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!

Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Eaglesham Moor, Glasgow

Why are some people spoilers? Yesterday afternoon two women, each in their own VW transporter campers arrived. They set up chairs in front of them and began talking, this was mid afternoon. They were still talking at half past midnight without drawing breath! We were annoyed, being in a tent on top of Marge, and the couple in a motorhome next to them were infuriated as well. Needless to say, the women were very sheepish this morning. The one opposite, upon returning from emptying her overnight bucket avoided making eye contact, sticking her head so far through her van door just a pair of buttocks were visible. Probably best, Angela was ready to have a word. So today before even setting off we were tired. As usual we didn't have much of a plan, but the couple in the motorhome across the way told us about an overnight stop at Whitelee Wind Farm visitor centre, just south of Glasgow.

Wanting to try a new overnight stop we were interested, especially as the showers at the visitor centre were free! Whitelee is the largest inshore wind farm in the U.K. and a walk amongst the wind turbines was both impressive and a little spooky.

The noise of the blades as they swooped down and around a little daunting. This aside the walks, of which there are a few of different lengths are on the flat terrain with nice views. Nice views that is, until the rain arrives. We know at home today it was 26c and sunny, which hurt a little. But hey, we're in Scotland and bad weather is always part of the package. Fortunately by the time we returned to Marge the rain had stopped and in the strong winds our coats soon dried. The wind speed tonight is supposed to peak at 30mph. Marge is pointing into the wind, and the larger van next to us will offer some protection. Could be an interesting night though. If the van's rocking, don't come knocking!

On our way via Dumfries to Whitelee Windfarm. 

Caerlaverock Castle Corner Camp Site (day 2)

We'd forgotten how peaceful a night at the little corner campsite was. No longer a proper campsite, probably due to its proximity to the nearby Solway Firth it still retains the service point where you can obtain water and empty your camper toilet, all for a donation in the envelopes left near the service point.

Angela decided this morning, after a bit of a lie in, that we should take advantage of the good weather and the picnic table on our pitch to pack up the rucksacks we would be using on our big walk, and then walk with them down to the castle. As a bit of practice for our West Highland Way hike.

Life has been hectic this last few weeks and any planning and practice we should have done just hasn't happened, so now we must organise ourselves. Walking through the trees to the castle we spotted the wrens nest we'd seen a wren fly in and out of when we were here in April.

Autumn will soon be upon us, and early signs amongst the undergrowth of yellowing leaves and wilting ferns caught our eye. Emerging from the trees the sunlight warm and bright lit the path. In a nearby field belted Galloway cows, feasted on lush green vegetation.

Smiling, Angela thought they resembled Oreo biscuits. Happy with our backpacks, we returned to Marge to pack in the final items. The weather today has been beautiful and we've been led into thinking it will be like this for our walk, but after Angela checked the weather forecast it seems not the case, so tomorrow we will need to decide if we should wait a few days before setting off. As the light fades this evening the geese fly over returning to their safe roosting spots, as always with much noise, their honking heard clearly before they arrived.

Bats flew around our heads hunting for food, so close we could hear their wings flapping. As darkness fell we prepared for our night in Marge, thankful for being able to spend so much time away in her.

Caerlaverock Castle Corner Camp Site

We're in the north now, the rainy north. After an early start we decamped to the nearest MacDonald's for breakfast, before heading back onto the M6 where Marge was swallowed up by the lorry's. The rolling green baize covered hills of the Lake District soon in sight the traffic calmed, and our drive became more relaxed.

John in need of more caffeine, we stopped at the Tebay service area. For those of you who've never stopped there, it's a bit of a destination, if you like to pay high prices for, we'll everything there. All that money passed over the counter, and no toilet paper in the men's toilet cubicles, of course John informed the staff.

Guilty of encouraging this overpriced venue we returned to Marge who surprisingly was joined by yet another Marge. Two Marges in close proximity, that's double trouble!

Soon we were across the border into Scotland, and of course the sunshine was cancelled out by dark clouds which couldn't wait to send driving rain in our direction. The wind blew, strongly and our happy faces turned sad. But this is Scotland! By the time we reached tonight's stop, an old favourite of ours near Dumfries, the sky was blue, and the sun out. Angela has worn shorts everyday since late April, the fluctuating temperatures of today made her realise she might need to dust off her long trousers.

A pleasant walk to the nearby Caerlaverock Castle for afternoon refreshments, and talk about Land Rovers with a member of staff before returning to Marge, checking out fungi and foraging the last of the blackberries from the tangled brambles along the way.

Brown roll rim

Witches eggs - immature stinkhorns

Sulphur Tufts

Birch Polypore

This evening a beautiful blue sky, the winds now lighter we sat outside. Through the trees the Solway Firth glistens, the oak trees rustle and all is calm. Just a handful of other vans here with us, just how we like it.

Pickering Arms, Thelwall

Muddy Marge's 'Return to the Highlands' has begun. Packed to the gunnels this trip because of our backpacks, tent and all those things you need whilst going on a hike. As usual, an overnight stop at The Pickering Arms, Thelwall where we spent a pleasant afternoon chatting to some locals before enjoying a meal with John's daughter and her husband. Tomorrow we will cross the border into Scotland and Marge will officially begin her Highland fling.