tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63410467211103829422024-03-13T10:35:42.898+00:00Travels in a CampervanMake the rest of your life the best of your lifePaul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-37345859440420802062023-09-30T19:00:00.003+01:002023-10-17T13:57:02.453+01:00Clères, Songeons, Le Crotoy and back to Ardres<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday 30 September 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up back at Ardres, which was our first night stop of this trip back on 20 August. We've eaten, our passports and documents are at the ready and the alarm's set for 0430 tomorrow morning, ready for our Shuttle train back to Folkestone and the long drive home to Anglesey.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left our pitch by the river Seine, popping up to use the service point in nearby Yvetot, as the one at Mailleraye-sur-Seine was out of order. Then it was on to the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/5AunHz63cTemyysB9" target="_blank">free aire in Clères</a>, north of Rouen. It's mainly double pitches, separated by high beech hedges, but there was plenty of room, so we had one all to ourselves. A quick check of my mapping app showed some GR trails nearby, so we enjoyed a walk through a forest, alongside arable fields on the high ground and back along quiet country lanes, nosying at the houses and choosing which one we'd live in!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgya1v5ng5P4TdFTJR2LRZO3prCNHMubWxEMhk4Mx9F5UmJ2V4esrP9cA5oJfaKb_kVxSK0Ld9r4U64yG4YYH1CJAMtZ12RJWpzIfbfSj2TlgKUhN6ac9odi5A7JyyjgzaM9DMtBcSlMkzROsbWSe8zV1VJm0zgOvSJ4LAsGteHklVS5tSKt51qTQWPySS4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clères</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thursday morning Cathy had her online Welsh lesson, so Salty and I had a walk around the adjacent park before going into the town centre. He wasn't very impressed when I had to tie him outside the boulangerie so I could go in and buy a baguette and some patisserie! Our next stop was the vets in Buchy to get Salty checked out and for him to take his worming tablet and have this recorded in his EU (Irish) passport. For anyone needing a veterinary practice on the way back to the UK, I can recommend them. You can book an appointment online well in advance, they speak English (although I continued with my very bad French!) and they allow you to give your pet your own tablets (sourced from your UK vet) to keep the price down.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSvLX0Sg7Mp3yKRc0BQXevMjVhfjWMsIJA8vwyj7V4Afih5cjLMGL1PhQ0BJTAiKrMJap9qtlowZLe8tDh945FSXyfsDswhyzPPrlzHkakS6G3KHlccqtp17WbP7NwJP1q0Oat2lBrqSiSk3zF0afzs0EHMuNRjBOO1NEgnzZcuYmytnhJomM0BgobKhYy" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not happy being tied up outside the boulangerie!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We continued on to the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/rTdLB9XN9B2481YNA" target="_blank">free aire in Songeons</a>. This is a fairly new and well kept aire, with generous, level, gravel pitches. Once parked up we took the 25 minute walk, along the edge of a forest up to the <a href="https://thegoodlifefrance.com/what-to-see-and-do-in-gerberoy-picardy/" target="_blank">ancient village of Gerberoy</a>, with its cobbled lanes, old cob houses with colourful timberwork dating to the 17th century and ramparts surrounding the village. Out of season it was quiet and only a few people were walking around. Listed in the 'plus beaux villages de France' it has an old world charm, which although quaint and beautiful, felt a little like the 'set in aspic' equivalent of the Cotswold villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter or Bourton-on-the-water; it must get very busy in the summer season. Back at the van I popped into the village to buy a jeton for the service point before cooking some daal, then a quiet night, listening to the stream flowing past the aire.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWOIe7oJSUv6I_KfHP3hIBtc2erJE8llxz3CPlDezAK4nuDjGVPJpzQjObmNBfF4yExujMdcarvPm5Kij-vdJ6F4PwSiWycE0uUeIDzZRwjnllYh619XKLJx8aWKRCycSvoP2KHAlIsuW-4cjiVKgoMhuodF0GbwgzN8aSYCSDKuVJBHQogUFR26gAxqow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Songeons aire</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Friday morning after breakfast, showers and servicing the van, we drove the 65km to our penultimate stopover at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/hweceVKiFCd4Xs1Y6" target="_blank">Le Crotoy</a>, on the coast. It's really just a gravel and sand parking area behind some low sand dunes, leading to a shallow flat bay with a narrow beach, with mud flats when the tide recedes for miles. We had a walk along as the tide went out, watching the kite surfers and letting Salty have some zoomie time, albeit on a long lead. The rest of the day was spent sheltering from the sea breeze behind the van, then sat inside for supper and an early night.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi4fwqQIIiohTSl1rFDi-x68dBqDdZSPrmgXKnEMpzSYbycIAcSem9jS9uLRqjZwT5ZhM8k6OAR2tDuFL936Nr4bcJBXezB8HlfQJ3J2cxG8p-S1aKfR_Z46E_Krk5oBVNwg6xrLA9s089ERa10-3zW4i5QU_jdfZD4-Dk_BDnDpHKGF-2ZlC8_AW3fByM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Crotoy</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning it was bright and sunny and still warm. I've been in shorts ever since we left home on 19 August, only wearing long trousers for the one night we went out for moules frites. I have jeans ready for the morning though, as it's about 10'C cooler back in the UK. Our task for today - on the way to Ardres - was to shop for some foodie items to take home, plus a few gifts for our friend and neighbour who have kindly kept an eye on our house and garden. I also did the last diesel fill up of this trip, so we're now ready for the long journey home. On arrival in Ardres we had walk </span><span style="font-family: arial;">along some of the lakes close to the park up and back along the canal. Cathy and Salty returned to the van and I carried on</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> in to the village to buy a baguette to make a sandwich for tomorrow, plus some patisserie (of course!). On the way back I stopped off at the village Brasserie to use up my last few Euros and put some more money back into the local community - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! After sitting in the warm afternoon sunshine, supper was a quiche lorraine from the boulangerie and some salad. That's us now ready for an early off in the morning. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgKTPsZapkRO-688YeTbTCPl2W0hzWGy3LZySkHLAEq-DHFyZHL947Zp21f7I3PR0BnFLZex0ZtwzLmyfju8fBO_RYV6A9a1QGGEvkcmdql32Z38ChWZrW28UzYC5FO3ruF3F0nZoGe2OLd0NQmkD3UKzULJM8vLA6Cxtq49BV5Lwog8Uvd9azXl72k1wgw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ardres</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been another great trip. When I look back at these posts, I've already forgotten many of the places we'd visited. It's the main reason I write this blog; my brain is like a sieve these days! We've had some great weather with very little rain and explored some lovely places. Many baguettes have been consumed and plenty of patisserie too! So it's back home tomorrow after six weeks away. We're both ready to return to pick up our lives and get back into the home routine. Cathy has a lot of gardening to catch up with and I have lots in the pipeline with Môn Search and Rescue, including studying for a First Responder Emergency Care medics course in November. We'll have the usual job of emptying the van, cleaning it inside and out and preparing it for semi-hibernation We don't tend to travel much in the winter, maybe the odd day out, although if there's a decent weather window, there's nothing stopping us throwing a few things in the van and finding somewhere close to home to spend a night away, combining it with a refreshing winter walk. Next year's trips are to be confirmed. It won't be France though; we're taking a break from touring here. It's our 40th wedding anniversary in November and a present to each other is to do a DNA test to trace our ancestry, then use the results and further research to plan future trips. So who knows where we'll end up next year. But it should hopefully make for some exciting and interesting travels, with a purpose and aim of returning to some of our family roots.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Until then, stay safe.</span></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-53462557198811223432023-09-26T20:07:00.023+01:002023-09-26T20:31:40.334+01:00By the Seine<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesday 26 September 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up overlooking the river Seine, with seagoing ships occasionally passing and creating a wake and waves that Salty can't see so doesn't like! We've stayed on <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/UM4HAeBTyDXbf9uv7" target="_blank">this aire in the village of Mailleraye-sur-Seine</a> before, <a href="https://www.vanvoyage.co.uk/2019/07/berthed-alongside-seine.html" target="_blank">in July 2019</a>. It's been a hot day and it's still warm and humid this evening, although the mosquitoes drove us inside once the sun had set. Our original plan was to stay at a different aire, but more of that later. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left Saint Rémy and drove to our next stop, in the </span><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/VrvGg4FB8oUk7aBN9" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">small village of Courtonne la Meurdrac</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. We bagged the last of four hedge-lined pitches, although later on three vans arrived and parked along the fence line opposite, which was fine as there was still plenty of room to reverse out. Apart from the nearby church and a bar/shop on the opposite side of the road, there's not much else in the village. But there are some beautiful Norman houses and outbuildings and we enjoyed having a good nosy as we took a walk along quiet lanes with a 'mohican' of grass in the middle of the tarmac.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our original stopover for tonight was to be in a motorhome parking area (not really an aire) on the edge of Le Bec Hellouin, a village of ancient houses and a huge abbey - Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><span style="font-weight: bolder;"> </span>Abbaye Notre-Dame du Bec</span> was founded around 1034 by a man called Hellouin, or Herluin, who had previously served as a knight under the Norman Count of Brionne before converting to the monastic life. The abbey quickly rose to become a major Christian centre thanks to two exceptionally powerful religious men. Lanfranc of Pavia, encouraging a great building programme, and Anselm of Aosta, fostering Christian thought, would make this little corner of Normandy famous, spreading the deep spirituality developed at Le Bec much further afield, notably across the Channel to England. These two abbots, having first served at this spot beside the gentle Risle River, would both in fact go on to serve as Archbishops of Canterbury, no less. Back at Le Bec-Hellouin, the abbey’s monks encouraged the growth of the adjoining village, to have workers based close by.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">All here turned towards the abbey, living according to its ups and downs, from moments of great joy to times of despair. During the second half of the Hundred Years War, 1417 proved a particularly dark year; the abbot of the time, fearing a devastating attack by marauding English troops, employed a scorched-earth policy that caused the village’s destruction but did not stop the English enemy taking control of the abbey. At the Revolution, the monastic buildings were turned into a cavalry barracks. Monks only returned in 1948, followed, the next year, by some nuns, who had a separate convent built. Le Bec-Hellouin stands out not just for its <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">religious</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"> </span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">heritage</span> but also for its lovely setting, its peaceful, well-flowered streets and its <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">half-timbered houses.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We parked up and had some lunch, before walking into the village. The abbey is only open to the public on certain days and I think it's only with a guide. There are still monks living in the monastery buildings and nuns in a separate convent; all contained behind high fences and gates with electronic locks. It was free to walk around the abbey gardens and a small covered cloister with pews was open too, but we didn't feel comfortable going in there. It's a lovely village, easy and peaceful to walk around, but it did feel a little like a film set. We're out of season so it wasn't busy and it felt a little uncomfortable walking around; we felt we were being watched all the time. I'm sure we weren't but with the monks and nuns locked away, occasionally glimpsed through the fencing and the strange feeling we had about the place, we both decided we didn't want to stay overnight in the car park.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So we ended up here, next to the river Seine. Ships and seagoing barges pass now and again, which makes for interest. The village is also nice to walk around; it has a much more welcoming feel than Le Bec Hellouin. Unfortunately the motorhome service point is out of action, so I've had to do a bit of replanning to find somewhere tomorrow to service the van; looks like we're popping into Yvetot first thing. We sat outside in the sunshine, although today I'm feeling tired so had a nap on the bed with Salty. I think the constant travelling and having to find somewhere to stay each night (even though this is really easy in France) is taking its toll. I've no idea how those who full-time in their vans - especially those who only wild camp - do it day after day - it's exhausting! As we approach the last few days of this trip I'm starting to look forward to returning home.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-86159976578736925732023-09-24T18:20:00.037+01:002023-09-24T18:41:38.722+01:00In the Suisse Normande<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday 24 September 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at a <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/4RxixY6YPX7hVTDi8" target="_blank">free aire with eight other vans in Saint Rémy</a>, in the Suisse Normande area, which is in the middle section of Normandy. It's an area we've not visited before. The Suisse Normande starts about 25km south of Caen, along the gorge of the River Orne, between Thury-Harcourt and Putanges. Whilst there aren't any 'swiss' mountains, the region is quite distinctive with cliffs, crags and wooded hills. It's a bit like Devon mixed with Yorkshire.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left Plestin les Grèves on Friday morning after a peaceful night. This was the first morning it's felt a little chilly first thing; since then it's only been about 10'C in the van in the morning, so the heating's been on for a while each day just to take the chill off. Our destination was the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/YBXdzQTVpfUdNujFA" target="_blank">Camping Car Park site in Hirel</a>, right on the huge estuary overlooking the Cotentin Peninsula, with a view of Mont St Michel in the distance. <a href="https://www.vanvoyage.co.uk/2022/08/arrived-in-brittany.html" target="_blank">We stayed here last year</a>. With the recent rain it wasn't so full, so we were able to pick a pitch on the grass that was well drained, unlike some of the others. The afternoon was spent walking on the vast beach - avoiding the mud flats with the tide way out - and watching the sand yachts zoom along the hard surface in a very strong breeze. The sun was shining though and with the combination of this and the wind, we returned to the van with colour in our cheeks. The evening was spent catching up on YouTube.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday was another fairly long push east to get into this area. We stopped off at a Le Clerc supermarket in the town of Flers to fill up with food and diesel. Driving into the town, it was evident it had been part of the recent riots in France, as there were lots of burnt areas of road around some of the suburbs. Topped up we rolled into the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/1ouSVhVn8Z6pNNrk6" target="_blank">small village of Pont d'Ouilly</a>. The aire was about 500m out of the town right next to the River Orne. Each pitch is separated by high hedges and, as we sat outside with a late lunch, we had a good view of the slow moving river, with a fisherman trying his luck from the next-door van, plus many people kayaking down the slowly moving river. It was a warm, sunny autumn day but once the sun disappeared it was a bit too cool so we moved inside. There's a Sunday market in the village, so after walking Salty and wandered into town, leaving Cathy to have a clear up. Previous reviews suggested one of the roads into the village was closed off on market day, so I was expecting quite a few stalls. Disappointingly, there were only three - a fruit and veg stall (where I purchased a few items), a clothes stall and one selling the sort of tat you find at a car boot sale. We've noticed that many of the markets are now much smaller than we remember, much like at home. Perhaps it's the same impact of Covid and the cost of living crisis that's impacting so many towns and villages in Europe; such a shame.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our original plan was to park up at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/GVgBzLC55P4eaUXi9" target="_blank">the aire in Clécy</a>, as I had a circular walk planned from there and it's down as one of the 'beau' villages of France. The aire has five official pitches but when we arrived, there were a couple of vans and the rest of the spaces were taken up by cars due to a football match on the adjacent pitch. But I had a reserve aire just a few kilometres up the road, here in Saint Rémy. It's not as quiet due to being close to a road with many (VERY NOISY!) motorbikes driving past, much to Salty's dismay, but it's flat and free.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been a very warm and sunny day, made all the better by friends back home on Anglesey telling me about the horrendous winds and rain they currently have! The aire's right next to one of the <a href="https://www.francevelotourisme.com/destinations/normandie-a-velo/suisse-normande" target="_blank">Voie Verte cycling and walking paths</a>, an excellent initiative that has utilised the many miles of disused railway track. This one is 100km, starting in Caen. It's being well used by all ages and it's lovely to see....UK take note, once again you're far behind the curve in encouraging people to be fit and active. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I found another circular walk of just under four miles, that took us through ancient deciduous woods and tiny hamlets, although the start point was about 2-3 km from the aire, so we must have walked about 7 miles all told. But it was good to get out and stretch our legs and have a good nosy at the lovely houses, many with old outbuildings and potager gardens. Back at the van I made some halloumi burgers with salad and it's now quietened down. The sun is dropping and the noisy motorbikers have gone home for their tea....work for them tomorrow!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0Vl2GiD1Sqvh_BkcGOK-KRUTcEKwHMim0uvFjCVvFZf1u2dIb1Vdu5pAF-hxLjxTZlE4pwLL0BwF10hGcVyiijG9ASqcXttV6dnB3R3zR6GJXrrgrLGt1RR2Iov4a0gp44pVxRnJwjF2XjtORj-UeagRpbX30VMLOaC3frpmlmMND0aokJ-KTBCRQg_U_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perched on a hill on the walk - Chapelle Saint-Joseph, in Saint-Martin-de-Sallen</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-61303353830578589002023-09-21T16:24:00.040+01:002023-09-22T15:22:33.882+01:00On the north coast of Brittany heading east<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Thursday 21 September 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up on an <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/PhFULqFcTj2uLqYh9" target="_blank">80 pitch aire in Plestin les Grèves</a>. It could get quite claustrophobic if all the pitches were taken, but today there's only about half a dozen vans here. Although sunny and warm when I took Salty out for a walk this morning, the return leg of this afternoon's walk was in heavy rain and the showers continue to pulse through now.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After Trégarvan, we stopped off at a Super U to do the laundry. Next the outdoor laundrette was a motorhome service point, so the van was serviced after lunch, whilst waiting for the dryer to finish. It was then a short drive down to <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/zuLtmvuFZKH71cu48" target="_blank">the aire at Roscumunoc</a>. It's right on the coast, with a good view of Ile d'Ouessant (Ushant). We took a walk past the 'chiens interdit' beaches and on to a cove where they're allowed on a lead; Salty enjoyed some beach time. The Fiamma awning winding handle broke today as I wound it in, so that'll need replacing when we get home.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQK77ONRhGd3OK0adZKRIIehLAZnjko6NpJ2aTmPGslrvynzs7YmmbZJr_06vzNQS9RE4X2BH1V39Y16Wj2Xj6P9dCt9XLZ4Uzi8YY1axSeY_u5hSHa8I5A3CCOu4MHmxuFYQ_VP_-mz0KtpqvVKnWV5X96SYFxqFtbGgxrzcFJeHseW0qOtKmlC2-2PV6" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dhoby Day!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The following morning we walked in the other direction, along the cliff top coastal path. We were able to get down on to one beach via a large number of steps zig-zagging down the cliff face and had it all to ourselves. It was some great off lead time for Salty, who was caught out a couple of times by the very large waves as they washed further up the beach! Back on the cliff top we walked on a little further until reaching </span><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/FLg6kVHjE7grpe6NA" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">La Pointe de Corsen</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. This is the most westerly point in mainland France - next stop America.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFGsSx9IhtcrqssNQ42pIm50fLMtA9riE38sRWvZ5YmoxV88AiNasNuWU51CB9KRb4haV8LxxfTgecvrDdjUNsgUym5asYZ_Ybp1teuJahmPPrLqvae1-xatHtamu4yQy8-l-aHcAKWXSlY6YWuIunUvGaXcUJTzNWnIuOT4b6ArmnhumQVshfGLfJuCsN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of the beach</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back at the van, we had a quick lunch then hit the road towards the inland town of <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/eQvuJLFng34DLAih8" target="_blank">Saint Thégonnec</a>. It was a free aire with the pitches separated by low hedges. On a quick mooch about I noticed a pizza van on the car park on the opposite side of the road, so fifteen minutes later we were having an early tea! The rest of the evening was spent chilling out. In the morning I walked to the boulangerie for a baguette and to get one of the free jetons to allow us to fill up with fresh water.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the way out yesterday we made a quick stop at the Decathlon in Morbaix to pick up a couple of things before driving down to the aire on the fishing quay at </span><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/YyFoNg1ZKxMD1Jju6" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Plougasnou Le Diben</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. There was plenty of room and we bagged a spot overlooking the sea and rocks. It rained heavily all day, so we didn't venture far, until later in the afternoon when we went to the local bar - </span><a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/U5yrJXoPxyoo91ZK6" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Kfè du Port</a><span style="font-family: arial;"> - on the port, for moules frites. We arrived at 5.30pm and found out food didn't start being served until 7pm. So do we head back to the van through the rain and come back later, or do we stay in the bar and have a couple of drinks until it's time to eat? By the time our food arrived I was about three glasses of Leffe in! The moules frites were really enjoyable and a great treat; we've not had them since our 2019 trip to France so they were long overdue.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning was the first time I felt some chill in the air, but it's still shorts weather. As we were finishing breakfast, we felt the van being nudged from behind. If we had a YouTube channel, I could have done the 'scream' shock-horror face in the thumbnail, with a <b><i>"An A class smashes into the back of us - is this the end of van life!!?"</i></b> clickbait title! I went out to find the huge A class motorhome that had been parked behind us had driven (albeit very slowly) right into the back of our van. I was completely perplexed as to how the driver managed it, as there was plenty of space for him to reverse before moving forward. The driver seemed as perplexed as me; his wife refused to catch my eye, and just stared straight ahead, probably in sheer embarrassment! Once he reversed off I could see he had hit the bike rack. A quick check showed no damage though and he apologised before driving off at haste. I think he was trying to avoid the Police Municipal Officer who arrived about 15 minutes to collect the (very reasonable) €5 night fee!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There was a Super U on the way to this stop, so I pulled in to top up with a few essentials before we settled in to this aire. Salty and I took a walk in the morning to give Cathy some peace for her online Welsh lesson. We took the GR34 path down to Saint Efflamm With the beach out of bounds to dogs (although a few were running about on it) we walked along the promenade in warm sunshine, before returning for lunch. This afternoon's walk was in the opposite direction to a small harbour and a tiny beach. The return leg was in heavy rain, so we're now back in the van, drying off coats and chilling before our evening meal.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzvDhNe5MNq_y9YRwpfIFhVdCoSkVsTP1ZLLtYi0rEtTCiagvlI_wkyTu_FwB41-h9pnA1JBE9gx6NXjt-RujYPx223NmVJcnc2AVuJ4c0chw5K7up_Y_GQS1HOV00yrYb-QLjafOlPEs8S5ztodIr_0meZmU4nb1KvFE4lXFRgfBCQtfmqBkEI4shGU0m" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400"></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning sunshine - Plage Saint Efflamm</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With about ten days left of this trip, I've pretty much mapped out our return route to Calais, including some stops in the Pays d'Auge and Suisse Normande areas of Normandy. Salty has his vet appointment a week today for his worming tablet, then we'll be ready for our return on the tunnel. But until then we've more to explore.... whilst dodging the showers.