva from Liverpool hired a car and arrived in just short of three hours at Les <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jardins</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> Lois in the centre of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beaune</span>. I had heard rumours that Phillipe had recently added a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chambres</span> d' <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Hotes</span> to his winery and had made a good job of it but I was not prepared for the splendour and comfort of the finished article.<br /><br />We drove through some large double doors in the wall of an attractive property looking over the Hospices <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> B<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">eaune</span> and were immediately struck by a sense of tranquility, perhaps engendered by the lovely flowers and a glimpse of the garden down some steps. First impressions count and everything was so neat and charming. We were shown our room all of which are named after his <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">vinyards</span> by Phillipe and were simply gobsmacked! <a href="http://www.jardinsdelois.com/en/chambres/perrieres/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clos</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perrieres</span> </a>is simply stunning, as befits his premier <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">vinyard</span> and brings a new meaning to bed and breakfast. A lounge and large bedroom are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">complemented</span> by a spacious bathroom with a huge bath and if this was not enough alongside is steam room. I also took Father to his room and was equally impressed, especially by his shower that reminded me of a roman baths.<br /><br />Breakfast is taken in a pleasant room and is continental. However though simple, very well done with freshly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">squeezed</span> orange juice, homemade jams and lovely fresh croissants and bread. When all this is complemented by proper strong coffee I am always happy to do things the french way! One of the other joys of this property is that is built above the cellars and the winery which are literally underneath you and extend right out underneath the street. Therefore a stay can be combined with a tasting in the cellar.<br /><br />We were lucky enough to have a tour of the vats first with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Phillippe</span> that contained all the 2009 harvest. The harvest unfortunately for us had been very early so we had missed the grape picking however we much enjoyed going around the vats whilst Phillipe explained his techniques of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">wine making</span> and what he is trying to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">achieve</span> with the 2009 vintage. He is genuinely excited about it and we can only pray that the euro drops before we have to decide how much we can afford! We then had a tasting of 2007 wines for the first time along with some stars from 2005. I was impressed with the 2007's and will look forward to tasting them again next spring at Roberts annual wine tasting and buying some. Our tasting and little holiday was then made complete and special by taking all the bottles upstairs and enjoying a prolonged lunch in the garden.<br /><br />I have perhaps saved the best bit till last. The garden here is a joy, laid out over 200 years ago with tall pine trees, magnolias, a large type of ornamental lime tree, an orchard, almond and walnut trees it is over an acre in size and just a delight. Lunch was prepared by Anne-Marie, lovely melons, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">jambon</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">persille</span>, homegrown tomato salad, lovely bread and a cracking cheeseboard with Roberts favourite cheese <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">L'ami</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">chambertin</span>. All on a fantastic autumn day sat in the shade with good company, in the middle of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">beaune</span> with all the bottles from the tasting with no time constraints this was for me the highlight of the trip or any trip.<br /><br />We did manage eventually to leave the garden. Father opted for one of the comfortable recliners in the shade of the magnolia but I managed to drag Rose with some difficulty and Robert away to go and have a look at Phillipe's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">vinyards</span>. I was keen to actually see the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">vinyards</span> and their location and aspect so when I open one of Phillipe's wine I can visualise them. We started with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clos</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">Perrieres</span> which was recently reclaimed and replanted and is potentially one the very top wines in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beaune</span>. The whole <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_33" class="blsp-spelling-error">vinyard</span> is less than a hectare and Phillipe has roughly half of it. It is right at the top of the slope and I was astonished by the stoniness of the soil and wondered how they managed to cultivate it. They had obviously been very selective with their choice of grapes for the harvest and there were lots left on the vines that we tried. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_34" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Wonderful</span> sweet fruit that endorsed the excitement about the 2009 vintage. I buy <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_35" class="blsp-spelling-error">Clos</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_36" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span> Roi and Cents <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_37" class="blsp-spelling-error">Vignes</span> every year and we worked out where they were from our map and drove around for a look. Anne-Marie looks after the vines and we noticed how neatly cultivated and maintained her vines are and were lost in admiration at her hard work.<br /><br />If you are thinking of going to Beaune, Les Jardins de Lois is situated on the inner ring road and the centre of Beaune is perhaps 400 metres away. There are a host of restaurants within easy walking distance at all levels as well as some very well stocked bars in this most charming of cities. Do have a look at their website which has the tariffs on it. As you may have gathered it has my whole hearted recommendation and I cannot wait to return!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.jardinsdelois.com/en/esprit/">Les Jardins de Loïs, Beaune</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/">Hotel in Cumbria</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-39587249236736414312009-10-15T05:10:00.000-07:002009-10-15T06:03:33.122-07:00EATING TRUFFLES AT LE P'TIT PARADIS, BEAUNEWe went to this charming little restaurant on our last night in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beaune</span>. Booking is essential as it only small and very popular and we witnessed numerous people being turned away. The service was knowledgeable and friendly, there was an an excellent wine list and some serious cooking in a cosy unpretentious atmosphere.<br /><br />I knew that we were in trouble when on arriving at the restaurant we were greeted with a blackboard proclaiming "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">le</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">truffes</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">et</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">arrivee</span>!" The truffle menu had to be ordered for at least two persons and Robert and I could not resist it. At a cost of £60.00 each it did not make for a cheap night but the food was very good and they were generous with the truffles which we had on 4 successive courses. Starting with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">foie</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">gras</span> and creamy potatoes then moving on to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">oueffes</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">coquette</span> which was perhaps my favourite use of the truffles. We then had a fish course of a local white fish which was excellent. Rose had the same fish as a main course but served with a red wine sauce which perhaps overpowered it a little. Sadly I am yet to be converted to fish and red wine as a combination.<br /><br />We then moved onto our main course of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Burgundian</span> beef, very good but I think that truffles go best with dishes of delicate flavour that allow you to pick up all the nuances and smells of the truffle itself. As puddings were included in the price and even though I was full to bursting I ordered a rose <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">pannacotta</span> and was I pleased that I did. This was a simply <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">awesome</span> sweet of rose scented, creamy smooth <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">pannacotta</span> that was just so good that I made everybody try it! A real triumph that summed up this lovely little restaurant that I would heartily recommend to anybody going to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beaune</span>.