If I tell you this post is about having an attractive bark, you would be forgiven for thinking you'll be reading about my mellifluous vocal range.
But you would be wrong. (And not for the reason Gail suggests, namely that my bark is far from my most appealing feature.)
No, today we're taking a closer look at the bark on some of the trees I saw on a frosty walk around Loch Clair and Loch Coulin last Saturday.
The lochs are fringed with a variety conifers and broadleafs, some native, some introduced. At this time of year, the tree trunk is the most conspicuous feature. Both Gail and I are agreed that the bark of the ancient Scots pine has the most 'character'. Don't you just love the muted pinkish-brown and grey colours and the gnarly textures?
Running a close second to the Scots pine is another common native species, the always delightful silver birch.
The frosted birch trees look so pretty set against the blue waters of Loch Clair.
Further along the path, the smooth trunk of a beech provides a nice contrast to the pines and birches. Beech trees are native to southern parts of the UK, but not to the Torridon area.
Finally, we have another interloper, and rather a scruffy one in my opinion. Some sort of cypress, at a guess. (Gail's phone app was undecided.)
That's all for this week. Happy Nature Friday!
