If alcohol free Carlsberg did days out…. Wow. We’ve had it all apart from scorching sunshine!!
We spent a while trying to decide what to do today. We were going to go to the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Green today…. Entrance was £22.50 and I was worried that it wouldn’t take our attention for a whole day and yet, we would feel like we should stay…. I’m sure we may have missed a great day but we opted for a car, train and ferry trip to Dunoon! I have lived in Scotland all my life and I don’t think I’ve ever been to Dunoon.
So we took the dogs out first and then drove to Glengarnock train station.
We jumped on the train to Paisley Gilmour Street.
We changed there for Gourock.
When we got to Gourock we had to chose between the ferry to Dunoon at 1.05pm or Kilcreggan at 1.30pm. We chose Dunoon as it was earlier. We had some time to kill.
What hoves into view around the corner, as we wait?!?
The Waverley is heading to Dunoon just before us!!
Then we spotted this seal waiting around the fisherman. That’s the best photo I got!
Dunoon Pier is beautiful.
Lots of it is derelict.
This is our trip for the day!
We went for lunch at The Boat House in Dunoon. It was really lovely, a beautiful view doon the watter, as they say in Glasgow!
We then for a long walk through Dunoon to Kirk and then to Hunters Quay.
We sailed back with Western Ferries.
We were the only foot passengers
Then Helen screamed and was routed to the spot and couldn’t speak… she spotted the dolphins!!
We were very excited and almost missed getting off the Ferry!!
How lucky was I with the seagull?!?!
Last off the ferry!!
We then had a 50 minute walk back along the front in Gourock, to the train station… what pops up behind us?!?
How lucky were we!!??
So no blue sky but it’s been dry all day.
We’re on the train home now and have pre-ordered a chow mein!
We’ve marvelled at the view, the wildlife and all the buildings we have walked past.
We have chatted about anything and everything oh and had a good charity shop rummage!
Out for the count completely until Miss Khaleesi woke me with some licking at 4.30am and I have dozed on and off ever since. I was even too tired to make sure she wasn’t licking her scar, to be honest she doesn’t really anymore so I just mumbled a “Khaleesi, neh, neh” a few times, which is what she’s been trained for no. Come to think of it, it could be “nay, nay”. I have never thought of the spelling. 😂
No wonder I slept, really, it’s been a very busy weekend but one that I have loved so far.
It was so good to catch up with Helen and Mike yesterday. They have a lovely lodge in Oban Bay Holiday Park for a whole week.
As you may know, Oban is just one of my places, I love it sooooo much. It was a real treat to be able to show them around. We didn’t do half of what I had planned. 😂
As I said yesterday, the drive up was great and only took me two hours. I was there just after 9.30am.
We sat and admired the view from their lodge, which is just so lovely, with a wonderful Scotland flag flying in full view, which always improves a view.
We’ve been coming up to this campsite for years. We even had Mum, Dad and Nana visit us once in 2018. Special memories as that was one of the last times we spent with my Nana before she died.
It was lovely to see what Hoseasons have down with it, since they took it over a year or so ago. I do fear that they are looking to build right up into the hill which might turn it into a massive holiday park, but I suppose life brings change. You don’t always have to like it.
It’s currently so quiet and peaceful.
Their lodge is really beautiful with a lounge and kitchen are and a bedroom with en-suite… and a hot tub with a view!
We set off for an explore round the campsite after 11am. The sun was out for the first part of our walk.
I do not remember this lookout point AT ALL!!
To be fair, this was always the most salubrious of pitches and I don’t think I’d ever have walked in front of someone’s caravan to go looking. Now there are lodges here, it doesn’t feel as invasive. I also feel like they cut back some huge undergrowth! I wouldn’t have missed this! There’s a lovely view up here.
Also looking down towards the Kerrera ferry and the Puffin Dive School.
We took a walk to look for Highland Coos!
Found them but only one of them was close enough to be photogenic! They get fed at 4pm every day so expect Helen to accept the mission and get some fab photos through the week.
A wee bit too far away.
Such a beautiful location for a campsite. It’s a bit out of Oban but it’s within walking distance if you’re a walker.
We went down to see the old pier opposite the campsite, it’s looking a bit worse for wear.
Mike took our photo with the island of Kerrera in the background.
