Day 1622 flying from Glasgow 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 to Dubrovnik 🇭🇷✈️😎

It’s 7.26am and we’re on TUI Boeing 737 somewhere up in the sky and hour away from Glasgow, on our way to Dubrovnik.

We have been up since 2am!

Minor anxiety when Mr A seemed to have misplaced the passports before 3am. I bought a wee wallet to keep them in but he wanted to carry them…. Without the wee wallet… They’re now in my bag minus the wee wallet which is still in the house. Just saying 😬

Thankfully the car started despite the engine management light on the dash and we were on our way. It was wet and windy this morning. I have actually packed a waterproof jacket. You can never be too prepared. Hey even I sniggered at that. I hear myself.

We parked at Direct Parking which is the car park that closed due to Covid and has recently reopened. It was seamless. I paid £63.70 to park there for a week. Two days later they returned that £63.70 but we were still booked to park.

Despite the fact that I love travelling and want to do nothing more with my life, you’re probably not surprised that none of it comes easy to me. I am a ball of anxiety and even now my stomach is still churning. I’m on high alert. I have very little focus. My mild state of panic doesn’t allow me to calmly search for any documentation that’s needed.

I flap.

We go to self serve bag drop with our sub 20kg cases…. I’d brought the scales home from work to weigh them. Mentally high fiving us for being way under the allocated 20kgs.

That is if you have booked 2 lots of 20kg luggage…..

🫣

I had not.

I had only booked luggage for me.

Not Craig.

I’m not sure how that is even possible.

I booked this well over a year ago.

I know how I’ve missed it in all the anxiety checking and double checking as my booking is first with the correct luggage and you have to swipe right to see Craig’s with ZERO luggage.

I never swiped right.

£154 that’s one hundred and fifty four pounds we’ve just had to pay to get Craig’s luggage on board.

Gutted but surprisingly calm as there is nothing we can actually do about it.

We can be raging and as angry as we like but it is what it is.

Security is busier than I have ever seen it at Glasgow but then we don’t take holiday flights very often.

We go for a Pret breakfast. She who doesn’t normally eat until 12.30pm is ravenous at 4.35am. 😆

Breakfast was only £24 and quite honestly isn’t worth it.

The flight is on time and you’ll be pleased to know I have the emergency exit control 🫣 the price I pay for Craig’s extra leg room. I can’t even find my flight booking in moments of flap but you trust me to take control of the over wing door?!?! 😆

When I was a kid I couldn’t say Julie and Tui was my nickname as that was all I could manage!

Tired plane selfie.

Glasgow after take off.

Mid air.

We arrived in Dubrovnik at 9.10am after a fair bit of very cloudy turbulence. I was glad to be on the ground.

The queue to get through passport control was massive and it took us an hour to clear! Gone are the days pre Brexit where we could walk through the EU channel. 😆

We are staying in Cavtat which is a 9 minute transfer from the airport. Our room wasn’t ready until 2pm so we went for a wander down into the town. We’re right on the water.

We went for a walk round the peninsula. It’s just so beautiful.

This is a good view of the town from the other peninsula.

We’ve found a new favourite bar. The Bay Beach Bar. That’s it in the foreground.

Check the feet in this lovely photo 😆😆😆 didn’t realise until after I’d taken it!

Had an early dinner and we sat watching the sunset.

We haven’t been on a sunshine holiday together for sooooo long.

It’s much cooler at night and there’s a chance I’m a bit underdressed now. The sun went down at 6.30pm which is 5.30 our time.

Check the plane coming into land. They look much larger in real life!

I’m only able to sit here and write this right now as Glasgow Rangers are playing Malmo in the Europa Cup and this is the stunning location I get to watch it in.

I have a million more photos but my phone feels pretty hot after writing this.

And relax…. What to do tomorrow?!

Chance I may not come home. 😆

Stay safe everyone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✈️🇭🇷

Day 1557 a bird woke us up this morning!

It’s a beautiful day and we’re we’re woken by a bird chirping away outside the window.

It did not give up until him we were both awake. 😆

It was 6.30am.

I got up and dressed and took the dogs straight out.

Look at that sky?! 💙💙💙

I am definitely a sunshine girl…. What a difference to my mood when the sun shines. There is a spring in my step and a hope that everything will be ok. The sunlight creates a calm in my head.

And then there are thistles. 💜💙💜

The dogs are used to me taking photos all the way round.

I had an appointment at the Optician in Largs for 9.50am.

Back in November they found a freckle at the back of my eye. They need to monitor the size of it. They told me to get in touch around February/March time if I hadn’t heard from them.

🫣

July.

Hi… can you check the size of my freckle?!

I parked a bit further out so I could walk on the coastal path.

Wow.

This just take my breath away. The colours are just beautiful.

No matter what else is going on in my head. This makes it all ok.

There’s not a breath. I wished Lindsay and Euan had the day off work and we could go out kayaking with them! 🛶🛶🛶

My heart shaped stone is still in the same place!

I’ve never take a photo of this fountain before. It’s a shame it’s not working.