</span></div>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-33915321455950297072023-09-17T13:20:00.074+01:002023-09-17T19:30:36.470+01:00Plonévez-Porzay and Trégarvan<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday 17 September 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/6Ua8WJeNFsf3AZYP9" target="_blank">parked up on the old quay side by the estuary in the tiny hamlet of Trégarvan</a>. It looks very much like similar estuaries found in Cornwall. It must have been a port at one time given the many bollards along the jetty, but time and silt have clearly made it impossible to now moor alongside. The parking area is noted as an official aire, but there are no facilities here except for a couple of bins. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We stayed another night in Kerhillio on Friday, mainly because the forecast was decent and we fancied another sea swim. Salty had a good walk in the morning, including some beach time but also excitedly investigating the many rabbit burrows in the low level sand dunes - one of his favourite pastimes! He then stayed in the van in the shade while we walked through the huge municipal campsite and on to the beach; by the late afternoon the tide was in so we had an hour of alternating between swims and drying off in the warm air and hot sunshine.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday was a Super U shopping day and a diesel top up. Super U is one of my favourite French supermarkets; the variety and quality of produce is always good and at a reasonable price, although most supermarkets in France (except Lidl and Aldi) are more expensive than at home. The pile of live crabs and lobsters on the ice table in the poissoniere section were very tempting, but would be extremely messy to dress in a small campervan!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last night's park up was on the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/4XKbyTcgvLQRMVxp8" target="_blank">free aire in Plonévez-Pornay</a>, a few miles inland from the coast. It has space for about 20 vans on grass, although by the end of the day they were tagging on the ends or any space they could find. Again, all were French vans except for us. We've seen very few British vans over the past month, not even many Dutch, who are usually around in large numbers. We took a walk into town to get our bearings, having noticed there would be a market the next morning. This is the first time a night stop has coincided with a village market, so we were keen to have a look. The town has all the usual shops, plus some selling Bretagne products to tourists. I cooked a fish Thai green curry later.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning was showery although still warm - in the low 20s - and a couple of times we had to take shelter from heavy downpours at the market. There were some lovely fruit, vegetables and cheeses on sale, some from local organic producers. There was also the usual olives and saucisson stall, another selling hot cooked couscous and another selling rottiserie chicken; at €14 per kilogram though it was a bit too pricey for us. We were already topped up with food, so nothing was bought. </span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the way to Trégarvan we visited a couple of beach park ups to see if Salty could have a bit of a run around. <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/tmCHrJHUtu2oJMXc9" target="_blank">The first </a>now had a sign banning all motorhomes from parking at any time and <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/7wbU3fsNsXvvNVJz8" target="_blank">the second </a>had a sign banning dogs from the beach at any time, so we just headed here instead. This part of Brittany is very much like Cornwall (and Anglesey), with small fields enclosed by hedgerow and rolling hills.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On arrival I sat on one of the bollards with a pot of tea and just watched the wading birds in the estuary mud and the skies as dark streaks of cloud marked the blue sky. The tide was on the turn and on its way in. After a quick lunch the idea was to take a walk along the estuary, but we had an hour of very heavy rain, so chilled out in the van instead.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Eventually the rain cleared and we set off along the path running by the estuary. It took us through temperate rainforest, which was now steamy and humid with the hot sun shining through the greenery as we walked. Salty managed to get in the flowing stream which runs into the estuary and enjoyed himself pawing at and biting the waterfall! The route took us up and onto a lane for a circular walk back down into the village and the van. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dinner was eaten overlooking the still water of the estuary at high tide and as the sunset, peace and quiet followed. And what a sunset it was.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-28267796880764091412023-09-14T21:14:00.028+01:002023-09-14T21:36:37.718+01:00Sea, sand and jazz in Brittany - summer's still here!<p><b>Thursday 14 September 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up on an <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/h7GS3zEmJvrdpPB29" target="_blank">aire in Kerhillio</a> at the northern end of the Quiberon peninsula. We're on a grass pitch under the shade of a small tree. There are about thirty pitches, although a few are still empty. It's €15.30 per night, including services and electric hook up - that's about £13. The aire is just outside a huge municipal campsite, where vans, caravans and tents are spread all over the sandy areas, separated from the huge beach and sea by dunes. Just outside the aire is a square comprising surf shops, artist galleries and a couple of hipster-like cafe bars; it's a lovely, laid back place. Right now <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/c8CQYuK6ZypdQ4nY7" target="_blank">Le Coota</a> bar's playing some live music, it sounds like laid-back jazz with guitar and cello. Its wooden decking is lit by coloured lights and there's a friendly buzz of chat over the music, with children laughing as they ride their bikes around the square. We like it here.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left La Pommeraie-sur-Sevre yesterday for a long haul towards the coast. This included an unplanned tour of the docks area around St-Nazaire. For a number of years I've used a Garmin satnav in the van. Over time I've loaded it up with a number of Points of Interest - aires, campsites, wild swimming spots. But I've never really used these. The Garmin is OK, but it's constantly trying to shave off a couple of metres or minutes from the journey. As a consequence we often follow it to turn off down narrow roads to cut off a corner, only to rejoin the decent road we were on before. Yesterday it directed us down past the Airbus factory and towards the cruise liner berths and the docks, down to a dead end! I now remember it did the same last year, when we were heading south. So this time we plugged our destination coordinates into Google Maps on my phone and ran this in parallel. We ignored the Garmin's plea to turn off down single lanes and rat-runs and instead followed the sensible route of Google Maps, which was more direct and actually shorter.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We arrived at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/1PHJjSofa6DsBgce6" target="_blank">Camping Car Park aire at La Turballe</a>. It's actually in the Loire region, but it feels like Brittany. It was busy; with the recent heatwave, clear blue skies and warm sunshine; summer was still here and people were naturally making the most of it. We took one of the three remaining pitches, right next to a road which, although busy, did quieten down at night. The first thing was to take a walk to the beach for a long awaited walk on the sands and a paddle. But no - it was not to be. Approaching the beach we came up with the 'les chiens interdit' signs, even when on a lead. Salty was not a happy hound! He could smell the sea, he could hear the sea, he could almost see the sea. But he was not allowed to go there. I'd not done my research and with a bit of googling soon realised that Brittany beaches are - in the main - dog unfriendly. I get it, they want to keep their beaches clean and pristine and people want to be able to enjoy their time on the coast without dogs running around and doing what dogs do. But it seems a bit strange that dogs are so unwelcome in a country that has one of the highest percentages of dog ownership. But we're responsible owners and follow the rules, so we just walked along the sandy path that runs parallel to the beach before returning to the aire. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'd looked at a few places to stay on the southern and western Bretagne coast, but last night was spent replanning, looking for the few dog-friendly beaches so we could at least walk him in some nice places. As much as we love having a dog in our lives, it has changed how and where we travel. Now we have to think about where he's allowed to go. We have to ensure the pitch is cool and shaded if we want to leave him in the van for any period of time. It's just a different way of travelling. I found a few places online where dogs can still go on the beach (albeit on a lead, which is fine), mainly in the far west and north, so our travel plans have been adjusted accordingly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning we stopped off at the Super U supermarket in La Turballe for a top up. I like this brand of supermarket; it's reasonably priced and the quality of the produce is very good. In the Auvergne, it was mostly Auchan supermarkets, but Super U reign supreme here. The fish counter was excellent, with some of the freshest seafood I've seen anywhere. The mackerel were stiff-fresh and the brown shrimps I bought (look away now if you're squeamish) were still wriggling, the bouchot moules (our favourite) were glistening and the whole squid white and opaque. Our drive (thanks to our recent conversion to Google Maps (sorry Garmin lady!)) was easy and enjoyable, with a mix of A roads and drives through small Bretagne villages lined with thatched houses with white lime-wash walls and sea-blue shutters.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once we'd paid and pitched, we had a tasty lunch sat in the shade of the adjacent tree before packing a rucksack and walking through the municipal campsite to the beach - Plage de Kerhillio. It's a huge sandy beach. The southern end - towards the tip of the Quiberon peninsula - is mainly used by the kite surfers and the naturists. Dogs are 'interdit' on that side, so we were glad of a reason to avoid it! Salty had a lovely splash around, a few zoomies and a drink of the very salty water; he always does it and always gets told off for doing it! Once he settled down lying on the sand watching the world go by, we took it in turns to swim in the exceptionally clear and warm sea. It was idyllic and we made the most of our first sea swim of this trip. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back at the van, showered and changed, Cathy sat in the sunshine listening to an audio book and I prepared the seafood paella (the shrimps had stopped wriggling!), which we ate sat watching the sun set over the dunes. We've decided to stay another day here. It's quiet, with a laid back atmosphere that reminds us of Tarifa in southern Spain, with weather to match. We'll definitely enjoy some more beach and swimming time tomorrow.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-45101364898472344952023-09-12T19:14:00.022+01:002023-10-17T13:16:20.480+01:00Through the Limousin into the Vendée region<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesday 12 September 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up in the <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/fqF56LwZyZTzErG4A" target="_blank">village of La Pommeraie-sur-Sevre</a> in the Vendee region. It's a lovely little village that's provided a free aire with free services. There's not much in the village; a hotel (not sure if it's still open, the obligatory huge church and marie's office and a baguette vending machine. The signposts here show how the village children helped put up the aire signs and plant a lovely herb garden. The feeling of community is strong; it's now nearly 8pm and on the green next to the aire there seems to have been an after-school club going for the past four hours. The children are aged from about 4 years old up to 10. They seem to have a great time, with sports, treasure hunt and games to music. They (and the adults) must be absolutely exhausted! But it's been lovely to listen to the laughter. After some earlier rain, it's a bit cloudy now but still plenty warm enough to sit outside in shorts and t-shirts.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday we left the lakeside where we'd spent the past six nights and hit the road again. First stop was in Montmorillon, to top up with food at Le Clerc and fill up the van with diesel and LPG. Although promising cooling temperatures, it was a hot journey and we spent most of it with the cabin air con cooling us down. Our route took us through Poitiers but thankfully the satnav did its job and popped us out the other end back on to the quieter roads.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our park up last night was in <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rc2g16Hzfhb5KQ1t6" target="_blank">the town of Nieuil L'Espoir</a> in the Limousin region. It was another free aire and quite busy when we arrived, but still with plenty of room to park up. After lunch we took a walk around the lakes, where Salty had a cooling dip, although he might not have been so keen had he seen the coypu swimming in the middle! We carried on a circular route past some large sunflowers before returning to the van for apero hour, followed later by a cup of tea with some patissierie. I did a circuit of the town centre with Salty later; nothing was open. It was stifling hot and humid late into the night and none of us slept well in the heat of the van. A thunderstorm and rain arrived in the early hours, which cooled things a little, but we were still a bit bleary eyed this morning when I walked Salty, then wandered along to the boulangerie to buy a couple of baguettes.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We arrived at La Pommeraie-sur-Sevre at about 1pm, so had a late lunch before following a well marked 6km circular walk that took us into the village and the surrounding countryside. We walked past the old mill of l'Audriere, including the old castle, to which someone had innovatively attached a barn.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz8pxVxqm9msDP7YHVSDVQOXbSEk7FtQa9o5JGetr8tiN-WdpVKvpG98BsvbjFwUyLpELBSEgEiZ8K-xxBrAhYwAx4veZdHYGTLdW8TLoV7oIeo5S5QX-vC0hkVJOTH0qjXH55kk5j1okJES2eC5dFmrEqByxMuh0FbOqsju-ACTPt7gG3jvZ-kr21kWVk" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salty finally gets a cooling dip in a stream</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having had a good lunch, we only fancied a cup of tea and (yes) some pattiserie for supper. As I finish this off, the children are running around on the green playing some form of chase game. The adults seem to have lost control and look absolutely shattered...I'm wondering if I should go over and offer them an apero! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-47459780542657308852023-09-10T14:04:00.011+01:002023-09-10T14:16:50.342+01:00Busy doing nothing<p><b>Sunday 10 September 2023</b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's still parked up at the side of Lac de Vassivière. We'll have been here six nights by the time we leave, longer than we've stayed anywhere for a continuous period. All of it has been on a simple grass area, although we did move to a different spot yesterday to have a better view of the lake and to be a bit closer to 'our' swimming beach. On and off there have been about 8 other vans here with us, although it's been very quiet with everyone just chilling out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been the ideal place during what's been an extended heatwave, not just in France but throughout the UK too. Here, it's been about 35'C every day, but at least with the occasional breeze. So our days have consisted of waking up, cup of tea, walk the dog, chill, swim, lunch, chill, swim, dinner, chill, watch the sunset, sleep. It's been very restful.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Thursday I cycled around the lake, which is almost 24km. The route is known as the Circuit <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Poulidor" target="_blank">Raymond Poulidor</a>, the famous (late) Tour de France cyclist, who lived nearby; two of his grandsons - David and Mathieu van der Poel are also a professional cyclists. I also realised, due to the road graffiti, that the road running to the south of the lake - right next to where we're camped - was also a part of Stage 9 of this year's Tour de France, so I've managed to cycle a bit more of that too! Stage 9 started in the Raymond Poulidor's hometown of Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On a couple of occasions I drove (leaving Cathy sat on our spot with the chairs) to the nearby village of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/niTgvHU3hXGyfL6t7" target="_blank">Royère-de-Vassivière</a> to service the van on the aire, recycle rubbish and top up with food at the small supermarket right next to the aire. This has allowed us this extended six night stop. The solar panel has kept our leisure battery topped up. A few days ago I had a problem with the EcoFlow River 2 Max powerbank not charging on 12V DC. It's fine charging on 230V AC, but we need to be hooked up for that. This is annoying as I bought the EcoFlow specifically for this trip and to spend more time off-grid. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, I eventually got hold of someone in EcoFlow UK and they've agreed to provide a brand new replacement unit when we return home.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The heatwave is due to break tomorrow and cool down by several degrees, which will be welcome. Obviously with that will come the westerly fronts bringing wind and rain. We've enjoyed the hot weather, are thankful for trees to shade us and water to cool us, but now we're happy to take what ever weather comes our way and hit the road again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So tomorrow we'll move on, heading north of Limoges to a supermarket to buy food, brim up the LPG tanks and service the van, then on a bit further north west. The outline plan is to take a couple of days to make our way into southern Brittany, then see where we end up from there. It's 3pm now, the sun will soon be sneaking around the awning, so time for a swim!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-5409610824932887332023-09-05T08:17:00.109+01:002023-09-05T20:30:06.105+01:00Canicule<div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesday 5 September 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/YV1SZtWTDyGsKAwJ7" target="_blank">parked up on a free aire</a> on a large grass field, in the shade of huge oak trees and about 20m from the water's edge at Lac de Vassivière in the Limousin region. There's about seven other vans here, but it's very quiet, no artificial lights around and the owls are hooting all around us. I can just about see the reflection of the lake in the fading light.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Given the current canicule (heatwave) here in France, we made the decision to head for the coast to try and get some respite. We're a bit sad, as the whole Auvergne region is beautiful and we wanted to see a lot more. We had plans for more walks and visits to some of the fortified towns and villages. Plus we wanted to take the train up the Puy de Dôme. But temperatures at the moment are exceptionally high and are due to stay that way for several more days. Issoire - where we spent yesterday morning doing the laundry - was the second hottest place in France yesterday at 38'C. Whilst the coastal areas aren't forecast to be too much cooler, we should benefit from some sea breeze and also the opportunity to cool off in the ocean. But living in a metal box on wheels can be very challenging in this heat; not only does it affect us (and, I hate to say it, but it gets harder to regulate body temperature as we get older!) but Salty suffers too. So it's the right decision.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We were up at 0700 yesterday morning and set off from Aydat for Issoire. It was an admin day so laundry needed to be done and there was an outdoor laundry machine outside a Carrefour supermarket in town. Also, there was free van servicing just across the road. We arrived at about 0800 and luckily both washing machines were available. We had a bit of a payment issue as neither of our payment cards were accepted, so we had to use notes and coins instead. We thought it might be our UK cards, but a local lady came along later and had the same problem. We explained the issue and showed her how to use Euro notes. She only had a €20 note, but I had two tens, so did a swap with her, as no change is given. So we did our good deed for the day! I also popped into the supermarket to do the shopping and after an hour of using the dryer, we moved across the road to service the van, followed by a diesel fill up.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnCzbSJh6kzTQ9ESvqhuKWLa9N9XpiXVZXjXFqDvoLz6U-bR6Q5tCd_nJaIgk0kITEl3iqIn2rASvK-yMfw1Iw8BtPTqVq4r4HlL7SlZ5Re5LeHfZhJI6pM25bEPk7BwfMyrj40VJd4TtQ09acSUPujM6TOyUSYbg393dM8MXU7H8bqrRHxC42colYqOKT" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These outdoor launderettes are all over France and are now appearing in the UK too</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgssA-oa4qnjgJkkrCsLns9XgXeXhsn5gXM36-8GNWs1zfhGQdIIe4Ndv6c92I-79njWaMUvw0wMAwI7GhvrnWpCmhCNxSjIT01trdMzstDeAyXDvyzD9TguG1mTT4Dq1KEPdRnYvzXyqIATn477O6DxLe_X0P2D3vzG6LaMp83mkHSwNEzACAG4OC5HyMi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast in a supermarket car park whilst doing the laundry - living the dream!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The original plan was to stay at a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zDbNVe2VzUdESoFy5" target="_blank">free aire in the small village of Tourzel Ronzières</a>, high up with amazing views over the countryside. It was a bit of strange set up as the aire parking areas were on several narrow terraces, only wide enough to drive on. This meant that if you parked in the middle and other vans came later in front and behind you, there was no way of getting out. But we found a flattish area of grass in a separate space and started to set up. It quickly became obvious that it would be too hot to stay there; the shady spots had already been taken and there was a lot of shooting in the valley, which completely freaked Salty out. So I took another look and found the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZMtpzwXKNqyF46mu6" target="_blank">Camping Car Park site in Auzon</a>, about 45 minutes' drive away. The reviews said there was plenty of shade and a river, plus the hill-top fortified village looked lovely, with the campsite in the valley below.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9XSRyap5ipxADzrbT2snzqPXJGkdls5Z-eDLyu0VNf95oWVGdNHFqwMOUX__W4Zjb10BFuoSdAyXZMt2Qe8PH7GCnBFyhClTUV7vxJj9CowQhThlGlVtG7ZVxs75gy9BolIj2SvSk8ow-XyW6AQjjspwLDac2dnh6iRF0xZ2mhxgEsu9m0k0NVvN9RpTf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely position but WAY too hot</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We found a shaded spot and did our best to keep cool. I took a quick walk and found the river was dried up. Once the sun had dipped behind the trees we walked along a narrow road, past stone cottages, before it turned into a path running alongside the (dry) river bed. It was a good deal cooler amongst the trees and thankfully, in a couple of places, there was enough water to allow Salty to dunk up to his neck - we were very jealous. I cooked outside and we sat well into darkness, enjoying the cooling temperature and looking up at the stars.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning we enjoyed the cool, walking the dog and eating breakfast outside, before packing up and starting our journey west. Ideally we only make short daily hops to relax and explore an area, but today was about making some miles towards the coast. I hope one day we'll be able to return to the Auvergne and continue to explore this wonderful region. I stopped off at an 'artisan' boulangerie on the way for a baguette for lunch. Many boulangeries are described as 'artisan' but this one had a wood burning oven and it showed. Alongside the traditional baguette, they made regional loaves of bread, all with the dark, crunchy crust and light, fluffy filling with lots of holes from extended proving. It proved to be delicious as we enjoyed it at one of the many welcome picnic sites found along the roadside.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We arrived at Lac de Vassivière in the heat of the mid-afternoon. I admit to being quite tired and hot when we arrived, so after we'd walked the dog - and he'd had his daily dip - we took him back to the van, changed and walked the short distance to the water's edge. The long awaited swim was divine! The water was warm with the occasional chilly patch. We swam around for a while, washing off the heat and dust of the past few hot days (although he had showered in the van each day of course!). The rest of the day was spent relaxing, reading and looking out over the lake as the sun set. Dinner was a vegetable stir fry with some boiled rice. We're using up food odds and sods; tomorrow will be some form of hotdog, onion and feta calzone made with wheat wraps in the Ridge Monkey, with a salad - don't judge us!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As it's cooler here (30'C in the daytime) we'll stay here another night to walk around part of the lake and take another dip or two, before heading further west.</span></div>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-67143447690669438162023-09-03T20:42:00.034+01:002023-09-03T20:59:31.647+01:00Parc naturel régional des Volcans d'Auvergne<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Sunday 3 September 2023</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at an <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GerDR5sjQskyLWG98" target="_blank">aire in Aydat</a>. Actually it's more like a campsite with grass pitches separated by small wooden fences. We've just had a walk around the wetland boardwalks that lead to Lac Aydat; the sun was almost gone and the bats were dipping low over the water (and us!) to hoover up the myriad flying insects.