<br /><br />RESTAURANT LE <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">P'TIT</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">PARADIS</span><br />25, rue <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">du</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Paradis</span> 21200 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">Beaune</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Téléphone</span> : 03 80 24 91 00<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Restaurants in Cumbria</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-71866996474875126412009-06-05T12:46:00.000-07:002009-06-05T12:58:48.464-07:00Sea trout and Salmon Fishing at Newton on the River LuneRiver Lune May 28th 2009<br /><br /> I had received a lovely invite to fish on the River Lune from Rob and Annie Rusby and although I have a lot of things going on at the moment, the temptation to go got the better of my conscience. I managed to get off straight after lunch and arrived at the fishing below Kirkby Lonsdale at 3.00pm. As the Rusby's were delivering wine and not arriving until 4.30pm I elected to fish the top most pool Coneygarth, as I had plenty of time to walk up there, and the two labs Tia and Bolly would get some exercise. A quick look at the river revealed a nice water of perhaps a foot above summer levels with a good tea coloured stain to it.<br /><br /> As I had been invited primarily to fish for salmon I put my salmon rod up and after some deliberation elected to put a fairly bushy size 8 cascade double on. However remembering successful times for sea trout later in the season in the past I decided to add a dropper and try to cover all eventualities. The wading is very easy in this pool and I do not think that the bottom is rocky or weedy so I felt it was worth the risk of fishing two flies. Having added a smaller thunder and lightening type double as a dropper I set of.<br /><br /> The afternoon had got even better, it was warm still but some cloud had come over and I walked upstream with some optimism. The pool has a fast running neck which runs into a widening main pool which continues on for some distance gradually getting slower. On this height of water the pool was still a good 200 yards long. I went in just below the neck and was relieved that by tapering my leader and using different sized flies they were turning over perfectly even though I was spey casting rather than overhead casting as I wanted to fish fairly square. After about a dozen casts I got a take as I was stripping near the end of the swim. It dashed of and I thought sea trout immediately and after a brief fight I beached a nice 2lb sea trout on the large cascade which I returned. As I continued down the pool I caught a further 2 sea trout all on the cascade of a similar size and was starting to regret not fishing with my sea trout gear as the fish were outfaced by the 15ft salmon rod.<br /><br /> I then went back to the top of the pool and as the water was clearing rapidly and had fallen back a little I started higher up the neck in the much faster water. I was rewarded with three more sea trout in quick succession and a feeling of pleasure and elation at seeing and catching so many sea trout. The last few years have been increasingly tough for catching sea trout over the whole country and it would be fantastic if there is a recovery in numbers. I returned all the sea trout but would have been tempted to have kept one but did not as I thought that the law prohibited taking all migratory fish until June 15th However on catching up with Robert and Annie they asked if I had kept one and I said “no its illegal” Robert informed me that it was legal to keep a sea trout and that the laws just apply to spring salmon. I disagreed and several friends in the hotel later agreed with me, but a quick google in the morning proved us all wrong and an apology to Robert was due.<br /><br /> Sadly the clearing of the water and a slight drop in temperature signalled the end of the sea trout though Robert did catch a 2lb plus brownie which the water there is stuffed with. We rounded of a special afternoon for me with a meal back home at The Tufton. I owed Robert a favour so I did the wines out of my own cellar. A 1997 Alsace Pinot Gris, Grand Cru as an aperitif and to go with various starters. A 1998 Château Corbin-Michotte to complement the local racks of lamb. Definitely the highlight of the evening the Corbin was judged blind by Robert and he placed it initially as an older wine of perhaps Figeac or Ausonne class in St Emillion. I was delighted as I have several cases of it and have much pleasure in store. With cheese and putting the world to rights we enjoyed an old favourite from Beaune, Phillipe Dufouleurs 1997, Cents Vignes. A perfect end to a wonderful day.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.royalhotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">Sea Trout Fishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">Salmon Fishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Vintage Wines in Cumbria</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-17595904819169694882009-06-04T14:40:00.000-07:002009-06-04T15:10:11.801-07:00The Nut Tree Inn Murcott near BicesterSurfing round the internet for somewhere special to eat the Oxford side of the Cotswolds I was delighted to find the Nut Tree with its recently awarded Michelin Star. In our old farming days we used to visit the Nut Tree quite regularly, as it was about an half an hours drive from our farm near Tring and had a deserved reputation for excellent steaks. It was run by a very genial mine host who got on well with my father and I have happy memories of some enjoyable times there.<br /><br />It was with a sense of anticipation and slight trepidation that I drove through Murcott to the pub as my last visit would have been all of 25 years ago and I often find that revisiting places after such a gap often gives a slight feeling of disappointment that things are not as you remember. However for once in my life it was better than I remembered. A lovely, picture postcard, thatched building, very nicely kept up with a friendly feel on entering. Two ducks were waddling gently out the door as we walked in and with a smile we elected to sit outside on the back terrace as it was a perfect afternoon.<br /><br />A one choice luncheon menu was incredibly priced at £17 for a Michelin star production but as nearly always happens I suspect, we ended up choosing different dishes off the full menu to try and fully sample the food. For starters we shared some Seared Scallops with Lemon Curd, Caviare and Fennel that was simply fantastic. The superbly cooked diver caught scallops with the sweetness of the lemon curd and the crunchiness and flavour of the fennel, was a truly winning combination. Weirdly we felt that the caviare was not needed and we would rather have had another scallop! I have an army friend who's dictum is “time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted” and I had read the website and picked up on the passion and reputation for pork dishes so we had the Pork Terrine. Again this was extremely good with a true depth of flavour that went perfectly with the Alsace Pinot Blanc that we had chosen. The wine list was not huge but adequate and the mark up perhaps not unreasonable.<br /><br />For main course we had Slow Roasted Belly of Pork that really hit the spot, a real favourite of mine. A Salmon Fishcake with a Gratin of Spinach and Tomato Butter Sauce that was bursting with flavours and every morsel was cleared up! For a sweet we shared a soufflé of lime and coconut with some mango sorbet that was just sublime. My bill came to £82 and compared to what you can spend to sample Michelin star food, extremely reasonable. The service was unhurried, efficient and friendly, always a winning combination. I will definitely return given the opportunity and do not intend to leave it another 25 years and we would both thoroughly recommend it to anyone going down the M40 or anybody lucky enough to live close by. It would perhaps also be a good idea to pay a visit before the prices go up!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Restaurants in Cumbria</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-77453434457642658572009-02-04T08:05:00.001-08:002009-05-30T10:32:34.624-07:00Spring Salmon Fishing a Fickle AffairEach year on the completion of the shooting season my thoughts turn immediately to salmon fishing and I experience a desperate yearning to get the rods out and get started. So when Frank rung with an opportunity to kick the season off on the River Dee fishing West Durris and Lower Crathes I said “yes” immediately. It is a world famous beat that I had never fished before and was a chance to get started a week earlier than usual.<br /><br /><br />We commenced fishing with the two Roberts on Monday 16th February on a nice morning but with a rising water, which sadly by the end of the day was up to 6ft and still rising. I did get an appreciation of what a fantastic beat we were on, a veritable oasis of fly water for nearly all heights of water. Though unfortunately for us not at 6ft plus. We did fish on the Tuesday and caught a few kelts, but the highlight of the day was a casting demonstration from world champion Gordon Armstrong who was fishing with us. Equally remarkable was watching Franks 12 year old son Tom casting after just one day of tuition from Gordon. Not a big lad for his age but using a 14ft rod with a full sunk line he gave a perfect imitation of Gordon’s technique casting a good 25 yards plus with fantastic turnover of the fly. A lesson for us all in that timing and technique are a lot more effective than power!