The Largs to Cumbrae ferry is a lovely contrast to the blue.

Then the yellow bench!

Ahhh I could lose myself in the calm here. Largs is surprisingly quiet at 9.30am.

The ripples from the ferry… hardly create any movement.

Loading before heading off again.

Standing here when my lovely friend Isy, sent me this.

Start loving yourself…… I feel I still need to work at this. I love myself when I’m doing something that I’m passionate about. I don’t love myself when my head screams at me and I can’t hear what it says.

Do more of what you love…. Is what I get from that.

Exactly.

I had a quick wander round the charity shop before heading into SpecSavers.

My eye freckle is exactly the same size so nothing to worry about and back to the normal 2 year checkup.

I’ve booked to go back Friday morning for a contact legs trial…. Be interesting to see if they work for me. They would help with water sports… she says… like she does water sports every day…. 😆

By the time I’m out, the tide has come I. A good bit.

So have some clouds.

Reflections for my friend Helen.

The old bridge.

The two Cumbrae ferries passing

Smack bang under the mama cloud. I do think these clouds were like dad, mum and baby clouds 😆 getting confused with the 3 bears.

It’s just calm, it’s beautiful.

The island of Cumbrae in the foreground and Goat Fell on Arran in the background.

Heading back up this lovely road to the car.

I had to rush back as the locksmith was coming back to measure something, and Craig had enquiry calls to make.

Shame as I could have found a bench and sat there all day.

I’ve done some weeding, and filled in a path that I’d dug a few weeks back…. We’re trying to level off the back half of the garden for some artificial grass.

Check this one out… Khaleesi conked out right next to where I was digging!

Then it got pretty hot…. I may have sat down for a while. I’m trying to link my Instagram with my Rambling Sloth FB page…. It has taken me a long time to investigate but it still not happening! Everything I read… does not work for me. 🤦🏻‍♀️ it’s not the end of the world but I out lots of reels on The Rambling Sloth insta and I’d like them to post over to The Rambling Sloth FB but they got to my personal page just now. I figured the personal page is better than nothing….

I did some pupper photo shooting.

Trying to get them all moving towards me at once!

Bhru in her usual ladylike stance 😆😆

Couldn’t resist this…

Gorgeous girl.

So we’re off to our neighbours, Holly and Kenny for dinner tonight. Really looking forward to Holly’s cooking!

It’s still hot, I’m just going to jump in the shower as soon as Craig gets out of it!

Stay safe everyone 💙💜💙

Day 1547 Largs last night, run, weeding, dog walk and dog shower and a party!

Gayle and I had a lovely wee evening in Largs last night. It was still quite warm when we got there.

The Largs Cumbrae ferries were in and out like yo-yos last night. it’s such a short crossing and when two ferries are on in the summer, it’s double the speed!

We went to Fish Works on the sea front and Gayle had haddock and chips and I had onion rings and chips and cheese.

The seagulls were wild with everyone eating and there’s always that one person who feeds them!?! I gave the one near me a look…. 😆

We went for a walk after we’d eaten and sat looking out towards the sunset while we had a right good catch up.

Funny the different in sky colour from right to left.

The sky was just as dramatic as it had been in the morning.

As usual I took a few.

Lafga looking lovely in the evening sunlight.

When I got home the clouds were lovely.

I was in bed for 9.30pm and up at 7am to run with Rachel.

It was just a wee short one today, under 4k but still adding up through the week.

Then I started weeding….. AGAIN!

Here is no stopping me just now.

Before:

After:

Would you believe this only took just over an hour. I’ve hated those weeds for so long. An hour and they’re gone…. For now 😆

The greenhouse had gone wild!!! This grapevine was planted in 1972, the same year I was born. It had taken over the greenhouse!

Not any more…..

And finally the fruit beds beside the greenhouse… before…

And after……

I was losing the will to live by now. 😆 the Rambling Weeder is done 😆

Then I got the Borders out for a walk.

Check the height of the these weeds?!?!?!

Bhruic was white and fluffy before she went into the wee water channel at the side of the field.

This is the look I get when I tell her she’s getting a shower when we get home!

And she did…. Bless her.

Lemme outta here!!

All done.

I’m soaked, the bathroom’s soaked but hey, she’s a bit cleaner!

Only then did I get my shower and then broke my fast and ate some lunch at 2pm.

We’re off out to Craig’s friend’s 50th birthday party and we’re heading off shortly. I’m in my comfy dungarees again. But hey… they are comfy!

I’m knackered but it’s been a great day. I’m so proud of all the weeding I’ve done.

Instead of going out and visiting other places, I’m taking the time to look after what we already own. I’m pleased with the garden now. There’s more to do but that will come.

Hope you have a great rest of Saturday!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1504 Khaleesi out of surgery by 4pm and a day by the sea for me 🌊🏖️

It was very strange waking up with only 3 dogs this morning. We’ve been fixated on Khaleesi for the last week and now she’s not even here.

My alarm went off at……. Wait for it… 4.30AM!!! Elly had asked if I wanted to wetsuit swim this morning but she had to be back by 6.45am.