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We've had a couple of days in this natural park. It's been a busy time - imagine the Peak District or Lake District over a sunny bank holiday weekend...that kind of busy. But it is the last weekend before La Rentrée, when children return to school and grown ups return to the grindstone. So it was always going to be busy. It should quieten down for our remaining time in France. But it's no surprise this area is touristy and lively, because it's beautiful. We've been from deep lush valleys, through wildflower meadows with cows and their bells, through tiny hamlets and villages and up to the windy and exposed highest ski stations, now very quiet out of their season.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLDrfu32brOyHIt9S1y8NuhwYV3mOyEsa1eAEHAsNAynn6DlbDDvzozzuwz25qLPSM2wmT8tAYDStLS9fxkaDStVLYPz66p4D2bDfTUaSMxDE4GX53TqeZa13BNB-7031FSsMHbA3PtyZsHhEdmSOPu9X5rVjLObhsQ6z54HREgyQVmbd0cduiS65wd68P" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empty and closed ski station with the summit of Puy de Sancy in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p>We left the cool of Miremont yesterday morning and drove to the heat, hustle and bustle of the city of Clermont Ferrand, the metropolis of the Auvergne. We're not city visitors, but it was interesting to drive through. After a stop off at a Le Clerc supermarket we drove on the the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NdwiVTXPHKnJXV4n6" target="_blank">aire at La Tour d'Auvergne.</a> This was a free stop over and the parking was over several terraces, overlooking the small swimming and fishing lake and the old village perched on a hill top. After a Salty walk around the lake, then dinner, we left him in the van and walked into the old village. Despite it being a Saturday evening it was very quiet; only a couple of bars and restaurants were open. From the viewpoint we had a commanding view for miles over the countryside and extinct volcanoes. The skies were dark all around us, with the odd rumble of thunder in the distance, but we stayed dry through the night. We had a good wander around the narrow lanes and steep-stepped ginnels.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p>This morning our plan was to drive to a parking area and walk along a gorge to some waterfalls. Unfortunately the parking was unsuitable for the van, so plan B was a 5 mile walk starting at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/XJaBbD47TmB8V96m8" target="_blank">Lac Pavin</a>. Although very busy, we managed to bag a parking spot in the shade, made some packed lunch and headed out on the walk. The lake is actually a volcano crater, with some parts of the walk close to the water and the other side much higher. The water was crystal clear but, much to our dismay, it was 'baignade interdit'. Salty managed a quick dip at the beginning and end of the walk and we weren't jealous at all!</p><p>The walk took us along the edge of lake before we turned off and started to climb the forest paths. Eventually we made the summit of the extinct <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/82mNFgKSBnZpAFrx7" target="_blank">Puy Montchal</a>, before descending into the grassy, tree-lined crater, where we stopped for lunch and to enjoy the sunshine, cicadas and butterflies. The rest of the walk was along forest paths and roads, before we returned to the lake and descended back to the car park. The temperature today was in the low 30s - so hot - but a breeze and plenty of tree shade made it more bearable. But by the time we made it to the aire here in Aydat (after trying a couple of others that were too close to the road with many very loud motorbikes flying past) we were shattered. After showers, watermelon, a pot of tea and a red thai curry, we felt refreshed enough to take a walk to the lake before bedtime.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZKxbd8jgLnoR0jT5RAnzlk0rabjC5PkMF1LmwY93BOWC3rH0ncqFXre1hMvkoEzHuYhD9DN_ibudZxXFNufGNx8tS0KMq7PnVc1hC-zikANPcrh3mu8cAqDj-CLastEc-SOj_j-Irlu2SdOfCTEo_HkASbu1Bc23z6vyQiyhuKg0nlTWsMijJTYTaaNrU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming forbidden!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Tomorrow is planned as an admin day - food shopping, laundry washing and top up with diesel and LPG, although the LPG may have to wait until we're back up towards Clermont Ferrand. It's quietened down now; even the motorcyclists have left, perhaps getting their work clothes ready for the morning. </p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-51927342007308739402023-08-29T20:15:00.172+01:002023-09-01T21:04:21.778+01:00Charroux and Miremont<p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Friday 1 September 2023</span></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwJO9_47UWOttRyOEI_6U0xsWDD0j_sjdfnMpshiFJxCq_OrFHUhUTcsVsPOflAtx3KOOL6aEaB6Q_5I6T4CNhlgIR9g_XCmH_xx3VAxchQQQk3HVV84r1y2P6dwqWPcK9g-bLbsnXmos8rZV3RuEp2GvpmVODyV5zG9lTEeqY_WejhB_vifOvSfMLpC2_" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the covered market at Charroux</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up in the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/jesM1v2WUY8TXinp9" target="_blank">municipal campsite in the tiny hamlet of Miremont</a>, in a valley in the north of the Auvergne. We've been here since Wednesday. It's a very quiet, peaceful spot with little traffic. These municipal campsites are amazing; there are hundreds of them all over France. Here, for the sum of €10.50 per night (about £8.90) we have a private grass pitch surrounded by beech hedges. We have electricity, toilets, unlimited hot showers and a hot-water washing up and clothes washing area. There are 34 pitches here and only five others are occupied at the moment. Most of these sites are run by the local commune (parish council); they usually open in April and close at the end of September. Although basic (ie no swimming pools, bars or restaurants) they are exactly what we like and long may they continue. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">We had a lazy start to Tuesday morning, with a cup of tea and a read, before showers and breakfast. There were several way marked walking trails running from the village square in Noyant. We picked a 6km one that took us into the countryside. The signs were easy to follow so the walk was enjoyable without the need to hunt out routes and paths. We walked down some lovely quiet bridleways, past fields and mature oak trees, even passing a </span><a href="https://masalchi.fr/" style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">spices wholesaler</a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"> stood on its own deep in the countryside.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/e6FCfaf951QeWfyVA" target="_blank">next stop over was at an aire </a>- which is really just a large grass field with no facilities - just outside the ancient village of <a href="https://www.francethisway.com/places/charroux.php" target="_blank">Charroux</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;">There's been a settlement here since Gallo-Roman times. It's a fortified village, with a few large gates to enter the protected citadel. It's built on a hill with commanding 360' views, just like on the grass aire we were parked on. Military bases and religious orders camped outside the walls and both the Knights Templars and Hospitaliers had strongholds here, as did Benedictine monks later on. The narrow streets force them to be pedestrianised, with the majority of people living around the main circular centre. It's quite touristy now, with a number of bistros and artisanal shops selling jellied and preserved fruits, jams, mustards and candles.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After dinner we left Salty in the van and enjoyed an evening walk around the village. As we walked into the central citadel the church bells started to peal; a little off-key so we think it was may practice night for the new campanologists! The shops were now closed with only a couple of the bistros open, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves to wander up and down the narrow cobbled streets, taking a nosy at the gardens behind walled enclosures. A number of plots were derelict and Cathy was planning what she would do with the garden! We had another quiet night with big skies and views for miles.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: justify;">After breakfast on Wednesday, sat outside the van looking out over the view from our highpoint, we left Charroux. With a stop off at the Auchan in Gannant, we arrived at the municipal campsite here in Miremont bang on lunch time. With our pitch set up for the next three days, we took a short walk along the road through the village, which is only about 200m long. Bearing off to the right and starting to walk up a steep road, we sussed out our walk for the next day, covering a short section of the walk along the river, which Salty enjoyed to the max with much splashing and attempting to drink the river dry - the river won! The rest of the evening we chilled out before retiring to the van as the light faded to catch up on some YouTube favourites.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXYD-vOfzYwYBG58wBULtvC-a3OMjNbg-7OkOEMY9747Y9OdFNfaK86kw1UTN6o4Z6pJl-mMOH1uqrleXwtqj5AKYmVeCoFEFRK8NBCntvAPiq7eqqD8ZUYNMFLd8HZ2FXFKZwTAoPQg78GqxUsm96XSflHJZTxVypZaIPIxHk9G6KNKqe3UzfzRBPzzNv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast with a view at Charroux</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thursday morning we packed a rucksack and headed out on a walk along the river and them climbing up through ancient deciduous forest heading for the Gorge de Siolet. We were expecting the typical gorge experience of rocky cliffs with a fast flowing river at the bottom, but the many trees hid this from us. Climbing out of the forest after about 5km, we sat in a field in warm sunshine to eat our lunch. The return journey was shorter, mainly along quiet tarmac lanes with big, fat, juicy blackberries in the hedgerow, which we gorged on as we walked back down to emerge by the football pitch next to the campsite. After a much welcome cup of tea and hot showers, I cooked a vegetable stir fry. Cathy turned in early and I washed up and put chairs and the awning away, then walked Salty and our rubbish back into the village to the communal recycling bins. It was another still, peaceful night, with only the cicadas and the occasional owl breaking the silence.</div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">T<span style="font-family: arial;">his morning it was very misty and a bit cooler, although it was forecasting a hot day and, as the sun appeared over the tops of the trees and into the valley, it soon burned off the mist. I love watching the Tour de France each year. I've managed to watch it for real a few times, but otherwise I really enjoy seeing the stages on TV. This year three of the stages were in the area. Miremont is just a few kilometres north of the part of the route of Stage, which was on 9 July (the day before my 60th birthday) and finished with a huge hill climb up the Puy de Dôme. There was no way I was going to cycle up that, but I was looking forward to riding just a short section of the Stage. I rode out of Miremont, past the Chateau then turning left to take the long climb up above the valley, heading for the town of Pontaumur, which was on the route. Arriving there, I turned left and almost immediately started to climb the Category 3 Côte de Pontaumur. It's not too steep at 5.3%, but it climbs for over 3km. I took my time on what was quite a busy road, stopping occasionally to take some photos of the Tour road graffiti - and to catch my breath! All the way up I kept an eye on the ditches and grass verges to my right, just in case a stray bidon (water bottle) had been tossed by a Tour rider and missed by souvenir hunters on the day...no such luck. Cat 3 climb done, I celebrated with a coffee outside a bar in La Goutelle. Here I turned off the busy D941 and headed north towards Saint-Jacques-d'Ambur. It was a quiet hilly road with plenty of ups and downs and I enjoyed a very long downhill stretch heading down to Chazotte on the southern tip of the Lac des Fades Besserve. After another steady ascent I dropped back down again to return to the campsite. A great ride.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5wvnQleTRdhr3C09W2JVdNGHFN9wR9AxCqo-7FWZlri4O24kU08mgOucQq56RsHTLBl2kqT88c_8ApuUyVz1vAxi4OAqcSdR2X67f60gtXnWTxVifLzQHZhWdXnRGy3NqDUYiQmnfxXlxlgkmS74YcDeLG4p3mkgBCVH7EO96M4zwcAdF8amurTyiyS9K" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A misty start to a very hot day</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cathy is very happy when I go out cycling as it gives her some me time to give the van a really good clean and eat her breakfast in peace! The rest of the afternoon was spent chilling out, staying in the shade to avoid the heat of the day. The forecast for the next few days is hot - up to 33'C - so we'll need to try and find shade where we can. Later in the afternoon we walked uphill to the 12th Century Église de Miremont and sat on a bench in the shade, with our backs resting on the church wall, enjoying the peace and solitude and looking out at the view over the rocky cliffs and trees of the gorge. After dinner we sat inside with the door open, catching up on a view YouTube videos.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow we'll be heading into the mountains of the Parc naturel régiónal des Volcans d'Auvergne. We'll be doing some walking and hopefully some eagle spotting. If it's as hot as forecast, we'll also be seeking some shade and perhaps a swim if we can find somewhere suitable...there are waterfalls in these parts!</span></div>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-78630803398604542402023-08-27T20:09:00.112+01:002023-08-28T20:33:41.104+01:00BONJOUR Vietnam!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/uWB4PU9jwaxzibKn8" target="_blank">a very quiet free aire</a> with views into the distance over fields and hills. Cows are gathered around the oak trees, ready to settle down for the night. The most birds we've seen anywhere so far on this trip (hunting season clearly hasn't started here yet) are making a noisy fuss as they settle down to roost in the trees. We're in the small village of Noyant d'Allier in the north of the Auvergne-Rhone Alps department. We've eaten some delicious Vietnamese 'street' food for supper in this surreal little village... but more about that later. It's very peaceful and it should be another dark, quiet night.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a very quiet and relaxing sleep at Cravant, we woke yesterday to a still morning. A couple of fishermen in their cars had joined us on the patch of grass by the canal. As I walked Salty I wished them 'bon chance'. They took a look at out our licence plate with the Welsh flag and Cymru sign and I told them we were from Pays de Galle. "Ah - Rugby" one of them said and gave me the thumbs up - that broke the ice! I hope they had a great day's fishing - one of my favourite hobbies and something I don't do enough of. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On our drive south we came across a lovely spot with a river on our right and high limestone cliffs rising above the deciduous forest on our left, so I pulled into the car park. We were in the tiny hamlet of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nWQdcctmAqrZ1i1u8" target="_blank">Merry-sur-Yonne</a>. Rock climbers were already a good way up the cliff face and some were already on the top. I could see a zipwire running from one cliff summit to the next; I guess they use this to transit across to the next climb or abseil. We walked along the river for about 2km, turning round at a lock. Locks in France always seem to have a cottage by it and most are manned by lock keepers, normally only there during the day.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our next stop was at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ruuvMkprDgFpRQzBA" target="_blank">the aire at Étang de Baye</a>, a large freshwater lake for sailing, fishing and swimming. We only planned to stop here to eat, but on our post-lunch walk we saw a number of vans parked on a large grass area right on the lake's edge. On this occasion <a href="https://www.park4night.com/en/place/258994" target="_blank">Park4Night</a> came good, as the reviews on the app showed this was a well used and tolerated wild camping spot. So rather than move on we returned to the van and, after making use of the free service point, drove to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/UX53LY6ZTfAAEwXW7" target="_blank">a lovely park-up right next to the lake</a>. It meant we had the whole afternoon to enjoy the peace and quiet. Cathy listened to an audio book, sat outside enjoying the sunshine in a fairly brisk breeze. I had a soft surface (the grass) to lie down under then van and replace the makeshift grey water pipe fix with a permanent solution of a new metal bracket, which has done the job. This is the fourth thing I've fixed on the van in just over a week. First the issues with the toilet SOG and flush. Then the water pump kept ticking over even with all the taps closed. This entailed removing a cover on the front of the pump and adjusting a screw until the tick over stopped. I'd read this could reduce the water pressure in the taps, but I've not noticed any difference; in fact the water's no longer spluttering from the tap.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Cathy cooked a delicious vegetarian meal while I researched places to visit, walk, cycle and stay in the Auvergne region. I'd printed off a few circular walks at home and brought my Tour de France stages guide for this year, so I can plan to ride some small sections of some of the Auvergne stages. The vegetarian diet is going really well. Neither of us has missed meat in the slightest and we've enjoyed thinking up innovative meat-free meals. We're feeling better for it and the shopping bill is much less as meat, chicken and charcuterie is so expensive in France - so more money for wine and patisserie! We'll return to meat at some point, but only in small quantities and less frequently. And as we'll be eating less we'll buy better quality; we have an excellent butcher in our local town at home.</span></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By 9pm, the sun had set, the wind had dropped and the lake was shimmering in the last of the light. The silence was almost ear-ringing. I sat with the door open, listening to the birdlife on the lake.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning we carried on south, heading for the town of Moulins, in the northern region of the Auvergne. Moulins hosted the finish of Stage 11 of this year's Tour de France on 12 July. There was evidence of this from the many banners still flying from lamp posts and across streets, sadly all them too high for me to grab a souvenir! I'd originally planned for us to spend the night here on the aire, an old municipal campsite next to the river and about a 15 minute walk from the old town. But it turned out to be be quite a busy and built up place and not really what we like. So after a quick stop to fill up on food and diesel, we carried on to this stop.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivK35DJZGEreX_QUFx3jPdowAvklx5B5DxRkjzvVr8YSFKy8v70Rr4PHm8pGRiUFoorOLfPIyPds9TfpG_jWaUq18Vzk4YbhcPJ0XzBdWuDZ2s6seU0Cd2jp1Rh1GXYSTUUPYRAiEJ8SrbQbgyVYyjYoKlFrmWYE2CNueI3pD1T33nngmJLF-5ua7fxOik" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even stood tippy-toes on Nido's roof, I still couldn't grab one of these!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2343761" target="_blank">Noyant d'Allier </a>used to be home to many of the coal miners of the area. But as this industry waned and finally stopped in 1943 the miners moved away and, like many villages in rural France, it slowly declined over time. However, this all changed in 1954. With the fall of Bien Dien Phu in the Indochina war which led to the eventual creation of North Vietnam, over 3,000 Vietnamese refugees moved into the village, to the point that 75% of the village were from Vietnam. They soon integrated though and after some years the villagers raised enough money to build a <a href="https://www.aubergedelorisse.com/en/weekend-in-auvergne/visit-discovery-of-noyant-d-allier-near-varennes-sur-allier-21.php" target="_blank">pagoda</a>, including statues and both a 7m high gold buddha and a reclining buddha. This village is a lovely mix of both cultures.<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZG8j9EpD21nllv4UwaXMTbWnuH3v6n793ZsjII2dnnAvY615gPd4mH0KAog3ejw789OBiweOETlp5fpAVAqSXIrI7OA42JqzCrmynZTjdZ_UZWc-1ic-V9aCrikAsausGP2aLqJdvBxcWOatloQFOcgq-5_juntikDk2pEkJO04-NHNkcP8EJWLihIP8E" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As we walked around, we saw the old terraced homes that used to be occupied by the miners now being turned into fabulous homes and gardens, growing Vietnamese vegetables and herbs. Many are still in need or renovation but there's evidence much of this is taking place. As I wandered around the pagoda gardens (no dogs allowed), Cathy took Salty for a wander and came across the garden of a lady who also makes homemade Vietnamese food with 24 hours' notice. She told the lady (in French) she had a lovely garden and they shared a brief moment of gardening harmony and smiles.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p>On the way back we stopped at a small Vietnamese food restaurant with outdoor terrance seating that also has a mobile van selling cooked but chilled savoury snacks. I bought a few and warmed them up in the Ridge Monkey; they were delicious with a cold beer, sat outside the van looking over the fields and hills in the distance. This surreal but very peaceful and welcoming village shows just what can be achieved if refugees are given a chance.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-48278651047122524312023-08-26T20:59:00.033+01:002023-10-17T12:54:27.014+01:00In Burgundy<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Saturday 26 August 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/ggBQtmxQnU6UcR4A7" target="_blank">parked up by a Halte Nautique (boat marina)</a> on the canal du Nivernais in the town of Cravant. We have a lovely view over the water with vine covered hills in the distance. However, views can be deceptive, as the nearby road was fairly busy to start with (although it's very quiet now) and there's a railway line a few hundred metres away. Still it's a lovely wild camping spot and I wish I'd bought my coarse fishing gear! There are two other vans parked here, so we should have a peaceful night - safety in numbers.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When servicing the van at Coucy yesterday the metal bracket holding the grey waste pipe to the chassis sheared, so a quick fix was made with a trusty cable tie! On the route down we spotted a Bricomarché, so I popped into buy a few metal brackets and some wire to make a more permanent fix. Lunch was taken in the village of Esternay. The aire was closed as the area around the church was being landscaped, but we found a place to park up and eat not far from there.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMnJdI8OaYGhYu9yC-EvzkJi7Uo-jkOa99LNW4iPMXLlwfirm4rHE62asiJVPfXQ5ysS8ICK3NwKoFkmNyRm8Nk1fjVinPI-GmOP9TsTds_w-X5QE8Jw-HWK9FwjQB1P_LZJ1gaG9kALjDRo_OXXdBdqlPIWNgsgpuiTkURQznIsKz0pLVFXcf05qLOUCN" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch stop</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I had a couple of aires in mind to stop over, but neither was suitable - one was closed for refurbishment and the other was overgrown with low hanging tree branches. We headed for Plan C, but that turned out to be more of a HGV parking area, although it did have a new free service point. So on to Plan D - it was fourth time lucky. Sometimes this happens but at least in France there are multiple options, but there does seem to be a dearth of aires in this area, mainly because it's off the usual tourist route. Having said that, we drove for quite a lot of yesterday along the Champagne Touristic Route, although I expect that's aimed at coach trips and those staying in expensive hotels, not scruffs like us in a little campervan! So our day was spent ping-ponging from one place to another, but we did get to drive through some lovely little villages.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our eventual stop was a <a href="delightful campsite in Aix-en-Othe" target="_blank">delightful campsite in Aix-en-Othe</a>, called <a href="https://airedumoulinatan.jimdofree.com/" target="_blank">Aire du Moulin à Tan</a>. It comprises a number of grass fields and a small hardstanding area. If you don't need EHU (we didn't) then you can park pretty much anywhere you like. The site has toilets and showers, a communal outdoor cooking and dining area and full servicing. It's €10 per night with an extra €4 if you want EHU. The owner - Francois - was great fun and very helpful. He has developed a beautiful place to stay, with a lovely woodland walk that meanders around various small waterways, each crossed by myriad wooden bridges, all individually named. It was a shame we didn't come straight here as we didn't arrive until nearly 6pm and by the time we'd set up, had a cup of tea, eaten and walked around the woods and waterways, we were totally pooped.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;">This morning after breakfast we walked along a grassy footpath into the town centre, about 1km away. There was a boulangerie with a queue outside (always a good sign) and a covered market selling local fruit and vegetables, as well as cheese and seafood. Guess who forgot to bring his wallet out on the walk! </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoNm5b-LtM8eEsWoOhIhKBoo_7EpM4iGKEb3maptJm7J1IRrPkRU8BehuXL1aw5VwfwtecbG-HWn7AKRBpYi7nzorKIMiOSiwYCvryN5vldGdUXy4uBds4C8Xwyj8HlwpPyroWPgDA9hxOL-mKG4Y8jlhfBlTAjVpPoUtm0sjATbt6qvCm8zCKtt6uArzv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marie's office in Aix-en-Othe</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">At the service point the campsite's little black kitten called Belle came along to take a look and disappeared under the van. I made a mental note to make sure she was safe before we left, but before I could do so I saw the owner's son crawling under the front of the van; Belle had climbed up onto one of the front wheel arches! Cathy grabbed some dog kibble and joined him at the front of the van. All she could see where two little white eyes! But eventually she came down to scoff the kibble, was safely rescued and carried away.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a food replenishment stop at Le Clerc in Tonnerie, we arrived at the medieval village of Noyers-sur-Serein. It was quieter than I expected so we were able to easily park close to the centre. The village has retained its fortified gates, towers, ramparts, half-timbered houses, narrow streets and squares. Artists and sculptors have taken over many of the shops and houses in the village, giving a bohemian feel to the place. The walk up to the old ruined castle was up (and eventually down) almost 300 steps through steep woodland, but it was worth the journey. They run an apprenticeship school to teach the ancient stonemasonry skills, so that gargoyles and stones can be replaced with new carvings. It would be amazing to see them in action but there was nobody working over the weekend, although we were able to wander around and admire their work. One of the top 100 most beautiful villages in France, Noyers is worth a visit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our final destination for the day was only 30 minutes' drive from Noyers and we were soon settled in with a cup of tea, watching the locals cycle and roller skate along the canal towpath on the opposite bank. After dinner we enjoyed our first patisserie of this trip. The delay was due to us forgetting to unpack the chocolate birthday cake we bought for our daughter, which needed eating first....we're terrible parents!