I went to take a pic of this yacht and thought the barbed wire added to the shot.
The colours here are just stunning. I am definitely a blue sky photographer!
We walked down the single track road to the Kerrera ferry.
Here it is!
Tell me you’re in Scotland without telling me you’re in Scotland 🏴 .
Love a passing place sign.
I don’t know what it is but I’m so at peace in Oban and the highlands of Scotland. If we had the weather, I would never be anywhere else, yet it also would be horrifically overpopulated, as everyone else would want to live there too!
The clouds are starting to roll in.
Love this wee boat. Think I got it on the way back too.
Single track road.
Now at this point the weather clouded over and from a photo perspective, Oban bay doesn’t have the best light. I’ve run a few photos through my Lightroom app to get the best of them.
We popped into the Correyvreckan Wetherspoons on the quay for a quick lunch. Right next to CalMac’s Isle of Lewis, which was loading for Barra.
Spotted the Loch Frisa and the Clansman. Friday leaving for Mull the Isle of Mull just back from there.
The mighty Clansman just coming in from Colonsay.
The little boat tour heading out backwards. McCaigs Folly up on the dark skyline.
The Hebridean Isles heading out the Sound of Kerrera.
I’ve had my eye on this house since I was a wee girl. I wish I could find a photo of the old house that used to be here. It was a kit built bungalow style house but it’s so close to Oban that I always felt it had the best view in the world. (Yes a bit dramatic maybe, but as I kid, I was in awe of its location). Then one visit and this had appeared!!!
It’s on a tiny island called Rudh-A-Chruidh (who knew until I looked it up!) built in 2014 it had an asking price of £950k.
One day…. 😂
We sat on a bench near the war memorial and watched the Majestic Line head out to see one by one. There must have been about 6 of them least between 3.30 and 4pm. Two of the are like cute Captain Pugwash ships.
Arty shot before Helen the wrecking ball, knocked all 3 of us down!! We were all crouched down here in a row!
3 craws sat upon a bench! Dunollie Castle above the lighthouse.
We headed back along into town. The tide is in now but still no blue sky.
Loch Striven loading for Lismore.
It’s such a beautiful road through the trees.
Helen trying to wreck another photo opportunity 😂😂
The Kerrera ferry slip now under the high tide. They are going over there today… could I be any more envious?!?! 😂
I left at 6pm after a lovely day with great friends.
Sadly there had been a bad accident on the Glencoe A82 which meant that all the traffic north was diverted to Oban on the A85. I met a huge queue at Connel Bridge but got these lovely shots from the car.
I then drove past 5 miles of traffic which was queuing to get up and over the bridge. I felt so sorry for them all but I had a straight run home and was back to Craigie and the puppers by 8.30pm.
We had walked 21k steps!!
So today we went to church to see our friend and neighbour, Holly, be ordained as an Elder of the local Beith Parish Church.
After the service we went straight for a food shopping, (as you do!) came home and let the dogs out and were invited to a celebration in the pub, next door, this afternoon.
We were there until 4pm when the sun finally came out. I think we have a few good days of weather coming.
We’re sitting outside in the garden now. Khaleesi is in the shade under a tree and I’m enjoying some heat in the sunshine.
It’s been a really busy weekend. I’ll be back to work for a rest.
I’m so grateful I no longer have the Sunday afternoon dread of going to work. Those days are long gone. I do need to get planning my next adventure though.
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.
Oooh I did not sleep well… Fitbit decreed it was a “FAIR” sleep… I agreed.
It was lovely and sunny when I finally got up, though super frosty. It’s one of those mornings where the sun defrosts the car before you go outside…. Love that!
So I set off just after 8am, in the glorious sunshine, headed for Loch Katrine.
The first part of the journey from home to Glasgow Airport, was through thick fog. Thankfully the fog cleared and there was pure blue sky. My head wasn’t the best this morning but this was just the tonic.
It was a stunning drive.
The morning sunlight made everything stand out. The colours were very autumnal. The mountains were very brown as the heather isn’t growing yet, the ferns were a beautiful rusty red/brown and any water I passed was like glass. It honestly took my breath away.
Yes I was a bit anxious on some of the roads, when someone got stuck behind me but I was there just after 9am.
Could that be any prettier?!?
