Wednesday 10 July 2013

Tae the Highlands June 7 - 9th


The campsite at Oban was so well run, the scenery first class and as a plus the weather was perfect. It subsequently proved to be our favorite spot.



 


















                                     The views were spectacular plus we were in a secluded spot at the top of a hill.
 













Our closest neighbors were three young ladies from Aberdeen, Scotland, one of whom, Emma, fell in love with Angus (that is her photo of Angus). That evening they were off to eat at a top honors restaurant as the night before it had been fully reserved. It is satisfying to know that small out of the way places can still do well.





 
The sheep and their lambs roam wherever they choose but were wary of people so it was difficult to get close very to them. Did you know there are 1.7 MILLION sheep in Scotland?

The Scottish Highlands are famous for their midgies; wee flying insects that get in your hair and on your body then bite. They are called ‘no see-ums’ in Florida but here they are big enough to see and best to be avoided. We haven’t been plagued with them yet even though we have seen them circling the ‘wagon’s windows.

The sun sets around 10:45, enjoys a short nap til 4:30 and unfailingly arises to honor new day.  In the evening when it is time to put our feet up we draw the blinds, pull over the ceiling hatch cover and close the front curtains to make the inside into a media room. We watch DVD’s on the computer before bedtime;  the movies kindly lent to us by Michelle the Artisan. It’s a comfy and cozy set up.

From Oban we called our friends Roy and Susan who don’t live at the end of the world but, you can see it from there… They said, catch the ferry and we will meet you in Lochaline, which was a 30+ mile drive from the ferry landing at Corran.


Ferry at Corran

 


The very narrow road, with passing places, to Lochaline.








 
 What a pleasure to see them again. We have been friends since we meet at Champ Giraud gites. http://www.champgiraud.com/
(France) in 2011 . We last saw them and Breagha, their black beauty Labrador, in October during their annual 10-week  French get-away


They have a beautiful setting atop the Sound of Mull and they showered great hospitality upon us for two nights. We had a couple of happy hours on their terrace, reminiscent of our 'nibbles and drinks' times at the gite.


Susan maintains a poly tunnel growing a myriad of vegetables and soft fruit and a big vegetable plot. Roy is head cook and manages all the meals many ingredients coming straight from the poly tunnel. They have an extensive property to maintain but while we were there they were also caring for and watering a neighbor's land. The weather was magnificent, the views spectacular and the company enertaining.


 

 Imagine these two photos joined and you will be able to enjoy part of their spectacular views too.





Susan and I had cards to mail. So, she and I were driven by Roy down to the Post Office at Drimmin, however, it was closed. Nae problem!  The Post Mistress was across the road ready to gather her sheep as the shearer was on his way. That was postponed and we were invited into her home to see her convalescing sister. A little while later a couple (neighbors) dropped in to see the sister, then local politics became the main conversation.  After a while our cards were taken next door where they were weighed and stamped. Just as we were leaving Bob the shearer arrived and we watched his dog herd in the sheep. I am sure they would feel much lighter and better.
Country life at its finest.


Many signs in the Highlands are in Gaelic and English – a wee bit of national culture.


This takes us up to the 9th of June as we set off for Glencoe.
Until next time….


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