As hard as it is to get out of bed, it’s so worth it. As you know I love being out and about when everyone else is asleep!

Pic taken at 5.30am. It’s 9.5°C.

Wetsuits bottom half, still to get ready to go in. Lovely sunrise glow!

The tide was coming in, and almost at high tide but it was a bit windier than it usually is, when I go in the sea.

We didn’t swim but we stayed under the water and bobbed about in the waves.

It’s the most present I’ve ever been in the sea. I didn’t take a million photos, I just enjoyed the moment.

It felt like we were in for ages… and here I go sharing the million photos I “didn’t” take 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

It clouded over a fair bit, which surprised me as I knew the forecast was going to be good todays

I didn’t find it particularly cold today but it took me ages to heat up, even after a hot shower.

We had great chats this morning, nothing beats a good deep and meaningful conversation! Thanks to Elly for asking me to go.

We decided to take the 3 Borders for a family dog after my shower. .

This is what happens when I say ….. WHO…. WANTS…. TO GO…. FOR… A….. WALK…. Exactly with that intonation 😂

Look at this gate, it’s disappearing after years of no use!

This is what happens when Craig says… GO!

It’s a lovely morning and I’m a bit overdressed as I’m still a bit cold from the swim.

When we came home it clouded over so I hung out the washing and hoovered the whole house. It’s like deja vu from last weekend…. The house is soooo hairy. I want it to be nice for Khaleesi coming home. 😆

Craig had a job in West Kilbride today at 1pm so I decided to go with him and spend some time on the beach. It seems really hot until I get there and there’s actually a really cool breeze.

It’s still beautiful and exactly what I need to take my mind of Khaleesi. That’s not entirely true either, that was the plan but actually I think of her more when I’m alone, it’s the not knowing that’s the worst part. Is she still in surgery, out already or still to go in?! We had no idea.

I sat here for a few minutes. A lovely view over to Arran.

Craig dropped me near the Waterside restaurant and I walked up the coast as far as Portencross.

Sat here for a few minutes too. I have 3 hours to kill.

The tide is out so the beach is full sized.

My photos pretty much all have Arran as the backdrop 😂.

I loved the wee cottage off to the right hand side of the burn. It’s literally on the beach but private enough that it seems secluded too.

I found a sheltered spot behind the Seamill Hydro. The wall to the right of me, sheltered the breeze. I lay down here for a while and rested my eyes. The sun felt very hot.

The beach is just massive when the tide is so far out. I set off again.

I tried to take some arty upside down shots of all the lugworm piles (it disgusts me that they seem to be called that…. ) but I can’t seem to hold the camera straight when I’m hanging upside down… picture the scene?!?

Should say this is Portencross beach now.

I’m getting straighter 😂

There are more waves here. They’re still tiny though.

I love the colour of the sand.

I almost have the whole beach to myself. I wish I had brought some of the dogs. If the tide is in, the beach is tiny and I always feel a bit overwhelmed with 3 dogs on a beach filled with other dogs.

It’s really windy but I love the peace.

The lovely irises growing in the boggy ground.

I’m finally on my favourite rocks at Portencross.

Portencross Castle with the Scottish flag flying.

Love the rocks.

Always think of Claire when I see this lovely blue boat as she took some lovely photos of it.

I’m heading back along the road to meet Craig when he’s finished.

Sooooo green!

I love this house.

How pretty is this?!

And just like that my knight in shining armour appears.

We head home via Lidl. We’re on a budget and it’s great to see how many bargains you can get in Lidl. I got sensitive toothpaste for 69p!!!

That reminds me I actually had the dentist in between shower and dog walk! Just check up and scale and clean. £15.85 and done in 10 minutes.

We got the call when we were in the supermarket with no signal and Craig had to run out to call them back.

Her operation had just finished and it was a success. Her ankle bone has been fused and her foot had been straightened. It all went as planned.

Such a relief. Craig is blinking back the tears all through the crisps aisle… I’m relieved but I knew it would be ok.

We have to call at 9am to find out how she was overnight and they’ll tell us when we can pick her up.

It will be so good to have her home again. It feels really strange without her. Bless.

Thanks again to everyone for your support!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1478 kayaking around Tayvallich with Lindsay!

We had a lovely meal last night in the Tayvallich Inn.

I went to order the only veggie option on the menu, when the waiter asked if I was vegetarian….. I went bright red and said eh yes kind of…. When he produced a whole other menu.

The food was amazing. I highly recommend it!!

I had fiery cauliflower bites to start.

Followed by Tagliatelle Napoli.

And finally Salted Caramel Brownie and the most amazing ice cream…. It is under there, honestly!

We went for a walk after dinner and heard the bagpipes playing, carried over the water. It was so lovely, so surreal.

I love the lights in the houses as it gets dark. There’s not a breath over the water.

Reflections!

I stood here and listened as the piper played. I’ll share a reel later. It was just so lovely. There was a ceilidh on in the village hall so I think this piper was rehearsing before he went into the hall.

It was a lovely walk as it got dark.