It’s the blue that gets me every time. I took similar photos after the boat trip and they look really different. I was so lucky to be able to see this.
This is the Sit Walter Scott Steamship. She doesn’t sail during winter but is ready for her first outing of the season, next Friday.
If you look at the photo above, she has canopies front and rear but on my photo below she has a fixed cabin area on the front.
I had about two hours before the boat trip sailed, so I set the timer on my phone for 45 minutes to walk alongside the loch. I had plenty time to get back if I turned with the timer. I’ve marked the walk with a thin red line out to Brenachoile Point.
It only worked out at just over 4 miles.
You can see the wind is starting to pick up and that’s the last of the still reflection shots.
The road alongside the loch is slightly wider than single track but an old style waterworks road with rusty old railings, very pretty in itself.
This moss was so vibrant.
I may have disturbed these geese….
Brenachoile Point has views all around the lock.
It also has a beautiful little shingle beach with crystal clear water.
As I said, I was so lucky to get here but the timer went off and I had to turn back. It made a lovely wee picnic area.
Sir Walter Scott wrote his poem The Lady of the Lake about this area of Loch Katrine.
I made it back for 11am. Quick drink of water and changed into my winter coat.
As I booked on line the ticket inspector radioed to say he had the Avery Party….. cringe… Avery party of one….. 😬. We headed out in Rob Roy III…. As I listened to a guy telling his parents that the Rob Roy I and II had sunk…. 🤦🏻♀️😂
The boat trip was full. There were about 30 of us on it. I think honestly, it wasn’t the best part of my trip. The diesel fumes at the back were pretty strong and honestly, it was just freezing out there. I had an Argentian couple sitting one in front of me, knees touching and one so close beside me on the other side, I guess it was just a bit uncomfortable and I did feel a bit SOLO traveller.
The winter cruise sails out into the loch for a half hour and back.
I was fascinated but the colour of the wake bit if you look closely enough, I think it’s the diesel fumes floating above it that create the effect.
The commentary was a little quiet but really good. I had no idea, or most likely, had forgotten, that Loch Katrine supplies much of Glasgow with fresh water. So all the water used in Irn Bru and Tennants Lager, to name a few, will come from Loch Katrine.
The Victorians needed a fresh water supply as much of Glasgow only had access to dirty water… there were some complaints this the newly piped-in Loch Katrine water had no taste and no texture!!! 🤢
The loch is 13 miles long.
The cruise is over in no time. It only cost £15 for the hours round trip. It took me an hour and 19 minutes to get there from home so it’s not far from Glasgow.
I’d taken some lunch with me so I rushed to the car to heat up and get my lunch after 20 hours of fasting… I’ve lost 3lbs this week!
I spotted this wee guy on the drive home!! He was kind enough to do all his scratching right opposite a lay-by!
He’s super cute.
The drive home was equally pretty… Dukes Pass is a very windy but stunning drive.
I pulled into St Mocha in Carbeth, a drive through coffee shop. I walked in though as I’ve been wanting to go there for a while. My kinda place. Very highly recommended!
So a lovely wee day but I am exhausted now!
Feet up making reels for FB. Go check them out on my page The Rambling Sloth. I really enjoy doing them.!
Helen will be so proud of me. I spent the morning walking, walking and walking!!
I had the best sleep. All night until 6.30am.
As usual… facing a weekend with no plans, I’m never quite sure what to do with myself.
I got up after 7 and put a washing on and decided to get out with some of the many dogs, first thing 😂😂
The torrential rain has stopped but left a low lying fog.
It was so peaceful, so still and so calm…. Not a breath and barely a noise apart from birds tweeting.
We’ve all been a bit depressed by the weather recently and yet this morning, it felt really lovely, very misty and mysterious. I had a really lovely walk.
Huge puddles.
Bhru checking out the high burn… it’s flowing fast after all the rain recently.
They went in to play!
I say that and Freya always sits on the bank!
On the way back I played with some reflections in puddles. This one wasn’t the best…
Like the spooky tree reflection.
When I got home I decided to take Calaidh out for a LONG walk.
We went through Spiers School Grounds. It’s beautiful but very wet.
These wee daffies were lovely….
Some of them flattened by the rain.
It really feels like everything is starting to grow now.