<br /><br /><br />On Wednesday though the water had dropped below 6ft and was falling and we felt we had more of a chance. I was put in second pool below the bridge and although the water was still very high it was possible to slow the fly down enough to stand a chance. As I got half way down and was covering the stream past a little promontory I had a good solid take just as I was slowly stripping line near the end of the swim. A good fight followed and I started to look for a beaching place, but to no avail. I then tried On Wednesday though the water had dropped below 6ft and was falling and we felt we had more of a chance. I was put in second pool below the bridge and although the water was still very high it was possible to slow the fly down enough to stand a chance. As I got half way down and was covering the stream past a little promontory I had a good solid take just as I was slowly stripping line near the end of the swim. A good fight followed and I started to look for a beaching place, but to no avail. I then tried ringing Robert on my mobile but no signal! The fish was still fighting well and perhaps had been on for 20 minutes when Mike French and Robert hove into view to change pools a welcome sight. The fish soon netted we estimated at 17lbs, what a start to the season. I then offered the pool to Mike who said "no finish it of" I went back to about a pace behind where I had hooked the fish and lengthened out my line and first cast hooked another fish of some 12lb. Both fish had been in the river for a few weeks and we speculated that they had possibly come back down stream on the flood.<br /><br /><br /><br />This first trip was also notable for the extreme numbers of kelts that we caught many of which were fish quite recently spawned that had run the river late. A mention also for The Banchory Lodge Hotel where we were very comfortable, well looked after and the food was especially good.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">Salmon Fishing Breaks</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-11297687551441183432009-02-04T06:54:00.000-08:002009-02-04T08:30:14.953-08:00Political RantJust a couple of heartfelt gripes to get them of my chest! In the last budget the chancellor put duty on alcohol that has mainly hit the responsible middle classes and used the excuse of binge drinking and under age drinking to try and appear socially responsible. If he really had tried to do something about the problem of excessive drinking by young people with some of the extra money he garnered I think most of us could have stomached it as a package. But to hide the need for extra revenue which he does need behind a few pious utterances makes ones blood boil!<br />The excessive booze consumed by binge drinkers and youngsters largely comes from supermarkets who use alcohol as a loss leader to attract people to spend money on other products priced properly. Though it is nice to have a cheap bottle of wine or can of beer cheaply at home the effects are far reaching. Pubs have become very expensive and no longer especially in rural areas provide a centre point for the community. When we grew up our local had people from all generations in it and you mixed and picked up social skills and went there to meet people. The presence of older people who you knew perhaps helped prevent the worst excesses! This community has been lost. Youngsters get together in groups on their own and the culture is to get wrecked sometimes before you have even gone out!<br /><br />I feel the chancellor should have adopted the following measures. Prevent supermarkets selling booze as a loss leader. He would receive more revenue from duty and VAT and actually make binging <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> more expensive. It would allow pubs and independent retailers to compete on a level playing field and create jobs. Secondly have a campaign a bit like the aids one years ago explaining the dangers of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">alcohol</span> to young still maturing bodies. The reason that you cannot buy alcohol until you are 18 is not because you cannot vote! It is actually because the liver is capable of regenerating itself if you give it a chance when you are adult but does not when you are young. Alcohol cannot be processed properly and it will permanently damage the liver for your entire <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">probably</span> fore shortened life. Having this explained to me when I was a young teenager would have changed my habits especially accompanied by a few gory pictures of damaged livers. It would educate both teenagers and parents and though it would not stop everybody it could only help.<br /><br />Sadly our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">government</span> is shallow and only concerned with staying in power, never with doing the correct thing. All problems are shelved of onto future generations instead of risking anything that maybe <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">difficult</span> for the electorate to chew on. We are financially bankrupt after years of good times with nothing put by led by a weak people just obsessed with their own situation.<br /><br />End of rant, at least I feel a little better! Must stress that these are purely personal views and anybody is welcome to disagree!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tufton</span> Arms Hotel</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-7555885959110370592009-01-17T01:11:00.000-08:002009-01-17T01:32:23.821-08:00Buying old vintage ports at auctionI have been buying old vintage port from 1917 onwards for my hotels and fishing expeditions for some 12 years now all from auctions or from ebay at the rate of 4 to 6 cases per year and I have never had a bad bottle of port. What set me of on this train of thought is I ran into an old friend yesterday who I had not seen for ages who I sold a bottle of the Sandemans 1917 port to some 12 years ago now and he wanted to know if I had anymore so good was it. When he mentioned the port I immediately thought the worst and it was a relief to hear how good it was! These 4 bottles of port came from a house clearance and were discovered beneath some slates in an old potting shed where they had presumably been since world war 1. The wax seals were broken but all 4 bottles were brilliant.<br /><br />When buying wine and port at auctions it has always been a worry that the goods you are buying have been stored badly or have simply gone past their best and you will get something home that is rubbish. Unless you are buying from big auction houses selling complete cellars or large lots with a bottle that has been opened there is a risk. However I would urge you with old vintage ports to just get stuck in and get them bought where ever you find them.<br /><br />Though these experiences are not conclusive I would urge you to view the risks of buying old port as worth taking. Do some research on the years and port houses you are considering buying to get the style that you prefer and get to an auction or click on ebay and buy some. You will also derive pleasure from having really old bottles of port around in your cellar. Much of the enjoyment in life is cleaned from anticipation and what could be more keenly anticipated than a very fine <a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">old vintage port</a>?<br /><br />Nigel Milsom looks after the wine lists in his two hotels <a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/">The Tufton Arms Hotel in Appleby, Cumbria</a> and <a href="http://www.royalhotel.co.uk/">The Royal Hotel, Comrie, Perthshire</a>.Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-7150575120952289742008-12-20T06:08:00.000-08:002008-12-20T06:22:29.409-08:00Grouse Shooting in The Snow on The High FellOver the years I have heard many stories of <a href="http://www.fishing-shooting.co.uk/">shooting grouse </a>in the snow and indeed I can remember a beaters day in a blizzard 3 years ago which we abandoned half way through due to extreme cold. However my walk and stand day on Dufton Fell on November 24th encountered real snow which had properly covered the moor.<br /><br />The drive up to our moor is along one some 4 miles off road with the last mile and a half being very steep in places. I followed Frank our keeper who led the way on our polaris bike up the fell. When we got through the old mined areas the road became covered in snow and icy, however my old discovery managed to ascend and on arriving at the hut I leapt out and was shocked by the temperature difference compared to the bottom of the hill and the amount of freshly fallen snow everywhere. Immediately we could see a pack of 200 grouse on the side of a hill where some heather poked through. The excitement of this though was tempered by the fact that only one car had followed me. I had two teams of 11 shooting along with 8 helpers so was nearly 30 people short. Vehicles arrived in dribs and drabs and after well over half an hour we had everybody safely up though several cars were abandoned in the mine area.<br /><br />I quickly got everybody organised into two teams and after a safety talk took the standing team to the first line of butts. After putting everybody into a butt and checking they knew exactly what was going to happen I went up onto the lefthand flank to help with the flagging. I had heard that grouse become unmanageable in the snow and will not drive so I was somewhat worried as to what might happen. It was very cold particularly as whilst flagging you are not generating any heat by moving around! It took ages for the walking team to come into sight and bring the drive through and it was obvious that it was very hard work walking through the snow drifts. The good news was that grouse went over the guns and quite a few were shot. It was as if the snow had disorientated the grouse and they had forgotten where the butts were.