Southend

This morning the sun rose above the island of Arran, its silvery light more of the moon, cast a spotlight on Marge. The snow on the islands peaks no more, we could feel the day would be our warmest yet. Just after nine, two ladies arrived, de-robed and took to the water. Good on them, not for us though. Back on dry land, all on display, they seemed in no rush to dress and warm up. Keen to make an early start, we were away by nine-thirty. Firstly, Marge there are some 14% gradients to climb. Rest assured, we're not too keen either. 

Campbeltown just a few hair-raising miles down the coast, was our first stop. the leisure centre in fact, where £2.50 buys you a nice hot shower and, the ultimate, use of a hairdryer. Scotland is really geared up for van people, cyclists and walkers, offering shower facilities at village halls, ferry terminals and sports facilities. We have decided to use them sometimes this trip to take the pressure of Marge. And who doesn't like a hairdryer? £5.00 well spent we walked into town to see the Linda Mcarthy memorial garden, which wasn't much and turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. 

Our final destination today the Mull of Kintyre. Southend (not the one in Essex), is a small village at the tip of Kintyre. We had come to see the ruins of St. Columba's chapel and well, St. Columba's footprints, and the Keil caves. Also, the basking seals, of which there were many lying on the rocks in the afternoon sun. We sat a while and watched them before walking along the beach, combing it as we went. If the weather holds, we will cook sausages on our gas grill this evening. So far there are three vans here in total, but it is such a beautiful spot we expect more to join us this evening. For now, we will enjoy the view across to Ailsa Craig and the coast of Ireland.