How random is this?!?! A road sign in the middle of a field near Kilbirnie Loch? I stood for a while trying to figure out where the road might have been? Hope some of the locals can tell me why this is here?!?
Calaidh thinks she can take on this branch!!
Calaidh is living her best life.
By this time it’s been raining for a while but I’m loving being out in it.
She loves a wee pose does our Cal!!
Here’s the random road sign on the way back… so weird!
Calaidh loves a paddle!
Not sure this does the rain justice…. But it was heavy by the time we headed home.
Someone needed a shower!
It’s the first good wash she’s had in a long time and she is super fluffy now!!
I’ve walked 11.37 miles today and I’m feeling it. I had such a lovely morning though… out in the rain, appreciating the beauty in the mist. It felt very good to be alive.
When Craig came home from work we headed to Mocha Jak’s for a bite of lunch. I had Honey and Walnut avocado stack.
I gave Craig the fried egg but I did have the halloumi. I’ve been almost fully vegan this week, it’s not through choice but I just don’t fancy meat.
I may also have had an oat milk hot chocolate (with cream yup I get the irony!) but I felt it was well deserved after my 11 miles today.
It was really very lovely.
I’ve been home since 3.30 and all of a sudden it’s 5.40?! Time really disappears when I write this blog.
Such a lovely surprise, an overnight trip to Bournemouth. Despite the forecast it’s been another beautiful day!
Helen and Anna made pancakes for breakfast and we set off on our magical, mystery tour after 9am.
Here we are in Lyme Regis. our stop along the way.
As you can see the sun has been splitting the skies all weekend. It’s been cold but beautiful.
Looking down to Lyme Regis sandy beach. This is artificially filled with sand and the right hand side, the rest of the beach is stony.
Down at he little harbour looking back up to where we were. Loved the little red boats.
This lifeboat heading out with a bouquet of red roses. Maybe laying a memorial at sea. It was called the Spirit of Loch Fyne. How funny?!?
Loved this yellow fishing boat. 🚤
Seagull on the horizon.
We climbed these very wonky steps to get up on the cobb which is the harbour wall.
I got new trousers in a charity shop yesterday and new snow boats for Iceland in December…. They were reduced from £120 to £49 and they are fully lined with fur, exactly what I’ve been looking for.
Loved all the beach huts down here.
Love the wee peachy pink thatched cottage.
We jumped back in the car and headed along the coast and I still had no idea where we were going…. As we got closer it was either Poole or Bournemouth and I knew we talked about Bournemouth before… and here we are. It was a bit cloudy when we arrived. This is the pier.
And view from it.
That big dark cloud hung around for a half hour or so.
Then we set off on a big walk to the Sandbanks Ferry.
Here we are having a seat watching the Sandbanks Chain Ferry.
With this view when it’s over the other side. Absolutely stunning.
We got the bus back into town. It’s been the most amazing day. Just perfect!! I’m gonna have to pull the cat out the bag when Helen comes up to stay with me in August! No pressure!
We’ve just been out to a Greek Restaurant called The Real Green. The food was amazing…
The walk back to the hotel was lovely too. I’ve done 24,999 steps.
I’m gonna take a shower and collapse into bed. It’s 8.42pm.
Slept like a log from 9am until 5am and then was awake on and off until sleeping beauty finally awoke at 8.33pm… that’s my friend Helen, not Craig 😂
We went on a bus trip from Exmouth to Sidmouth today.
This was like a step back in time…. In a previous life I wrote the spec for these buses and checked them all through build.
This bus one was one of my contracts.
Stagecoach selfie!
So yeah… off to Sidmouth.
It’s now 8.23pm and I am shattered. A mere 15,724 steps so far, a lovely lunch out, hot chocolate and cake out and a chippy tea with Helen’s mum and daughter Anna. I’ve had the loveliest day but I’m a bit too tired for words…. I am in my element exploring, walking and taking lovely photos in the sun. Here are a few.
Here we are at the mouth of the River Sid. We walked right up the river through the Byes.
The ford was closed as it was too fast flowing.
We are the two shadows on the left 😂😂
When we got back down to the beach there was a storm rolling by. It was really dramatic.
Models own T-shirt…. Pres from Craigie for my trip!