<br /><br />The teams then swapped around and I took the walking team for their turn to stand as the weather started deteriorating with more snow falling amidst banks of mist. Frank must have been very close to not lining out but by closing in they did manage to bring the drive through again with several good packs going over the butts. It must be said though that by this time the day was definitely not for the faint hearted. We then stopped for lunch of hot soup and hot dogs made with Mrs Ewbanks Cumberland sausages. Which were just fantastic and really hit the spot.<br /><br />I then gave the two teams the option of stopping if they wanted to. However slightly to my surprise everybody proved to be made of the right stuff and the consensus was to carry on. Our third drive was the long drive out to Meldon Hill called lang drive for obvious reasons. We had by now a stiff easterly wind which although freezing is ideal for the drive. I put the guns out along a natural gulley which hides them nicely and took my place on the flank. Frank sensibly only took the walking team half way out and as they arced around grouse started gathering on the slopes in front of us. The numbers of grouse collecting was staggering. In the snow you could see everything and I cannot imagine that there has ever been more grouse on this bit of the moor. I got depressed as a pack of 250 birds split of and went over the end 2 walking guns who actually shot 3 of them. Almost immediately afterwards a huge pack went over 8 of the 11 standing guns several of whom reloaded and got more shots of. This was followed by a tremendous drive with shooting for everyone. I estimate that we had perhaps a 1000 birds in the drive an extraordinary number for a moor as high as ours. We are obviously worried about next year and worm levels but our worm counts are low. The snow is still there three weeks later and it looks like being a proper winter so hopes springs eternal that we will get away with it and perhaps have a record season for the fell next year.<br /><br />Unfortunately by now it was nearly dark and we did not have time for the last drive which was fully loaded with all the grouse we had seen. We still had to get safely of the fell, pick up the abandoned cars and get down the steep icy slopes which is far more difficult than going up them. To cut along story short we did all get safely off the fell much to my relief. The bag was 26 Brace and afterwards in the bar at the <a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/">Tufton Arms</a> we reflected on a special day which although it did not go to plan will remain in everybody’s memories long after most other days have been forgotten.Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-88128781004171022702008-11-13T03:28:00.001-08:002008-11-19T08:19:46.761-08:00Chasing the late grouse and drinking 1983 Clos de MarquisA strange combination you might think and you would be right. However if you get a chance to combine these two events it is certainly not to be missed! Our grouse on Dufton Fell are getting increasingly wild and difficult to control so we decided to put some walk and stand day's in to try and catch them out. The grouse have learnt increasingly to fly out over the beaters, so walk and stand day's offer the chance to fool the grouse and combine walked up shooting on your turn to beat with driven shooting on your turn to stand. We priced the days at just £200 per gun and as usual it provided the chance at an affordable price for several guns to have their first experience on a grouse moor.<br /><br />Dufton Fell is some place to start off grouse shooting being one of the highest driven fells rising to nearly 800m. This coupled with the very haggy terrain results in wild birds that hug the contours perhaps closer to Scottish moors in character than some of the moors in Yorkshire. It is also quite difficult walking over the hags and through the heather and levels of personal fitness soon get exposed when it is your turn to beat!<br /><br />In the end we managed to assemble 17 guns from a mixture of local friends and guests from further afield including notably 2 guns from Luxembourg who game down from Pitlochry with Neil McGowan who owns and manages the excellent East Haugh Hotel where I often stop on the way north to invariably have deers liver for lunch. Paul Chambers also came up from the fens for his first poke at the grouse. The international cast was completed by the french in the form of Nico the somellier from Sharrow Bay an old friend.<br /><br />We formed a red team and a black team by drawing cards. Frank Dargue our keeper along with a couple of helpers looked after all the drives and in conjunction with myself and Harry on one flank and Miranda and Colin on the other we endeavoured to flag the birds over the standing guns. I must say our much I enjoyed the day doing this. It is a lot more difficult than most guns imagine but extremely satisfying when you intervene at just the right moment.<br /><br />The highlight of the day shooting wise was the third drive called"Lang Drive" because of the distances involved in beating it! However on Monday we had the advantage of the first East wind of the season which blew down and across it. This enabled us to keep the birds coming forward and to actually see how many birds we have in the drive. The birds over the standing guns were everything November grouse should be simply stunning. However the numbers of them were worrying as they came over in 100's we will certainly need to keep shooting even though our worm counts are still low.<br /><br />After finishing this drive we stopped for lunch in a state of euphoria perhaps even slightly dazed by all the grouse we had seen. This feeling of needing to pinch oneself to get a reality check was completed by Nico rummaging in the trailer and into his rucksack and producing bottles of 1983 Clos de Marquis.He then proceeded to serve the wine. Does life get any better than having the best sommelier in the country serving wine of this quality in such fantastic surroundings?<br /><br />Our bag was around 30 brace roughly half what I was hoping for, so perhaps the grouse won as normal. However our two friends from Luxembourg and Paul shot their first grouse and everybody had a special day to remember. <br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Shooting.html">Grouse Shooting</a><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Vintage Wines</a><br /><a href="http://www.fishing-shooting.co.uk/Shooting.html">Rough Shooting</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-91987297421911815632008-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:002008-10-02T09:46:51.408-07:00Salmon Fishing on The River NessSeptember 21st - 24th 2008<br /><br />I have just been lucky enough to enjoy 3 days fishing at Ness Castle on the River Ness in Ross-shire. The River Ness is only some 7 miles long and connects Loch Ness to the sea. There are only 4 private beats plus the town water in Inverness itself and the season is relatively short from July to October so it is always a privilege to get a chance to fish it. This is enhanced at Ness Castle by the splendour and comfort of the fishing lodge and "fishing bothy" allied with the excellent food and service that go with it. If all this coupled with wonderful fly water for 5 rods was not enough, the icing on the cake comes with the presence of Gordon Armstrong the world casting champion and David Stewart who has such a depth of knowledge and understanding of the river as your ghillies. When an invitation comes to fish here no is not an option!<br /><br />One of the thrills of salmon fishing is the glorious uncertainty of it. This was perfectly illustrated on our first morning. Having tackled up a vast array of rods that John Noriss's had lent me for various friends to try who had not got any tackle. I set off to the Ladies Stream with Nick who had never fished before to get him introduced to casting and fishing. A nice surprise was when he grapped the oars and proved a far more adept boatman than myself and admitted to a lifetime spent sailing and racing yachts. The river was in excellent condition running at 1ft 9ins and a great height for the ladies stream. However we were on the left hand bank with a fairly stiff downstream wind so Nick had to start of with learning left handed double speys. After the usual few abortive attempts Nick soon picked up a serviceable cast that was getting a reasonable amount of line out. Some casts went impressively out to the end of the leader and I explained how this meant that the fly was swimming properly for the whole cast and more likely to take a fish. Other casts did not go as well and Nick started wanting to know what was wrong with each cast when it did not extend. We were in the process of analysing such a cast when suddenly the line moved and he said "I think I've got one". I had gone through the rudiments of playing a fish and Nick did a good job and soon got the hang of it and we ended up beaching a 6lb grilse within 40 minutes of him commencing fishing. Gordon arrived and we could not stop laughing at the improbability of it all. Nick could not understand why we found it so amusing so we told him a few tales of friends who had taken seven years or more to catch their first fish to try and put things into perspective. Amazingly Nick went on to catch 2 more fish the following day to prove that it wasn't luck and will take some persuading about how difficult salmon fishing is!