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's been sunny and a bit breezier today and feeling much less humid, which is welcome. We're settling into van life routine, enjoying a lunchtime break (we don't often each lunch at home), a visit and dog walk somewhere, then driving on somewhere else and making camp for the night. Once Cathy's in bed reading I'll do some research for places to visit over the next day or two and look at possible places to stay, coming up with a shortlist of options in case the first couple aren't what we like. And of course research, prepare my photos and write up this blog. I haven't yet fixed the grey waste water pipe. The cable tie is holding up, but I need to do it soon before this fails. Maybe á demain...</span></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-48720817465744813772023-08-22T21:14:00.134+01:002023-08-24T20:51:01.247+01:00Coucy Le Chateau Auffrique<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thursday 24 August 2023</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up in the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/esiGhkjv7TARVtTa6" target="_blank">aire at Coucy le Chateau Auffrique</a>, with a view of Coucy castle on the hill in front of us. We arrived on Tuesday and originally planned on staying here for a couple of nights to avoid the 'canicule' (heatwave), with temperatures of 43'C in the south. It was also an opportunity to do some washing and for me to take a bike ride. It's €8.10 per night, which includes electric hook up and 10 minutes of fresh water. <a href="https://www.vanvoyage.co.uk/2016/07/why-froome-dog-running.html" target="_blank">We've stayed here before, on Bastille Day - 14 July - 2016</a>. I remember it well as I walked into the village bar and saw Chris Froome running up Mont Ventoux in the Tour de France! Having looked at options for the next stops, we decided it would be better to stay here for one more night as we have shade and Salty has a cooling stream to paddle in! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left the park up by the Canal de la Somme Tuesday morning and drove to an Auchan fuel station as it had a motorhome service point. It needed a jeton - a token - to fire up the fresh water and luckily I still had one from last year's trip. Although there was a push button for the fresh water, as soon as the token was in the water started....and would not stop! Luckily I'd attached the short hose beforehand but it was a two person job to fill up - one to take charge of the twisting hose and one to fill the 10 litre container and then pour this into the van's fresh water inlet! We managed the job without soaking our feet but what a waste of 100 litres of water during a time of drought. As we were there I popped into the Auchan to pick up a couple of things before we drove to Coucy. There are 12 pitches here and half were taken, but we managed to get one which was shaded by a large tree, with room to put out the awning and sit outside. It was a hot still day so we were grateful of the shade. Cathy did some hand washing and this soon dried in the heat of the day. In the afternoon we took a walk to the nearby fishing lake where Salty was able to cool off in the stream and lake - lucky boy! Back at the van we snoozed in the summer heat.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbXO4uLGFbJd8td_k-BwSkFlBm4rdUvuRRkIPVV60uoLI_PiHhoL-ImjSEb9MqUqwQzBEvX6LsSU6lpjI8zqtu5ulL2Xgu8GgucwslQUiEsIIo2ZTtMLJg2j-FK1Ru_07bPyxhWOLN65xUXD5MHyXVsxgaqJi1vT0swkIQhZj8P-SDS7Zuzkvw_5BT8D3/s460/IMG_20230822_142756_901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbXO4uLGFbJd8td_k-BwSkFlBm4rdUvuRRkIPVV60uoLI_PiHhoL-ImjSEb9MqUqwQzBEvX6LsSU6lpjI8zqtu5ulL2Xgu8GgucwslQUiEsIIo2ZTtMLJg2j-FK1Ru_07bPyxhWOLN65xUXD5MHyXVsxgaqJi1vT0swkIQhZj8P-SDS7Zuzkvw_5BT8D3/w400-h400/IMG_20230822_142756_901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Later that evening, once it had cooled down, we took a walk around the village before returning for apéro hour. Having eaten a good lunch we didn't need an evening meal, so some Lays Crisps (the best crisps in the EU!) went with our drink. The French couple in the pitch to our left started to play Boules (or Petanque depending on which part of France you come from) and Cathy plucked up the courage to ask if we could join in. We carry six new, shiny boules in the van (never used), buried under the bench, so we had to dig them out. It was getting dark by then, but they were well prepared with a portable floodlight! We muddled through with our basic French and Google Translate, but it was great fun and we learnt a few of the rules of the game, although les Bleus stuffed les Galloises by 13 points to 4! But at least our once shiny boules now have some battle scratches!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday morning I headed out for a bike ride in the cooler part of the day. Cathy likes me out of the way every few days so she can give the inside of the van a good 'uck out' - so a bike ride is the ideal opportunity to make myself scarce! The first couple of miles out of the village were uphill. I've not been out cycling for a while, so the ascent and the heat soon had me puffing! But the rest of the ride was enjoyable, past large arable fields, through forests and quiet villages. I finished the 19 mile ride with a lap of Coucy village before dropping down back to the aire. We took Salty for a walk around the lake which we had all to ourselves before spending the afternoon in the shade of the van awning. Cathy cooked a lovely dinner and we then practiced our new-found interest in boules. I'd looked up the rules and we had the best of three. I won, much to Cathy's chagrin - she hates losing!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-fNy5EGWoJ4v-7aJPXmZmO4oDA4jrYXFeuQiNEtnj7ETezqXgxR1y4jbrCagP-lqbyBn7TqwFXEybUG-AAaFoXXrIGherMP2VMqkPhlm1pE79dhjqIwve-HzH1hiMXaVLV1660iGwNMT6njQilpl_k50dVYRAun9Ofg5SPHU7XM7BX5sXe7o4i6qFL3jJ=w288-h640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="288" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show me your in France without saying your in France</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">We had a brief thunderstorm at about 0330 this morning, with some thunder, lightning and a quick but severe downpour, enough to have us leaping out of bed to shut the van skylights!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Not long after breakfast we could see the clouds building to the west and over the course of a few minutes the wind increased and the storm was overhead. It rained hard for most of the day so we spent the time in the van catching up on some of the vanlifers we watch on YouTube and watching the lightning. By about 4pm the storms passed over and the sunshine returned. It had stayed warm throughout the day but at least it was now less humid. After dinner we walked around the base of the 13th Century castle before walking around the village inside the walls. Very little was happening, with the local bar and creperie closed and even the hotel looked empty. By the time we returned for a cup of tea outside, the silverscreens over the cab windows had dried out enough to be put away, just in case we have more rain in the night.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9UymskYNHMpNLh9vEPhXk1ok9i3nWoRY7z6UTMQSrvQnaWMvmL2e-8_lvPDP0AGhjWVKA6GhhxbmMLnM7J8bKYztbVYntScNPDMSGX2Gy2kZpHQThTTTYovoRqrWY-vHWhDAX93147eB02QAxUj2MrP_yqfql5IqbQSFREZAcK69G8Iu1gFOF6hkxKQTs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A storm's a-coming!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyFoUyWG5ppswi2UHbMHCerFkQcY_QfT3Vgh5vcAamYhORWTXpgdcbzf5Lp2bABVnDUnMzqwQDYUqbAiuQ_e3NhJfPDOyTQyQhzwGcQr-WzVyIQ9j46JlGOYC6ty7QIKyY6VPilUOajs7l0GduMTxnz6y7k5uTsprN_JnL7J2M409XmKPSvShTxtOax5Fh" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But all turned out well by the evening</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We've enjoyed spending three nights in one place and are ready to move on, heading slowly south towards the Auvergne region. We'll keep a close eye on the weather forecast; more storms are predicted but it's staying comfortably warm in the mid-20s with what looks like plenty of sunshine too. The heatwave has now peaked so life should be returning to normal for those locals who have endured temperatures of up to 43'C.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">Before leaving home, we decided to go meat-free for a few weeks. Not for any particular reason, but just to have break from eating red meat. Actually, we'd already unintentionally cut down our consumption at home over the past few weeks without thinking of it, but were eating chicken. Now we're essentially having a vegetarian diet; eggs are a staple breakfast and seafood is still on the menu. But the bulk of our meals now consist of salad, vegetables, various beans and pulses, potatoes and rice. We've not missed red meat, chicken or processed meats (bacon, sausage, charcuterie) at all and are enjoying the challenge of making tasty meals without it. Hopefully we'll be all the healthier for it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: justify;">Onwards south - tomorrow we'll be in the Champagne region. I have a couple of possible stops lined up but we'll see what they're like when we get there. As well as the Camperstop and All the Aires books, I use the Search for Sites app and also have the Park 4 Night app, but have struggled in the past to find anywhere other than aires on the latter that appeal to us. But I'm going to persevere as we move into more remote areas to see if we can find some nice wild camping spots.</span></div><br /><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-2160224368209020632023-08-21T21:00:00.000+01:002023-08-21T21:00:07.970+01:00Start of the 2023 France Trip<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Monday 21 August 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up with a couple of other vans next to the Canal de la Somme, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/nyBPstTDBqfPHMV68" target="_blank">at Écluse de Sormont</a>. After a warm day it's cooling down nicely and the sun has set. The only downside is it's hunting season here in France, so the peace and quiet is regularly broken with nearby gunfire; Salty hates this and is trying to bury a hole in the bed to hide in!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left home early on Saturday morning and arrived at our daughter's house in Leighton Buzzard at about midday. Having just returned from living in the USA for six years, she'd just moved back into her house after renting it out and wanted some help to 'fettle' the front garden. Jobs done, we made the most of a shoreside shower before enjoying a delicious Korean meal, cooked by her partner Neal, who's American but with Korean heritage. We were able to park the van directly outside her house so we slept there overnight, our first night away on this six week trip.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After breakfast on Sunday we said our farewells and drove the three hours around the M1, M25 and M2 to spend a few hours at a car park at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/CK8tsbL2dNzj1xkW7" target="_blank">Farthing Common</a>. Although the nearby road was quite busy, there was a lovely countryside walk over the chalk downs, with the channel in the distance. The <a href="https://www.battleofbritainmemorial.org/" target="_blank">Battle of Britain Memorial Museum</a> isn't far away and we watched a couple of Spitfires flying and rolling over the Kent countryside. We arrived at the Shuttle check in at about 6.15pm and were able to get a train an hour earlier than our booking at no extra cost. The crossing was uneventful and the drive to our first stopover in France - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Nfhogg7WpwJqDSr67" target="_blank">in Ardres</a> - took about thirty minutes. We stayed here last year and it's an easy stop with plenty of room, next to a canal and some lakes. We settled down to sleep with a firework party firing off nearby, which freaked Salty out. The hunters then started shooting at about 5am, so it was an interrupted night's sleep!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today was planned as an admin day, to do some food shopping, fill up with diesel and find somewhere to relax and get into the France routine. We stopped at a huge shopping complex with an Auchan in Arras, but couldn't park there due to height barriers. I parked in the adjacent <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tvQXuUcqXseamGyq7" target="_blank">Leroy Merlin car park</a> as I needed some electric anti-corrosion spray. The previous night the toilet SOG fan had stopped working, quickly followed by the toilet flush giving up. On arrival at Ardres I checked the fuse that's sited in the toilet cassette compartment; it was oxidised and so I replaced this, but the fuse section needed a clean and a spray to reduce corrosion - Leroy Merlin had the stuff I needed! I used this later in the fuse compartment and on the micro-switch that operates the SOG fan. Both now seem to be working OK. As Auchan was a non-starter I drove on to a nearby Le Clerc supermarket, where we topped up with food and diesel. Both were very expensive, which seems the norm now.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The drive to Écluse de Sormont took an hour and we parked up in the shade overlooking the canal, followed by a quick lunch sat under the trees by the water. We had a walk along the canal before crossing the bridge and walking on the other side, with glimpses of the lakes and waterways that make up 80 hectares of wetlands. It was here the hunters have taken to punts and are now blasting away at anything that moves!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There's currently a heatwave in France, mainly in the middle and the south, and it's due to last for a few days. So we'll take a slow meander, heading first for the Champagne region before turning south towards our planned destination of the Auvergne department, to explore this volcanic region. Although we stopped in that area on our first motorhome trip to France in 2013, we only stayed one night. We want to spend some time exploring that area, so long as the climate allows us to enjoy it. But, as always, we may just wander around as the mood take us, checking out different places as we come across them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH9cJx4Oi8jUPPm5ESzBglO5OVHlDN9MxIt2zg-zey9kMbIlksnMLqCxvctdNLQoBpGsM13HQSkyYx25_f3rSdo8rWPmRqA85yfwRTh6TEa5bK7MvX4KEirdpjs5YYHSV-BqpESlhvkI62dGRAdwgFMQUpZ8jDMRqypWr04y1OvahpD8kii_AIFJ5ua_6/s2560/20230820_143508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHH9cJx4Oi8jUPPm5ESzBglO5OVHlDN9MxIt2zg-zey9kMbIlksnMLqCxvctdNLQoBpGsM13HQSkyYx25_f3rSdo8rWPmRqA85yfwRTh6TEa5bK7MvX4KEirdpjs5YYHSV-BqpESlhvkI62dGRAdwgFMQUpZ8jDMRqypWr04y1OvahpD8kii_AIFJ5ua_6/w400-h180/20230820_143508.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farthing Common Viewpoint car park</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZzn0RdznoJRcn11OOn3F-16cMSzkhKbyG7WoBNUBLas0gD9DXiYviPAMOudnnzRSixr9hSsHUnCSSzihTTRrcE7xirUS0eXbonvQ4-_n-B8zr-kShcMjW2YQqtLzS16gTLC1pc--R3hFu8r3c_sRQe5OiYsmxJ6qCVweUGt287z7QbiNiohaNgZa0h5m/s2560/20230821_153709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsZzn0RdznoJRcn11OOn3F-16cMSzkhKbyG7WoBNUBLas0gD9DXiYviPAMOudnnzRSixr9hSsHUnCSSzihTTRrcE7xirUS0eXbonvQ4-_n-B8zr-kShcMjW2YQqtLzS16gTLC1pc--R3hFu8r3c_sRQe5OiYsmxJ6qCVweUGt287z7QbiNiohaNgZa0h5m/w400-h180/20230821_153709.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Écluse de Sormont, by the Canal de la Somme</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLmZpsAf716QuNb2da1Y0TsWP_LPrhTg1K6OTjzc1lYvWP9Xqe4nQx__cjFtznWdWYbYNBZYMHS906n7a8xeL1mTibWtOVaPxp_S3m5wT9hCoJC6OTgdOCzlnWARiBIsN8GKweRpijegrrZBSrLoF0nTztmKukSj9NOLw614Ru6pIl9oCPwJ-5NrKWK-U/s2560/20230821_153643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLmZpsAf716QuNb2da1Y0TsWP_LPrhTg1K6OTjzc1lYvWP9Xqe4nQx__cjFtznWdWYbYNBZYMHS906n7a8xeL1mTibWtOVaPxp_S3m5wT9hCoJC6OTgdOCzlnWARiBIsN8GKweRpijegrrZBSrLoF0nTztmKukSj9NOLw614Ru6pIl9oCPwJ-5NrKWK-U/w400-h180/20230821_153643.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ueqxDS5JD-rJhOpcJVwlXsM5o9_4POkz4IYjmth9HAv47OiZI0N3_g4ZLh2MPAU0w1NXq-KojG3VYpo940FgnUsAPZ9QO_uYJMgQJy_iNtWNKPMAJrfmWxA_toxbykMwon-HYLdtY4NpCkhjEIFg6BCdMGdWAd-GxURxOUKI_Tlxc_9PiASwRKLpbUp3/s2560/20230821_164235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ueqxDS5JD-rJhOpcJVwlXsM5o9_4POkz4IYjmth9HAv47OiZI0N3_g4ZLh2MPAU0w1NXq-KojG3VYpo940FgnUsAPZ9QO_uYJMgQJy_iNtWNKPMAJrfmWxA_toxbykMwon-HYLdtY4NpCkhjEIFg6BCdMGdWAd-GxURxOUKI_Tlxc_9PiASwRKLpbUp3/w400-h180/20230821_164235.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-13687098908076693112023-07-13T21:54:00.002+01:002023-07-13T22:02:16.363+01:00The Cairngorms and Scottish Borders<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Thursday 13 July 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at another Forest and Land Scotland park-up, this time at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/kLjk1d1UdPxqCoyA9" target="_blank">Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders</a>. It's another nice quiet one with great views over the hills. The adjacent hilly forest is said to have some of the best mountain biking trails in Europe; certainly the youngsters there today seem to be having lots of fun. This is the final night park-up of this trip as we decided to head home from here, rather than stay on a temporary holiday site in Lancashire tomorrow night, which was our original plan.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Tuesday our plan was to stay on at Rosehearty for one more night. But we decided to move on. We drove down to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RWfBkjBEEvys7FtZA" target="_blank">Burn o' Vat visitor centre</a>, where we can park up for the night and they have fresh water and a toilet disposal point. They ask for a donation to the Park Scotland charity, which we were very happy to make. After a quick lunch we started a circular walk in the forest of the Muir of Dinnet, which also took in the Vat, an amazing natural amphitheatre accessed through a narrow gap in the rocks across the burn. The Vat was carved from the stone by action of raging glacial meltwaters at the end of the last ice age. The burn level was low, so it wasn't a difficult climb in - even for an old git like me! The view inside the Vat was incredible and the waterfall, although quite gentle when we visited, must be something to see when in spate. We carried on, ascending through pine forests before passing through open heather-clad ground before dropping back through a large birchwood. We had glimpses of Loch Davan to our left. It just started to rain as we walked the last 400m to the van. I cooked dinner and we spent the rest of the evening chilling out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday morning we both slept until 0900. After breakfast we drove the 5 miles into <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/cmfTwhCWo8Khvi678" target="_blank">Ballater and parked in the free car park</a> in the middle of the village. We left Salty in the van and had a quick walk around to get our bearings and doing a bit of shopping in the butchers (Haggis), bakery (pasty and pie) and Co-op, before going back, packing a rucksack with coats, water and some snacks and heading out for a walk. We did the Seven Bridges circular walk, which is very well marked with blue arrows and way marker posts. Taking us first along the edge of the river Dee through oak forest, we crossed the river again at Polhollick Bridge, an elegant white suspension bridge with a warning sign that only 4 people should be on it at any one time! It took us into Dalliefour Wood, a Scots pine plantation with good views to Craigendarroch, the oak-clad hill above Ballater. The path widened and flattened off and after 1k we turned onto a road (with short sections moving off the road onto a separate path) which took us back to Ballater via the Royal Bridge, opened by Queen Victoria in 1885; it had several predecessors, all of which succumbed to the might of the Dee in full flood. Back in the van, the pie and pasty were heated up and enjoyed with a cup of tea.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was an 18 mile drive to the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/13KmZZaEg2homrsz9" target="_blank">Linn of Quoich car park</a>, mainly because the single track road follows the Dee for 9 miles from Braemar, before crossing the river and doubling back on itself. The Linn of Quoich, is on the <a href="https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/mar-lodge-estate" target="_blank">Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve</a>, run by National Trust Scotland. Braemar's about 9 miles away by road, but only a few miles as the crow flies and I could just make out the top of Braemar castle over to our left. Although we're not NTS members, it only costs £3 to park here for 24 hours. We're were the only van there. Supper was a simple meal of toasted Ballater traditional breaded with a ratatouille bruschetta topping and some pork steaks. We had a quick walk with Salty down to the river before returning to the van for the evening. It was very still and quiet and Salty is going bonkers because I think there are rabbits - or maybe haggis - running outside the van!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning we were up early and had a longer walk along the Linn. It is absolutely stunning, with the river cascading across flat rocks and through narrow gorges, with a few deeper areas that would be ideal for a swim. On both sides are Scots pines in what is a remnant of the ancient Caledonian Forest. It's by far the most beautiful place we've visited on this trip. We walked for about an hour, stopping to soak up the atmosphere and watch the white water and the dippers doing their thing on the water's edge. Back at the van, breakfasted and showered we were just preparing the van to leave when the Ranger turned up. I had a chat with her and thanked her for allowing us to stay. She said a few vans had been breaching the one night stay rule and leaving litter, so the Estate was considering whether they want to continue to allow vans to stay overnight. If the few ruined it for the many, it would be a great shame. If you're in the area do visit - you won't be disappointed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our journey south took us via Perth and over the new bridge that spans the Firth of Forth. I spent about 15 months in Rosyth when <a href="https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/surface-fleet/frigates/type-23/hms-westminster" target="_blank">HMS WESTMINSTER</a> - the last RN warship I served in - was in refit there. Looking across I could just make out HMS PRINCE OF WALES in the dockyard, which is in repair after mechanical issues. Further down the road I saw we would pass <a href="https://www.rosslynchapel.com/" target="_blank">Rosslyn Chapel</a>. This is somewhere I've wanted to visit for some time, as I have a interest in the history of the Knights Templar, both in their bases in Europe and, in the latter stages of their existence, in Scotland. We arrived but the parking was rammed, strangely with lots of EU motorhomes, so we turned away and carried on. I think it's popular with vans of the Da Vinci Code (book and film) as it appears in the final chapters.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Arriving at Innerliethen we took Salty for a quick walk before sitting outside with a cup of tea, soaking up the sunshine and the views and listening to the pipe bands and brass bands as they played in the distance. I'm not sure if this was a show or practice for the Highland Games, but it was lovely to listen to. It's quiet now, the sun has just set behind the hills and there's only one other motorhome here....plus lots of rabbits that Salty is taking a great interest in! I found another tick on him this morning (that makes it a total of three) and then found one on my left calf! We carry the tools to remove them so all was sorted, but it was a reminder to pay more attention when doing the post-walk tick check in the future.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow we head home. We'll stop somewhere for lunch and a leg stretch and then face the horrors of IKEA again in Warrington, as Cathy wants another memory foam pillow plus a towel rail for the van. We've had an excellent two weeks in Scotland with some outstanding weather and have seen and stayed in some lovely places. The final stage of the trip - the Cairngorms - was absolutely stunning. We only saw a small part of it so will definitely return to see more of it. Next up is France, a 6-week trip starting later next month. So there's some time to sort out a few niggling issues with the van and hopefully get the Thetford fridge checked and fixed. Weirdly, since I reported the issued to <a href="https://www.cms-northwales.co.uk/" target="_blank">CMS</a>, it's been working fine! Debbie and Paul at CMS have been excellent and we've swapped a few emails to discuss and gather information on the issue. The current thinking is it might be a 12V DC power supply issue, rather than a PCB replacement, but I'm confident Paul will diagnose the fault.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Until we check in to the Eurotunnel....catch you on the other side!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpTG99AGPG0N4f50bO2eN2qqn2xU2ifMY5hRozJeOpkypEm-8lMD8xKXe5xEEpXpFLrcGUuvc2FNJtKvcAbR80EzAn80ffUPNNp40hW6NHvrkBC1Ybbl_1xfRWNu-xz3bANBm4GRIdiKCzGo8km3LJsiFS2Gfk4XNj_xwB4TqI1riMWmXLr4eByAlxib4/s460/IMG_20230711_183510_789.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGpTG99AGPG0N4f50bO2eN2qqn2xU2ifMY5hRozJeOpkypEm-8lMD8xKXe5xEEpXpFLrcGUuvc2FNJtKvcAbR80EzAn80ffUPNNp40hW6NHvrkBC1Ybbl_1xfRWNu-xz3bANBm4GRIdiKCzGo8km3LJsiFS2Gfk4XNj_xwB4TqI1riMWmXLr4eByAlxib4/w400-h400/IMG_20230711_183510_789.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the Vat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFyE41zlLRJG3yPAzpay3hJs5tkbYocQGmUd6CugL4JHw9Cu3slSsf1z-4tI3eaD-hDpEckWRBLUjwondr9mLGwWq-H5LE3vHEAeeAPj1M9agffku2xzfh5JFgZMeQSmjlWeoCjFDKLUsn5q5hwI-UGjo4KhKq9SGFGlkyrLZQZ0cEXngnhuP8xgxkzgR/s460/IMG_20230711_183510_874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFyE41zlLRJG3yPAzpay3hJs5tkbYocQGmUd6CugL4JHw9Cu3slSsf1z-4tI3eaD-hDpEckWRBLUjwondr9mLGwWq-H5LE3vHEAeeAPj1M9agffku2xzfh5JFgZMeQSmjlWeoCjFDKLUsn5q5hwI-UGjo4KhKq9SGFGlkyrLZQZ0cEXngnhuP8xgxkzgR/w400-h400/IMG_20230711_183510_874.