Helen’s mum picked us up and took us to Budleigh Salterton where we caught this lovely sunset.
Off a a wee overnight secret adventure tomorrow that definitely involves Lyme Regis! Exciting!
As suspected the flight was absolutely fine and all anxiety was gone by the time I landed.
It was such a clear night. This is us over Bristol.
I slept like a log! We got to bed about 11.30pm last night after Helen met me in Bristol and we drove back down to Exmouth.
Woke at 6.33am and back to sleep until 8.33am (what is it with the 33’s?!?!)…. When someone called me and woke me up… now who would do such a thing?!? Surely not Craig 😂😂😂
Anyway, it was worth it as it got me up and moving!
By the time we showered and had hot cross buns for breakfast if was after 11am before we got out.
This was the planned walk today from Exmouth to Topsham.
If you follow the black railway, that’s exactly what we did… I took this at the “you are here” sign.
The tide was in, in the estuary for the whole walk.
Here we are setting off.
We’ve done nearly 26k steps today!!
This bench was a memorial to Joanna O’Toole. Here’s the link to the FB Joanna O’Toole Foundation. She dedicated her life to saving animals around the world and died on Ethiopan Ailrines Flight ET302 on 10th March 2019. She was only 37 years old. So sad…. A beautiful bench modelled by Helen!
It was lovely weather with a few rain showers along the way. Much better than forecast.
TRAIN!!!
Lympstone Village is almost half way and is really beautiful with tiny streets. Don’t know how you would get your weekly shop to your front door!!!
We walked along the beach.
And saw this lovely boat. I love the colours.
Someone lives here!!!
Train AND rainbow.
Thatched roof, so very typically English.
The sea on the estuary is all churned up just now, full of sand.
We had a wee seat on a wee bench. I seem to be rocking a combe over 😂😘
The clouds came over just in time for lunch!
Topsham was lovely too. Lots of money in those houses too!! again… with the parking?!? I couldn’t live here 😂😂
But it was very beautiful!
Met this wee guy!
Then we went to The Café in Topsham and had avocado toast.
AND clotted cream scones.
We got the train back to Exmouth. I was too full to walk anywhere!
The tide is out in the estuary but the reflections are lovely. All of these are taken from the train window!
We then went to visit Helen’s eldest daughter and her grandson before he went to his first school disco. He was all dressed up as Spider-Man bless him, such a cutie.
We then went for another walk down the harbour.
The heaven’s opened after this so we headed back to the house.
We now have our feet up on the couch with Helen’s youngest daughter and we’re having a girls night in watching movies!
Currently sitting on the 12.11 from Oban to Glasgow Queen Street… only typing when we go through a high banked section of the track. I’m not missing a minute.
I had a lovely sleep in my wee single bed. My knee was agony and woke me at 11.22pm. I’d been asleep since 9ish… but after that it really settled and has been fine ever since.
You’ll be pleased to know I’ve done my exercises twice and they really help strengthen my leg. Why is it though when we have exercises to do it seems like such a chore?!? A real “ugh” moment….They are designed to help the pain. Get over it Julesie.
I couldn’t decide exactly what to do this morning and was keen to get the ferry over to Mull and straight back but I was waiting to see if the conditions were right.
Do I stay in the hotel until 10am checkout? Do I get the ferry and risk missing the 12.11? Do I plan for the 16.11? So many decisions.
I decide to head back up to McCaigs Folly (Tower) for first light so that I could see sunrise…. As you do.
Up at 7 showered, packed up and ready for the off. Back up that huge hill almost in the dark!
As you can see I stood there for ages! It was bitterly cold and one guy came up during a run, said hi, stretched, said goodbye and ran off…. I had the place to myself.
Ok so… next decision… the ferry. Headed down to the terminal to ask their advice….
It appears that this ferry… the departing one…. was my only hope of a sail to Mull at back before 12.
That’s my decision made then. I’ll no be doing that! 🙄😆 I must have got it completely wrong when I looked up the ferry times this week. To be fair it was pretty choppy and the Loch Frisa doesn’t look like there is too much outer deck so it may not have done what I was hoping it would do.
As I walked aimlessly through the harbour, I met Luana, the Brazilian girl I’d met yesterday. She was heading for the bus to Fort William but suggested Pulpit Hill. I remembered mum and dad had climbed it before.