I had the best sleep in my tent. I went in to bed about 10.30 and woke at 4.30. I seemed to fall back a sleep until 6am when Bhruic literally tried to get into my closed tent… she tried to get through the outer door then found she could get under it to the inner door then just kept on trying to get in. There’s no punctuation in that sentence 😂😂 I shouted Crai, who was just outside and he opened up the tent so she could jump all over me!!!

Craig and Bhru had tested out his new sleeping area in the back of his car. I believe it went well! He is loaded with the cold though and trying to make the best of it.

Lindsay and I went off out for a run at 6.15am… we ran from our campsite in Tayvallich (which I’ve only just realised, had two ll’s and not one. 😂) to Carsaig beach and back. It wasn’t a long run but about 3.5k.

This beach was beautiful but it would have been even better in the sunshine. The sand is white and the water would have been turquoise in the sun. 🩵

It’s still a lovely day. There’s no sun and it’s misty but it was so mild and atmospheric.

My legs were heavy this morning but I’m still so pleased we did that.

We went back to the campsite for a coffee then got into our kayaking gear… which means I borrowed all of Lindsay’s.

Euan and Lindsay are so good to us. They let us use all of their kit and give us free tuition too! They could charge a fortune!!

Check Bhru in her wee life vest.

And we are off.

Sadly Bhru wasn’t a massive fan… she did really well but it wasn’t her favourite pastime.

She wanted to see if she would walk on water.

I pulled alongside Craig so she could see me…

That made her so happy that she climbed out Craig’s canoe and had all 4 paws on my kayak!!! There are no photos as safety mode kicked in and she was swiftly removed back into the safety of her canoe!

Craig decided that it was all a bit too much for her so he’d head back in and let her play in the water and practice getting her in and out the canoe. Euan stayed with Craig.

Lindsay and I decided we’d head on her planned trip for the day… she sent me her Strava route. We paddled 10kms.

I love love love love loved it.

I am so proud that I can keep up with her… actually she will paddle at my pace obviously… but I love the peaceful calm of being out on the water.

It was so misty and grey that my photos aren’t great but it was the most beautiful scenery… the water was very dark green along the coast line.

The rock faces plunged vertically into the water in places.

The trees are all different colours as they start to bud at different times. The dark sea is teeming with baby jellyfish. It’s flat calm, mill pond like in places.

There are small waves and splashes in others.

There are geese nesting on the back of small islands for shelter. There were seals lying basking on the rocks in calm inlets, while the geese watched on.

In all the hustle and bustle of life. This beautiful place has just stopped. There was no bluster, no noise apart from birds, no stress, no people…. Just the two of us chattering away as we paddled and explored.

I loved it.

If I’m really honest the amount of effort involved in prep and cleaning up would put me off if we didn’t have such great friends to do it with. There is a lot of work involved to do this safely.

Thank you so much Lindsay for the planning and the time you take with me when we’re out. Thanks to Euan too for allowing us to use all of your boats… and especially the new paddle! Which floats apparently… thankfully…

I’ve always wanted to sea kayak.

While we were doing all of this, poor Craig was feeling really rotten as the cold he tried to fight through, really took hold. He had no energy at all.

As Lindsay and I headed back into Tayvallich for lunch we decided to call it a day on the paddling, as I felt I should stay with Craig. We had a picnic lunch by the sea but ultimately decided we should head home.

Euan tied all the boats together and brought them over to a cleaner part of the beach… as you do Mr I can paddle 4 boats!!

Poor sick boy is on the couch in a duvet while I’m hiding in the dining room having made dinner and writing this.

I am now officially shattered.

A lovely night away and the best day.

Stay safe everyone 🩵🩵🩵

Day 1407 Dolphin Spotting with Clyde Charters 🐬🐬🐬🐬

Wow.

I have just had THE most amazing day! Honestly just out of this world.

This is what life is all about for me. I felt pretty rotten when I woke up this morning. I’d had a restless sleep from about 4.30am and I felt pretty grumpy when I got up and honestly, my head was raging and I was fairly tearful.

A perfect day to have something different to do and not just be stuck in the house.

I’d booked with Clyde Charters for a special dolphin spotting cruise they were running, leaving James Watt Dock Marina at 11.30 today.

I left in plenty time as my anxiety will always make me do…. Here my round trip today.

Just as well I left early as it wasn’t the easiest place to find straight away…. I parked in the marina and set off to find them.

I couldn’t see any obvious signs so I ended up looking them up on the sat nav and walked in that direction!

I spotted a guy near to the end of the walkway and asked him. He laughed as he said they’d had the same issue and he was actually standing in front of the sign that said “Clyde Charters Meeting Point”. I got chatting to them, as I do…. They were really lovely and wishing 5 minutes found out they were precious clients of Craig at the Scottish Dog Behaviourist

😳

How funny!!! Veronika sent Craig a photo of us together… he said it took him ages to figure out how he was seeing me in a photo from her…. It is a very small world!

They were so kind and kept me company on the trip. Everyone else was lovely too and as Craig says, I’ll chat to anyone… I was in my element. I love meeting new people.

Here’s our boat!

