Lochaline

At 7 am this morning John got up to walk down to the loch keen to see the deer which he had read come down early to drink. Unfortunately, the deer did not materialise, but he did see a few people swimming.

Then just after 8 am Marge began flirting. The man opposite us came over on the pretence to ask what the wooden structure behind us was, and of course he just wanted to look in Marge. Before we left this morning Angela walked down to the loch, still beautiful despite the low cloud and drizzling rain. A light wind ruffled the surface of the water. Loch Etive although popular was passed by many as they sped along the Glencoe road. How long before guide books and social media open it up to too many more visitors? Hopefully not too soon, the road down is narrow and parking is limited, we just don't think the location could take an increase in traffic. 

After a slow forty-minute drive out of the glen we returned to Glencoe, the traffic quiet we were able to stop and photograph the waterfall. Then it was off to Fort William for shopping. Over the next few days, we will be staying a little remotely so it was important we had enough food and water. Fort William was van central; they were everywhere. Along with our groceries we bought 48 litres of water to top up Marge's tank. Now we had enough water for showering and washing over the next few days.

From Fort William a short drive along fern lined roads took us to the Corran ferry. Over the last few days, we have noticed the ferns are turning yellow and copper as autumn fast approaches.

The ferry was busy, also expensive. £13 for a journey of less than three minutes. The onward drive to Lochaline was quiet, miles of fields of lush emerald green contrasting with the dried scarred landscape where the pine trees had been felled. The rain had been falling heavily since we arrived in Fort William but now a snap of blue splintered the cloudy sky.

We arrived at Lochaline where the ferry sails to Mull just before five. We will board it early in the morning probably along with the other three vans here with us. Tonight, though we will enjoy our view across Loch Aline until the light fades.

Lochaline's answer to the Cockrell of Brindisi perhaps?