Red Squirrel Campsite, Ballachulish

Today the weather has been outstanding. Blue skies, scuttling clouds, amazing vistas. The downside too many visitors.

We decided to head back to Glencoe, and so it seems did the world and his wife. 

First stop the Glencoe Mountain Resort for showers. One pound for never ending hot water gave us enough time to wash ourselves, T-shirts, smalls and towels. Once again the wind blew, funnelling through the mountains but we didn't mind. It was warm and sunny. We stayed awhile taking in the spectacular views whilst drinking coffee at the cafe. Nature's tumble dryer worked it's magic and our washing soon dried.

Then a drive back to the long, winding road that led to Glen Etive. Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond had a home here. And when the film Skyfall was filmed, part of it was here along the road, thus turning the quiet unspoilt area of Glen Etive into a 'must visit' location. 

The drive down to the loch was beautiful. Mountains, dry river beds, waterfalls, bog cotton and lots of rhododendrons. This invasive species with their vibrant purple flowers were fast covering the whole area. Pretty as they look, the rate they multiply is worrying.

We'd bought food for a barbecue this evening, but upon our arrival at the park up by Loch Etive it soon became apparent it was too windy to stay. So we back tracked to Ballachulish to The Red Squirrel Campsite where we stayed three weeks ago.

It's suits us perfectly here camping amongst the trees, cooking on an open fire with like minded people. The access to the site is a little tight so luckily the large motorhomes can't gain access, which we consider to be a bit of a result.

Tomorrow we will check the weather and decide our onward journey. Moral had been boosted by today's sunshine and the return to this campsite. The forecast for tomorrow is once again rain, but we think we may now travel east in search of yet more fine weather. We don't really want to leave Scotland just yet.

Red Squirrel Campsite, Ballachulish

Muddy Marge, a compact camper with a loo, that's the best description of our new camper. We've been fortunate to be able to take all our meals outside so far, but realize we need to be more organized should we not be able to so.

After last night's storm, the new day dawned dry and warm. We purchased cray fish and cheese and pickle rolls along with a salmon roll (salmon in a thin rolled pastry...delicious) from the Loch Fyne deli and set off. Our drive alongside the Loch was beautiful. The waters calm, the mountains in the background tinged blue by the cloud hovering above them. The blue purple from thousands of bluebells along the verges were mesmerizing, Scotland in springtime, beautiful.

An impromptu stop in the village of Loch awe at St. Conan's Kirk broke our journey to Oban.

The magical Loch side setting was beautiful, the other visitors entertaining. There were French motorhomes everywhere. Large French motorhomes , 7.5 metres plus. Parking was limited, so you can imagine the chaos. And as in France, the wives stand behind them when their husbands are reversing! 

Oban, as always was noisy and chaotic. The reason for our visit was to purchase a drone from Argos. Hopefully it will add exciting and fascinating footage to our blog.

This evening we are spending the night on a lovely campsite just outside Glencoe. The woodsmoke from the open fires we're allowed is playing havoc with Angela's chest, but despite this we cooked our meal on an open fire. The rain is once again upon us, but we are lucky to be able to sit out and enjoy the evening.

The plan for tomorrow is to take the ferry over to the island of Mull where we will stay for a few days. After three days of driving, we're really looking forward to slowing things down.