The Clyde Charters team were super friendly too and had a gorgeous 6 month old German Shepherd with them.

Puppy and dolphins?!?! Dream day.

We set off up the coast and didn’t even get as far as Gourock before we were joined by 4 dophins… including the baby “Clyde”.

They were with us for about 2 and a half hours and I can’t tell you how magical it was. So I’m just going to have to blast a few of the 963 photos I took today…. And that is no exaggeration!! If you’re on FB please go and have a look at my first “live”, big girl pants on for that. Craig is always telling me to get on camera… so I thought now’s as good a time as any! I’ve also shared a reel and there are more to come. 🙄😬😘

Oh one thing I would say is check out the scenery and not just the dolphins… there’s snow on the mountains, barely a ripple on the Clyde and the odd Ali Cat CalMac ferry passing!

As I said the scenery was stunning as well so I did take a few shots without dolphins too.

The docks had some stunning reflections.

What a truly magical day.

A real bucket list tick ✅

Memories for a lifetime. ✅

Wow.

Hope you’re all having a lovely Saturday. Will try not to talk about dolphins forever. Though can’t promise.

🐬🐬🐬🐬

Stay safe everyone 💙💙💙

Day 1271 in and out the sea all day… it’s a hard life 🏝️☀️🌊🏊🏼‍♀️👙🤿🇹🇷☀️

I slept like a log last night…. My head hit the pillow about 10.30 and didn’t waken until the incessant Turkish chatter kicked in from next door at 8am. 😂😂 I’d love to see how long I would actually have slept, if I hadn’t been woken up! The women next door obviously want to be first for breakfast 😂 they are very loud first thing in the morning!

This is my current view.

Dinner last night was in the Panoramic restaurant which is MASSIVE. Unfortunately they have created the image of a large university refectory which wasn’t the most intimate of surroundings. It was Turkish night and there was a huge selection of food!

The main pool looks lovely at night.

We were going to head into town but in true Julie fashion, headed back to our room as we were shattered from the day.

It’s been a scorcher all day today. We went for breakfast and I had Turkish coffee which was really lovely. I thought it might be a bit strong but it really hit the spot. I don’t eat anywhere near as much as I used to so I was still full from dinner last night. I managed a 16 hour fast. I know I’m on holiday and won’t an age that every day but I’ll do it when I can. The view from breakfast is beautiful.

The restaurant is a little bit nicer during the day. A little less stark and bright white.

On our way down to the beach deck.

This is how we get in and out the sea. Now interestingly enough, the tide does not seem to come in our out here. I’m not sure how that’s possible but the sea is at the same level every time we go in?!?

We sat here for the morning, our on the beach deck. It’s very sheltered.

The pirate ships all head past just before 11am. They must leave Altinkum at 10 or 10.30.

I am that sad that I counted 11 of them heading out this morning.

There are loads of wee fish in the sea! I’m writing this in the sunshine so not sure if this photo shows them or not!

Very random arty shot trying to catch the stunning view from the mirror passing the gents toilets 😂😂 then realised I’m actually in it 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

Current view watching the pirate ships heading back in. We had a lovely chocolate waffle lunch in the beach cafe. We swim, chatted, read, chatted, more chat 😂😂 it really is the perfect chance to relax.

Loving the windswept photoshoot!

A perfect end to a sunbathing day. Back now to get ready for dinner!

Stay safe everyone ☀️🇹🇷☀️

Day 1173 ROADTRIP To Clachtoll in the Scottish Highlands! 🚐🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️

(Posting this from Ullapool on what is actually day 1176 😂 we have no signal at Clachtoll which I really rather nice. I wrote 2 days of blogs and I’ve had Monday and Tuesday off completely… doesn’t happen often!)

We are finally on holiday!!!

I’ve been awake since 5am and we finally got out the door about 10.45. It felt like it took forever… there were a few last minute things that we had to hunt for that took a bit of time. 😳

The whole works well under pressure… NOT…. Reared it’s ugly head this morning. I am not good when we need to find something that has been in the same place for 100 years, until we moved the house around and I put it in a safe place. I was raging!!!! But I found it…. Eventually 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️😂

Anyway, here’s wee Freya all secured in and surrounded by crochet 😆

Calaidh and Bhruic have stayed home and our next door neighbour, Louise, has moved in to live with them for a week.

It’s a 5 and a half hour trip without stops so we won’t be there until about 6 I reckon. Craig is driving Abbie the camper van. Very nice of him! I’m sitting taking random photos as I do!!

We stopped at Ralia Café to let Freya out and grab a late lunch. I don’t know what we are both doing but I liked this photo 😆

The gift shop here is called the Hairy Coo funnily enough, so I bought a pair of cosy socks… forgot to bring socks for my hikies 🤦🏻‍♀️

Next quick stop at Tesco in Ullapool to pick up supplies. Freya and I went for a walk while Craig went to Tesco…. Girl chose wisely!

We had the best drive up though the last 6 miles is a very tight single track road. Mrs anxiety was very glad not to be driving!