<br /><br />No mention of Ness Castle would be complete with out reference to celebrity chef George Mckay in the kitchen and his excellent team of girls who look after you like kings. After being lucky enough to sample George's food last year, this year we came armed with an impressive collection of wines designed to do the food justice. Thanks to the generosity of my hosts we were able to match a rare roast fillet of scotch beef with a 1998 Beaune, Clos de Roi, Phillipe Dufulour, 1999 Vieux de Telegragh, Brunier with roast grouse, 1997 Mersault Perrieres, Drouhin with Turbot and 2000 Puligny Montrachet, Les Folatieres, Drouhin with a fruit de mers of lobsters, langoustines and crabs. <br /><br />My 3 day trip was made perfect on the Wednesday afternoon by a lovely 8+lb sea liced cock salmon from the lady's stream netted by David. As it was so fresh I kept my first fish of the season which will then be sent to Neves our fish suppliers in December to have smoked for Christmas Day. If you can it works far better to keep the fish frozen and then have the smoked salmon back fresh than it does freezing smoked salmon.<br /><br />As always it was a pleasure to fish with Gordon again. There is something about having the world casting champion walking along the bank towards you that renders one incapable of casting properly. The previous casts may have been going out superbly but human nature being what it is, you somehow try that bit harder and the results are awful. To Gordon's credit his enthusiasm and easy going nature soon relax guests and enable them to start improving their casting. I am currently trying to re model my spey casting to try and get both hands equally into each cast as I am starting to get elbow pains from my spey casting relying too much on the top hand. Having Gordon to give advice and the odd demonstration during the three days has helped alot though some more practise is definitely required!<br /><br />Our week was along way behind last years catch of 40+ fish but somehow was just as enjoyable. We did get to double figures with two fishermen getting their first fish Nick and Paul. Frank my host also caught his largest fish to date an 18lb hen having being introduced by Gordon to stripping a collie dog which induced a thrilling take followed by a lung busting pursuit down the bank. Thanks to all our company and everyone at Ness Castle for a special time.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fishing-shooting.co.uk">Salmon Fishing</a><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Vintage Wines</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-12212058495690697432008-10-01T07:48:00.000-07:002008-10-01T09:10:57.408-07:00The Highs and Lows of Running a Grouse MoorWith this seasons weather continuing its inclement course having an interest in one of the highest driven grouse fells in the UK can be a very mixed pleasure. Having counted our grouse in late July and discovered record numbers for our fell, anticipation and excitement have known no bounds. Sadly this was tempered when Frank our keeper informed us of some damage to our 4 mile long track up the fell caused by the heavy rains in early August. Probably a result of the day when 62mls of rain were recorded at Warcop. However a trip to assess the damage and see if we could get through for a day over pointers on the first saturday of the season revealed that it was far from a large disaster and a couple of days with a digger have sorted it out.<br /><br />The day over pointers was great fun though frustrating in the morning when the cold weather and strong winds made the grouse very skittish and reluctant to stay on point. We were very privileged to be shooting over Colin Organs pointers and setters and it was fascinating to watch the skills of the dogs and their handler in these adverse conditions. Thankfully the sun did come out in the late morning and the sport improved. Lunch was taken al fresco outside the hut around a large table at 2,400 ft and I think was something of a surprise to a group of walkers who stumbled upon us. The afternoon was superb and though we did an area of the fell which had the least grouse on according to our counts there were still plenty of grouse. The day finished with 17 brace of grouse and we were able to enjoy the first young grouse of the season for dinner that night.<br /><br />Our first driven day on the last saturday in August took place in perfect clear conditions with a useful wind from the south. Unfortunately I could not shoot but I invited four guests all old friends to represent me. I did manage to entertain them the night before when we had almost by chance the most stunning meal. Adrian had brought with him from Aberfeldy some young red deer liver that we served lightly cooked as a warm salad with a magnum of Jean Grivots 2000 Vosne Romanee. Several guests had never had deer liver before and what an introduction! This was followed by a large saddle of lamb from Ewbanks carved from the trolley which we shared with another large shooting party to get the 20 people you need to put one on. The lamb was so sweet and tender with a just wonderful flavour that fully maintained the reputation of our local lamb. We washed this down with magnums of 2000 Haut Pontet, St Emillion, Grands Crus to complete a most memorable meal. My guests enjoyed an equally good day on the moor. However when I caught up with them in the evening there were sheepish grins and much talk of strong winds and October like grouse and how difficult grouse are on the high fell! Some gentle probing revealed a bag of some 33 brace at what they thought was a cartridge ratio of about 4 to 1.I must confess I was a bit crestfallen as I was hoping for a bag double this. A chat with Frank in the morning over coffee got to the nitty gritty. The guns had had just short of 400 shots a ratio of 6 to 1 and he had seen plenty of grouse. Our long third drive had been into the wind and this early on in the season they had not been able to get the birds to the guns. I finished the conversation much happier that we had got sufficient grouse for the shooting season that we have got planned<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fishing-shooting.co.uk">Grouse Shooting in Cumbria</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-3345606951392856782008-07-30T10:58:00.000-07:002008-07-30T11:35:31.755-07:00Grouse Counting with "Pepsi" The Vizsla<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnwKkq8DGZjQOuPLJVKrnHdrDdJ3mbnqOdKarHHSbUZ36vVljdokGF-QgJb1oEr0ANZeexQ2vYnX48LC2WLx85Lb1EWa9lo37vkhhhiya8XZ7_3uPouxJwVoTX669UMC5A_4nzB7_t2Uv/s1600-h/501.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228877493003278738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnwKkq8DGZjQOuPLJVKrnHdrDdJ3mbnqOdKarHHSbUZ36vVljdokGF-QgJb1oEr0ANZeexQ2vYnX48LC2WLx85Lb1EWa9lo37vkhhhiya8XZ7_3uPouxJwVoTX669UMC5A_4nzB7_t2Uv/s320/501.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyQEZacup8UgZlUgv30ZCT-TmAPYuhLevk2wkv5S4r40VQrCueaE4t_ePnuuHGwjN7InggR6HgtmG1olvldIeiHFzqVuybuTXUr42YPPj0KqmX9sFMX9FuC-L5841AEde3qZfb7e0y5ii/s1600-h/502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228877499293789602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyQEZacup8UgZlUgv30ZCT-TmAPYuhLevk2wkv5S4r40VQrCueaE4t_ePnuuHGwjN7InggR6HgtmG1olvldIeiHFzqVuybuTXUr42YPPj0KqmX9sFMX9FuC-L5841AEde3qZfb7e0y5ii/s320/502.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>July 29<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> 2008<br /><br /><br />Whilst chatting with my bank manager Mark who is a keen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">wildfowler</span> and shooting man the conversation turned to dogs. He has a young 18 months old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">vizsla</span> puppy who he is getting ready for its first season and he was keen to give it a run in the open <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">after</span> game and see how it pointed and flushed. Ever pleased to keep the bank manager happy I suggested that he came out and helped with the grouse counting. I usually count our marginal ground that we use for smaller walked up days. The ground is still quite high at nearly 2000ft and a mixture of grass, heather and bilberries, but without high levels of grouse, so ideal for a puppy to have its first run out.<br /><br /><br />Mark arrived after lunch and we transferred all our gear into my discovery for the drive up the fell. Having introduced Pepsi the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">vizsla</span> to Tia my black lab. We set of to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dufton</span> and took the track past Bow Hall and on up the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Penine</span> way alongside High Cup Nick. In the past I have always followed our keeper Frank <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Dargue</span> off road onto the high fell and left to my own devices my local knowledge let me down and I failed to find the easiest route. Mark was surprised by how rough the journey was and where discoveries can get to, Pepsi decided that it was too scary in the back and transferred to her masters lap. My driving, never my strong point can have this affect it seems on dogs as well as humans.<br /><br /><br />Having eventually arrived at the bottom of the bilberry plain I decided to walk out downwind over the less promising lower ground and then swing up hill and walk back along the escarpment into the wind where traditionally we see more grouse. Last year I counted 36 grouse in a recovery year for us and I was hoping to count about 80 grouse. On the walk out we saw several signs of grouse from a few loose feathers to quite a few distinctive grouse deposits. However sadly we saw no grouse. I was though impressed with Pepsi, she quartered the ground nicely, but not too quickly and always within easy range of Mark. I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">disappointed</span> that she had not had her chance to shine but with our turn around into the wind I was looking forward to the return walk.