Now I should say here that Tracey, my Canadian (insomniac 😆) friend, was fully involved in my morning again. She obviously never sleeps! She told me it was a 23 minute walk… so off I go.
It’s a hike but what a view… looking directly over to McCaig’s Folly that I just left!
Looking over to Kerrera, with Mull in the distance to the left and Lismore in the distance to the right.
Zoomed in on the harbour and train station. The train is in already.
Then I met a lovely local couple walking their blind spaniel… which basically means, she who has not spoken much this weekend, chewed their ear off with chat! It was lovely to make them laugh. In that 10 minutes of chat, we really connected.
They suggested Hinba Coffee Shop… so off down the hill I go.
At the same time Tracey has already recommended Hinba, as it gets the best reviews online 😂😂😂 Tracey has also come up with another walk to Oban Hydropathic Santorium ruins 😂😂 but I need a heat up.
It’s lovely!! I have a Guatemalan coffee and a slice of Tiffan cake.
I chill, warm and charge my phone. Then order a decaf gingerbread latte. Heaven.
I still have time to kill so wander around taking even more photos before my crazy kind gets me first in the queue for the twins so I can pick my seat on the left side, get a window and a charger. I know, I know…. But it pays off. I’m first on the train 🚆 😂
Tracey must finally be asleep!
I’m on the other side on the way down so I can catch everything I missed on the way up! It’s also freezing… all the way!!
These next photos are all out the window of the train!
First glimpses of Loch Lomond.
Inveruglas power station.
Tarbert and Loch Lomond.
Think this river is in Dumbarton.
I have honestly had the best time.
I’m shattered but so grateful that Craig doesn’t mind me doing this. He had to work yesterday and he’s had some quality doggo time. I know I’ll go back to bed full of dog hair.
I get to do all the crazy things I want to do, I don’t have to worry about anyone else, I can just do my thing.
It’s 3.10pm and I’m still on the train, about 20 minutes out from Glasgow Queen Street station. I should be home for 5 at the latest.
What a lovely weekend.
This…my Sundays always used to be this… gut-wrenching stress…. Not any more ♥️
I am shattered!!! It’s nearly 3pm and I’m in Bristol Airport awaiting my return flight to Glasgow at 16.55.
I made the mistake of checking the weather back home and am freaking out about how windy it is. 😱 To be fair I’m so tired, I think I’ll be out for the count the minute I sit in the plane.
I’ve had the best weekend. 🫶🏼
Slept like a log again and we woke just after 7 and decided to head out for the 9am open top bus around Exmouth. The forecast wasn’t great so there was no open top bus, just a Stagecoach double decker! Those of you who know me, will be very aware that a Stagecoach bus is a huge part of my previous life. I used to be a Contract Manager in a bus building factory, and Stagecoach were my customer. I then went on to manage the team of Contract Managers, but that’s a lifetime ago.
I actually helped them design the Stagecoach Gold bus that we were on this morning. It was my job to help them source all the colour matches to their spec requirements back in around 2012. It was a huge investment into their fleet.
This bus was a huge trip down memory lane.
HUGE…. But I don’t live that life anymore. The gold spec looks a little worn on this particular bus.
The bus went back out to Sandy Bay, where we walked to on Friday.
It looked very different today. Actually, you can’t see the beach from the bus so it just looked very cloudy and windy. It was lovely to see some of Exmouth that we wouldn’t have managed on foot. This is the restaurant we had lunch in on Friday.
We got off the bus in the centre of Exmouth and walked all the way back along the beachfront again. It was super blustery but lovely to see it all in different conditions. It was meant to pour this morning and it’s actually been dry all the time, which was a bonus.
We had a lovely breakfast in Aby’s Café down on the sea front. We had scrambled eggs and avocado on brown toast. It was really lovely.
We set off at 12.30 for Bristol Airport as it’s quite a trek.
Walking into Bristol Airport.
I’ve found a wee quiet spot in a very busy airport and I’ve managed to get my feet up. I tried to have a snooze but it doesn’t seem as easy on my own. 😆
I’ve brought a plastic bottle with me, you get it through security, empty and every airport has water fill stations now. I used to spend a fortune on bottled water at the airport. I didn’t spend a small fortune on some sushi and crisps. 😆
A really lovely weekend but looking forward to seeing Craigie and the pupsters for a few days before I head off to Turkey. Don’t worry, I’m knackered at the thought of it too, but it will be super relaxing when I’m there…. And sunshine…. There will be wall to wall sunshine!!