The campsite is everything we could wish for. Never been anywhere as friendly as this. It’s a 2 minute walk to the beach. Just beautiful.

Saturday nights sees the local fish van the Catch Toll, open for business.

Oh and did I say we have ZERO SIGNAL. So nothing is getting through. I feel bad for the poor girl Loki f after the dogs as she will have no idea why we disappeared but other than that it’s rather lovely.

Freya has been the best dog ever… and check the view out the window. That says it all. It’s 10.40pm and it’s still light, I’m still in shorts and flip flops but I’m very tired. 5am was a very long time ago!!

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️

Day 1162 writing this from my happy place! 🌊🏝️🌊☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Honestly if the sun shone like this in Scotland, we wouldn’t go anywhere else.

I’m sitting out on the rocks at Portencross again and it’s just out of this world. I feel like I just popped over to Greece for the evening! there is actually a heat haze over the sea!

It’s obviously been raining since I left work but I missed all of it. The van was 48.3°C when I got in it at work tonight. I decided in my wisdom to wash it before I left. I was soaking in sweat by the time I’d finished… sorry perspiring… us women perspire don’t we?!

I’ve even dipped my toes in and it’s surprisingly freezing cold. Considering I was in here in a wetsuit last weekend, I really didn’t expect it to feel so cold.

The clouds are just beautiful. We very rarely get an extended period of heat like this.

It was VERY hot at work. 28°C in the office today. I struggle to concentrate… the Scottish Dog Behaviourist is working tonight so I took the chance to head to the sea. The tide is gently coming in so I’ve had to move back a couple of times.

I went to the supermarket in Stevenson and got some salad for my dinner and I ate that with my toes in the water. Honestly I can’t manage more than 10 seconds at a time because of the cold.

I slept like a log last night and couldn’t wake up this morning but I dragged myself out on dog jog. As soon as I was out of bed I actually felt fine. The hardest part is thinking about getting out of it!

It was a beautiful morning again, with stunning clouds and we never met a soul. Just how I like it!

I know I’m writing this as I sit here but it’s fascinating to watch the tide come in. My feet just got soaked again in my new perch and it was a welcome freeze!

In my element.

No worries.

No stress.

No anxiety.

Just focused on the present moment and just being me.

I was sitting here with my toes in what must be less than half an hour ago!

Ellison just phoned about going for a swim at Seamill beach but I don’t have my stuff with me! Such a shame!!

I’ll have to make do with my tootsies!!

What a night.

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️

Day 1153 wild sea swim at Portencross! 🏊🏼‍♀️🤿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙☀️

That sun emoji is still right up there at the top. Even above my ♥️ emoji which I use a lot.

I’m sleeping really well these days… there no snoring in our house as he’s away and obviously I don’t snore at all so I’m out for the count! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️😂

I felt a lot of anxiety when I woke this morning. It’s a beautiful day again and I have a sea swim planned at my favourite Portencross beach, today at 11am.

Now that sounds to me like the perfect day… and spoiler alert… it absolutely was… just the best…. But oh my god I make some amount of fuss in my head before I go!!!

There’s the dogs to be walked… and I like to do that before everyone is up… so I better get moving…

We went a different way today. They were so excited as they know they get off at the top of the hill so they pulled me all the way up. I stressed about that.

Then Freya needed a wee rest!

There are loads of buttercups up here.

Look how clear the sky is. You can see all the way over to the Isle of Arran.

A gate specifically for The Windsor Waffle my blogger friend. Just so she knows I’m still looking for gates 😂

Sooo many buttercups!!

I still had ages to get ready to head to the beach. I was stressed about remembering everything I needed to take (which was all safely stored in one place, I might add..) and of course I needed to be there an hour early so I could get parked. my driving and parking anxiety has been quite bad this weekend.

We’ve had a big event on in the Village Hall this weekend and I seem to be petrified of not getting parked when I come home. My whole weekend has been jigged around this event, which is, quite frankly, ridiculous!!

Anyway… I get there for about 10am and this is what greets me. Portencross is the best I have seen it this year.

The water is so still, so calm and peaceful. I could sit here for hours.

It’s just a shame a big group of age 60+ seem to have moved in to the picnic area and even at that time, have music blaring on a loud speaker. They are all chatting over it. Sitting under a large gazebo, none of them in the sun and they’ve brought an actual karaoke machine. I mean, really?!? Who does that. No care for anyone else sitting nearby them. Not sure why they hadn’t just stayed at home.

Down on the rocks and thankfully their tunes don’t travel.

I sat and watched this wee family of ducks float past! The wee one at the back was paddling like crazy to keep up. I was so lovely to watch.

I go swimming with Ellison from Tartan Campers and her sister Eileen who has been doing it for years so knows her stuff! We also met Chantal and Lesley today (they are really good swimmers so they were off for a good two kilometre swim).

Eileen is really good at taking photos but had left her phone pouch at home. I gave her mine. No point in me faffing with my phone and getting nothing! Also allowed me to relax and enjoy it without taking photos all the time.

We swam out the little stony beach at the side of Portencross Castle.

We literally walked in here and swam away!