<br /><br /><br />Almost immediately upon facing the wind in an area of bilberries Tia started showing signs of grouse nearby. Sure enough just over a small rise in front of us we put up our first grouse. One single old bird that did not look that healthy a rather depressing start. Then suddenly again Tia gets excited and at least two <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">coveys</span> together of 14 grouse fly off followed by another two young ones. What a relief! Quickly Tia puts up a barren pair so I head further uphill and pull Mark and Pepsi more onto the line I am on. Pepsi is working really well into the wind and it is a pleasure to watch her. Suddenly she is on point. Is it grouse or a false alarm with a young dog? Mark moves up behind her, camera at the ready and pushes her forward to flush. After a slight pause 4 grouse wheel off on the wind, Pepsi then remains rock steady. Impressive stuff. One very happy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">vizsla</span> and one immensely proud master, a lovely moment.<br /><br />In all we counted 36 grouse almost exactly the same as last year. I did see a lot more signs of grouse <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">particularly</span> on the way back and perhaps got the feeling that we could easily have missed a few large groups in such a massive area. It will be interesting what the counts show up on the main moor. What we did <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">achieve</span> though was Pepsi's initiation and I think that Mark can look forward to some exciting times with this dog. She was equally impressive when doing a few retrieves with a couple of dummies. Mark commented that he wished she ranged a little further but I felt that she was perfect if you were going to shoot over her on rough days yourself. Lets hope that she isn't gun shy and I look forward to watching her again in the future.<br /><br /><br />Nigel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Milsom</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Shooting.html">Grouse shooting</a></div>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-86010749096334109202008-07-26T02:37:00.000-07:002008-07-30T02:46:34.125-07:00Fru Inger Seafood Restaurant, Trondheim, Norway<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">14th July 2008</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Fru</span> Inger seafood restaurant is very conveniently situated near the station looking out over the old harbour. With <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">its original</span> attractive wooden buildings built originally I assume for warehousing. I did not realise how large wooden buildings <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">can be</span> and these are fascinating all built on stilts to allow for the tide to rise and fall. There are now <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">marinas</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">both sides</span> of the harbour and we enjoyed watching one boat having docking problems. Going in far too fast with too much <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">momentum and</span> giving another boat and the mooring a good bash. A good healthy argument ensued, we felt some sympathy for the guy <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">who got</span> hit as you could see from way out that the boat was making a mess of it.<br /><br />The restaurant itself is modern and comfortable with plenty of windows to take advantage of the harbour. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">particuarly liked</span> the glass dining tables, which were huge maps of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Trondheim</span> basin with all its myriad of islands and a neat idea. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">wine list</span> for Norway was reasonably priced and we had a good bottle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dopff</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">au</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Moulin, </span>Alsace, Riesling for £35.00. The menu was limited as they had been very busy over the weekend and their supplies were late arriving. However we were happy to have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">a portion</span> of Scampi between the two of us which comprised of 8 decent sized prawns on a salad bed with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">chilli</span> sauce. Very tasty, perfectly cooked and a good appetiser. For main course Father chose perhaps their signature dish of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Hitra</span> balls <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">which are</span> fish dumplings originating from the island of H<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">itra</span>. They were served with bacon, sausage what I would call <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">neeps</span> and tatties. A nice dish with contrasting textures and flavours, the fish dumplings themselves were very light and not a suet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">base. </span>Though perhaps if one was being critical they were a little bland. I had grilled turbot a favourite of mine accurately cooked and very good.<br /><br />The service was excellent, again with a waiter Thomas who's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">english</span> was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">impecable</span> with no trace of an accent. Trondheim has the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">biggest ratios</span> of cafes and restaurants to population in Norway and being a university town has plenty of educated students to man them.Though most of them are empty most of the time and as it is so expensive you cannot work out how they all survive. Our bill was £95 for this lunch with coffee thrown in and we enjoyed it.<br /><br />Nigel Milsom.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Restaurants in Cumbria<br /></a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-81579498079694477982008-07-25T03:29:00.000-07:002008-07-27T03:29:06.868-07:00Sea Trout Fishing and Salmon Fishing on The River LuneHow often do really good moments in life sneak up on you and surprise you when you are not really expecting it? Often events that you plan and anticipate for ages don't work out as you planned and can prove an anti-climax. I rang up Robert <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Rusby</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hallamshire</span> wines to get a dozen cases of wine dropped off when he was passing next and he said " what about meeting up on the River Lune below <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kirkby</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lonsdale</span> as there had been some water last weekend and though the water had dropped, it could have bought some salmon or sea trout in and why not meet up in the afternoon exchange the wines and have a fish? "<br /><br />Set of late and arrived at Newton at about 4.30 pm, no sign of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rusby</span> and the water looked quite low. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rusby</span> rang to say his day had gone wrong he would not be there <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">until</span> 6.30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ish, </span> but to get started and see what was about. Newton is noted for being the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ogelsby's</span> home beat for many years and the hut has photographs and fishing records of theirs which somehow set the pulse running. It is also remarkable for the reason that the complete river moved in the middle of the beat some 200 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">yds</span> making the bank we fish double bank when it used to be single bank. It really is quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">extraordinary</span> and has to be seen to be believed.<br /><br />I tackled up and dropped down to 10lb nylon with a dropper and walked up to the very top most pool of the beat thinking that I would leave the best water until later when my host arrived. It was very hot, surely the hottest day of the year so far and the sun was bright but at least behind the fish, with the water at 3ins and very clear. I fished the pool down and started to think about our experiences in Norway. Which meant I started trying to fish more downstream, and more carefully. Whilst trying to wade along the waters edge without making any noise by splashing or disturbing rocks as I walked on them. As you do, I got very absorbed in this, completely in my own little word. When suddenly I was disturbed by a splash and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">graunching</span> noise. Tia my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Labrador</span> was 50 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">yds</span> downstream trying to dig a large rock up from the river bed. I felt rather foolish and shouted at the dog, however what was interesting, was how the sound of the rocks she moved carried and presumably vibrated. Food for thought.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Rusby</span> arrived and we had a snack and geared up for sea trout, apparently here traditional flies work well, but a touch of blue can help. I found a few stoats tails and tosh's, a couple of which were the right size and had a bit of blue along with a small thunder and lightening double. There are two favoured areas for sea trout, both with a good stream at the head so we resolved to try the oxygenated streams and observe the pools and then to concentrate when it got dark where we hopefully saw fish. I went to my stream and fished it 3 times with no excitement or sign of a sea trout. A car pulled up on the other bank and a pleasant chap passed the time of day and told me that there were not many sea trout in and I was inclined to agree with him!