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin6ox_iNyKYqTA5mw8UgaKdaIySFGvjAoMzinOV7rEbbqPYuntEJaJHVDvu_mEkhGssJxP8z0Sfg1_w4SqvEM26JxKH3SY7dKeQxAr8w0NLl-uu79SUn9vA1gvGO7acnIDgsi3oVKHWo88_Dwd6g19XZTFTAv2j3GEAAfXi1OH_vekNlCpFHdHa31kmt0/s460/IMG_20230711_183510_920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiin6ox_iNyKYqTA5mw8UgaKdaIySFGvjAoMzinOV7rEbbqPYuntEJaJHVDvu_mEkhGssJxP8z0Sfg1_w4SqvEM26JxKH3SY7dKeQxAr8w0NLl-uu79SUn9vA1gvGO7acnIDgsi3oVKHWo88_Dwd6g19XZTFTAv2j3GEAAfXi1OH_vekNlCpFHdHa31kmt0/w400-h400/IMG_20230711_183510_920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcyhd2dI90O9JpTz3GgTo1Ty7eI1ZqibUeX0ilnA8oqHRCemtxywMhQpiO-9ytIDzbziK8FZK5vwJGTXKp1cYru-EBRP1a2-Ni3LdAFDoFs_SfP2l-nk6bVP_pey5ztRYTpFW1PtWsPjk4-8G3-qtqBwalHbfMX3Ap4tjzIUoFIHzNAX-Iqhpf_C0vamN/s460/IMG_20230711_183510_954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRcyhd2dI90O9JpTz3GgTo1Ty7eI1ZqibUeX0ilnA8oqHRCemtxywMhQpiO-9ytIDzbziK8FZK5vwJGTXKp1cYru-EBRP1a2-Ni3LdAFDoFs_SfP2l-nk6bVP_pey5ztRYTpFW1PtWsPjk4-8G3-qtqBwalHbfMX3Ap4tjzIUoFIHzNAX-Iqhpf_C0vamN/w400-h400/IMG_20230711_183510_954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZPPriQj7IORfqtP1leo4uQGDZVo0hhv0WD-36xia9j0BKuc4LvBf5ViiZ_ySdwBetK2dRHTNGTe0rUxwf9gFQVlKAXxn0iM2-wPOkS9LWjFRS6iSJYcFBs-Yo9hgWpBLRPR-P0qFKB91PGDQiDwOR6M9UW5Z1L-qyW3rpOUige7mg8ULa2k5-F6sHEPm/s4000/20230711_141046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZPPriQj7IORfqtP1leo4uQGDZVo0hhv0WD-36xia9j0BKuc4LvBf5ViiZ_ySdwBetK2dRHTNGTe0rUxwf9gFQVlKAXxn0iM2-wPOkS9LWjFRS6iSJYcFBs-Yo9hgWpBLRPR-P0qFKB91PGDQiDwOR6M9UW5Z1L-qyW3rpOUige7mg8ULa2k5-F6sHEPm/w180-h400/20230711_141046.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3Wwj_lQL-X6x7Hn-_n-MIeJmWaCJkmUD7ok0LIhs-u1nj8GTgvTtDp2bMWnAH2Oj0G-vwOewKI3oWsastfhKSgxCgECRUycnG0m4LzCgXjYEfJXkFO5TyUScXE9MbcocoVEbLY30RsMxV0kiet77KUrEdAN2B5EpA0bNBIUJBoO4IAz-f_P-9nGwh2Cc/s2560/20230711_141153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY3Wwj_lQL-X6x7Hn-_n-MIeJmWaCJkmUD7ok0LIhs-u1nj8GTgvTtDp2bMWnAH2Oj0G-vwOewKI3oWsastfhKSgxCgECRUycnG0m4LzCgXjYEfJXkFO5TyUScXE9MbcocoVEbLY30RsMxV0kiet77KUrEdAN2B5EpA0bNBIUJBoO4IAz-f_P-9nGwh2Cc/w180-h400/20230711_141153.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAJq_UhOZfybbKY-0hbqLrDXBhlIGMHmDx8ymUFUWuyE1lpZoHBhHI0DQK4eHBo5ApjLnkVjK7XhTP7qc6YUuYITd5YA8rPYnUQuAj7PwcOPfAQ6b7gn0Yb3Do7H65PZPWTg8vkLgeAwT2i1wYglwsjCfrJKZfT7pK5hqyrSAsPItZNZ7QplbNbceqrEe/s2560/20230711_141158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSAJq_UhOZfybbKY-0hbqLrDXBhlIGMHmDx8ymUFUWuyE1lpZoHBhHI0DQK4eHBo5ApjLnkVjK7XhTP7qc6YUuYITd5YA8rPYnUQuAj7PwcOPfAQ6b7gn0Yb3Do7H65PZPWTg8vkLgeAwT2i1wYglwsjCfrJKZfT7pK5hqyrSAsPItZNZ7QplbNbceqrEe/w180-h400/20230711_141158.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWdFdLw6VHoRbN5Nsz2SER0Bwb0C_4nA4ZfStxhUAbks3kH8WJHzd6NWafsn20WFNnsj_J5SpD2h5u5R7vS_AiimBxOs0eZYS8JHmwroDSLTY2YfYPhgPVBiJ-PUO-n-kjc9-xYxVkVNsnkSERsgFE5T9My9-C4qom6e6Om-twtzasS33_xkK5ny8TyrI/s2560/20230711_141202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWdFdLw6VHoRbN5Nsz2SER0Bwb0C_4nA4ZfStxhUAbks3kH8WJHzd6NWafsn20WFNnsj_J5SpD2h5u5R7vS_AiimBxOs0eZYS8JHmwroDSLTY2YfYPhgPVBiJ-PUO-n-kjc9-xYxVkVNsnkSERsgFE5T9My9-C4qom6e6Om-twtzasS33_xkK5ny8TyrI/w400-h180/20230711_141202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X9_87z7kGxVxqdg61IPVzVdm3lEtUld3ZMFoFHDxYQOn0nZg69bd2FDsC2ROK6EbFgNWtkK2G19-RxS1lddKAx7Z3yeNfXJqFvquS8ZYxzdbLkxlsTMXlfeuOxv_GvM_w-C1o270QSwgUqBLbgOa73TP-47_C8y5JFR_p91jYnRwsvEr9oji4_Z3oW2W/s4000/20230712_110436.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-X9_87z7kGxVxqdg61IPVzVdm3lEtUld3ZMFoFHDxYQOn0nZg69bd2FDsC2ROK6EbFgNWtkK2G19-RxS1lddKAx7Z3yeNfXJqFvquS8ZYxzdbLkxlsTMXlfeuOxv_GvM_w-C1o270QSwgUqBLbgOa73TP-47_C8y5JFR_p91jYnRwsvEr9oji4_Z3oW2W/w180-h400/20230712_110436.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent haggis and sausages</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2ZWrzbHUz0jGrINO_pQBim_dm6F2FY34F7ChBW2rQn8RcZyCcQAU1_rcsRdxGPFeFNRghQYZ0kWKLT5WaQWiU3hQe8T23-7rnqgOh1ThC4ScBgxbB4sFsgYx_X90X2c0UU_JJSBVtjVgVaIpO8DfE_PPxmACC2r_bliS4qG2tGEPlLwlDh4WnuWjH3eM/s1800/IMG_20230712_142024_272.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2ZWrzbHUz0jGrINO_pQBim_dm6F2FY34F7ChBW2rQn8RcZyCcQAU1_rcsRdxGPFeFNRghQYZ0kWKLT5WaQWiU3hQe8T23-7rnqgOh1ThC4ScBgxbB4sFsgYx_X90X2c0UU_JJSBVtjVgVaIpO8DfE_PPxmACC2r_bliS4qG2tGEPlLwlDh4WnuWjH3eM/w400-h400/IMG_20230712_142024_272.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese takeway - by Royal Appointment!</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKETBYgvNotsKzIdS9Q_nZDq729qCaSlKMMybkYmrdFpPPEU0M4XoDMAkp9sZmhScHsui6a6KKZNTLOwbva3Fj__4iPhMFdLdidbCUCBi2ZqTVGa8JIMgEo3gUDXQzFedFDNr4gKok6jokbG3NqKaUu3RJsshNqf9-t0Evj4HV8rUQhjndpGxgyV0kEWqO/s4224/S2420004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKETBYgvNotsKzIdS9Q_nZDq729qCaSlKMMybkYmrdFpPPEU0M4XoDMAkp9sZmhScHsui6a6KKZNTLOwbva3Fj__4iPhMFdLdidbCUCBi2ZqTVGa8JIMgEo3gUDXQzFedFDNr4gKok6jokbG3NqKaUu3RJsshNqf9-t0Evj4HV8rUQhjndpGxgyV0kEWqO/w400-h225/S2420004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven Bridges walk from Ballater</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJt_2TS8-56ITZlpaLUYNwSb_8dbyWeEGKAbb9R7EBEHz2N02vSZ-UM7LUgpqdZ_aQAHOSHXBvAkCMOfbGxV2mwxBG44HHWOhFdC8s91AU7_fORv5lwDWOL-mFht905hojjs0D-JiZS_VCTnB0HjpzEIa_zxtxnkI-AZC1vU7f-vPBNMNXXY2LqC-IwmM/s4224/S2420005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJt_2TS8-56ITZlpaLUYNwSb_8dbyWeEGKAbb9R7EBEHz2N02vSZ-UM7LUgpqdZ_aQAHOSHXBvAkCMOfbGxV2mwxBG44HHWOhFdC8s91AU7_fORv5lwDWOL-mFht905hojjs0D-JiZS_VCTnB0HjpzEIa_zxtxnkI-AZC1vU7f-vPBNMNXXY2LqC-IwmM/w400-h225/S2420005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mqwP_wDtCDPH3U_JoKhTY3KpI1vS3snFxNzQSADprdxaeQjrhxMtAcSfCPmRT36qQ3rWXlRIb-lOiIIT6wq_bOYsM18z7m1jnsEI10eMGel-LTnAd94eExnNerWsOX-Rwqelj7J9i-nmKraS5v578veFw0W5QbyiuK2yfSdeLuE8qoADt61hFMxDGwB0/s4224/S2420007.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mqwP_wDtCDPH3U_JoKhTY3KpI1vS3snFxNzQSADprdxaeQjrhxMtAcSfCPmRT36qQ3rWXlRIb-lOiIIT6wq_bOYsM18z7m1jnsEI10eMGel-LTnAd94eExnNerWsOX-Rwqelj7J9i-nmKraS5v578veFw0W5QbyiuK2yfSdeLuE8qoADt61hFMxDGwB0/w400-h225/S2420007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzE9wz9J6kaIlt0TcrYj5wT28XiNCjeILriVxkpTR_16nvvuoSRraSIG9YGKmYe7RCr6EgzwBpJl6S1owhkl8msL1pFGViRmc_NHb-ihwYR-D5S3HDRp-vTZTdtLGDNdgEUe3Whcnbkp0k5hHjJxQt7jov5s_UWoHzYXb-pHxZYWlqPbeJQwHqK1dhAldH/s2379/20230713_072024-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="1782" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzE9wz9J6kaIlt0TcrYj5wT28XiNCjeILriVxkpTR_16nvvuoSRraSIG9YGKmYe7RCr6EgzwBpJl6S1owhkl8msL1pFGViRmc_NHb-ihwYR-D5S3HDRp-vTZTdtLGDNdgEUe3Whcnbkp0k5hHjJxQt7jov5s_UWoHzYXb-pHxZYWlqPbeJQwHqK1dhAldH/w300-h400/20230713_072024-01.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linn of Quoich park up</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPrnDz-Oz1Mll6mKuvdVsyrVRM4uEsQilHIL4oFa0Wzk5ssMyRqa3tjrQ5Tl8SrGVGEZbPcmFrAVbJ7-RMR9kc4KLTtYy7zC-G1lmVK71d-Xb9aCcoUqtsEncvLHvKiCUqUBdSpJXkGIjY0HyyjM5bu25zm6sxFGv-0ACQNQNo6x1Tc_lS5bdeVDT-mKw/s1024/-t44otc-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPrnDz-Oz1Mll6mKuvdVsyrVRM4uEsQilHIL4oFa0Wzk5ssMyRqa3tjrQ5Tl8SrGVGEZbPcmFrAVbJ7-RMR9kc4KLTtYy7zC-G1lmVK71d-Xb9aCcoUqtsEncvLHvKiCUqUBdSpJXkGIjY0HyyjM5bu25zm6sxFGv-0ACQNQNo6x1Tc_lS5bdeVDT-mKw/w180-h400/-t44otc-01.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V7UsYOqsWqT-oEpH00yC-vnvaAAH0pOzdTXVaz7SipfpGgq904VA6_62sFxi10Ryfd8Di7SeDraDWatudTfMkCr3pYyAsTqIbwTS5bksZePnWnNmT-jnsCg4XxoV3PHkgEPunwzxbADWlOW51RYvsDWaEcOh-fQUc0bgULWFPtLImNAXlCF0hvTYjoUW/s460/IMG_20230713_092848_157.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-V7UsYOqsWqT-oEpH00yC-vnvaAAH0pOzdTXVaz7SipfpGgq904VA6_62sFxi10Ryfd8Di7SeDraDWatudTfMkCr3pYyAsTqIbwTS5bksZePnWnNmT-jnsCg4XxoV3PHkgEPunwzxbADWlOW51RYvsDWaEcOh-fQUc0bgULWFPtLImNAXlCF0hvTYjoUW/w400-h400/IMG_20230713_092848_157.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned but what a view!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkGabpIxmYnpXqn6ksYfbOwofb5D_0dSVVnL06tUQ7bmxGFm68rMRI7FNRwYz_Hv2kU87L7MMsXlEVFNc2AA6N57OzxbL_p2OoZaEiyCeCZdK0jbTISTyCajbgOYsvC553ge4pPFmGaTUI53mSG4Fr6_Aq0_XEx2WclX1mP_7Xp5uxXUrmuQM1Phf8-ZL/s1080/IMG_20230713_092848_125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkGabpIxmYnpXqn6ksYfbOwofb5D_0dSVVnL06tUQ7bmxGFm68rMRI7FNRwYz_Hv2kU87L7MMsXlEVFNc2AA6N57OzxbL_p2OoZaEiyCeCZdK0jbTISTyCajbgOYsvC553ge4pPFmGaTUI53mSG4Fr6_Aq0_XEx2WclX1mP_7Xp5uxXUrmuQM1Phf8-ZL/w400-h400/IMG_20230713_092848_125.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild swimming spot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IUrvMmOuB0f-NCA2HWtTBD7fBNxBkIP2-2VDXMez4iuoGB2w9TheQFms2fg6PChpSrRPCxsilJH_6d9BrknDDSTJSHrgm3TKjGyX4XAXdeJrRzOOyvrR-tmtRvJPCPChZDeRxqh8Y9T-_KFF_6oLDP02HaaqJGqJ-rl4Zb2dAJAnmD20TWXecz4Xt7W7/s4000/20230713_073419-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IUrvMmOuB0f-NCA2HWtTBD7fBNxBkIP2-2VDXMez4iuoGB2w9TheQFms2fg6PChpSrRPCxsilJH_6d9BrknDDSTJSHrgm3TKjGyX4XAXdeJrRzOOyvrR-tmtRvJPCPChZDeRxqh8Y9T-_KFF_6oLDP02HaaqJGqJ-rl4Zb2dAJAnmD20TWXecz4Xt7W7/w180-h400/20230713_073419-01.jpeg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying back from the edge!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVUsj2yoXoMKq4NfpDzVrRhaUmdGQCLN2JeCQj2S3N-awLgwahZ7hdJ_JuooCnjbNZSH2nvh9zCYvWgM1yGJDQRo3z_EQvBqRr8a4wkhglm7EFyaRvNS0FQyppfvFEyQpH4peUpYUnjMCQ0ebBl2OpqrezJqh1V4o1ElobA13W0wFs4Nn6Y4F62Rw0E4d/s4000/20230713_073346-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVUsj2yoXoMKq4NfpDzVrRhaUmdGQCLN2JeCQj2S3N-awLgwahZ7hdJ_JuooCnjbNZSH2nvh9zCYvWgM1yGJDQRo3z_EQvBqRr8a4wkhglm7EFyaRvNS0FQyppfvFEyQpH4peUpYUnjMCQ0ebBl2OpqrezJqh1V4o1ElobA13W0wFs4Nn6Y4F62Rw0E4d/w180-h400/20230713_073346-01.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2MhxS-441rPKQB0XyviaCJ1M9S3zVLPDDATRnDL4OS2Z0Um6D6fRWqvzojTcK4-_JEE-MAt2D7BYf-EKlz_Aa2YXjxLvhcl3dz-0b0KkwB-ztZEIpKAkDpENCt985cE8_OeXm8zyGE6eZW8nyfXjoxJN-IQD8qwtkVZdGIiG3jGA0kx4q11CHzQpakkw/s4000/20230713_191204-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2MhxS-441rPKQB0XyviaCJ1M9S3zVLPDDATRnDL4OS2Z0Um6D6fRWqvzojTcK4-_JEE-MAt2D7BYf-EKlz_Aa2YXjxLvhcl3dz-0b0KkwB-ztZEIpKAkDpENCt985cE8_OeXm8zyGE6eZW8nyfXjoxJN-IQD8qwtkVZdGIiG3jGA0kx4q11CHzQpakkw/w400-h180/20230713_191204-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final park-up of the trip</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-56031780774748485922023-07-10T23:48:00.007+01:002023-07-10T23:53:42.921+01:00My 60th Birthday - a reflection on life<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Monday 10 July 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's still parked up at the Rosehearty Community Boat Club. This place - its friendly community and the beautiful sea and scenery have won us over. The original plan was to stay one night then move on. When we arrived yesterday we decided to stay two nights and were told by Peter (the boat club manager) - with a twinkle in his eye - if we pay for two nights the third night's free. Well, we're taking that third night. He must have seen this happen so often. This lovely village with it's quiet, typically straight streets of granite single storey houses has stolen our hearts; I could live here. Our plans have therefore been adapted to allow for this; we'll miss out on a night in Tomintoul, but we'll visit there another time on a future trip north.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a little rain in the night, I woke at about 7.45am. It felt warm in the van and opening the skylight blinds displayed another blue sky day. The forecast had changed from all day thunderstorms to sunshine then rain from about 3pm. Breakfast - haggis slice and fried egg in a soft bread roll (very Scottish!) - was taken outside with two cups of tea. The sun was hot but there was a gentle breeze to just take the edge off it. I'd walked Salty before breakfast and had a wander down to the harbour. It's still a working fishing harbour, which is great to see. I watched the port come alive, with fishing boat owners shouting across to each other as they headed out to sea. Most of them seem to be long-lining - I guess for pollack or mackerel. There were three benches around a rectangular granite-topped table. Each bench was dedicated to a deceased fisherman and his boat's name. I would imagine it's a popular place for the old boys to meet up, to reminisce about the past and pass tutting judgement (but begrudging pride) on the youngsters who've taken their place!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We locked up and headed west along the coastal path. Not long into the walk we passed <a href="https://www.forces.net/news/uks-most-bombproof-home-sale" target="_blank">Rosehearty Tower</a>. This used to be a RAF observation tower for bombing runs along the Moray Firth. The bombing range was established in the 1950s and closed in 2000. The tower and buildings were built in 1994 at a cost of £750,000 and sold in 2017 for £75,000! It's now a 4 bedroom property, with the most amazing tower with 360' views over the sea and surrounding hills. Our walk continued along the coast and we watched the myriad birdlife on the sea, cliffs and rocks. After a couple of miles we reached a derelict house close to a small inlet. It was a significant building and must have been a lovely comfortable home in its day, with a zig-zag track leading down to the rocky beach. Reversing our route, we just made it back before the thundering clouds that had been building to the south all day opened to heavy rain. We sat under the awning eating our lunch and soon the sun was shining again. Later we took a walk along the white sandy beach that reminds us so much of the Caribbean.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Today has been significant for me - I turned 60 years of age! How can this be? My body is 60 but in my head I'm still in my early 20s. I stayed up last night past midnight, sat in the van's cab seat watching the light gradually fade, with a glass of Glenlivet in hand, reminiscing about my past life, but mainly aiming to fight off the Grim Reaper until I reached my 60s! I've survived three wars, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_in_the_Soviet%E2%80%93Afghan_War" target="_blank">including in Afghanistan in the late 1980s,</a> supporting the Mujahideen fighting the Russians (when we Brits weren't supposed to be there), but coming closest to death in the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Brilliant_(F90)" target="_blank">Falklands War of 1982 in HMS BRILLIANT</a>, when I narrowly avoided serious injury from cannon shell from an Argentinian Skyhawk aircraft on 21 May - the day of the San Carlos landings. After those experiences life seems a lot worth living.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I eventually went to bed at half past midnight this morning, there was still a little light in the sky and, waking at 0430 (I was still alive!!), the light in the east was already rising. Summers are long in the north of Scotland, but I can imagine the long, dark, cold, stormy winter nights too. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Age has never really bothered me until now. Neither of us ever made a fuss over birthdays. We've known people to take a whole week off just to celebrate their birthday - why? Our view is that a birthday is just another day. Rather than trying to make it 'the' perfect day (a bit like Christmas), it's much better to treat ourselves throughout the year when the opportunity arises.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My 20th and 30th birthdays passed by without a second thought, as we brought up our young children (or at least Cathy did) and I went off to sea for several months on end. My 40th was also spent at sea, so was a non-event. My 50th was relatively quiet. I never really thought about it then, but the thought of turning 60 has really bugged me for many years - I almost feared it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It took a while to work out that it's because my parents died relatively young. My Mum was 58 when she died (a sudden brain haemorrhage) - 2 years younger than I am now - and my Dad was my age when he buried his wife. I recall the day of my Mum's funeral on 4 September 2001 - exactly 22 years to the day that I left home to join the Royal Navy aged 16. Relating that to my current age makes me feel incredibly sad. She knew I had been selected for promotion to Lieutenant Commander, but never saw me 'stripe up' less than a month after her death. My Dad - broken by his loss - only survived a few years longer; bowel cancer took him. He died 17 days after being diagnosed. They always talked about what they would do together when they retired - they had such great plans - but they didn't make it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So in my mind I didn't expect to get to this age, although I recognised that they were both heavy smokers for most of their lives (as most of their generation were) and they had hard physical jobs that took its toll. In contrast, I've never smoked, I've kept fit and active and not had any serious illnesses (so far). Their early deaths were a shocking realistic catalyst for Cathy and I. We talked long and hard about what we wanted from our own retirement and when that should happen. It's then we decided we'd do all we can to retire early and enjoy life while we were fit enough to do so. We ran old cars into the ground, had cheap UK holidays, ate at home rather than going out and saved hard, paying off chunks of our mortgage, managing to shave ten years off it. When we made our final mortgage payment in August 2016, it was a moment to celebrate but also reflect and remember my parents and all their retirement hopes and dreams. It's because of this that I'm grateful for every day of healthy living and hope to be around for a lot longer. It also explains why I'm sat typing this blog in our camper van, which gives us so much freedom and joy. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We've never made much of a fuss over birthdays (except for our children when they were young), so today was pretty much the same as any other, although we did crack open a bottle of Crémant to quietly celebrate the day. We enjoyed our coastal walk and the early evening beach stroll was magical. Witnessing nature and all it gives us is free.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow I'll go out for a bike ride if the weather holds, then maybe we'll go to the local pub for lunch. I fancy Cullen Skink as it's a local dish. Until then, it's time to stare out to sea and watch the light fade on a significant day for me. I'm so grateful to be alive, fit and well. Tonight I remember my loving parents who gave me so much unconditional love and a happy, carefree childhood. I'm convinced these guardian angels brought us such a lovely day and an amazing sunset - thank you Mum and Dad - Maureen and Barry. Love You. XXX</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fVqOqFamyTXlRqf2021Cqja52KMBnhOTMKUeao7douszVHFNswbqpsL4ms62HNJdZ914BGv241Vlm2RLppie5oC5pSjCdFMRMSXBWBtZgSSJJLoS1e_zjYJjLywWLakb6Pvduh285YzYGmwYuRxkvX71S01wFrYoPnCXIU7Y22rBaoN9wH_fkdGd95ud/s4224/S2410001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fVqOqFamyTXlRqf2021Cqja52KMBnhOTMKUeao7douszVHFNswbqpsL4ms62HNJdZ914BGv241Vlm2RLppie5oC5pSjCdFMRMSXBWBtZgSSJJLoS1e_zjYJjLywWLakb6Pvduh285YzYGmwYuRxkvX71S01wFrYoPnCXIU7Y22rBaoN9wH_fkdGd95ud/w400-h225/S2410001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosehearty harbour</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAOVFf-GL0YtmDMufBNSa0LONmOmTYELhZ8jZmEUJ0QMek_zVfCK4lA79aYBalQvhBeGNGzKEnVDVgonSrcDIu_SHI86CFP_tXGw0tnniI_rTUPl1gtjjcdQvSkdPaHEPIIpoToJIx8SoM_JBd9OMnVzyT2D5i8vxlHdsusk_eC4BTtQvSqd_qZOM6AIp/s1024/S2410002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmAOVFf-GL0YtmDMufBNSa0LONmOmTYELhZ8jZmEUJ0QMek_zVfCK4lA79aYBalQvhBeGNGzKEnVDVgonSrcDIu_SHI86CFP_tXGw0tnniI_rTUPl1gtjjcdQvSkdPaHEPIIpoToJIx8SoM_JBd9OMnVzyT2D5i8vxlHdsusk_eC4BTtQvSqd_qZOM6AIp/w400-h180/S2410002.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fishermens' meeting place</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXtlHR9C5p19tDBDFyYGvNDk1RB0R3vzs1gaY1kxcQH-UNNS2UOtiQS5arr40rrlL8YV4_VHnvSNy_HgsnpJKBf6YW6BGD2uZpF8HOp7Bgjamz1ickOvv5bfraeu_XYPF1rz9iGMv3ZlxnP11x8Mu1E20NuZ04eF99b1u6teXEP_BUDF_HUeb5DQ8Djc6/s1024/S2410003.5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj032kDSS_u5MKOMHcaHbCc0hmIS7Rq-G4DmxP-eygTjOtImWTUWPJPAXWbgj9Ir-MVnRecjAMa_5JFtnWw7QYYUc6GuPnqwjDT-IcXmb5nQ-G34CVyDjT8ybZR_96LmcPrzC4N9TV5RiGO3-QFHpQI0l2SI6ZQtAlvWzuBbvjKU6Bi1v0VFQ7wN2vDD79S/w400-h225/S2410012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosehearty Tower</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXf9eAGbEEjruJrsi4Wx9CjN7YqkFVCbX7f6mZ8BkkU14MyXixISQ1cMu5YlVmxwX0MWXwcWAu1_-vYL0VEfMsbSTG-VqECg2U99T3-zNC0KwPgRH8OlIYlbrRqqi7MTrkbm4AMXVzuKaPBwKWLY9eZvGPCwJNGI1TeShq5_NJOnvLia4u1Cpf68K1lXe/s4224/S2410014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXf9eAGbEEjruJrsi4Wx9CjN7YqkFVCbX7f6mZ8BkkU14MyXixISQ1cMu5YlVmxwX0MWXwcWAu1_-vYL0VEfMsbSTG-VqECg2U99T3-zNC0KwPgRH8OlIYlbrRqqi7MTrkbm4AMXVzuKaPBwKWLY9eZvGPCwJNGI1TeShq5_NJOnvLia4u1Cpf68K1lXe/w400-h225/S2410014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbNiRQhOAZ8ynMaERa9z58Qj5Nq3P6dY2c2hkZxTOPXcKUWB6JeYidM33gpGZreJKoiwFiNBMxF95mHbxRmUMOrhsnz6OwAYSWxNryA08pdq4RSppk_mevsQ9-U5yT9j47OPUHkqPi6z6JYTaK1bAEEz3miMsmUr8BW4xyiy1yj-Jsg2Pwl5HLFfWT87p/s1024/z4nbk6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbNiRQhOAZ8ynMaERa9z58Qj5Nq3P6dY2c2hkZxTOPXcKUWB6JeYidM33gpGZreJKoiwFiNBMxF95mHbxRmUMOrhsnz6OwAYSWxNryA08pdq4RSppk_mevsQ9-U5yT9j47OPUHkqPi6z6JYTaK1bAEEz3miMsmUr8BW4xyiy1yj-Jsg2Pwl5HLFfWT87p/w400-h180/z4nbk6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-69027563680004081882023-07-09T23:01:00.003+01:002023-07-09T23:01:34.391+01:00Spey Bay, Cullen and a swim at Rosehearty<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday 9 July 2023</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/jrVkdLSjFUfEK1VY9" target="_blank">Rosehearty Community Boat Club</a>, right on the coast just a few miles west of Fraserburgh. This is a lovely park-up with a great history. Peter, who manages the boat club, decided a few years ago that they should take over this grassy field, which used to be a council run caravan park, but fell into disrepair. His idea was to set it up as a motorhome aire to raise money for the boat club and local charities. He had quite a lot of opposition from local councillors (nothing new there!) but it was finally approved and just took off. Since that time they've raised thousands of pounds from the park-up fees, including £4,000 to teach the local children how to sail. There's full motorhome servicing facilities and all for just £10 for night. EHU is extra but if you don't need it, you can park anywhere you want on the field which is about an acre. There are views of the harbour wall, the white sandy bay and sea and lovely sunsets. If you visit this part of Scotland, I highly recommend staying here - you won't be disappointed. Details including all the positive reviews are on Search for Sites. I'd rung Peter a few days ago and he told me to just turn up and call him again so he could come and check us in.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We had a really peaceful night's sleep in the Torrieston Forest park up and woke early to walk Salty in the deciduous forest. After a cup of tea sat at one of the picnic benches, we upped sticks and drove to Spey Bay. This is a lovely day park up, right next to the point where the River Spey enters the sea. It's also home to the Scottish Dolphin Centre. As we arrived early we had the pick of the parking spots, so sat in the van eating soft-boiled eggs and toast and looking out over the nature reserve. We heard curlews and saw an Osprey fly off - amazing! We took a walk along the riverbank before returning to check out the old ice house, where ice was taken from the local ponds and rivers and stored over the summer to keep the caught salmon and trout fresh. The tide was out so we didn't see any dolphins. Chatting to one of the locals - who visits every day with his camera and binoculars - coming up to high tide is the best time to see the dolphins, whales, otters, seals and osprey. What an awesome nature spot. We sat on the grassy bank by the van watching the nature with a cup of tea, but it was really hot - 26'C hot. Salty was in his cooling coat and on this cool mat, but still it was a bit warm for him (and Cathy), so we left and spent a couple of hours in the shade of the pine trees in the Winding Walks forest, another Forest and Land Scotland park up. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My original plan was to park up for the night at Portgordon Harbour, but soon realised it'd be too hot to stay there, so I found a nice basic quiet <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/NLDpPSisjSWK1AmT6" target="_blank">CL at Druim Heath</a> only about 15 minutes drive from the forest. I rang the owner - who was away in her caravan - and luckily there was a pitch available; £15 including EHU. We arrived and parked up on flat and well-manicured grass. The fridge had been playing up again so I wasn't in the best of moods, but after isolating the leisure battery for a while, I was able to switch the fridge on and it seemed to be working fine on electric hook-up (fingers crossed) - either there's an issue with the LPG supply or the PCB isn't playing fair when cooling on gas. It needs sorting!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The rest of the day was sat outside in the shade of the van. I made halloumi burgers with a big salad and we sat outside eating until the flying ants drove us inside. As we were on EHU, all the gadgets were charged up and we watched a couple of vanlifer YouTube videos. By then the temperature had dropped a little and it started to rain. We should sleep better tonight in the cooler air.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning I had the usual battle with the fridge, which now refuses to work even on 12V when driving. Having said that, it's currently working OK on gas, but I know it'll eventually start to flash an error code at me, the PCB solenoid clicking away angrily as it tries to start up. I did a bit of research and I suspect either the PCB needs replacing or there's an issue with the DC cabling or fusing - diagnosing and fixing the problem will be costly whichever route it takes. To replace the fridge would be £900 plus the cost of installation. Thetford Europe - if you read this blog you're sharks and your products are crap!