Don’t be fooled into thinking I was swimming with a spaceman!! Ellison is wearing her snorkel mask which covers her full face and allows you to breath through your nose and mouth while snorkelling.

Eileen obviously took all of these photos. It just felt like such a special day. I’ve always wanted to swim there. I was petrified of jellyfish and saw none. I preferred not to look but once I borrowed Ellison’s snorkel I saw that it was amazing to swim under water.

I could have lay about in the water by the side of the castle all day!

It’s lovely to come out of the sea into the heat but you’re still exceptionally cold. The heat helps you to warm up a bit faster but you still have the shivers.

We sat and had a lovely lunch looking out to sea, I took a salad with me, I was ravenous by then!

Then to top it all off, Ellison and I took a wander back round to the castle and went inside. I’ve always wanted to do that! The views from the top are incredible.

This next picture shows the bit we swam in. It was amazing to see it from above.

Yet another day spent with people who are very good for my soul!

The whole reason I write this blog is to show people that I might look like I do lots of amazing things at times but I do feel a lot of anxiety around it. It doesn’t always come easily to me. It would have been so easy to stay home today and look what I would have missed.

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Off to meet friends in the pub tonight about half 6… it’s been all go but a great weekend!

Lots of calls with Craig during the day today catching up on his dog training too! All good over there!

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙🤿

Day 1142 a beautiful day on the Isle of Bute, then Largs for a chippy tea and. Portencross sunset 🌅

I slept like a log last night. No wonder as we just didn’t stop yesterday and we’ve had way more of the same today.

It’s 8.30 and we are still not home yet so I will make this quick. We have had another amazing day and have been on the go since 7.30am!! We left the house at 8.30 and headed to Weymss Bay for the 10.05 ferry. A little bit of parking panic but otherwise all good!

We decided to walk all the way to Mount Stuart on Bute. It’s a stunning gothic style design inside. I’ll talk way more about it tomorrow.

It is a very, very, very long walk!! Not to be recommended, it took us about an hour and half… I’ve done 24,394 steps so far!!

And finally the sun came out. Woo hoo!

We had a wander around Rothesay after a bus trip back. yes bus trip woo hoo!

I bought a replacement Highland Cow for Helens grandson!!

Back in Weymss Bay station. It’s still so Victorian.

Then we headed down through Largs for a chippy tea.

And finally to my special place in Portencross where we are sitting now.

There are loads more photos to follow on another day!

I should just end by saying that I’ve had the best few days with Helen. She’s been sent to me to remind me to giggle and laugh way more (yes Craig I know, as you always say to me!!) She’s shown me that it’s easy to spend that much time with someone else. We’ve just settled into a giggly, comfortable life these last few days. It’s been a really, really special time. 💜

Everyone should spend time with a Helen! will miss her though will be found sitting in silence for a while… 😂😘

Stay safe everyone 🌅🌅🌅

Day 1084 Scotland you did us proud today. Just stunning ☀️🕶️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

I need to find a better describing word than Wow. It seems so underrated when I use it so often. But wow….. what an amazing day so far and it’s only 2pm.

I slept really well. The warmth, the cathartic sound of the diesel heater or the progesterone induced sleep did the trick. The diesel heater was on all night and it was a bit warm at one point, but I did wake up to ice on the inside of the windows, despite that.

I looked for Aurora at 2.30am but decided I was far too chicken to go out on my own in the pitch black. Not sure why I’m scared of the dark?!? Will need an Aurora buddy to go Northern lights tracking!

At 6.30am the sky was turning a pinky blue shade. The sun didn’t actually come up over the Pap of Glencoe for a while after that. The light was stunning as it hit some of the mountains.

I had taken my running gear and was desperate to go for an early morning dog jog sans dog! I mean, who even am I these days?!? Do I need to rebrand The Rambling Sloth as The Jogging Photographer?!?! 😂 doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it?!?

I have no idea how I am going to sort through the gazillion photos I have taken today.

I ran from the Invercoe campsite down to Glencoe and then back up to the Glencoe Lochan again. Running felt good.

This mornings mood was all about reflection. Not a ripple in the sea or the Lochan. Everything was a reflection.

I am in my element. I am blown away but the beauty I see. I even giggle to myself, have a look around to see if anyone else is there… and go hug a tree!!!!

I ran right around the Lochan and back down to the campsite.

There were even a couple of wildlife shots!

I was out for about an hour and a half. It was bitterly cold. Even the seaweed was frosty but it was so exhilarating.

I feel an excitement bubbling through my veins…..all the time….. I have found something that makes me truly happy. A husband who is happy to let me go away, if he doesn’t want to and a real passion for writing and taking photos of beautiful nature. I could not have picked a better few days to come away. I have been so full of joy for two days, it’s so lovely.

This is the view from the van. Honestly it’s out of this world.

I had a shower… forgot deodorant but that doesn’t seem to have been as issue for me today. It’s so beautiful but FREEZING!!

I made myself a decaf coffee and headed down to the water.

I sat on a rock and watched the word stand still for a while. My bum got very numb on the cold rock but the sun is warm.

