Glasgow road works could be costly.

 It wasn't too bad last night, the most noise we had before going to bed was the motorhome right next to us. They kept opening and closing the door to take their dog for a walk, had to be done I suppose, and no, it wasn't a sliding door. An ordinary 'pull towards you' door in dire need of DW40! It creaked loudly every time they went out, and considering how near that motorhome was to MB, became most annoying. Eventually the dog must have done its business and all became quiet.

The rain was bad again in the wee hours, funny because on FS I rather like the sound of rain on the cabin top. On MB, the sound appearers amplified and has disturbed our sleep more often than not. Before 6 the kettle went on, by 8.30 the car park was left far behind.

No doubt, Glasgow is a wonderful city and easy to get around, but not today! I grabbed this photo of, what I think, is the cathedral as we drove toward it. 

Our sat nav wanted to take us onto the M8, avoiding the low emission charges. Normally this would be simple, but major road works are happening all over the city and the M8 slip road was closed. I can't tell you how stressful it was trying to find a way onto the motorway. There were diversion signs everywhere, not just to get onto the motorway but into the city centre too. So which one to follow? Suddenly, a message sprung up on the sat nav screen. 'Cannot avoid the emission zone!' Ian was all for trying to turn MB in front of oncoming traffic, it was impossible, and you should have heard the words that came from his mouth. He was VERY unhappy! One diversion sign appeared with M8 E, at last, that was the direction we had to go, but that route took us to a warning sign saying you are about to enter the LEZ.  It was at that point the diversion took us down another road, and we have no idea if we did briefly enter the zone or not. With resignation, we are assuming a fee will have to be paid, although Ian, not being one to just pay without a fight, would argue that the road work route should be exempt. We did get on the M8 and the first services we came too, stopped for a coffee to cool off.

From leaving Balloch to where we stopped in the Yorkshire Dales took 5.5 hours. It was a long drive for him, and to stop in the middle of nowhere with the sun warming us up after we arrived, was wonderful. In fact, since leaving Scotland and entering England, the rain was left far behind. We have high hopes of good weather from now on. 

Visibility almost down to zero.

 Aug 9th

We both woke with a start, no idea what the time was, but it was still dark. A loud roar sounding like a body of water coming down the mountain. MB rocked and a deluge of water engulfed MB. Sounds dramatic, it did to us at the time too. Looking outside, what we could see was the stream to the front of MB had more water running down then yesterday, but it wasn't dangerous. What we had heard was a sudden squall, a powerful wind carrying with it very heavy rain which lasted for several minutes. The worry of more of the same had us both lying awake, and it took a while for us both to drop off again.

The stream in front of MB

I think worry kept our sleep light, and we both woke well before 6 am. It was pouring down, didn't bode well for the rest of the day. Just before leaving, the sun briefly appeared and produced a fabulous rainbow. In fact, as we drove along the road, it almost felt we were catching up with it and were about to drive right through

 

The parking area by the Meeting of Three Waters was free of vehicles. I know I grabbed a photo as we drove by yesterday, but the opportunity to stop and get a better one was too great. 

 That drive through Glencoe glen was something not to be missed. Its sheer scale and grandeur of its surrounding mountains has to be seen and admired. Today, the cloud lifted long enough to take these photos.

So today was more of getting from A to B. Nothing planned other than go back to Oban for a shop. The route we took was to take us towards Glasgow, plenty of roadworks on the way to heed our progress. It was one hold up after another and at one point the rain got beyond a joke, Ian pulled over in a lay-by to allow it to blow over.

Flooded roads showed the continuing rain fall.

The top two photos are of the heavy rain and the bottom two, water off the hills and mountains, had to go somewhere.

North of Glasgow, we encountered more heavy traffic. Everything slowed down to a crawl, and then it was stop, start for well over 40 minutes. The sat nav showed a roundabout 2.9 miles from where we joined the queue, when we eventually reached the roundabout, found no reason for the hold up at all! The delay meant we never got as far as we wanted today. Looking for somewhere to stop, Ian looking at the app came across Balloch Steam slipway. It's by the marina, but no overnight parking allowed. What grabbed his attention was the facilities. Black water, grey water and fresh water next to the slip way and could all be used for free. The loo could do with emptying, and we do like to keep the water tank topped up, so that was the first port of call. I have put this photo on for anyone wanting to use these facilities if coming to Glasgow by motor home. It wasn't easy to find, but hopefully this photo will help to show where the facilities are.

