Balloch, Loch Lomond

For Angela, today officially marked the end of summer. After wearing shorts for over four months it was time to dig out the long trousers. It was a sad day. Our overnight stay at the wind farm fortunately passed without incident. Angela slept downstairs because she's a light sleeper and knew the tent would be flapping, and also that there would probably be cars coming and going during the night as there always is when we stay in remote spots. Why? Well we'll leave you to decide. The thoughtful couple Jay and Tammi and not forgetting Pablo their dachshund next to us positioned their van to shelter us a little which we very much appreciated. So just three vans here last night, luckily the two ladies who disturbed everyone's sleep the night before didn't tip up! There was always a chance as we're all heading north and are probably like minded in wanting a free overnight spot. This morning a drive of just over thirty minutes, during which we passed through the Clyde Tunnel to Milngavie where the West Highland Way walk begins.

After securing parking at one of the two Premier Inns we settled into a nearby Macdonald's for hot drinks just as the heavens opened. It's been a real shock having to suddenly adapt to wetter colder weather after so many months of warm settled conditions. This afternoon a drive to Balloch at the bottom of Loch Lomond. The overnight spot is free and popular.

The rain settled so we took a long walk through the country park alongside the loch then back past the derelict Balloch castle. Of course it rained before we returned so wet jackets needed drying, which as you can imagine in the confines of Marge is no fun. However, the sun sympathised with us and we were able to dry our jackets outside.

To top off the day excellent fish and chips from the Blue Lagoon across the road. And yes, whilst we waited for them to be cooked the heavens opened. Oh joy, wet coats again!

Balloch, Loch Lomond

'She's a beast!'. No not Angela. Muddy Marge of course. As usual she doesn't go unnoticed.

 Enough flirting Marge, next stop Glasgow, always an interesting drive, and then onto Loch Lomond to a rare, free overnight stop in the parking area at the rear of the Balloch House Hotel, adjacent to the marina with views towards the loch and mountains with Ben Lomond visible towards the north.

We secured a great spot upon arrival mid afternoon and straight away hit it off with our Scottish neighbours. One of the ladies relatives was actually born at Airthrey Castle Maternity Hospital! It was in a cottage within the grounds of the castle where John's mother grew up. Small world. The walks here are interesting, through the trees and alongside the loch. Late afternoon as trains arrived at the small station it seemed as if the whole of Glasgow had decided to visit the area on this glorious evening. The day has passed quickly and most of it seems to have been spent conversing with people, which is great.

As the sun dips behind the silhouetted trees the temperature dropped reminding us it's not summer just yet. But we will be all snuggly in Muddy Marge with our teddy bear bedding. Tomorrow we head to Oban, we have a ferry booked to the Isle of Mull early evening.

Spotted at the fish and chip shop opposite where we are staying.