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We popped into Buckie to do a quick Tesco food top-up then drove to <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/EVDC4aohVGQGpXj99" target="_blank">Cullen</a>. The village is probably best known as the place where <a href="https://www.thespruceeats.com/traditional-scottish-cullen-skink-recipe-435379" target="_blank">Cullen Skink</a> originated. If you've never had this, you've missed a treat. It's a soup made with potatoes, cream and smoked haddock and it's delicious. We parked up overlooking the beach and took Salty off for some beach and zoomie time, before walking up to the <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1097167-d4162659-Reviews-The_Ice_Cream_Shop-Cullen_Moray_Scotland.html" target="_blank">Ice Cream Shop</a>. We chatted to two locals yesterday and both recommended this ice cream shop. It didn't disappoint. Cathy had the Biscotti and I had the birthday cake flavour ice cream...more about that later. We took a wander around the lovely little fishermen's cottages in the old part of Cullen, known as Seatown. There was little space between the tiny single story cottages, many of them now holiday homes. It was hard not to think we weren't in a seaside village in Portugal. After another beach walk we left and drove to the next harbour village of Portsoy, with the intent of having fish and chips - or a 'fish supper' as it's called in Scotland. We parked up overlooking the harbour and I walked up to the 'Hook, Line and Sinker' fish and chip shop, having checked online that it would be open (open from midday to 9pm on a Sunday). But, you guessed, it was closed! So we decided to return the 5 miles to Cullen, where we knew <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1097167-d7020579-Reviews-Linda_s_Fish_and_Chips-Cullen_Moray_Scotland.html" target="_blank">Linda's Fish and Chips</a> was definitely open, as we passed it on the way to the ice cream shop. I parked up and Cathy stayed in the van while I walked up and ordered 'two haddock suppers, curry sauce and mushy peas'. Supplied with these we drove down to the harbour and enjoyed the most delicious fish and chips - I mean haddock supper - overlooking the sea. Da iawn Cullen!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The drive to Rosehearty took about an hour, along an undulating coastal road that in places was 20% steep, both up and down. We drove into the field by the boat club and I rang Peter to let him know we'd arrived. He and his wife - and his lovely dog - came over and booked us in. It's then that he told me the history of the aire. Clearly proud of his community, he pointed out the local hotel/pub, the combined post office/butcher and the mini-mart. Peter - you're a star and thanks for all you've done to support your community and us van lifers, who have benefitted from staying in this lovely place.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Having already eaten, we sat in the strong sunshine with a cup of tea. I took Salty for a walk while Cathy had a snooze. About 7pm we left him in the van, and went down to the bay for a swim. The curving bay is covered in fine white sand, with a very calm sea; it really did remind me of the Caribbean. The only difference was the temperature of the water - man it was CHILLY! We've become used to the effect of the Gulf Stream on our sea water temperature at home. I'd forgotten how cold the North Sea can be. A distant memory from holidays in Lincolnshire and Norfolk returned as I recalled the shock of entering such cold water. But we waded in all the same. Cathy was very quickly and bravely up to her neck and swimming off. It took me a while longer to 'adjust'. I love sea swimming but the cold really does hit me, particularly in my hands and feet. But after about ten minutes it was 'fine' and we enjoyed our swim, fizzing and buzzing with the euphoria of swimming in the sea so far north; no wetsuits for us! Back at the van, dried and changed, we sat outside with a cup of tea and watched the sun start to set over the harbour. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's now nearly 11pm and still light outside. The wind has dropped and the few clouds have turned various shades of purple. I can hear the seagulls calling to each other. Salty's curled up next to me on the van bench, but I know he'll jump up once I'm done, ready for his final walkies of the evening. Tomorrow forecasts thunderstorms most of the day. If that happens - fine - we have a great viewpoint to watch it over the sea. If there are any breaks in the weather, we'll have a wander around the harbour and village that Peter sold to us so well. For the rest of this evening, I might just sit here a while and watch darkness descend. Apparently this is a very popular place to park up in the winter and witness the Aurora Borealis - the Northern Lights.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As the day comes to an end I have a bit of a confession - I have a little secret to share with you. If I live through the night, I'll be 60 years old tomorrow!!! More about how I feel about that in my next blog post. Hopefully I'll see you on the other side!</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIqWkmRwe2tk0HyUJ4BDbFHZd___GcjXq2IuDHWGq1csCW-L86YCvx8PzUQGF6t_EurlCRG-MKSFuvjsVyBjAbcJiuqaKUrsmfy6f0awvkCSG9GIn-NS75Qy8YYwBIU2WFKAl6NS76vZ6xX5JnEe1csaMqdpHNnU--WAiPOj2zte4C65DwqcCX-RzC530/s4224/S2390010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDIqWkmRwe2tk0HyUJ4BDbFHZd___GcjXq2IuDHWGq1csCW-L86YCvx8PzUQGF6t_EurlCRG-MKSFuvjsVyBjAbcJiuqaKUrsmfy6f0awvkCSG9GIn-NS75Qy8YYwBIU2WFKAl6NS76vZ6xX5JnEe1csaMqdpHNnU--WAiPOj2zte4C65DwqcCX-RzC530/w400-h225/S2390010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spey Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f0Qiyy4fZDEkCb5PxPsemHDnuzo1wi0cNUeh_sGjJELdvzX25JgHOoEmZm2VaT6GHy9pcs-DyDa3GUVQhRvfx9kj9yadmp2QBxypo5ZhQ1zocSfRlfypLLe8hCzr-YQhzx6sm7i9duy8hmIrRGS0XdMKz5q6ymTg84YmMRWm1Hig--MPNgu4bEVytVRZ/s4224/S2390011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f0Qiyy4fZDEkCb5PxPsemHDnuzo1wi0cNUeh_sGjJELdvzX25JgHOoEmZm2VaT6GHy9pcs-DyDa3GUVQhRvfx9kj9yadmp2QBxypo5ZhQ1zocSfRlfypLLe8hCzr-YQhzx6sm7i9duy8hmIrRGS0XdMKz5q6ymTg84YmMRWm1Hig--MPNgu4bEVytVRZ/w400-h225/S2390011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V41UTZE2q0m-aikFvhFbiQBCVKHBUEgd5oYiZIzwKvTdq9tbpdY6hMgIefVzeznWTKgdBoGtafObzAiKecpkzC7ql2Sh9dZsXp5c-eUt-2VN4YxKeL3W9XtHE81BFQEWeXX3gP833FR3EVdIP_2kFH9NA7MuN2eUv5uFF5wIetP6vMqNd0ovXR9sx0eW/s4224/S2390013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8V41UTZE2q0m-aikFvhFbiQBCVKHBUEgd5oYiZIzwKvTdq9tbpdY6hMgIefVzeznWTKgdBoGtafObzAiKecpkzC7ql2Sh9dZsXp5c-eUt-2VN4YxKeL3W9XtHE81BFQEWeXX3gP833FR3EVdIP_2kFH9NA7MuN2eUv5uFF5wIetP6vMqNd0ovXR9sx0eW/w400-h225/S2390013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Respite from the 26'C heat</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsr35I7PkzYPtyS42V_Ivy9DMYv2519z0b7VoYik5FAKNxMh0hyWjWa1ISpZeHocpRaNy0gIK6ghkrfjW5MykIcRjEA5qatJgYHe53-N5Tq3vWJl8r3xKBiFol-oSPTIUwWNAiRrNNvu1RSihqpvJO9m4WlmIBVUP6ssjzyYbPcWaipJl3wsufTidPZKy/s4224/S2400001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsr35I7PkzYPtyS42V_Ivy9DMYv2519z0b7VoYik5FAKNxMh0hyWjWa1ISpZeHocpRaNy0gIK6ghkrfjW5MykIcRjEA5qatJgYHe53-N5Tq3vWJl8r3xKBiFol-oSPTIUwWNAiRrNNvu1RSihqpvJO9m4WlmIBVUP6ssjzyYbPcWaipJl3wsufTidPZKy/w400-h225/S2400001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullen harbour</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7Se1tfnLwRRE7NIGmpe_hDAD2PwdIG2VSATxgXm80YvWmNekUFcLUSDD9ScPhyNAuXddJj5cVvYhNz3Pvifg5a_qSyj-xLIR41MXXdL0ohgZaKtbRDy8YERD5Go_L9bC1oqSyA1lNKpvqqe8HzOQCeqPNuTzZodM1JLoskSAfxGLiZP6OOsIsDhJYp7t/s4224/S2400002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx7Se1tfnLwRRE7NIGmpe_hDAD2PwdIG2VSATxgXm80YvWmNekUFcLUSDD9ScPhyNAuXddJj5cVvYhNz3Pvifg5a_qSyj-xLIR41MXXdL0ohgZaKtbRDy8YERD5Go_L9bC1oqSyA1lNKpvqqe8HzOQCeqPNuTzZodM1JLoskSAfxGLiZP6OOsIsDhJYp7t/w400-h225/S2400002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salty learning to fly!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1LJ8xoNbrXmxztoS6kre3SwUOO1saZISXRY0tA-1e6nZaIyWKLJ9V-Oq6ra2sjRnJ0hu2moj5Uh3h1iTIfsog-jgsPsO5zLD3oFANzz4AtgFAkAoSuy7l5k6Au1md1JWgDPYcBYRCLxHT4PiUX67Ppxxia17V3uinip5_CfCZQWmPQUE9ivZzJtgHqfM/s4224/S2400004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1LJ8xoNbrXmxztoS6kre3SwUOO1saZISXRY0tA-1e6nZaIyWKLJ9V-Oq6ra2sjRnJ0hu2moj5Uh3h1iTIfsog-jgsPsO5zLD3oFANzz4AtgFAkAoSuy7l5k6Au1md1JWgDPYcBYRCLxHT4PiUX67Ppxxia17V3uinip5_CfCZQWmPQUE9ivZzJtgHqfM/s320/S2400004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrHnCGmVXZTcWTFLlQOmOMLeBNOtEBrt06wElJk9d8Kl7hCebSxFCh-VwTgbvV78ZYJ7mXb1kH6Kd4gHDHsQ599paBq5Z0GoGFiLg1jwcemwVzSlpS3mqEUJUmGU2NiIud8zXLQ_UpzUMWxXdJX-AbKBTdG_aT1hIZ83QcDWOfgjkI9JdDczAw4eowkOx/s4224/S2400005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrHnCGmVXZTcWTFLlQOmOMLeBNOtEBrt06wElJk9d8Kl7hCebSxFCh-VwTgbvV78ZYJ7mXb1kH6Kd4gHDHsQ599paBq5Z0GoGFiLg1jwcemwVzSlpS3mqEUJUmGU2NiIud8zXLQ_UpzUMWxXdJX-AbKBTdG_aT1hIZ83QcDWOfgjkI9JdDczAw4eowkOx/w400-h225/S2400005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cullen 'seatown'</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EDXakrhShhyeDOHax3bs9QFJQQTmmW2iCqkPbZC-YG6_1ybXf7atF8Q3gWablZn9XVfa6LkkQ5DNASb14BcN_8zzXm3InmNFlqDB3ZVSlcH2m8emttKAVvq4EahgosMm0zJkPjvvhgljm2HIZd-m_g-5C6Nzdn9dyRFxbucKRQqReQJiIMcC9nMVdZlZ/s4224/S2400006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EDXakrhShhyeDOHax3bs9QFJQQTmmW2iCqkPbZC-YG6_1ybXf7atF8Q3gWablZn9XVfa6LkkQ5DNASb14BcN_8zzXm3InmNFlqDB3ZVSlcH2m8emttKAVvq4EahgosMm0zJkPjvvhgljm2HIZd-m_g-5C6Nzdn9dyRFxbucKRQqReQJiIMcC9nMVdZlZ/w400-h225/S2400006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2yJvUIUmL8oUNii9c8Vxe50gEouWD9Hw56lA4qw-dNvNOprz-6gsxmUO1V7PQaKq0zXWkVfWTs2mYzKzmOCrhhlaj8j8tCeEITF8uVbhiusOwYJTb25fKj0mzwpLJDwa8Ro_NF_reOhW8gj-72Y0QbQ3OnmwIqfKRZv18uQ1CASOVAMqEmhbOUAJOeAb/s4224/S2400007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2yJvUIUmL8oUNii9c8Vxe50gEouWD9Hw56lA4qw-dNvNOprz-6gsxmUO1V7PQaKq0zXWkVfWTs2mYzKzmOCrhhlaj8j8tCeEITF8uVbhiusOwYJTb25fKj0mzwpLJDwa8Ro_NF_reOhW8gj-72Y0QbQ3OnmwIqfKRZv18uQ1CASOVAMqEmhbOUAJOeAb/w400-h225/S2400007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhq1PQQpFxM8GftncWZfJOSAMhU3ZE3cyF3hpyY2HdZC0d-kokdTJ5djzkZIvAULvqjQfSiRQ8HUOeKznfLfXzmZUIW41KIqLdDqlTrxZYQudl9cpYvnpShV02pL2yeJPWtuS7tbBE-lAocFJqL-hQ-dPgNuO6zIZmgrChk-Hj8AMluxQvCwV3Dqxt9cN/s4224/S2400008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhq1PQQpFxM8GftncWZfJOSAMhU3ZE3cyF3hpyY2HdZC0d-kokdTJ5djzkZIvAULvqjQfSiRQ8HUOeKznfLfXzmZUIW41KIqLdDqlTrxZYQudl9cpYvnpShV02pL2yeJPWtuS7tbBE-lAocFJqL-hQ-dPgNuO6zIZmgrChk-Hj8AMluxQvCwV3Dqxt9cN/w400-h225/S2400008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXvWVwHoGCmzXcqHCkGvn-MJudj1NXTXZVq5eLWX5YllrvuoSG3YQDk_9LssSE2ohsKfEBGNWJpIPhW2CB_8qWvgZMJ9jEuRyjaL-zg0UFbQ8fYoIgcGkeDKeYveJIENfhZ03XXT_sW8XBvJ1e7tcYxGcx6ixBIYupt9TkBRCzLMzyY1bD1AG0nnipOG7/s4224/S2400009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXvWVwHoGCmzXcqHCkGvn-MJudj1NXTXZVq5eLWX5YllrvuoSG3YQDk_9LssSE2ohsKfEBGNWJpIPhW2CB_8qWvgZMJ9jEuRyjaL-zg0UFbQ8fYoIgcGkeDKeYveJIENfhZ03XXT_sW8XBvJ1e7tcYxGcx6ixBIYupt9TkBRCzLMzyY1bD1AG0nnipOG7/w400-h225/S2400009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLXEeoLHrhOEc4ENm3QxwiegNYo6cm0XITkz4CrDScF6KE4Y0YB2uiWADmQdSeI_57Fn8TG8OjRZGxYuf9ueB1d8vXsAURJ_BUtGNate-BQOjuDPop5SR9ydzhoYb31MraXwBAF6csuWyIFSMwuoLADkYeyMDU9tnDo4sLe-lRmMZbFh14N-2_vtCfhmR/s4224/S2400010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLXEeoLHrhOEc4ENm3QxwiegNYo6cm0XITkz4CrDScF6KE4Y0YB2uiWADmQdSeI_57Fn8TG8OjRZGxYuf9ueB1d8vXsAURJ_BUtGNate-BQOjuDPop5SR9ydzhoYb31MraXwBAF6csuWyIFSMwuoLADkYeyMDU9tnDo4sLe-lRmMZbFh14N-2_vtCfhmR/w400-h225/S2400010.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We could live here!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vwZxiHZko9ABgiRYI0rGpIqqQ7TSiZBT0QfxCgZ8AV3feiyodtwr602FseuElIhF5rNBSu1R6dEgR8ljBIc5F2oEsTN7t-B9KsWDluf-38jLLG3fgq824Iec4-2539cTaEgRHZSAaK8eVry9Ar2877TWCyhuu1QLAs1AHU2nUtxKOYUHieV8s4H39Tc3/s4224/S2400011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vwZxiHZko9ABgiRYI0rGpIqqQ7TSiZBT0QfxCgZ8AV3feiyodtwr602FseuElIhF5rNBSu1R6dEgR8ljBIc5F2oEsTN7t-B9KsWDluf-38jLLG3fgq824Iec4-2539cTaEgRHZSAaK8eVry9Ar2877TWCyhuu1QLAs1AHU2nUtxKOYUHieV8s4H39Tc3/w400-h225/S2400011.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved this tap sign outside the Cullen beach loos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN5ZViqNUbXBMS1BU3uuM5dXziAMd0n6aFetoxD876XzL4qjoCq7VmcY16rZyG2Qkcfsn6QkpqXOsLhBQ-jUhvlBcljj9jQXilT-QFiTJYITL5196afwopxNlrCFmMdQdeYe2MteYDsyCH8L9GhhjA5emqJFiPl7McQvCvSnGXeMRb9hbVmqQGxt7IaX1/s4224/S2400012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkN5ZViqNUbXBMS1BU3uuM5dXziAMd0n6aFetoxD876XzL4qjoCq7VmcY16rZyG2Qkcfsn6QkpqXOsLhBQ-jUhvlBcljj9jQXilT-QFiTJYITL5196afwopxNlrCFmMdQdeYe2MteYDsyCH8L9GhhjA5emqJFiPl7McQvCvSnGXeMRb9hbVmqQGxt7IaX1/w400-h225/S2400012.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our fish and chips scoffing view</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjQQz6AOeHzPQxngmVE0fADGfVv_SC2OnVCzUPev5f0OyIH2PWN3b2S_svmMdKscrG3lp1aRfWa1uM2_lwc6Kp1Z0pTDui2yVtmpL3r-BMzQkAtVLGc0IOvVESzVZcxJ0TRqsXZLXzKLZM5qWo3bLV2m2lRJ8yrOk1mKLCvSkXWVVPISap-9IyMG-UOEV/s4224/S2400013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjQQz6AOeHzPQxngmVE0fADGfVv_SC2OnVCzUPev5f0OyIH2PWN3b2S_svmMdKscrG3lp1aRfWa1uM2_lwc6Kp1Z0pTDui2yVtmpL3r-BMzQkAtVLGc0IOvVESzVZcxJ0TRqsXZLXzKLZM5qWo3bLV2m2lRJ8yrOk1mKLCvSkXWVVPISap-9IyMG-UOEV/w400-h225/S2400013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosehearty Community Boat Club</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlad6AaE4hcwEwxufhUB7UtKfgLZE2jQapSdl4OHnIkieJeB--LOkF63u-MEuUgwRITyBPLqbQ9cfQPK6XnxrtZr8tc_k1oPUNJl3hSns5Cs85orLDOwMsv-vdcPG41t6RYYEBtnPGY39uRs4MH7XFgiZYa4rLcP8-TlcXYtFYKa24iQbINaF7SI_QQlm/s4224/S2400014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlad6AaE4hcwEwxufhUB7UtKfgLZE2jQapSdl4OHnIkieJeB--LOkF63u-MEuUgwRITyBPLqbQ9cfQPK6XnxrtZr8tc_k1oPUNJl3hSns5Cs85orLDOwMsv-vdcPG41t6RYYEBtnPGY39uRs4MH7XFgiZYa4rLcP8-TlcXYtFYKa24iQbINaF7SI_QQlm/w400-h225/S2400014.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like the Caribbean - feels like the Baltic!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu9134rbY5eiOljSyt95OCa_tZK4wPgwfypeLMGgnggpCIkU7m9nn2Udg_Fh-YA15pu6k1DU3z4B7f6ZbNwNEMP1Rfgajnh7JMHKcYkrl7-LvHpQvEYzLv8lFpgr0aRHQCF0I9OxTgGe3K2ndsC3CqDciwmrmAg-uZBzKD2T6lZkrUZAhYtbOQ9oAbq75/s4224/S2400015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieu9134rbY5eiOljSyt95OCa_tZK4wPgwfypeLMGgnggpCIkU7m9nn2Udg_Fh-YA15pu6k1DU3z4B7f6ZbNwNEMP1Rfgajnh7JMHKcYkrl7-LvHpQvEYzLv8lFpgr0aRHQCF0I9OxTgGe3K2ndsC3CqDciwmrmAg-uZBzKD2T6lZkrUZAhYtbOQ9oAbq75/w400-h225/S2400015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBccC5h7xE_HlA8T58c9lH7QalpFsigi9sATWI5m4t-mPCIODEBcj4qD0HqERWVYh59Oe06-HIkEj-rAZOLi2JB6dL4E3sxv2QkJ9D0arU0UCIrRR_uKFJ0oGhlrtaDlBoqyK08NBBKDa8gP-XRNRagssEhl4NW5Z_qrUY_Tk6FTHdgXxfGWtyhQWMaCk/s4224/S2400016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLBccC5h7xE_HlA8T58c9lH7QalpFsigi9sATWI5m4t-mPCIODEBcj4qD0HqERWVYh59Oe06-HIkEj-rAZOLi2JB6dL4E3sxv2QkJ9D0arU0UCIrRR_uKFJ0oGhlrtaDlBoqyK08NBBKDa8gP-XRNRagssEhl4NW5Z_qrUY_Tk6FTHdgXxfGWtyhQWMaCk/w400-h225/S2400016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-49918618630098425662023-07-07T20:28:00.004+01:002023-07-07T20:28:27.881+01:00Rewilding and a wonky old castle<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: arial;">Friday 7 July 2023</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up in the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2gaToSnThzSZS5fn8" target="_blank">car park at Torrieston forest</a>. This is one of many <a href="https://forestryandland.gov.scot/stay-the-night" target="_blank">'Stay the Night'</a> park-ups offered by Forestry and Land Scotland. The concept has been trialled over a few years and we've used them before when visiting Scotland. The rules are simple, you can only stay between 6pm and 10am at a flat rate cost of £7; outside of that you need to pay the normal day parking rates. All of the parking areas have a maximum number of vans that can stay over, in this case it's two and we're the only one here at the moment, although a number of people in cars are parking up to walk in the forest. It's a great idea and one that England and Wales could benefit from if they wanted to encourage vans to park in the right places and earn some money.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday morning we visited the <a href="https://visitdundreggan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dundreggan Rewilding Centre</a>, <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Bgp8FwqmxnYKA7my9" target="_blank">near Glenmoriston</a>, only about 15 minutes' drive from last night's park up and 8 miles south of Loch Ness. This is an area that's being rewilded in partnership with <a href="https://treesforlife.org.uk/" target="_blank">Trees for Life</a> since 2008, recovering from centuries of damage caused by sheep, goats and deer. By allowing the forest to regenerate naturally, they have expanded important fragments of Scotland's Caledonian forest, providing a habitat for over 4,000 species of plants and animals, including golden eagles, wild boar and black grouse. There's plenty of parking with a visitor centre and café. The walks are free, with a choice of routes depending on your interest and mobility. We spent about 3 hours wandering around the routes. But be aware, some of them are challenging and strenuous. We loved the variety and diversity of flora and fauna. In particular, the mature birch and oak trees, dripping in lichen similar to the trees in South Carolina, USA were amazing, as well as the growing areas of juniper and heather. It's free to walk around and definitely worth a visit. We hope they create rewilding corridors all over Scotland. Wales (and England) has a lot to learn from you.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After our adventures amongst the flora we'd just returned to the van before the heavens opened, so sat in smug comfort with a cup of tea and some Scottish shortbread. Our journey north took us on the A82 along the western side of Loch Ness...no monsters were spotted! It's a stunning place but over commercialised in areas, so we carried on north. Reaching Inverness, we stopped at Tesco to refuel with food and diesel, before carrying on east through Nairn to our stop over at a small <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/6Hvm5TsAfQD5kiBHA" target="_blank">CAMC CL at Druim Heath</a>, a few miles down the road. This CL is one of just a few remaining that is basic but lovely. It's in a small grass field next to the owner's home - bins, a fresh water tap and a black waste dump...and all for just £8 per night. I hope these types of basic CLs will continued to be available, but fear they will disappear as the corporate greed of CAMC takes over. We set up camp as the rain started, so the awning was wound out and we sat underneath with a hot cup of tea. Dinner was eaten under its shelter too, before we packed up and moved into the warmth of the van.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It rained in the night but the morning brought markedly higher temperatures and it seems the warmth will increase over the next couple of days. The Thetford fridge saga continues, with it showing an intermittent error code which suggests the PCB needs replacing - £180 plus fitting costs! I'm sure this fridge was a Friday afternoon job. When bought and being fitted only six years ago, the door was found to be warped and a replacement had to be ordered. Since then the heater element and the gas burner have been replaced and now it seems the computer board is on the blink! I dropped an email to CMS in Conwy to see if I can book it in to be diagnosed and repaired before we head to France next month. Paul from CMS was only working on it last month to replace the burner. This fridge is like 'Trigger's Broom' - nearly every part replaced!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We spent the day at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/hGBxAAjvcM2oVQAJ9" target="_blank">Roseisle Country Park</a>, parking up amongst the pines. The forest runs for miles along a lovely sandy beach that overlooks the coast NE of Inverness as it runs up towards John o'Groats. It was really warm, as was the sea and we had a good walk before returning to the van to chill out and eat. On the way to Torrieston we stopped off to visit <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/7gz97XkgrB61pNg56" target="_blank">Duffus Castle</a>, much of which is slipping down the bank it was built on - there's an owner who didn't listen to his builder! A quick history lesson:</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">T<i>he castle is situated on the Laich of Moray, a fertile plain that was once the swampy foreshore of Spynie Loch. This was originally a more defensive position than it appears today, long after the loch was drained. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>The motte is a huge man-made mound, with steep sides and a wide ditch separating it from the bailey. The whole site is enclosed by a water-filled ditch, which is more a mark of its boundary than it is a serious defensive measure. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Duffus Castle was built by a Flemish man named Freskin, who came to Scotland in the first half of the 1100s. After an uprising by the ‘men of Moray’ against David I in 1130, the king sent Freskin north as a representative of royal authority. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>He was given the estate of Duffus, and here he built an earthwork-and-timber castle. Freskin’s son William adopted the title of ‘de Moravia’ – of Moray. By 1200, the family had become the most influential noble family in northern Scotland, giving rise to the earls of Sutherland and Clan Murray. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>In about 1270, the castle passed to Sir Reginald Cheyne the Elder, Lord of Inverugie. He probably built the square stone keep on top of the motte, and the curtain wall encircling the bailey. In 1305, the invading King Edward I of England gave him a grant of 200 oaks from the royal forests of Darnaway and Longmorn, which were probably used for the castle’s floors and roofs. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>By 1350, the castle had passed to a younger son of the Earl of Sutherland through marriage. It may have been then that the keep was abandoned, possibly because it was beginning to slip down the mound, and a new residence established at the north of the bailey. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Viscount Dundee, leader of the first Jacobite Rising, dined in the castle as a guest of James, Lord Duffus in 1689, prior to his victory against King William II’s government forces at Killiecrankie. Soon after, Lord Duffus moved to the nearby Duffus House. The castle quickly fell into decay. </i></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">History lesson over!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On arrival at Torrieston, I paid using the RingGo app, so no need to carry half a hundred weight of pound coins. We walked one of the trails on the other side of the road - about a mile long through lovely deciduous forest. We didn't see another soul, although Salty did his best to find any red squirrels - unsuccessfully. We're now enjoying the peace with a view over forest, fields and inquisitive cows. Tea has been drunk, biscuits have been eaten. It's still very warm and humid, so all doors and skylights are open. The alarm's set for 0700 so we can be up and walk the other trail before we have to leave here by 1000.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf4U1_keBicF-jjvAebUFMQmHj3Cz4_bVAl2JmPTO2E3A3YNZ7gjK9Z0zoRTIU7l6hqKIvjw55JN_t7GEMn_-77ao-FYSCOkPC_3mSQdZ0IrsJ63Wetc2_3KbuQq4vC3b4jTPPmAYRs-R52ULV3Obwj-wDQAOkORxSPzsLQCdfd3mVx6x1kGWFongs1Xc/s4224/S2380008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnf4U1_keBicF-jjvAebUFMQmHj3Cz4_bVAl2JmPTO2E3A3YNZ7gjK9Z0zoRTIU7l6hqKIvjw55JN_t7GEMn_-77ao-FYSCOkPC_3mSQdZ0IrsJ63Wetc2_3KbuQq4vC3b4jTPPmAYRs-R52ULV3Obwj-wDQAOkORxSPzsLQCdfd3mVx6x1kGWFongs1Xc/w400-h225/S2380008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dundreggan Rewilding Centre and Cafe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHENyJoTukxUZ0PfUOPNFOZlcr6s2ubDxJlftRQNGH1d1cf8_w2fIoc98b86O4wic7CJ2IRQHcROZOKjMZJQJDLoFpo5F5bNyOtsriFmTdc-Ax-_IgyFctdWxoSQqnLfueqBy31FmryJxiAnB_1IiDqbfmK4xZsCrCStU114jD57ZAJnnTKEKP4_hCQGx/s4224/S2380009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBHENyJoTukxUZ0PfUOPNFOZlcr6s2ubDxJlftRQNGH1d1cf8_w2fIoc98b86O4wic7CJ2IRQHcROZOKjMZJQJDLoFpo5F5bNyOtsriFmTdc-Ax-_IgyFctdWxoSQqnLfueqBy31FmryJxiAnB_1IiDqbfmK4xZsCrCStU114jD57ZAJnnTKEKP4_hCQGx/w400-h225/S2380009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWaskH2lnT-k-AD3dNDz_kEigxc8NW0hwnSFA8CC9S60yB5lHQt_N6A4p_U9aGceMlgTwel4m6rH2vT_xhKnRGaCh0Mpuzk0vGppFVEl1KPk_A7kwvxzlfZs-AobAw-CvVhpAgLJGM-IeuMT1QWGsm2pg0NSy--PR1ucOkfpsjgzjOSAKqidBibnxAHej/s4224/S2380010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWaskH2lnT-k-AD3dNDz_kEigxc8NW0hwnSFA8CC9S60yB5lHQt_N6A4p_U9aGceMlgTwel4m6rH2vT_xhKnRGaCh0Mpuzk0vGppFVEl1KPk_A7kwvxzlfZs-AobAw-CvVhpAgLJGM-IeuMT1QWGsm2pg0NSy--PR1ucOkfpsjgzjOSAKqidBibnxAHej/w400-h225/S2380010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sF6UKGDsubr_HKGCy0CNgxijSDLQnX0XxdA-pShRIuf5mmJoOoVLOqXp2pLpYbfQpjWlLJq-gJxu3KXgMfHaUhAAq0XX7fEB3WlSNYL4X1Ea1kKowPvFXMTAYpUvvJEtAIgVrnUJkR5cA1fZrPbuGLQp7VaNYyfZIrvyqEU9745dW8dH40j3NuDWjdI9/s4224/S2380011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sF6UKGDsubr_HKGCy0CNgxijSDLQnX0XxdA-pShRIuf5mmJoOoVLOqXp2pLpYbfQpjWlLJq-gJxu3KXgMfHaUhAAq0XX7fEB3WlSNYL4X1Ea1kKowPvFXMTAYpUvvJEtAIgVrnUJkR5cA1fZrPbuGLQp7VaNYyfZIrvyqEU9745dW8dH40j3NuDWjdI9/w400-h225/S2380011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaSHwLUYB_-nJbKqBEQlUH94lH3Vx-0ffOOupSBWXlSUcG5HXqHou7zmb0G7dvs1yBvMQojn8N85_BnSQ2Ni9QiHowPr-_z1X9a7q1aiXYhCG01_Xovm7tJaDmUJD1iDJfIcbDSNhJK7O0O-0dZceeww6SkGMqf0YJkBzZlhG34VvHSMeqWNVet3s_m8L/s4224/S2380013.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaSHwLUYB_-nJbKqBEQlUH94lH3Vx-0ffOOupSBWXlSUcG5HXqHou7zmb0G7dvs1yBvMQojn8N85_BnSQ2Ni9QiHowPr-_z1X9a7q1aiXYhCG01_Xovm7tJaDmUJD1iDJfIcbDSNhJK7O0O-0dZceeww6SkGMqf0YJkBzZlhG34VvHSMeqWNVet3s_m8L/w400-h225/S2380013.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very peaceful CL</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlNrYmhf0YRi1P98NI2gfEJWmN1Nnfo0L2sYR0kPRuBl7eB5-0_8PgBsW7sczkluljcLUY5PyHA76zEUkU9JbU4wlEA6UKX9FIMZrfAXuJMG8jdXYqFmGgVbBoQNIPOLgPifUzlcJ3U2UtAKOwGS6qLjwAbseeR6GxGrnAgnTcZEs9YRtWmUmV7SIUUIw/s4224/S2390001.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlNrYmhf0YRi1P98NI2gfEJWmN1Nnfo0L2sYR0kPRuBl7eB5-0_8PgBsW7sczkluljcLUY5PyHA76zEUkU9JbU4wlEA6UKX9FIMZrfAXuJMG8jdXYqFmGgVbBoQNIPOLgPifUzlcJ3U2UtAKOwGS6qLjwAbseeR6GxGrnAgnTcZEs9YRtWmUmV7SIUUIw/w400-h225/S2390001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roseisle Country Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8OVO0nIo0P0lKioA5e61DydPAwiLhEkGZ9kyk19WS7cmppApLmBoClrItO_U0toDHzVaWChypMvxoA-2z1VL_JiLXPy5jpT3Ab5bbWkhPxih-QFpCX8FrgUivdlZ6tugIxGsYx0xL2skk7xccaTjjKQnrHMd_jXb7WRBhDLM3tR0tCliLSq3gHN20vfK/s4224/S2390002.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC8OVO0nIo0P0lKioA5e61DydPAwiLhEkGZ9kyk19WS7cmppApLmBoClrItO_U0toDHzVaWChypMvxoA-2z1VL_JiLXPy5jpT3Ab5bbWkhPxih-QFpCX8FrgUivdlZ6tugIxGsYx0xL2skk7xccaTjjKQnrHMd_jXb7WRBhDLM3tR0tCliLSq3gHN20vfK/w400-h225/S2390002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After walking away from the area around the parking we had the beach to ourselves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-mtTHmKDpIzY4tjU1qaPA-gFRtWPrI5EkAdi3VoDPNYThj2ODTrQ-QVWNqG9EIq9RwLiqwvvtFgzkjeqd0A1-GwLA3TsMYu4rlX5-yWAKZrJCUR6tgZPE3sMlaJ1qB_JCw52mfELj8rn1iUKlDK31mA7eU8COhB44hMYJjbEav_4JGyla1m_7dRTujeC/s4224/S2390003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-mtTHmKDpIzY4tjU1qaPA-gFRtWPrI5EkAdi3VoDPNYThj2ODTrQ-QVWNqG9EIq9RwLiqwvvtFgzkjeqd0A1-GwLA3TsMYu4rlX5-yWAKZrJCUR6tgZPE3sMlaJ1qB_JCw52mfELj8rn1iUKlDK31mA7eU8COhB44hMYJjbEav_4JGyla1m_7dRTujeC/w400-h225/S2390003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQQC3ZUWdOe9LG_fd98zrwG12xUR1Bthu-cbKk4Qju3SO2kgEAL2pbFZOQq3mVrcWU-F-EXDlQH400vVvwBfFJrIeitMNPTDNLXoAt0b5FtNkDIpMmaiCCXQ3Ci-8wYcaQ4me7-xof3Ir_GjA1rDTFb53yGGPgqa51eYg-wELoXED63WGINR4MwM3_0z_/s4224/S2390004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQQC3ZUWdOe9LG_fd98zrwG12xUR1Bthu-cbKk4Qju3SO2kgEAL2pbFZOQq3mVrcWU-F-EXDlQH400vVvwBfFJrIeitMNPTDNLXoAt0b5FtNkDIpMmaiCCXQ3Ci-8wYcaQ4me7-xof3Ir_GjA1rDTFb53yGGPgqa51eYg-wELoXED63WGINR4MwM3_0z_/w400-h225/S2390004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duffus Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwxNPlTfqi80ffwMDgGtL47HgppZdyMboBW_hidMwhPqMifUlvJ21fUv1tl1EIBMfrn4nkVJ_mFfG0YF5_tf34B0rY4wmCZzGCd-3Bw6_v1-rbtqRmtZdY9GI3_GZ5qn-IJxN7W613NcvtRWhi2eOp5XQPONERsCjFRupt8lQUcLiQGzVAEOB8G3LbFhi/s4224/S2390005.