<br /><br />I moved upstream to join Robert and compare notes and changed to some bigger flies, the thunder and lightening on the dropper and a shrimp with a tail on the point. Robert had seen nothing either apart from a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">parr</span>. As it got dark he continued down the pool and I went in behind in the stream. I went in higher than Robert did as I had a seen a fish move earlier in the day and immediately started catching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">parr</span> and felt more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">hopeful</span>. However I reached the bottom of the faster water after nearly an hour and had still not seen a sea trout so wandered down to join Robert and tactfully suggest we went home or found a local pub.<br /><br />He though had seen several fish start moving in the very slow flats which go on for some 300 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">yds</span> and suggested I started some 100 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">yds</span> below him. The water was very slow and I lengthened my line until I thought I was in danger of hitting the other bank. Cast out again and it went solid immediately, I gave it a bit of pull to hopefully pull the fly of the rocks and it went bananas! Not a huge fish, but what acrobatics. I had forgotten how special fishing in the dark is for these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">wonderful</span> creatures. Got the sea trout gently beached, it had taken the dropper and though we had had a discussion about the merits of 2lb sea trout to eat, considering them the best. I decided to put it it back as it had given so much excitement. Unfortunately though, it had put so much into fighting I could not get it going again properly so had to kill it.<br /><br />Heard some splashing upstream and could just make out <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Rusby</span> landing a fish. Went straight back in and after a couple of casts had a solid knock at which I struck, but it was gone. Was I too slow it always feels that way. Carried on had another knock, struck, this time success, a larger fish cartwheels up into the air but then runs hard towards me, I strip line rapidly and stay in touch <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">until</span> the fish is beneath the rod tip. Try to stay in touch and get the fish to run but suddenly I feel the fly ping out. However many times you lose fish the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">disappointment</span> is always keenly felt and you are never quite ready for it. Robert let out a cry and had lost one as well. Still there was plenty of time left it was only 11.30 pm, but there wasn't. That was it 15 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">mins</span> of activity otherwise you would not know that there was a sea trout in the river.<br /><br />We tried for another hour but though it was a lovely night with shooting stars, a r<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">uddy</span> moon that got brighter and a pleasant wind. The reality was that moon was too bright, the wind had a bite to it and the water felt like lukewarm bath water and our fun was over. We exchanged the wines and I drove home happy and planning <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">tomorrow's</span> dinner for two. Fresh Lune Sea Trout with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Hollandaise</span> Sauce washed down with a bottle of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Faively's</span> 2002 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Rully</span> from the bin ends. Life has its compensations.<br /><br />Nigel Milsom<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">Fly Fishing Breaks</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-3053475623684364912008-07-24T04:04:00.000-07:002008-07-30T02:48:21.655-07:00Salmon Fishing on The River Gaula, Shooting Heads Versus Spey LinesThe River <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gaula</span></span> near <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Storen</span></span> lies about an hour south of Trondheim in the middle of Norway and has a reputation for big fish which are rumoured to average 17 lb+. We got there by Ryan Air from Liverpool to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Torp, </span></span>Oslo and train to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Storen</span></span>. The train journey was comfortable and fascinating. Norway truly does have vast amounts of water, trees and spectacular scenery.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gaula</span></span> was fast running, crystal clear with a variety of pools, some of them being several hundred yards long of excellent fly water. We fished with Arne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Flagestaad</span></span> on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">EHF</span></span> waters upstream of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Storen</span></span>. Arne kindly met us off the train and organised a local car hire firm for us who were very trusting, did not want to see a license or passport and said just drive! My sort of people. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">EHF</span></span> waters comprised of 12 beats of two rods spread over a distance of some 20 km making it essential that each pair of rods had a car. The beats rotated <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">every</span> 6 hours and you really could fish 24 hours a day if you had the energy! However in reality you get a range of pools suiting different heights of water so that you catch up on your sleep when you have a less favoured pool. This does mean though, that the favoured pools get a lot of hammer. The fish in the River <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Gaula</span></span> were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">wonderful</span> and as large as promised with perhaps 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">kgs</span></span> being the average size, but fish larger than this were commonplace up to 14<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">kgs</span></span> in the week we were there. Having joined the party a day earlier than expected we met up with the party who were all buzzing with the fish they had been catching and seeing. Before supper Father and I thought that we would go for a look along the river and find the different pools from the maps we had been given. Time spent on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">reconnaissance</span> is seldom wasted a dictum from an army friend. We soon found the top 2 pools <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Lillestrom</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Trocken</span></span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lillestrom</span></span> has a very fast running neck with a lovely tail where a huge fish jumped. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Trocken</span></span> we parked up and walked through the bushes to the river and there was a salmon being played! The railway line runs alongside the far bank and a train came along and blew its horn at the fisherman who waved in return, a nice touch. After a further 5 minutes the fish was beached and looked about the 9kg mark. Father had stolen a tape measure from mothers needlework drawer to measure our large fish, so I offered our measuring service to the fisherman having congratulated him, however he did not require our help as he promptly clubbed it with a large rock! We then returned for supper to discuss the policies of catch or release on different rivers. We found that on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Gaula</span></span> historically people kept their fish but in the recent past they were trying to return more fish and I think that they managed around 50% in the week we were there.<br /><br />Our fishing lodge <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Stortstuu</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Winses</span></span> is run by Anne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Marit</span></span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Winses</span></span> and her family who have been there for some 14 generations. The main house is a lovely old wooden building with a really good feel to it. On arrival we were greeted by Anne <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Marit</span></span> and her husband Matt Hayes of TV fishing fame who both put <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">themselves</span> out to deal with us being a day early by putting us up in their own house, rather than have us use the local hotel. This level of care and hospitality was characteristic of our very enjoyable stay. For those alcoholics amongst you who have heard of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Norways</span></span> infamous drink prices, the lodge was not licensed so we could bring our own drink. Much to Fathers relief we found an excellent wine shop in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Storen</span></span> and stocked up for between £10-£15.00 per bottle a little over 2 times the cost of the same wine in a shop at home. Or about the same price as the bar in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Tufton</span></span> Arms!