 Not far from there, Ian found an overnight stopping place. It was in Drymen road car park, and considering what wonderful places we have stopped in, this one was just off the main through road in town with views of cars! It's noisy and not ideal, but Ian has driven for 5 hours. A stop for lunch and shop didn't really give him much of a break, and sometimes I wish I could help with the driving. I lost my nerve years ago, and the thought of getting behind the wheel is terrifying. Tomorrow is another long day, heading to the Yorkshire Dales where the views will be much more to our liking, and then Sunday will see us back to FS.

Look at that...the sun. Not seen that for a while!

Serenaded by a piper

 Aug 8th

The night was peaceful, from 9 pm not another train ran along that line. In fact, it was only as we left MB this morning to walk to the Castle that a train whistle was heard in the distance.

The midges were bad on our way towards Kilchurn Castle. Stupidly, we hadn't sprayed with anti midge stuff and the nets were still in the rucksack, so it wasn't a very pleasant walk. The castle was a ruin and overlooked Loch Awe, the peak of Ben Cruachan could also be seen in the distance.

The only part we could view was the exterior, the danger of falling masonry closed the interior to the public. To read its history, click HERE

It was a relief to get back to MB and apply Anthisan to the bites that were already starting to itch, and when we stopped at the Lower Falls of Orchy, liberally sprayed with the insect repellent on all exposed skin before venturing out.

We found the falls by accident. Ian turned MB off the A85 onto a single track road, it appeared to be a shortcut to join the A82 further up. The lane was no harder than any of the others we travelled, and it followed the glen and River Orchy. Having driven not even a mile, we did think our shortcut route was destined to be doomed because coming towards us in reverse was a road sweeper!

 

Not a single passing place to be seen, and Ian was all set to reverse the distance back to the main road. The sweeper suddenly stopped and set off forward at a very slow pace. Sweeping was in progress, gosh, this was going to be the slowest shortcut ever! But then he speeded up and pulled into a large passing place. Phew, our snail's pace was over, and our journey was resumed at a better speed.  

About halfway, I happened to glance to my left as a bridge across the river appeared. It was then that I noticed the falls behind the trees. Luckily a car park was a short distance back, and with nothing coming, Ian reversed MB back.

 The waterfall drop was only small, but the amount of water cascading over the rocks made them impressive. We tried clambering over the rocks to one side, Ian managed, so did I after a struggle, but I didn't venture as far out as he did.

Amazing what the force of water can do to rocks.

A quick coffee was had before heading off to the A82 and once reached, we turned off toward Glencoe. This was a wonderful road with views of the glens and mountains. Today, every man and his dog also had the same idea, including many coaches. Not far from joining the main road, we stopped at a viewing point. Amongst all the coaches and vehicles already parked was one spot we could get into. Greeting us as we drove in was the sound of bagpipes, and surrounding a young man in Scottish attire was a large American tourist group having alighted from one of the coaches. Next to the player was a bag, wow, what a great place to do a bit of busking. Money was continually being placed in the bag, a perfect spot for this young man, especially with all those foreign coach passengers enjoying the sound of a Scottish Piper.

The views are wonderful, we loved the South Island in NZ, but the highlands can match those mountains in their splendour. I can imagine the beauty of a winter scene as you drive along the A82. We want to do NZ in winter at some point, I think it will be cheaper to come to Glencoe instead. 

We looked for somewhere to stop. Every lay-by and grassy cut out area were full. Driving further and further along the road, we came to the waterfall known as The meeting of Three Waters. Again, parking was impossible and all I could do was grab a quick photo as Ian slowed down.

Having passed the Glencoe Mountain Resort, we decide to turn around and have a look at that. On arrival, we noticed the chair lift and went to inquire on the cost. It was £17 each and had the weather been good, may have given it a go. Instead, for £5 we could spend the night and use all the facilities. 1 pm was a bit early to stop, but the rain had begun again, and I really wanted to continue watching the Olympics. 

We have begun our journey home and expect to be back sometime over the weekend.

And wildlife

 

Hmm, a bit near to the railway line!

 Aug 7th

We left Mull today, I felt there was much more to see on this Isle, but this relentless rain has dampened our enthusiasm.  I can't remember a trip away that has been so awful with the weather, starting in Shetland, continuing in Orkney, then Mull and now back on the mainland, and yes, we should expect some rain 'Op North, but this was ridiculous. 

From where our pitch was, we could watch the ferry come and go.

The ferry from Craignure left at 11 am. Such a short journey from the camp site, no more than 5 minutes. We drove through mini floods and rivers of water running down the road.