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjwxNPlTfqi80ffwMDgGtL47HgppZdyMboBW_hidMwhPqMifUlvJ21fUv1tl1EIBMfrn4nkVJ_mFfG0YF5_tf34B0rY4wmCZzGCd-3Bw6_v1-rbtqRmtZdY9GI3_GZ5qn-IJxN7W613NcvtRWhi2eOp5XQPONERsCjFRupt8lQUcLiQGzVAEOB8G3LbFhi/w400-h225/S2390005.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photobombed by Salty!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9fPS_K1JfpzQg5g4kFSMCqEploWzeSKYs4aNzZPBthCkSJpIeNUCmjY_WRl7gmJOPKDHx5jOPdX6FXIIynu0dwGW9d-jbJwG_QSx5Z7GRzrs-n3aBC2zF2e5Mr0c3ZQc6Y_HcdrDgWG1bo79RqXNvXSfe_2_T5qvFo8F4mQCdWJKRQdptKfaQiNvtVlu/s4224/S2390006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9fPS_K1JfpzQg5g4kFSMCqEploWzeSKYs4aNzZPBthCkSJpIeNUCmjY_WRl7gmJOPKDHx5jOPdX6FXIIynu0dwGW9d-jbJwG_QSx5Z7GRzrs-n3aBC2zF2e5Mr0c3ZQc6Y_HcdrDgWG1bo79RqXNvXSfe_2_T5qvFo8F4mQCdWJKRQdptKfaQiNvtVlu/w400-h225/S2390006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQvD3qtMlqwilKHMNE6eYQhe_7b0jvl4noH8Q7dtomvDqQLvUOI2dhgQ2SCyLwmnU_-XWAFyLiGq8ZJMeX9K6KhiZVSzgLhtoxSKbpzYkhBoNIt8_STRWNLAdZcbWFm3Sv_3V5JkyDSH2Xc1tPb_wpXep35DE7kDoBXrYUR1JjFvHr8IDlvejqpXEogd-/s4224/S2390007.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQvD3qtMlqwilKHMNE6eYQhe_7b0jvl4noH8Q7dtomvDqQLvUOI2dhgQ2SCyLwmnU_-XWAFyLiGq8ZJMeX9K6KhiZVSzgLhtoxSKbpzYkhBoNIt8_STRWNLAdZcbWFm3Sv_3V5JkyDSH2Xc1tPb_wpXep35DE7kDoBXrYUR1JjFvHr8IDlvejqpXEogd-/w400-h225/S2390007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the castle loo!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3GVX-u3FdGzuHxpoVIwjzyGHDOCGCoNphcL7aTjyhkqFWQAUfHhT-XJ3mKQpImTT970lGtQ6liVPtfgEBJY5JZUDVoULPAvFQYd9KKMN4eNAPTSyRhOKduBainG6G-h8vtJNm3UppCQtCpjNbA4AG8n6P9x4WHheV1zomN_TyoSPCfWtNx-FSnkz2VSx/s4224/S2390008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3GVX-u3FdGzuHxpoVIwjzyGHDOCGCoNphcL7aTjyhkqFWQAUfHhT-XJ3mKQpImTT970lGtQ6liVPtfgEBJY5JZUDVoULPAvFQYd9KKMN4eNAPTSyRhOKduBainG6G-h8vtJNm3UppCQtCpjNbA4AG8n6P9x4WHheV1zomN_TyoSPCfWtNx-FSnkz2VSx/w400-h225/S2390008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torrieston car park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJgDA8S74gXxk6U-amMHxJQZd_DgMDhUFhFip-vPF2Rbv3DW2GJ6fW0tMke-OuOX3bCR-S6vZ8TY7p4x84M8dfLO5P3pCyQD4upML1RkaY9_EO_SCn8-JDOAaWvbXlJ-6Ar6G7tW2c_db3yck-utjfNmYaGagmiZt0stuK8DImN0KCAt5Dq0mhjW-F_iw/s4224/S2390009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJgDA8S74gXxk6U-amMHxJQZd_DgMDhUFhFip-vPF2Rbv3DW2GJ6fW0tMke-OuOX3bCR-S6vZ8TY7p4x84M8dfLO5P3pCyQD4upML1RkaY9_EO_SCn8-JDOAaWvbXlJ-6Ar6G7tW2c_db3yck-utjfNmYaGagmiZt0stuK8DImN0KCAt5Dq0mhjW-F_iw/w400-h225/S2390009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-80075305075905957262023-07-05T20:32:00.003+01:002023-07-05T20:32:40.301+01:00Kinlochleven and the Commando Memorial<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at a <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vMWtA1yV3QEvPpSq5" target="_blank">wild camping spot a little way off the A87 near Bun Loyne</a>. We have mountain views and can just about here the occasional car passing on the road. Our original plan was to stop over at a nearby cafe then go in for breakfast tomorrow, but they're not open so this was a Plan B. We've eaten and are chilling out, looking out over the views.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left New Lanark yesterday morning and stopped in the town to buy some food and fill up with diesel. I had in mind a stop over at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/5JUXzuY1ctBYzkG4A" target="_blank">Glencoe Mountain Resort,</a> mainly because the views looked great and it also had a black waste dump and fresh water. After the usual frenetic motorway drive past Glasgow, we skirted along the western side of Loch Lomond before reaching the Highlands and pulling into the Resort. It was fairly busy with quite a few vans and cars parked up, some making use of the chairlift running up the mountain. After a quick look around, we decided it was too early to stop for the day. We had lunch with great views over the mountains and I took a look at the apps for somewhere else to stay for the night.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We decided on <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/UdZjUMWSqTh3nTBQ9" target="_blank">Kinlochleven, a small village at the eastern head of Loch Leven</a>. The village community have built an 8-pitch aire next to the toilets and the Ice Factory, an indoor ice climbing arena. Unfortunately it appears the aire is still subject to some planning issues and has been for several years. But the community are happy for vans to park up in the adjacent Ice Factory car park for a donation, which we were happy to make. From there we took a walk along part of the West Highland Way, walking up into the glens to reach a small reservoir and dam. Kinlochleven have made the most of the hills and water and have a large hydro-electric plant which used to supply the now closed aluminium making factory. Having expected a cold, cloudy day according to the forecast, instead we walked in hot sunshine and were glad of the dappled shade provided by the trees. Salty enjoyed the many cold mountain streams cascading down the mountains. Back at the van Cathy cooked a delicious vegetable risotto and I walked into the village to get some cash to pay the park up donation. We enjoyed the sound of the many seagulls nesting on the tops and sides of the Ice Factory building and later a number of swifts came screaming in, flying acrobatically over our heads - I love them!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning was hot and sunny in Kinlochleven and I enjoyed my morning walk with Salty as Cathy made breakfast. First task of the day was to service the van and there are quite a few service points in this area. One on our route was at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/h8Y5oCfYeEW7kMiDA" target="_blank">Kilmallie Community Centre</a> in Corpach. They've built an excellent service point that is far better than many we've used in France and all they ask is a £5 donation, which we gladly gave. Without these forward-thinking communities, we'd probably have to book into a campsite and it helps keep their services going - well done Kilmallie!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Not much further on was a place I've wanted to visit for a long, long time - the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3xBvs8V3QgsenzWu6" target="_blank">Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge</a>. It's dedicated to the men of the original Commando Forces during World War 2 and it overlooks the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 in Achnacarry Castle. It's an evocative monument with three commandos looking out over the Nevis range, with Ben Nevis clearly showing a couple of snow pockets near the summit. Alongside it is a garden of remembrance. This has many plaques, wreaths and epitaphs to the many Commandos who have made the ultimate sacrifice in so many wars and conflicts. As a Falklands War veteran, it was humbling to see the names of some of the Royal Marines who died in that conflict. But perhaps even sadder were the many epitaphs to those killed in Afghanistan this century, many of them just in their early 20s. I stood a while and shed a tear. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Per Mare, Per Terram. Lest we forget....</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lunch was taken at the top of <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/3xBvs8V3QgsenzWu6" target="_blank">Loch Lochy at the Great Glen Way</a>, after a walk along part of the Caledonian canal. We watched a couple of yachts pass through Laggan lock, coming from Loch Lochy into the canal and towards Loch Oich and no doubt eventually Loch Ness. It was while we were parked up having lunch that I found the cafe wouldn't be open tomorrow, so we ended up in this spot. Salty's been out for a short walk but it's raining heavily now, so he'll get one final walk before we turn in for the night.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewkqc5rN4dBuUX_-vrHudKHcm3AGm-vOOYk0zw_ubVMJgoiGvL0mHz92xF_1_w-PfP2GOOkzzO_vmCc6hQd6wPzd7r0WQzQvyzDnJZTCwR4tweWrTnlrLHd8FI8MoHM1RSNO6bbgHUsEs3qneJ6kWc1bzYzoiA9wdbsfNv_xaQb4SjVTDXJoSbUhCVz3S/s4224/S2370001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgewkqc5rN4dBuUX_-vrHudKHcm3AGm-vOOYk0zw_ubVMJgoiGvL0mHz92xF_1_w-PfP2GOOkzzO_vmCc6hQd6wPzd7r0WQzQvyzDnJZTCwR4tweWrTnlrLHd8FI8MoHM1RSNO6bbgHUsEs3qneJ6kWc1bzYzoiA9wdbsfNv_xaQb4SjVTDXJoSbUhCVz3S/w400-h225/S2370001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glencoe Mountain Resort</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOLqQ7uHjPNQbJAn-ng7owjU9IPhOky5alDoxDwq0ZrUPqOlxolpm4X9YaILpXXECQP3e37-jX01l-_U6XHMcLK1a8--fHk_f7UI4AWQB3Ry4jVzNtotXqvwOfKY4Byo9VkBE55DoRfRPIAkpcjNRZkuJK9WBA3TZUcTye0GUsn-9buBImRFnm9iABhjQ/s4224/S2370002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOLqQ7uHjPNQbJAn-ng7owjU9IPhOky5alDoxDwq0ZrUPqOlxolpm4X9YaILpXXECQP3e37-jX01l-_U6XHMcLK1a8--fHk_f7UI4AWQB3Ry4jVzNtotXqvwOfKY4Byo9VkBE55DoRfRPIAkpcjNRZkuJK9WBA3TZUcTye0GUsn-9buBImRFnm9iABhjQ/w400-h225/S2370002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk81LsDUiQEYGggbiQnvObn1Gq6MHlkzd14cfODPTuAAVp_c7dCiB3yOPMO2v46WqB2BU33gLyF3qnRhS4rcO6a99E2dYF8VM722K-uBlYwRx_AnCCtL1QFPokXhDSJReP6xRYJkluc0fseHqlaXxTs5Szj-mPfeKh88TOD4hmfUFfPbreOOsnkHwc7E4/s4224/S2370004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSk81LsDUiQEYGggbiQnvObn1Gq6MHlkzd14cfODPTuAAVp_c7dCiB3yOPMO2v46WqB2BU33gLyF3qnRhS4rcO6a99E2dYF8VM722K-uBlYwRx_AnCCtL1QFPokXhDSJReP6xRYJkluc0fseHqlaXxTs5Szj-mPfeKh88TOD4hmfUFfPbreOOsnkHwc7E4/w400-h225/S2370004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sculpture by the river at Kinlochleven</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCoCViPWEk8nvQ5H_86qzpCqc7qCyDeuJjIkncAV1kb9b3AtTtwEnzwXlA1yxAN184SOQ4gsVUnVn5z2gRURpMNmE5wzW45EFRUhxAkZTyD0jDYytDnoxUacyOKBUNlYENz7wdo24Bs4k5kmlzpwDa40TH2JSI6WPFOvW5FqlVOmZcA7QEODAenDNyFTg/s4224/S2370005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCoCViPWEk8nvQ5H_86qzpCqc7qCyDeuJjIkncAV1kb9b3AtTtwEnzwXlA1yxAN184SOQ4gsVUnVn5z2gRURpMNmE5wzW45EFRUhxAkZTyD0jDYytDnoxUacyOKBUNlYENz7wdo24Bs4k5kmlzpwDa40TH2JSI6WPFOvW5FqlVOmZcA7QEODAenDNyFTg/w400-h225/S2370005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4JFe_my2p01Cr7FgXr1DhjDCKbhTSeKbh3QBWkGaO10Lo3j-FdIytfDVflaEVdUO-iYThi9HZhtXq4rd2RUhIEHRLcFGtPOTTXbwKBpCpDHLzgY7y9-RD08Dgdsk2cOzwJG2ugPJOUcAKBTJAQyEA64ofZQOnFhEyw-9nH6In7Q6it1H1sjBKCP8GAEg/s4224/S2370006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4JFe_my2p01Cr7FgXr1DhjDCKbhTSeKbh3QBWkGaO10Lo3j-FdIytfDVflaEVdUO-iYThi9HZhtXq4rd2RUhIEHRLcFGtPOTTXbwKBpCpDHLzgY7y9-RD08Dgdsk2cOzwJG2ugPJOUcAKBTJAQyEA64ofZQOnFhEyw-9nH6In7Q6it1H1sjBKCP8GAEg/w400-h225/S2370006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reservoir at a turnaround point on our Western Highland Way walk</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MgmEysdC-CB-FwZ7EHIRI9ocvbnqqj08K8J818D70wjGBs9_ov6fc5BooCwRoxC4Rn9Uj90aJrpWmhUn4yutLTO66Yso4eUcy73xbiGdvmysHS8taPfrCPDqboTbcYV36ZkGpiir98wqNtvhMLCDzF3OW2lt3fxn3zOvZpd1cdQ9FWVgHZEKYwhM4i5O/s4224/S2370007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MgmEysdC-CB-FwZ7EHIRI9ocvbnqqj08K8J818D70wjGBs9_ov6fc5BooCwRoxC4Rn9Uj90aJrpWmhUn4yutLTO66Yso4eUcy73xbiGdvmysHS8taPfrCPDqboTbcYV36ZkGpiir98wqNtvhMLCDzF3OW2lt3fxn3zOvZpd1cdQ9FWVgHZEKYwhM4i5O/w400-h225/S2370007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming off the dam at the reservoir</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EDzCaApHeFShVM2BsccvtlcMjYVv05jtI3DORkvrJ27Hhi0tSV81UugxQhB55MmUDeTBPjjEf6Hokjj105CjVADRrlUcw8j4oMeB98ehEHVmrK3767fgeGsjbLCSCJ_HhOU_s39mIZNsYAICzYlSAmT_JZkAdzEgqN46co0N6ZogQkUAcrQGWpWKVqkD/s4224/S2370008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EDzCaApHeFShVM2BsccvtlcMjYVv05jtI3DORkvrJ27Hhi0tSV81UugxQhB55MmUDeTBPjjEf6Hokjj105CjVADRrlUcw8j4oMeB98ehEHVmrK3767fgeGsjbLCSCJ_HhOU_s39mIZNsYAICzYlSAmT_JZkAdzEgqN46co0N6ZogQkUAcrQGWpWKVqkD/w400-h225/S2370008.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It'll be a great aire once the legal wranglings are sorted</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUVEcWlobfFAkBrgwGucwPZeTj7Copzj265K8TJa7pDhnTfCIyUz8J2jRPJkm0Pm15982NpHwf5tUI9DML5tk2B8vCq70WhgXJld-QvPh-6L09FMzxbjTCBubtB0AWsLKsLaTvSnPLICGqFSBovtjxLD6WiWZhK9U33qLLIz_IVlvkqiPMEYudn3Eg0-m/s2560/T20230704_175033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUVEcWlobfFAkBrgwGucwPZeTj7Copzj265K8TJa7pDhnTfCIyUz8J2jRPJkm0Pm15982NpHwf5tUI9DML5tk2B8vCq70WhgXJld-QvPh-6L09FMzxbjTCBubtB0AWsLKsLaTvSnPLICGqFSBovtjxLD6WiWZhK9U33qLLIz_IVlvkqiPMEYudn3Eg0-m/w400-h180/T20230704_175033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHG7Jx_BiZHaTT3E6tUGU173I4vsSBjowHzOUHbsCLg1Z8eVAXyyiIx6feVY4DxcYGXZkr-jE0Ky0b4bLd0ki2aVcAwAtLo3IbNh3td0lNNIQVxwLnfNPfEW1NmD0Obw5eqBYqL7LAxCT4KHz27byV33ossH26fajLkTvRa4rJ7Q1FMeiSL3fUIDuxfhb/s4000/T20230704_194236-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHG7Jx_BiZHaTT3E6tUGU173I4vsSBjowHzOUHbsCLg1Z8eVAXyyiIx6feVY4DxcYGXZkr-jE0Ky0b4bLd0ki2aVcAwAtLo3IbNh3td0lNNIQVxwLnfNPfEW1NmD0Obw5eqBYqL7LAxCT4KHz27byV33ossH26fajLkTvRa4rJ7Q1FMeiSL3fUIDuxfhb/w400-h180/T20230704_194236-01.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Kinlochleven park-up</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqbmvZ0lsobV3y3YA79w--uiOrDlRsRsBFH7AEwdlo5eEEadtdAjuyuCZDTo5jBZhB9rLkKABCCZAEdRSp842rbw__-UVTlRvf7Ft0nevCGb7qw0DCiqTeeWNhy8nMQm91mL_epCHKdlmHo6K-EN5i2SwCvtPxAnG0_1und5SXh9_Tolg9yetlFy3ADes/s4224/S2380001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqbmvZ0lsobV3y3YA79w--uiOrDlRsRsBFH7AEwdlo5eEEadtdAjuyuCZDTo5jBZhB9rLkKABCCZAEdRSp842rbw__-UVTlRvf7Ft0nevCGb7qw0DCiqTeeWNhy8nMQm91mL_epCHKdlmHo6K-EN5i2SwCvtPxAnG0_1und5SXh9_Tolg9yetlFy3ADes/w400-h225/S2380001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kilmallie Community Centre</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5R6e_zS9p_R8KqIfQbGdUc90tRgqDLoDAxM6udJdoZPOAi6CLcTcgSHINb2ir3S1NY6BF1p5KC48c46lOfxvSQB_t_589RgQu536AQgUN8BvXnVpKB4UUkOR-DB8I2ChKxsngwRQE85mdaA_Nm0PnWRkWwiPJz2v9zLX1HuwyJL0OiQUVrHx-r5pEqBW/s4224/S2380003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4224" data-original-width="2376" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5R6e_zS9p_R8KqIfQbGdUc90tRgqDLoDAxM6udJdoZPOAi6CLcTcgSHINb2ir3S1NY6BF1p5KC48c46lOfxvSQB_t_589RgQu536AQgUN8BvXnVpKB4UUkOR-DB8I2ChKxsngwRQE85mdaA_Nm0PnWRkWwiPJz2v9zLX1HuwyJL0OiQUVrHx-r5pEqBW/w225-h400/S2380003.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituYQOTcMLjKreWBJhwdM3OghYHwS4biJn2-m7Qqbru9C-XOMwVf3Py9bMB0BbJSIPS3F_zwxcidSTlxiDMDim0BmxmdPxzcI0DuDVYDkRNyekf0iYrg9yUvxu82K_2uCtArR-zENfc2I2GoVYbz7fkj_axpyEREhi-oDJj6eisGObcK29io3U2XVeD5A0/s4224/S2380004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4224" data-original-width="2376" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituYQOTcMLjKreWBJhwdM3OghYHwS4biJn2-m7Qqbru9C-XOMwVf3Py9bMB0BbJSIPS3F_zwxcidSTlxiDMDim0BmxmdPxzcI0DuDVYDkRNyekf0iYrg9yUvxu82K_2uCtArR-zENfc2I2GoVYbz7fkj_axpyEREhi-oDJj6eisGObcK29io3U2XVeD5A0/w225-h400/S2380004.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1NriDz9XBZJQSHBsZ4nUzZCclAJE3R4oDzpo2uBOiRvAq2Y6NBvU4FhN3SuyZ6Sdvk2lrzTAEuetU-9VBXTXor-849lD4n7LY9OBeHazs3egi8e22adxto2xg36NKmZo9fXUEwA5aXXtKrUfOYVfTK2rVP_xnaTb2YdM2n9tVcjw5yyso76G66-bmkDz/s4224/S2380005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4224" data-original-width="2376" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1NriDz9XBZJQSHBsZ4nUzZCclAJE3R4oDzpo2uBOiRvAq2Y6NBvU4FhN3SuyZ6Sdvk2lrzTAEuetU-9VBXTXor-849lD4n7LY9OBeHazs3egi8e22adxto2xg36NKmZo9fXUEwA5aXXtKrUfOYVfTK2rVP_xnaTb2YdM2n9tVcjw5yyso76G66-bmkDz/w225-h400/S2380005.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix_db7QuKR7EV3cIV38TkWSQ-1vOptfGCK7Mp5Vyo5-mQK7ARFYeFsAiSns8l664gZw56ECteLO24_WKuIpl-sPN4q4hOk5QIfgbG16tj854xlDY7_V-3TSwDKUFGfnyiDbl7fvSbn-Y9BMo9u8KFAzyRL4gVJOZk0TOH_IsCH5Z6y67YpBievxEuQpQB/s4224/S2380006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjix_db7QuKR7EV3cIV38TkWSQ-1vOptfGCK7Mp5Vyo5-mQK7ARFYeFsAiSns8l664gZw56ECteLO24_WKuIpl-sPN4q4hOk5QIfgbG16tj854xlDY7_V-3TSwDKUFGfnyiDbl7fvSbn-Y9BMo9u8KFAzyRL4gVJOZk0TOH_IsCH5Z6y67YpBievxEuQpQB/w400-h225/S2380006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even in death, this young Royal Marine's zest for life shines through. Stop and take a wee dram.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYZQf3MlHqItl_kO9lzKOMjyfV0twMdo9tung8eWZ3W8gxs-gbd6JIgFSnUqb11oUQMSmV48a0QCVyraSwuOgYoWbVzNOx68TBy05BpYXaCwbwBI9-miFfYi0GVWxbkJ9iIfTNHa70PHzF_O5qPOoMG0fjWT9vH9jpFgYQ6lO0ZgbpUnEo6TCeMawG_4x/s4224/S2380007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYZQf3MlHqItl_kO9lzKOMjyfV0twMdo9tung8eWZ3W8gxs-gbd6JIgFSnUqb11oUQMSmV48a0QCVyraSwuOgYoWbVzNOx68TBy05BpYXaCwbwBI9-miFfYi0GVWxbkJ9iIfTNHa70PHzF_O5qPOoMG0fjWT9vH9jpFgYQ6lO0ZgbpUnEo6TCeMawG_4x/w400-h225/S2380007.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laggan Lock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-48684371607624465802023-07-04T20:53:00.002+01:002023-07-04T20:53:19.195+01:00NE and Central Scotland Tour 2023<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Monday 3 July 2023</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RW7dm6e1ScwDs5AB6" target="_blank">parked up at the New Lanark UNESCO Centre.</a> It's just £3 for 24 hours parking here and overnight stops are allowed. There's no facilities, but plenty of room to park; tonight there's only one other van in the main car park. We're in one of the smaller overflow car parks. Salty's beside himself and on-guard as loads of grey squirrels and rabbits (plus one stoat) have been hopping around the van. He's been very self-disciplined, just watching them intently and shaking all over! He's attached to the van by his lead so he can't chase them, but tonight I think he'll be dreaming about exactly that!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We left home yesterday morning (Sunday 2 July), with a planned stop at the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/S14DJQNNw6JnrwuE9" target="_blank">C&CC temporary holiday site (THS) in Kendal</a>. The satnav showed a 3 hour journey, but once again (on our last trip north the M56 was closed both ways and we sat stationary for 2 hours) the motorway trolls got us. This time the M6 north of J31 was closed both ways after a milk tanker overturned and straddled the central reservation. This time I heard about it in advance on the radio, so had time to pull over and plan an alternative route, which is just as well as the motorway was closed for most of the day. The revised route took us past Bury, Clitheroe and Settle. It still added over 2 hours to our journey but at least we were moving through the lovely landscape of Lancashire and North Yorkshire before reaching Cumbria. I had considered stopping at a CAMC CL just outside Clitheroe; a lovely grass meadow with just a tap and toilet disposal. We've stayed there a couple of times, it used to be owned by a local farming family and they only charged £7, but it's been bought out and the new owners now want £15 - no thanks!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As we drove through Kendal the heavens opened as monsoon-like rain poured for the sky. I checked us in to the THS (£10) and we parked up on the grass close to the entrance, as we were only staying one night. Dog walking options were limited (we were near an A road and out of town stores), so it was twice round the field for Salty before we had something to eat and settled down for an early night.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We didn't wake up this morning until nearly 0900. Breakfast was 'enforced' scrambled egg; enforced because the dozen eggs in a top cupboard fell out on the drive up yesterday and six were smashed. But they were saveable and went into the fridge in a plastic container ready for this morning. Although it was only day one, I topped up the fresh water and emptied the loo, as we had the facilities there. The drive up to Lanark was uneventful and we arrived at about 1.30pm. After lunch and a cup of tea, we packed some raincoats and water in a rucksack and walked down the path to the centre.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.newlanark.org/about-new-lanark/world-heritage-site" target="_blank">New Lanark </a>is a former 18th century cotton spinning mill village located on the banks of the Falls of Clyde, a deep gorge with vertical rock faces and several waterfalls. Recognised as one of 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Scotland, as well as the visitor buildings and centre, it's a resident village community of 65 households, mainly apartments in the old mill buildings and workshops. It's nestled in the gorge within a National Nature Reserve. The centre spins their own traditionally produced organic wool and produce their own hydro-electricity. We didn't pay to visit the centre and buildings; in fact if we wanted to we couldn't even find the visitor centre! They could do with more signs as quite a few people were wandering around, unclear of where to go and what to do. Instead we followed the paths and boardwalk that followed the river running through the gorge, deep and wide in some places (it reminded me of some of the rivers we've walked along in inland France) and churning white across rocks in other sections, plus some spectacular waterfalls. There looked like some good swimming spots, but it's unsafe to try and get to the river down the steep cliffs, plus the river can quickly become a raging torrent when the hydro-electric pump stations increase the flow.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We spent about 3 hours on the walk, stopping to watch the water and the wildlife in warm, dappled sunshine. Only on the last stretch did it start to rain, but by the time we'd returned to the van the sun was out again and we sat in the warmth with a cup of tea. It's very quiet here this evening and hopefully we'll not be visited by the boy racers (as some previous vans suffered in the Search for Site reviews).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow we head further north. The rough plan for this trip - over about a fortnight - is to make our way up to Inverness, via Glencoe and Loch Ness, before spending a few days hopping along the coastal harbours and villages along the NE coast of the Moray Firth, hopefully doing some dolphin watching. Then we'll start to head inland and south through the Cairngorms. That's the rough plan although the weather and midges will determine where we end up! We have midge head-nets and a can of Smidge, but they'll not help us much if they descend on us in their millions.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6f_XwjH23HCHAY6ZOH21jpZ49qbdvzZa6CKhgQyLFT1hTV79RCAUQ3jhM7KaLHKIfkQXhZIapViRtgrdMbd-1O3u_bScBFZ5M0VmbobTQTkG582VGYICVGn9XY5hN3i014lGmG2GjktP5VHyLne2475eua3QXM4AVATB8U8QzXZFyDPueOEWmI1Vr3jr/s4224/S2360006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6f_XwjH23HCHAY6ZOH21jpZ49qbdvzZa6CKhgQyLFT1hTV79RCAUQ3jhM7KaLHKIfkQXhZIapViRtgrdMbd-1O3u_bScBFZ5M0VmbobTQTkG582VGYICVGn9XY5hN3i014lGmG2GjktP5VHyLne2475eua3QXM4AVATB8U8QzXZFyDPueOEWmI1Vr3jr/w400-h225/S2360006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Lanark Cotton Spinning Mill</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3sYufv3mTVnJmMnhfanLZX_f-Ro6y6fkiZ5BxEwvje5tgJnoLdFaDrwpRv_dqmBxJVEHI51eFCKX3A_-TRM2K-ys-6Qn8O67FfzIUaZm7T39vGlrUnGiEt2dycXbXSWXtb4mLexePtf_rRD_5J1CcR7cd1XB7i6QGht8bzb3Sb4XOdb0UdcmYmcIpfW9/s4224/S2360007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg3sYufv3mTVnJmMnhfanLZX_f-Ro6y6fkiZ5BxEwvje5tgJnoLdFaDrwpRv_dqmBxJVEHI51eFCKX3A_-TRM2K-ys-6Qn8O67FfzIUaZm7T39vGlrUnGiEt2dycXbXSWXtb4mLexePtf_rRD_5J1CcR7cd1XB7i6QGht8bzb3Sb4XOdb0UdcmYmcIpfW9/w400-h225/S2360007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoJnR1-DvAnQyqnHX7TYgFnFKEmLDmQD1YrTvlprqAMhyXpVyhiKJZAMYUYNOPsk1yGbMtxmN65u3gkZULNASkYB4sAJg1NywQ4WD-4-TWbF4JX3IkgjjJ4DaRGmQVhNMWdUdCXZGJ85Jo-zEuJjl23GpxgmCVjjNbl19EPrPBr4iwT0d0NP_-lSzfJ3p/s4224/S2360009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dP2jreUWiyFy1s3ZMBb2DxwDg-zZiyayfccm7H77e2HccWAw-bBZoZuOJIXQCBWkRJ1NmT4UTj29kmRWmj-K-PBvpfEZGQ_tEgL_Uf2DQ6XMctI6qbSaShSEqrQUQj1Pk6qYLM6R7eHWGid5jON4cQcw5vrKQIFT386AiGr46ndh1GfWppcM0ydQc8ex/s4224/S2360015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dP2jreUWiyFy1s3ZMBb2DxwDg-zZiyayfccm7H77e2HccWAw-bBZoZuOJIXQCBWkRJ1NmT4UTj29kmRWmj-K-PBvpfEZGQ_tEgL_Uf2DQ6XMctI6qbSaShSEqrQUQj1Pk6qYLM6R7eHWGid5jON4cQcw5vrKQIFT386AiGr46ndh1GfWppcM0ydQc8ex/w400-h225/S2360015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-29744896142093735002023-05-25T20:54:00.000+01:002023-05-25T20:54:06.163+01:00Dockray Meadow CAMC Site- Lamplugh<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's been parked up at Dockray Meadow (</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://w3w.co/lift.bibs.wardrobe" target="_blank">///lift.bibs.wardrobe</a>) </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">for the past two nights. It's a short distance from the village of Lamplugh, a very quiet area on the very western perimeter of the Lakes, about three miles from Ennerdale. We don't normally use the Club sites, much preferring CLs, but this one is fairly relaxed, with no toilet block. However, it does have the ubiquitous 'pegs' that you MUST park between on pain of being drummed out of 'the club!' To be fair the wardens are lovely here. They're making a real effort to encourage wildlife into the site by leaving areas of grass to develop into wildflower meadows. In only two years over twenty five different wild flowers and plants have appeared and the whole site is awash with birdlife and red squirrels. As I type this evening, I can see thousands of newly-hatched may flies floating in the still, warm air.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It took about an hour to drive here from Glenridding. There was a slightly shorter route, but we decided to stick to the main A roads. Once pitched, we all took a walk of about 3.5 miles towards a small reservoir with a dam and weir, nestled down in the crook of a hillside covered in pine plantation, although much of it had already been harvested. Dinner was a tuna salad and a quiet night in catching up on some YouTube vlogs.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was quite a chilly night and it took a while before the sun reached the van, but Thursday turned out to be a still, hot and sunny day. It was Pete's turn to celebrate a birthday; he and I went off for a 14 mile bike ride. Although on the western edge of the fells and much less lumpy than the main parts of the Lakes, we still managed to cycle up about 1,300 ft of height gain! After a shower we went off for another walk with the dogs, this time a circular route taking in Lamplugh Church. I'd booked a table at The Countryman pub, which is about a 20 minute walk from the site. It's dog-friendly so Lola the Spaniel came along, but we left Salty in the van for some 'me time.' We enjoyed our meal and were back in the van by 8pm. Cathy sat out for a while reading while I sat inside with my feet up after what felt like (to me) to have been a busy day!