<br /><br />Sad to report, Father and I fished hard for some four and a half days and failed to catch a fish. Not something to worry to hard about you may think but when there is a record week for the river going on around you, with some 85 fish caught and the person sharing your beat is the top rod on the river. It has been the cause of much soul searching! Marco a friendly German electrical engineer from Cologne has been fishing the river for some 13 years for two weeks most years and it was his best year. One could not help but start thinking about what he was doing that we were not.<br /><br />Firstly he fished with smaller rods of 13 and 14ft versus our 15 and 16ft. He used the guideline shooting head system with a seemingly endless range of lines to fish at different depths instead of our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">carron</span></span> lines, in floating, intermediate and full sink with a range of tips bought for the occasion. I observed the following characteristics of his fishing. I never saw him wading, he was very quiet and methodical. His <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">spey</span></span> casting was neat using both hands equally which generally gave a very good presentation of the fly, with complete leader turnover. He also usually cast the fly much further downstream than us. On the pools of which there were several as the water dropped where the stream was on the far side with a back eddy on the fishing side. He would cast and keep his rod high above his head and prevent the running line touching the back eddy so that fly fished properly down the stream on the far side. He would also often as the fly fished down the pool, flex the rod tip slowly, again with the rod held high.<br /><br />I also observed several locals on different pools all fishing with guideline shooting heads, as were most of the rest of our party who had been going to Norway for several years. The feeling was that the lines allowed you to cast along way more easily, with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">a lot</span> less effort as well as giving you more versatility in the depth and presentation of the fly. The disadvantage is as the lines are only just over 40ft long, it means you do have to strip in and hold large amounts of line to cast a decent distance and this does become rather laborious. It would also <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">certainly</span> be very difficult and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">probably</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">impossible</span> for Father with his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">macular</span></span> degeneration. I also felt that on large evenly flowing pools were you did want to cast along way our lines allow you to be more in touch with the fly and to fish it faster with a belly if you so wish.<br /><br />However I am considering getting one guideline set up for our fishing bag! Firstly so that we can fish <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">certain</span> pools better when we have round two with the G<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">aula</span></span> salmon in the future and secondly to learn from the experience and fish more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">effectively</span> in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">certain</span> situations in our own country. Pol <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Dornie</span></span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Carron</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Laggan</span></span> on The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Spey</span></span> springs to mind, a pool that we rarely fish due to the large back eddy that sucks ones line down. This could be fished very effectively with one of these lines. I have also resolved to be much more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">careful</span> on the river bank <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">particularly</span> in times of low water. The water was so clear in Norway and there was so much fishing effort that in these conditions everything had to be right to catch salmon. I cannot wait to go and have another shot at those <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Gaula</span></span> monsters but perhaps we will leave the tape measure at home next time!<br /><br />Nigel <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Milsom</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Fishing.html">Fly Fishing Breaks</a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-727915623627054286.post-16764420953278808332008-07-23T08:31:00.000-07:002008-08-03T04:07:37.745-07:00Solsiden Seafood Restaurant, Oslo, Norway15th July 2008<br /><br />After our fishing trip to The Gaula and two days in Trondheim, a quite lovely city with clean open wide streets and very friendly people, we travelled by train back to Oslo। As always in our limited experience of Norway the trains were clean, comfortable, punctual to the second and good value. Father got half price and by booking over the internet at least a day in advance using their minipris prices I got a similar deal. It was less than £85 for two of us to travel first class for a 5 hour plus journey. How wrong have we got it in this country? Far more relaxing than driving with spectacular views and a snooze when you feel tired and far quicker as there is a max driving speed of 56mph on most roads in Norway.<br /><br />Arrived in Oslo late afternoon, the central station is a mess outside but a short walk got us to our hotel. The Comfort Hotel which is modern, very convenient and comfortable enough। Had a complimentary cup of tea and a council of war to decide where to eat. After consulting our guide book we decided on a seafood restaurant called Solsiden. It is rated as the perhaps the best of its type in Oslo and as it was our last night we were happy with the price guideline of £40 to £60. We enjoyed a gentle stroll down to the seafront past the old fortress and along the seafront and found the Solsiden restaurant perfectly situated with panoramic views over the sea, shipping and harbour. The place was packed on a Tuesday evening a good sign and we got the last table. We settled in with two small beers and took in the menu and the surroundings which were chic and modern. I particularly liked the large bar with the brigade of chefs working away behind it which gave a great atmosphere complemented by the 200 + diners, a happening place.<br /><br /><br />We both chose the same meal and had a bottle of 2006 Chablis, Vielles Vignes, Domaine George to wash it down with which for Norway was reasonably priced at £47.50. The starter of marinaded salmon and sweet roe was extremely good, though not over generous in portion size it certainly left you wanting more which is perhaps a good thing. Our main course of Turbot with potato and german mustard purè and lobster sauce was brilliant. The fish accurately cooked and sauces and flavours that perfectly complemented the fish. The potato and german mustard purè was something that I shall get my guys to try and repeat when I get home. Simply lip smacking and a contrast to the crunchy lightly cooked vegetables. The desserts were light, imaginative not too sweet and a perfect end. The service was friendly and efficient with the staff very highly trained. A nice touch which we could learn from was an explanation of each dish to the table as they put it down in a choice of languages!<br /><br /><br />Had time now to look out at the stunning views across the sea with sun starting to set on the horizon, various boats plying their trade around the harbour and to enjoy a coffee. Also to observe the restaurant in full swing. Their signitature dish was a fruits de mers served for two or more people in raised elegant bowls that dominated the tables stuffed with crabs, lobsters, oysters etc. Not cheap at £65 per person but this was not stopping at least 70 people having it! I had to succumb to a fit of professional jealousy with my mind looking at the 200 people and whirring like a calculator especially as everyone was drinking liberally even at Norway's renowned drink prices.<br /><br /><br />All good things come to an end, time to pay the bill and stroll back to the hotel on a perfect summers evening। As expected the bill was about £140 for the 2 of us however there was a sting in the tail. At the bottom of the bill was a thing called MOMS at an extra 345 krone. On asking we were told that this was the 25% tax. There was no mention of this on the menu or wine list and everyone else in Norway had as in this country included the tax in the quoted price. We did pay it, but it left a nasty taste which was a shame as the meal was truly memorable as was everything else.<br /><br />Our stroll back to the hotel was enlivened by all manner of prostitutes which apparently Oslo has a reputation for. Fathers macular degeneration prevented him seeing the sites but eventually a large well endowed Romanian gypsy lady accosted him and would not take no for an answer. Father informed her that he was 75, would not be much use to her, had never resorted to her kind and was not going to start now! Sadly I think that much of this would have been lost in the translation though she did go away.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p>Solsiden Restaurant, Sondre Akershus Kai 34 </p><p>Tel 22333630 www.solsiden.no </p><br /><br />Nigel Milsom 23rd July 2008<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html">Restaurants in Cumbria</a><br /><a href="http://www.tuftonarmshotel.co.uk/Dining.html"> </a>Nigel Milsomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05915177369141270490noreply@blogger.com0