I got Abbie all packed up and put everything away in its place before heading down to Oban.

I can’t explain my connection to Oban, this little coastal town by the sea. Craig thinks that I picked up dads love of a CalMac ferry here and that’s why I love it so much.

It’s such a transient town. So many people are headed out to the islands. There are lots of English accents here today. Think there’s a coach tour in. I love nothing more than siting watching the ferries coming into port and heading out again.

I can see 3 as I sit on a bench by the sea, writing this.

Ok they’re dots on the horizon but I know they are there 😆

As soon as I got to Oban I headed to the Oban Chocolate Company. I was going to say you can visit Oban without going there… of course you can… but it’s a very decadent treat! I broke my 17.5 hour fast with a delicious rich oat milk hot chocolate with a little pot luck of choccie goodies to go with it.

I then had a wander round the harbour and a couple of shops before sitting down at the water to write. And breathe in the sea air.

It’s 2.30pm and I really need to make a move to head home. Craig’s had a lovely day in the sun too. Think it’s maybe warmer at home than it is here.

I feel like I have had the best form of reset. I’ve been SO lucky with the weather and I’m so pleased that I came this far. I might not get away in the van until the end of June now.

Right.

Moving.

Back to the van.

Of course I had to stop on the way. It was the most beautiful drive down. I stopped at Inveruglas as there are stunning views of Loch and Ben Lomond.

Finally home at 5.30pm and cooking rump steaks for dinner.

Just want to end with last nights sunset. It was breathtaking. I stood outside for an hour or so watching it.

And finally the view from my bed.

I am so grateful to bursting for these last few days.

Still a millions photos to share.

Wow.

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌄

Day 788 a whole lot of exercise!!

I didn’t put out a blog yesterday…. and the world didn’t stop turning.

I had less than nothing to say. I honestly couldn’t even do the… wake up, went to work blog again. It bores me writing it let alone you guys having to read it.

So…. I’ve said this before but I’m going to make a pact with myself. If I have nothing to say then I’m not going to write a blog that day as this needs to be tool that helps my mental health and doesn’t add to the list of things that need doing. If there’s no blog in a day, I’m all good, just my day has been uneventful.

I should say I’ve been good this week. I’ve not been anxious at all really and it’s good I have nothing to have to work through.

Today I have loads to say as it’s 13.16pm and I’ve already done 23,245 steps!!

The weather has been crazy for May in Scotland. Its very wet, cold and windy. I’ve taken some pics on the way to and home from the Farm to show the crazy clouds. There was a lovely rainbow during the class too.

The Fit Body Farm was a killer this morning. We’ve been doing a fairly new thing called DecaFit these last few Fridays. There is a whole lot of running and it’s really just not my thang. 🥴

This morning we worked out 5 stations for 3 mins with a 500m run in between each station. I think I only managed the 500m twice and the rest were closer to 350/400m. It’s non stop without and break…. though hitting the station targets before the 3mins is up does give you a minute of a breather.

So, not my favourite day at the Farm but I still did almost all of it and I know the running will come the more I work at it.

It was sunny when we finished but still windy and cold.

I went straight into the shower when I got home as I couldn’t get a heat!

I had to have Abbie the Camper van at the garage for her MOT this morning, so I drove down to Glengarnock with Calaidh and Freya so I could walk back up.

I thought this bus stop looked a bit arty?!?

This is where all the daffies used to grow

A strange contraption blowing from this tree… either Chinese lanterns or poly bags?!

Back home and crawled into bed for a wee half hour…. then back out this time with Bhruic.

Craig was working in Ayr so I thought I’d go with him and walk her down on the beach. He dropped us in Prestwick as I’d never been down to that beach as far as I could remember.

It was wild!!! Sooooo windy and the sea was whipping up and splashing over the sea wall. I have so many photos.

I’m not sure they do it justice, it was really wild.

Then in the middle of it all, I spotted this.

The sun comes out but it doesn’t heat up much….. though it does look a lot prettier!

Mumma do you think Dad will hurry up so we don’t actually freeze to death?!?

I was fine for the first hour but after that I was just walking round in circles, praying Craig would hurry up. We sat on a bench for a bit but I think that just made me colder!

Come on…. Let’s move again…. We’ve been sitting too long!!

He phoned to say he was 6 minutes away! 😘😘😘 of course then the sun came out and the sea calmed down a fair bit.

It was soooo good to see him driving towards us…. I got the heated seats on and defrosted.

Back home to hang washing and made a lovely sharing snack late lunch/early dinner.

We had it with Nozeco (alcohol free sparkling).

It was really lovely and now…. I could sleep for Scotland.

It’s 16.18 and I’m now up at 24,951 steps and still waiting to hear if Abbie passed her MOT!!

She did not pass…..She failed for all brake disks, a top engine mount and a white indicator light….. a mere £374. 🫣

Anyway, all fixed now. I just put £133 of diesel in her the other day…. That better do her for now. She’s had enough!

Anyway it’s been a good day. I’m feet up on the couch now. Planning only steps to the bathroom 😆

Have a great weekend!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️