I still have an hour to wait but surely that will be taken up by finding my gate etc… then I can sleep.
Thanks so much to Helen and her family for the best weekend!!
23,620 steps!! That will raise my average for the year 🤦🏻♀️😂
Someone slept in until 9.06am precisely this morning. It wisnae me.
I did have another great sleep though and managed 8am.
We decided to head into Exeter today on the train. It was lovely and warm and calm when we left, after yesterdays breeze.
I took these from the train window! What a lovely track!
We had wander round the main shopping street and then walked as much as we could around all the attractions. This is the Guildhall.
Exeter Cathedral.
We had lunch in Pizza Express after we met up with Helen’s partner, Mike.
We then took a walk down to the Quay area. What a lovely space next to the river and the canal. Highly recommend a visit here!
We went on the canal boat trip!
These cygnets put on a great display.
We got off the boat and walked back up the side of the canal. The reflections were stunning.
We spent the rest of the afternoon sitting by the river in a lovely antique cafe.
This little guy had some water out the dog water tub. Loved the colouring.
This was our view.
Mike headed off back to Plymouth and we got the train back to Exmouth. We didn’t need to eat again as we’d had such a big lunch so after a big drink of water we set off on another big walking tour of Exmouth.
I have done 27,150 steps today and we’re not done yet! I will sleep tonight!!
We’ve had the best day exploring Exmouth. It’s been lovely and sunny with the odd passing squall. We didn’t even get wet though. So lucky with the weather.
My flight was perfect last bight. We took off early and landed early. I was there before Helen!!
We got to Exmouth at 1am and were both out for the count….. we’re sharing a bed and apparently I never moved all night!
So up at 8am and out before 10am and we have walked and walked and walked and walked and talked and talked and talked. I have some stunning photographs.
I’ve met up with Helen’s lovey daughters Zoë and Anna, after way too many years and met her cutie grandson.
We’ve had dinner with Helen’s mum and are having the loveliest chats. It’s been the best day!!
I’ll just share some quick pics just now as I am shattered!
I’m now at 27,943 steps. My sore knee is doing pretty well, considering. I’ve been on ibuprofen and paracetamol all day but it’s really helping.
I have not stopped talking since 18.44 on 22nd May 2023… precisely. My friend Helen has come to visit from Exmouth. We knew each other when we were teenagers!
We talked until about 23.10 which is WAY after my bedtime!! Sadly there was a MURDER (read with very Scottish accent!) during the evening, as Calaidh broke into Helen’s room, sniffed out a cuddly toy Highland Cow for Helen’s grandson Arthur…. And the cow is toast …. How bad did I feel?!?!
Then the Scottish Dog Behaviourist’s alarm went off at 5.30am…. 😳 and I finally fell back to sleep and then Helen actually woke me up at 7.45am…. On my day off?!?
You know I am joking about all that. I must have zonked back out due to the 4 hours sleep night before. 😆
We started talking again at 7.45am and I’m only silent now because Helen is on the phone home!
I am having a really lovely time.
Helen thinks I have to lie in the blog and say I’m loving it when I’m not really. Told her to shut up. 🤦🏻♀️😂
So let’s be clear… Anyone coming to stay will cause me stress. Cleaning, disruption to the routine, the lack of control will generate an anxiety or nervousness of the situation.
We haven’t spent any time together since we were 17 or 18 and we have totally picked up from where we left off. I don’t have to try, don’t have to think what to say next, don’t have to make any effort. I can just rabbit away and talk the hind legs off a donkey and just be me. 💜💜 that’s pretty special.
So itinerary for today….
The little gift shop
Tianna Falls
Auchengree Tea Room and Highland Cows
Inveruglas -The Den tearoom
Walk to Loch Sloy Dam
Walk back from Loch Sloy Dam 😂
Wander round Luss
Dinner in the The Village Rest, Luss
Finally feet up in the house!
Here’s a quick run of photos as it’s 9.30 already!
The Rambling Sloth 🦥 