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We're leaving early tomorrow heading for home via the IKEA in Warrington; not somewhere we look forward to visiting, but we need a few storage things for the van and house. Our daughter and her partner have been housesitting for us for the past week, so it'll be lovely to see them before they disappear back down south over the weekend. But first we need to battle the combined bank and half-term holiday traffic with everyone - know doubt - heading for North Wales during this spell of lovely weather. The butties and flask of tea will be prepared in advance, ready for the inevitable traffic jams!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We've had a lovely fortnight away. Dumfries and Galloway was outstanding and the Lakes have been quieter than we expected. And with great weather throughout, with only one evening of rain, we feel blessed. Once home and assuming the fridge problem is fixed (booked in for a diagnostics check next week), planning will start for a July trip to Central and NE Scotland.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLZSwYxv7PhxB2yAbI5MsYKQMUp3oWbrv4Qc4DDU6H1vsze0cH-1uKDMZVy4Rb6S2Z6P4kVSgZiMaoOnOQ9baLT_TJZB1ModCM5jeUUn3VfGDFzTd6u4dDlzwSpO9JPCNJPjbtaOc_ejRZ9fh3PzdyXClhgDGiHaJ99Zx9UTG98ci-xytMCmL-hYecA/s4224/S2360001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLZSwYxv7PhxB2yAbI5MsYKQMUp3oWbrv4Qc4DDU6H1vsze0cH-1uKDMZVy4Rb6S2Z6P4kVSgZiMaoOnOQ9baLT_TJZB1ModCM5jeUUn3VfGDFzTd6u4dDlzwSpO9JPCNJPjbtaOc_ejRZ9fh3PzdyXClhgDGiHaJ99Zx9UTG98ci-xytMCmL-hYecA/w400-h225/S2360001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflower meadows everywhere</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePAlVmcs6BvTLMB8i5fbEIxfbqAyJ38s7Cn_CH208l6_CDfQow_S-EEyA2RBXRfLBPj5hm-ftMOc9y91SjxLGJcBwqMjlsNPNMZKb-JMs6mHrk7mRatfyA3r9pZ0nJOLmwkyVnaglY0W9UUDJWj8ny2Hl4u-w-OBQpXuhqeZwjDPCPMHDqIIfxlu0CA/s4224/S2360002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePAlVmcs6BvTLMB8i5fbEIxfbqAyJ38s7Cn_CH208l6_CDfQow_S-EEyA2RBXRfLBPj5hm-ftMOc9y91SjxLGJcBwqMjlsNPNMZKb-JMs6mHrk7mRatfyA3r9pZ0nJOLmwkyVnaglY0W9UUDJWj8ny2Hl4u-w-OBQpXuhqeZwjDPCPMHDqIIfxlu0CA/w400-h225/S2360002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv0gfQ8rLRvaBMSfxLDr45Gqdmca3rOjLCtyPU0ZwKRDPChUC12X4evssym6IHifMW5kSMGno80hB8oqX1_MLcQuw7DUX-65gXmlpSUkOuBye-_WR5Iqd8U7vB37lt2xsIhjx0QrtrPAR_0mXZxJU8IKmBqYp0mIeIYLkR5cvaIrIb3wio2Ar08Xtmw/s4224/S2360004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuv0gfQ8rLRvaBMSfxLDr45Gqdmca3rOjLCtyPU0ZwKRDPChUC12X4evssym6IHifMW5kSMGno80hB8oqX1_MLcQuw7DUX-65gXmlpSUkOuBye-_WR5Iqd8U7vB37lt2xsIhjx0QrtrPAR_0mXZxJU8IKmBqYp0mIeIYLkR5cvaIrIb3wio2Ar08Xtmw/w400-h225/S2360004.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Blue Tit next is actually under the cone! Mum & Dad enter at the top to feed the chicks.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATTE4MXPvG4Jzay9R2ysiqrjaQPUinteHlHOEC7HgokcEGSTvCJhLKFsVi1k2IMQcuozKE-lgDv14oh_NMS7rqz_wh3jLjYmipsaF2dFb2ehWM2aAZxD0a8ROc_MQfOmQys-0Sgj5BDsr9aVMcCq0Rcod2LZjJZlZxrw1e_w5MnnnDlDmOm5JIPCibg/s4224/S2350017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATTE4MXPvG4Jzay9R2ysiqrjaQPUinteHlHOEC7HgokcEGSTvCJhLKFsVi1k2IMQcuozKE-lgDv14oh_NMS7rqz_wh3jLjYmipsaF2dFb2ehWM2aAZxD0a8ROc_MQfOmQys-0Sgj5BDsr9aVMcCq0Rcod2LZjJZlZxrw1e_w5MnnnDlDmOm5JIPCibg/w400-h225/S2350017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuuNUqY5pfOwOEDUxDyzDU00kSUN3e8DIa3bDUdzQjRTAqsn0JrVBhcB2zEGhCwTKsqhwDcxlvWb4C0GO6l3BFpIJmdOtn23-jXquvVqG5bsIGjS8IB2mJjjvGOMNFUud8zrfHah6s6Xq5_uHLsqHqYdRhaYYYdSz3-2DtbiEydZ8eKade1BeoknPOA/s2560/20230525_094522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuuNUqY5pfOwOEDUxDyzDU00kSUN3e8DIa3bDUdzQjRTAqsn0JrVBhcB2zEGhCwTKsqhwDcxlvWb4C0GO6l3BFpIJmdOtn23-jXquvVqG5bsIGjS8IB2mJjjvGOMNFUud8zrfHah6s6Xq5_uHLsqHqYdRhaYYYdSz3-2DtbiEydZ8eKade1BeoknPOA/w180-h400/20230525_094522.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCyfo7ttdTgjB9JxUO-ViR5z8raFLjOPGiRIaX7gUgbRNJsYtbiSFd-4ovjvX0GePbtQDBkzM8TXoy-mDlCERBg-9XUchWNF5FVQO4JgOfw2x22fRot_iVqoitDIFXoCHsvb5wIme6FL-EVH2McTPvThkdDKWTuvPQuR0z2NdKt_-tzg5fq8cZMVD3w/s1861/20230525_133547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1861" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlCyfo7ttdTgjB9JxUO-ViR5z8raFLjOPGiRIaX7gUgbRNJsYtbiSFd-4ovjvX0GePbtQDBkzM8TXoy-mDlCERBg-9XUchWNF5FVQO4JgOfw2x22fRot_iVqoitDIFXoCHsvb5wIme6FL-EVH2McTPvThkdDKWTuvPQuR0z2NdKt_-tzg5fq8cZMVD3w/w400-h269/20230525_133547.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathy chatting to one of the wardens about developing the wildflower meadows</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OLHpuQTvBEt_hsZrdEA6WfurEDcLjdldsQ9-ZSCu9uF6WEioi7br8eSGm-qjHx04gX0a_JuNBS31haKtyvI864KHGcIAzLo6U_5_8-2DY6Ni4BqEpxsiQjA7ndmY3-NpdDR564JovxW-Q_ttKhuW16xSqmj9eB54EamfO4dG6sid_Xj0In_X7H-aEQ/s4000/20230525_194341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OLHpuQTvBEt_hsZrdEA6WfurEDcLjdldsQ9-ZSCu9uF6WEioi7br8eSGm-qjHx04gX0a_JuNBS31haKtyvI864KHGcIAzLo6U_5_8-2DY6Ni4BqEpxsiQjA7ndmY3-NpdDR564JovxW-Q_ttKhuW16xSqmj9eB54EamfO4dG6sid_Xj0In_X7H-aEQ/w400-h180/20230525_194341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-74294968432376748532023-05-23T21:08:00.001+01:002023-05-23T21:08:35.604+01:00Gillside Farm Campsite - Glenridding<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked up at Gillside Farm Campsite in Glenridding (</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="///conveys.unrated.seatbelt" target="_blank">///conveys.unrated.seatbelt</a>)</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">, at the southern end of Ullswater in the Lake District. He's been joined by another campervan owned by our friends - Pete, Liz and their cocker spaniel - Lola. This is our third night camped here. It's been fun to catch up after about a year since our last meet up, with a short walk and a BBQ on the first evening.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Gillside Farm is a large campsite that caters for tents, motorhomes, caravans and also has some static mobile homes. We're pitched together with the statics on a flat area with electric hook up (our fridge is behaving itself on EHU....for now!). We arrived first, checked in and found a spot for both of us. Pete and Liz arrived about an hour later. It's £27 per night for two adults, one dog and electric. There are toilets and showers, washing machines and a washing up area with piping hot water. We're surrounded by mountains, the nearest of note being Helvellyn and Striding Edge. We're not into that sort of hillwalking any more, so we stuck to the valleys.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On Monday Pete and I unhooked our bikes from the van racks and headed out for a ride. I'd planned a rough route to take in some minor roads and 'a few hills'. In the end we covered almost 18 miles and over 1,800 ft of climbing! The views were spectacular and we had the chance to enjoy them as we regularly stopped to regain our breath and suck in some water! The coffee stop back in Glenridding was very welcome.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We all later took a walk over the hill to Lanty's Tarn. The level was low with mud exposed, but Salty managed to find a better spot to get in the water and cool off on what had turned out to be a hot day. After a refreshment stop at the Lakeside Kiosk, both dogs had a splash in Ullswater, before we returned to the van for food and an early night.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-3AO4BGgqvfgekivV-ZtXtBxkPgYKE5YYdCutXHdFKZ0Mc5-4IDT4PHsODCH98x2wqZGjXCLpgHmx2zrNy1ZAHqLYVT4NpX5TJcPFjga8mR8qc2Nd0XKJMun0zX_p0FUBrtdr0Hr3ml2HLFbVk_-D5E89D4EfPLr4slJ-xdlkSqtomEzx_B7USq3eg/s2560/20230521_182840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-3AO4BGgqvfgekivV-ZtXtBxkPgYKE5YYdCutXHdFKZ0Mc5-4IDT4PHsODCH98x2wqZGjXCLpgHmx2zrNy1ZAHqLYVT4NpX5TJcPFjga8mR8qc2Nd0XKJMun0zX_p0FUBrtdr0Hr3ml2HLFbVk_-D5E89D4EfPLr4slJ-xdlkSqtomEzx_B7USq3eg/w400-h180/20230521_182840.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs1xzA3A0zxLnmJiJPpSysMLfBQb5VYrv0OWrT-azdRqg3tSQDhmnuZayKGWEb4dLiAD9Ok58ci1ZKUzRagNE4tMZ1dN_4FQqnqRDsEvEYzknvyLn9QvG9Q3cHvcQETYGkz8mdDNafsfRQ_c0ro6IjbBkz4i5Rzq3yXpP7KegKEQwmcgKQfv3jkhgsg/s2560/20230521_210759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLs1xzA3A0zxLnmJiJPpSysMLfBQb5VYrv0OWrT-azdRqg3tSQDhmnuZayKGWEb4dLiAD9Ok58ci1ZKUzRagNE4tMZ1dN_4FQqnqRDsEvEYzknvyLn9QvG9Q3cHvcQETYGkz8mdDNafsfRQ_c0ro6IjbBkz4i5Rzq3yXpP7KegKEQwmcgKQfv3jkhgsg/w180-h400/20230521_210759.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeLuId25szAyQl8RJFlzSyOrdX_6ApoZhT4-XRnz-pDCgB7cBuT0Zspz6OgIcCYnRHWi61XWm4rB_Wvls0LGZ-Pcvyix-dLDOpbwResBDqwB6P3KkQTz4sji-Vt3V8i8U5foAtQXlq4FAkjM70Ttz5SVHTtDA47amTHUoOreJHRqHmCClBEc7LEgnTg/s4000/20230522_101325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeLuId25szAyQl8RJFlzSyOrdX_6ApoZhT4-XRnz-pDCgB7cBuT0Zspz6OgIcCYnRHWi61XWm4rB_Wvls0LGZ-Pcvyix-dLDOpbwResBDqwB6P3KkQTz4sji-Vt3V8i8U5foAtQXlq4FAkjM70Ttz5SVHTtDA47amTHUoOreJHRqHmCClBEc7LEgnTg/w400-h180/20230522_101325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhLILeuVrPzsDeSKahYoDlUmDd6gOBlNV7t0wBaN6kzHELdiC7I_GzYDUGUnC0iV4qzyEu92vcST3-cNVsC1ONQzbzxR9SEtPkKGOa545L5NNsNGp669BQWofvhIXtKb6upEDl32vU5CDjRdEOMsOnDoRHMSc0fgzdkaYHU_Yn9J03QQsEgWRcp8nNA/s4000/20230522_104520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhLILeuVrPzsDeSKahYoDlUmDd6gOBlNV7t0wBaN6kzHELdiC7I_GzYDUGUnC0iV4qzyEu92vcST3-cNVsC1ONQzbzxR9SEtPkKGOa545L5NNsNGp669BQWofvhIXtKb6upEDl32vU5CDjRdEOMsOnDoRHMSc0fgzdkaYHU_Yn9J03QQsEgWRcp8nNA/w400-h180/20230522_104520.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGngcgOq50_4rBbhBMvREMWeQAEXfLsDnBSzdmk80kmYUMywvWQVepTv4Geda6Aa6xwYQKbBMnWpCoZLHrFZWOxXD_srHW7h0jKi4cBlc1nIRBFXrNii5JwiesBV-QY4e_wjgpcf72tip7swImkDMQF5o3NEMfUApvM4FDQSdlo3QJolANqrAcqG5HXw/s4000/20230522_112559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGngcgOq50_4rBbhBMvREMWeQAEXfLsDnBSzdmk80kmYUMywvWQVepTv4Geda6Aa6xwYQKbBMnWpCoZLHrFZWOxXD_srHW7h0jKi4cBlc1nIRBFXrNii5JwiesBV-QY4e_wjgpcf72tip7swImkDMQF5o3NEMfUApvM4FDQSdlo3QJolANqrAcqG5HXw/w400-h180/20230522_112559.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkvXw5eJYGrZWZECZT6H1L5eRj1Gsv0YTq-6yBYrwXfkJ73s6GVLbKEEqShNyfZS0azAdvmjRTy7Y2IeIVh60A3VsdEKBcj2DmO2ECQp5iq_zChbAUvSKWvVKo7K4Ieu9Rlw5lo1l72WB8qbKzAoKHO_YkTXMHxHowzrvsOyMhgvQAYdUfYKZr5aJhA/s2560/20230522_120230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkvXw5eJYGrZWZECZT6H1L5eRj1Gsv0YTq-6yBYrwXfkJ73s6GVLbKEEqShNyfZS0azAdvmjRTy7Y2IeIVh60A3VsdEKBcj2DmO2ECQp5iq_zChbAUvSKWvVKo7K4Ieu9Rlw5lo1l72WB8qbKzAoKHO_YkTXMHxHowzrvsOyMhgvQAYdUfYKZr5aJhA/w400-h180/20230522_120230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1xRTKcjVqGklgQpQqqGXBnz4dc3ZVP8uIFZFZBGocTIVYDbogIYyl5eJo5kjY5A8bEeTa55JWTrgwL4wSqq_SGkNwFEO1jfSmNL1rTS2OLY45KCAlMCeasMutqXdnf2HkTB8UElB8INJ51nq-TxaDKhTGC08o6MpEx-KmPfSTHQerSAjlPXTXP-76Q/s4000/20230522_145720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1xRTKcjVqGklgQpQqqGXBnz4dc3ZVP8uIFZFZBGocTIVYDbogIYyl5eJo5kjY5A8bEeTa55JWTrgwL4wSqq_SGkNwFEO1jfSmNL1rTS2OLY45KCAlMCeasMutqXdnf2HkTB8UElB8INJ51nq-TxaDKhTGC08o6MpEx-KmPfSTHQerSAjlPXTXP-76Q/w400-h180/20230522_145720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>Tuesday was Cathy's birthday and our friends' Silver Wedding Anniversary. Cathy and I were up early and out walking with Salty by 0730.</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We took route from Patterdale along the Grisedale Valley. It was quiet and still and we were soon moving off the tarmac track and up the stony paths, heading further into the valley. At the half way point we reached the climbing hut called Ruthwaite Lodge, refurbished in the memory of two local climbers who were killed climbing Mt Cook, New Zealand in 1988. We enjoyed the break with a cup of tea and some snacks before heading back, following a path on the other side of the beck, with hot sunshine on our backs.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back at the van we just had enough time to grab some lunch and shower before our friends Dave and Angie, with the cocker spaniel Fudge arrived. We haven't seen them for about a year and I think it's several years since Pete last saw them. Both Dave and Angie also served in the Royal Navy (as did Pete) - between the four of us we had about 130 years of Naval service! We walked down the road to let the two spaniels have a play in the lake (Salty stayed in the van for some 'me' time!) before carrying on to the Patterdale Hotel for a drink and a catch up. Returning to the van I broke out the birthday cake and cremant, enjoyed sat outside in the sunshine before they headed back to their home about 40 minutes drive away.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I cooked dinner and Cathy later had a Zoom meeting with a number of different organisations about learning Welsh. At the end of the day we're all really tired, so it'll be an early night. We leave here tomorrow and move to a CAMC site at Dockray Meadow, near Lamplugh, on the western edge of the Lakes, for our final two nights.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr573caP615KYMajELCsXWwmL3RdFegr7vgT28ZjBgcWzYDDwiMeYMtOEhS79KwRK0oVlvjvmMrG-anN4q-lf2dhnQxVRvXbNHhPHLHLgi1DQ25pAIY9bHSZJiVvxiYMTPhXTwEC-Xkr-uw5fwc-K9nyfGPu_BboPVll7M6ZFQrTcxIPswZ6mDMWYatQ/s1800/IMG_20230522_175115_680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr573caP615KYMajELCsXWwmL3RdFegr7vgT28ZjBgcWzYDDwiMeYMtOEhS79KwRK0oVlvjvmMrG-anN4q-lf2dhnQxVRvXbNHhPHLHLgi1DQ25pAIY9bHSZJiVvxiYMTPhXTwEC-Xkr-uw5fwc-K9nyfGPu_BboPVll7M6ZFQrTcxIPswZ6mDMWYatQ/s320/IMG_20230522_175115_680.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Patterdale in Patterdale!</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-67307992416758549842023-05-21T21:57:00.001+01:002023-05-21T21:57:38.570+01:00Craig Croft Aire, Laurieston<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's parked on a lovely little 'aire' (more of a very small campsite really) with 4 pitches (3 hardstanding and one grass), called Craig Croft (<a href="https://w3w.co/collapsed.cadet.backers" target="_blank">///collapsed.cadet.backers</a>). It's a lovely peaceful spot just on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park, close to the village of Laurieston. The owner - Pauline - is very welcoming and told us all about the birdlife and wildlife here; she feeds the birds and the species visiting are too many for us to count! I found it on the Search for Sites app and the reviews speak for themselves. It's £10 per night with electricity charged separately on a meter. We hadn't planned to use EHU as we have plenty of leisure battery power and a full-up Ecoflow, but this afternoon I noticed the van fridge had stopped working on gas and all the frozen food had defrosted; it was fine yesterday. So I hooked up the electric and the fridge is now cooling down and the freezer is doing it's thing again. There are no error codes being displayed, so a quick read of the user manual and a Google would seem to suggest a problem with the burner or thermocoupler (whatever that is - I don't touch electrical or gas systems!). Luckily the remaining nights of our trip are all on EHU, so at least I won't be forced to drink warm beer! I've emailed the company - <a href="https://www.cms-northwales.co.uk/" target="_blank">CMS North Wales </a>- I use for van maintenance and repairs (a husband and wife team based in Conwy, to ask Paul to come out and take a look when we get home. The fridge is only 6 years old and we've had a few issues with it in the past. Top tip - avoid Thetford motorhome fridges!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our night in the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse car park was extremely quiet and peaceful. There were only two other vans staying, plus there was no wind at this highpoint so we all slept well. I was up at about 0630 and took Salty for a good walk around the circular path that runs on the clifftops and alongside the lighthouse and attached buildings. It was cloudy and still and a little cool. After a lovely hot shower (I'll never get over the novelty of showering in a car park!) and breakfast, we made our way back down the single track road, making use of the regular passing places to allow oncoming traffic to pass.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After a brief stop in the Red Deer Range car park (<a href="https://w3w.co/rock.feasting.areas" target="_blank">///rock.feasting.areas</a>) for a cuppa (we were in tea deficit again!), we arrived at this place. Pauline had emailed to explain the road up was signed as closed, due to a bike race (not any old bike race - it was a qualifying event for the UCI World Gravel Bike championships!), but we could carry on up as the road has been closed after the site entrance. It's a cosy little aire and again very quiet with no artificial light. The sun came out when we arrived so we took her advice and followed a circular walk that took us through the forest, which is mainly temperate rainforest, as seen by the beautiful green mosses everywhere. We stopped off at a bird hide where the locals feed the many species of birds. We didn't spot any of the red squirrels, pine martens, adders (thankfully!), slow worms or deer, although Salty did try to roll in a few patches of fox poo! Luckily I was on the ball and got him away in time. But just in case we carry a tube of Fox Poo shampoo for dogs, plus the aire had a fresh water hose and I wasn't afraid to use it on him - he had a lucky escape!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Apart from a couple of walks we've not done much here. There's no mobile or internet signal, so we've both been reading and after a simple meal, we walked the circular walk again, only anti-clockwise this time. It's cooled down a little and there are a few spots of rain, but nothing to worry about. We've been very lucky with the weather over the past week.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tomorrow we leave Scotland and head for the Lake District to meet up with old friends for a few nights on two different campsites. We've loved our time in Dumfries and Galloway and I've no doubt we'll return in the future to visit some of the areas we missed this time. Initial thoughts are to return to Scotland in July for a tour based on the Heart 200 and North East 250 routes. It's my 60th birthday (eek!) in mid-July and it would be nice to be away in the van...so long as the fridge can be fixed in time. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-pmXOqB7SRtpgN3nLUOMTI8LGmwl39aRsAGdt4D5cgdMrGaylvxnyEbOjV5NVO7BanQmuq9TBFsjdptEM6vhTwWQw4JHe56Z8Mo5hEZFTr4KhK_tg4Rngc1syls5XKuyCEkDYZrXdxOXNmCdrVE5Z7J3cKTuAJzsL1z3C5HH03wEBs8ZTET0EZuuGQ/s4224/S2340014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-pmXOqB7SRtpgN3nLUOMTI8LGmwl39aRsAGdt4D5cgdMrGaylvxnyEbOjV5NVO7BanQmuq9TBFsjdptEM6vhTwWQw4JHe56Z8Mo5hEZFTr4KhK_tg4Rngc1syls5XKuyCEkDYZrXdxOXNmCdrVE5Z7J3cKTuAJzsL1z3C5HH03wEBs8ZTET0EZuuGQ/w400-h225/S2340014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFFpKGFB1Tg0PJClb4_YbpWEizwE0PeOf8ruOcfzgoPNw_npWMdjOBmp0uE_uph8izsR2m3u148KTv57yqjmlSqDp15FvLBuBLUGvvV2YcNSvme7_NFAR09A9qbMy2Clh8ptiN9pM_I-Fvih2ZvEschQbTKP8VbniKFfbbBV6TWwgLgugK0w7d3m8_Q/s4224/S2340015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFFpKGFB1Tg0PJClb4_YbpWEizwE0PeOf8ruOcfzgoPNw_npWMdjOBmp0uE_uph8izsR2m3u148KTv57yqjmlSqDp15FvLBuBLUGvvV2YcNSvme7_NFAR09A9qbMy2Clh8ptiN9pM_I-Fvih2ZvEschQbTKP8VbniKFfbbBV6TWwgLgugK0w7d3m8_Q/w400-h225/S2340015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temperate rainforest - there's not much of this left in the UK</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSMkRSYPjvG1yMo3mkJ7hUZhhP9xH_vkeySbwjBS4Uq3aOpLAn_8VjSeAQVCnSxAyvQLwtjmotFETTc2kBZwp_c0LWAUiKVCSPIZvUsN_HNAybIdcIAEMQP6KfJ5CzL3h-d8-68uixofmoU_b0a5A18XnUD9ZRrXHzQ5alRwOS5xbCjnE29uDr7CCHw/s4224/S2340017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSMkRSYPjvG1yMo3mkJ7hUZhhP9xH_vkeySbwjBS4Uq3aOpLAn_8VjSeAQVCnSxAyvQLwtjmotFETTc2kBZwp_c0LWAUiKVCSPIZvUsN_HNAybIdcIAEMQP6KfJ5CzL3h-d8-68uixofmoU_b0a5A18XnUD9ZRrXHzQ5alRwOS5xbCjnE29uDr7CCHw/w400-h225/S2340017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craig Croft aire</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0azbzaDJW2Fr3ip2O9cyUJ5bGd36jqKiojXuMWTAFXGRZXdBZlINokv9a2GtlGWuk0H7OvQ0T6ppmajfhMibPHgNcAqfV36rpQIUeSQGNxUbGbXnQP5ut5KqVNy5rjo52xKOqM8I65yvC0IsFBvpqM117bpxCLmpnBtrPSaisHiG77YGdDw0Oa02wg/s4224/S2340020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG0azbzaDJW2Fr3ip2O9cyUJ5bGd36jqKiojXuMWTAFXGRZXdBZlINokv9a2GtlGWuk0H7OvQ0T6ppmajfhMibPHgNcAqfV36rpQIUeSQGNxUbGbXnQP5ut5KqVNy5rjo52xKOqM8I65yvC0IsFBvpqM117bpxCLmpnBtrPSaisHiG77YGdDw0Oa02wg/w400-h225/S2340020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC2_1ejCnW0cQ8PbYDijQFYocm91_CYovB6G7tvaec7YQQSitdgs_n-6VMC5RfGu2KehTXDNy8SOLoLMXPKXbKP5h0-P0Z0PHumTvvhh6heuqky9Nv3EwYFpdDEFB_6iLUd57OBum8Ism1p18UL61QlY9HsmqWMf11QwidRoPpGfL3uzsNjm6SLNcjA/s4224/S2340021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIC2_1ejCnW0cQ8PbYDijQFYocm91_CYovB6G7tvaec7YQQSitdgs_n-6VMC5RfGu2KehTXDNy8SOLoLMXPKXbKP5h0-P0Z0PHumTvvhh6heuqky9Nv3EwYFpdDEFB_6iLUd57OBum8Ism1p18UL61QlY9HsmqWMf11QwidRoPpGfL3uzsNjm6SLNcjA/w400-h225/S2340021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ViSzAXxrn4gUMCJ7ZNlRsq4esb5GuEwhXV6GkZGzyQXvow69ASWl3TWKFtfatAl3MGNE8BdBFxA-4lzpWXawbrzskvN92KttlR9Y0y64oF2eqM1_GQaoTwD0UbX2xhHssgarZgaV9V2TrR0PHTOg3a5Os3661u5-Ls-ojoQIJyoyo_HrFsII5FRo3A/s4224/S2340022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ViSzAXxrn4gUMCJ7ZNlRsq4esb5GuEwhXV6GkZGzyQXvow69ASWl3TWKFtfatAl3MGNE8BdBFxA-4lzpWXawbrzskvN92KttlR9Y0y64oF2eqM1_GQaoTwD0UbX2xhHssgarZgaV9V2TrR0PHTOg3a5Os3661u5-Ls-ojoQIJyoyo_HrFsII5FRo3A/w400-h225/S2340022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKoCplq3M2ZTuUGOvo334JsDaBoJ8uU_cV9zxIaAESbGFyxYQ3SkCay_jRHBxKUJT6B1l3UiTtcEF-dFOxF1scJSxSiSizHZk6M0hPWTx-YY6sSzcP9e2pt7qaz1hCKUWJbhNvRX3wx0lU0TSiY0vhpQqLILWw4QUfYspdtun-07vJrNYRSv8iIjbrg/s4224/S2340023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2376" data-original-width="4224" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKoCplq3M2ZTuUGOvo334JsDaBoJ8uU_cV9zxIaAESbGFyxYQ3SkCay_jRHBxKUJT6B1l3UiTtcEF-dFOxF1scJSxSiSizHZk6M0hPWTx-YY6sSzcP9e2pt7qaz1hCKUWJbhNvRX3wx0lU0TSiY0vhpQqLILWw4QUfYspdtun-07vJrNYRSv8iIjbrg/w400-h225/S2340023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Paul Jacksonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04483100788984249728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6341046721110382942.post-10238546623432924242023-05-19T20:55:00.000+01:002023-05-19T20:55:53.866+01:00Mull of Galloway Lighthouse <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nido's in the car park at the most southerly point in Scotland at the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse (<a href="https://w3w.co/flattery.seatbelt.iceberg" target="_blank">///flattery.seatbelt.iceberg</a>). It was very hot and sunny when we arrived but it's now cloudy and has cooled down quite a bit. Despite that, the 360' views from this highpoint are stunning. There was just us and another van for most of the evening, although one more has just turned up.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After about half an hour of rain last night, it was warm and sunny as I took Salty for a walk at Whithorn at 0700 this morning. We'd had a recommendation from <a href="https://backontheroadagainblog.com/about/" target="_blank">Carol Kubicki</a> to visit the Logan Botanical Garden on our way to the lighthouse. She'd kindly sent us <a href="https://backontheroadagainblog.com/2021/07/28/scotland-stunning-gardens-to-visit/" target="_blank">a link to one of her blogs listing some gardens she'd visited in Scotland</a>. I had Logan on my list and was happy to take her advice - diolch Carol!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was about an hour's drive to get there and the drive up to the gardens was lined on both sides of the road with hundreds of palm trees (<a href="https://w3w.co/catching.exists.acquaint" target="_blank">///catching.exists.acquaint</a>); we thought we'd been transported to Spain or Morocco! The garden's aren't too big to walk around and the entry fee is reasonable at £8 each. We really enjoyed our tour, admiring the many specimens of trees and shrubs from as far afield as Chile and New Zealand. It's definitely worth a visit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just a few minutes down the road is Port Logan (<a href="https://w3w.co/roadblock.taken.trying" target="_blank">///roadblock.taken.trying</a>). We parked up for lunch, before walking along the beach to the old harbour, with a quay and bell tower designed by Thomas Telford. Salty enjoyed being back on the beach, with lots of zoomies into the surf and sand. If you ever watched the BBC series 'Two Thousand Acres of Sky', starring Michelle Collins and Paul Kaye, it was filmed in Port Logan.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once parked up in a level spot at the Lighthouse, Cathy had a snooze while I sat on the van step enjoying the heat of the sun. Dinner tonight was a chicken madras, followed by a short walk around the cliff tops and up to the lighthouse. It's weird to think that from here John o' Groats is almost as far as London - Scotland is a BIG country!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now enjoying the peace of the evening, in the warm of the van and after a hot cup of tea. it's time to settle down for the night. Tomorrow we move on to a pre-booked aire close to Galloway Forest, which will be our last night in Scotland (for now), before we head for a campsite in Glenridding in the Lake District to meet up with old and very dear friends.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxYfl0rBgsDRPdOgicpJJQjLiw2NZ4jrrToNofPcFQJa-ZjP0KmbH_jvq6SoiZUSq2tDjzHB4MAQef0rgVhPQfBvxEJZTuBwDgkkltHdjWxCKoj43OJpuIf81pKWha6KFRTPOF_0Kqm60b2pZZ1eI0ioHGTjNkUOCIttKfHgTN83s2zbhnywj0AH8Kw/s2560/20230519_160648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxYfl0rBgsDRPdOgicpJJQjLiw2NZ4jrrToNofPcFQJa-ZjP0KmbH_jvq6SoiZUSq2tDjzHB4MAQef0rgVhPQfBvxEJZTuBwDgkkltHdjWxCKoj43OJpuIf81pKWha6KFRTPOF_0Kqm60b2pZZ1eI0ioHGTjNkUOCIttKfHgTN83s2zbhnywj0AH8Kw/w400-h180/20230519_160648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDstvBy0Hhy_IMAS2nwf3dQ8NsTJeajk_r44dRrK7MgoSZPZK3zjt1gtCMrNXQLXTws1htS0wyL6t52y37QqKnMVBN0fuaLZIiJQBnNY3Y2eR6Ss2EUTUQ8g4NYfoAuAwZzbBbW4wycHh9fAoJoqAtsOc160I6tAIYVbV8aQIK0sewYXphfMPiHWOMw/s2560/20230519_134448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDstvBy0Hhy_IMAS2nwf3dQ8NsTJeajk_r44dRrK7MgoSZPZK3zjt1gtCMrNXQLXTws1htS0wyL6t52y37QqKnMVBN0fuaLZIiJQBnNY3Y2eR6Ss2EUTUQ8g4NYfoAuAwZzbBbW4wycHh9fAoJoqAtsOc160I6tAIYVbV8aQIK0sewYXphfMPiHWOMw/w400-h180/20230519_134448.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Port Logan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwAVBV2uC5XYhO5DZUu1yb4rK9vLsvwwq51BTb3di1FAeNTC9ptemvLYwdX5UebTKbpR0UznVhUpFq8rhRxP2rkbYvlISwVHBAEM91Kc5HUdQw-B2YWqPbe31PrJyRrWs_4nRf4KCUNpG2mSnc3pgjSZHtHHRb_XOy97Hh2iPyqnVUamJdZepLo8QTQ/s4000/20230519_140329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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