 

We boarded on time, found a seat by the window, Ian went to the café and returned with two egg and bacon butties and a big mug of tea each. Just before the ferry docked, I braved the howling gale and horizontal rain to take a couple of photos.

Choppy seas and high winds

Oban in the distance

Once off the ferry, it was difficult to know where to go. Oban was more like the M25, a big car park! It took almost 40 minutes to get out of the place, for once we thanked the Sat Nav for her directions.  Once free of the town, the main road was almost clear.  Our direction was towards Glencoe, but we were to go the A85 route toward Dalmally, not the A828 towards Fort William. On route, another of those Revolution Washing Machines had been accidentally found at a petrol station. We decided to stop and get a wash load out of the way. It gave an opportunity to see what else there was to do in this part of Scotland, and Kilchurn Castle popped up. By the time we arrived, it was nearly 4 pm. As we pulled into the car park, noticed a sign stating overnight parking was permitted for £10. A warden would come around later to collect the fee. That would do for today. I could catch up on the Olympics, and we would walk to the castle tomorrow.

Yeah...a brief but welcome glimpse of the sun

Having settled down, tuned in the TV and kettle was on, suddenly a load whistle was heard. Oh, no...we knew what that was. The railway ran right next to this car park, and a crossing (although for rail staff only) was but yards away. 

 If we hadn't been so tired and with nowhere else to stop for miles, we may have left, but our decision was to stay. It didn't appear to be a main line so hopefully not too many trains. Will we regret our decision to stay? Hmm, I'll let you know tomorrow! 

A walk Ian could have avoided.

 Aug 6th

Such a fabulous parking spot, quiet, not a single car came past until 8 am, and we didn't get up until past 9. Olympic show jumping grabbed our attention, and it was only when both our British men had a fence down in their round, that we switched off before the conclusion. Sad there would be no individual medal for GB 😞

For once the day was dry, not that rain would have mattered because we made for Loch Torr Wildlife Hide. The windows could be opened so no rain on the pane to obscure the view. We kept an eye on the sky for the White Tailed and Golden Eagle. Did they turn up??? No, unfortunately not, and nor did anything else.

After an hour we came away, left the hide to another couple with tripod and cameras that had lenses as long as their arm! So we headed for another waterfall at Eros Park. 

Gosh, those lanes we travelled to get to the Eros, narrow with the occasional passing place, and for me  even more terrifying than yesterday. Today, hairpin bends had me clutching the seat as trying to see what was coming was impossible. Ian also had to put foot to floor as the road camber was beyond imagination and had he stopped, goodness knows if he would have made the steep curved incline and around the bend! Even a bus used these lanes. He came up behind MB, almost on the back bumper, and the intimidation he probably was unintentionally aware of, made Ian pull into a passing place to allow him past. I expect he knows this route like the back of his hand!

That white car above and to the left was waiting for the bus to pass. Another of the hairpin bends to negotiate, too.

Eros Park was situated near to Tobermory. Driving through the town, Ian wanted to take photos of the coloured houses. Not a parking spot to be found near the water line. In the search we ended up high above the harbour, and finally he found a suitable place. "Right" said he "let's go," The thought of taking the steep pavement down and then having to climb up again, had me saying "You go, I'm not that bothered."

Well, when he finally returned, he just about made it through the door. He was breathing heavy and could hardly talk. When a sensible word did come out he just said "knackered" The walk down was bad enough but the 1:10 hill coming back up about killed him off. Was I glad I declined that walk! What made me howl with laughter was later, when we walked to the waterfall, seen across the water was Tobermory and  those houses! All that energy expanded, and he could have seen them from there!

The next two photos are Ian's. On the second photo, look at the tower right in the middle. MB was parked just beyond that.

And this was my photo from the waterfall.

At Eros Park, we stopped in the overflow car park, slightly nearer to the two falls. It was still a short walk along the lane, and at the bridge we chose to do the lower falls first. It was from there we saw the coloured houses.

Lower Falls

 

The Upper falls had us clambering over rocks again, plus, with all the wet weather lasting for days, had to pick a path through the mud. Both falls had a massive amount of water cascading down, and as much as the wet stuff is not what is wanted on holiday, there is something to be said for days of torrential rain.

Upper Falls

Tomorrow we leave Mull for Oban. A site was found by the ferry port, it has showers, although we ended up using ours instead. We didn't fancy getting soaked walking to the block now the rain had started again, and we certainly didn't want to have to dry off for a second time on the return to MB!

The ferry port in the distance.

And wildlife

Speckled Wood

 Landed on the bonnet of MB, was this dragonfly

Love the mottled plumage of these Blackbirds.

Male

Female