Arran here I come

[barryd]

I appreciate that Bill. But evidence of 3 or 4 fires directly on top of peat certainly isn't to be recommended. I don't know if there were warning signs where Ken was but maybe their should be.

There are very few warnings about anything here Rob. Not many don't do this, don't do that signs. Maybe a few no overnighting signs but not many of them either. It worries me as on the one hand I like how generally laid back it is but on the other it just takes one irresponsible idiot to start a forest fire and all that could change by the swish of a pen. I remember a huge fire here some years ago that spread literally across the entire centre of the island stopping only a few hundred yards of the west coast at Dougaire where we often wild. It was devastating and took weeks to put out.

I hate fires to be honest. I know many like them but I'm not a fan, particularly if my van or other vans are parked anywhere near it if for no other reason than they flaming well stink.

 

[Robmac]

There are very few warnings about anything here Rob. Not many don't do this, don't do that signs. Maybe a few no overnighting signs but not many of them either. It worries me as on the one hand I like how generally laid back it is but on the other it just takes one irresponsible idiot to start a forest fire and all that could change by the swish of a pen. I remember a huge fire here some years ago that spread literally across the entire centre of the island stopping only a few hundred yards of the west coast at Dougaire where we often wild. It was devastating and took weeks to put out.

I hate fires to be honest. I know many like them but I'm not a fan, particularly if my van or other vans are parked anywhere near it if for no other reason than they flaming well stink.

I've gotta say Barry, I hate signage telling you do this, do that, don't do this etc. and to be honest would they even read them?

At the end of the day it's down to the individual to act responsibly I suppose. Anyhoo, can't stop, I'm off to get shitfaced!

 

[Fisherman]

I've gotta say Barry, I hate signage telling you do this, do that, don't do this etc. and to be honest would they even read them?

At the end of the day it's down to the individual to act responsibly I suppose. Anyhoo, can't stop, I'm off to get shitfaced!

Oh don't do that

 

[barryd]

I've gotta say Barry, I hate signage telling you do this, do that, don't do this etc. and to be honest would they even read them?

At the end of the day it's down to the individual to act responsibly I suppose. Anyhoo, can't stop, I'm off to get shitfaced!

So do I Rob. Hate all that legislation normally. I would rather see a no fires sign than a no motorhomes one though

 

[barryd]

Probably my last post from Arran as tomorrow its all getting blown into the sea in some massive storm.

Lovely day today though, sun shone all day and it was warmer again than its been so we managed a whole circular tour of the island this afternoon on the bike. A huge amount of Seals today especially along the west coast where we counted 24 in one spot today. We also once again sat at Pirnmill and watched another Basking Shark swimming about offshore feeding on Zooplankton. I was willing it to come in towards the shore for a photo but it didnt happen. I think thats the fifth one now. We thought we saw a distant pod of Dolphins also. The water was like glass and its so much easier to pick up stuff riding around on the bike.

Bike clocked up 4000 miles today. All done this summer from new mainly on this trip.

 

[Fisherman]

Probably my last post from Arran as tomorrow its all getting blown into the sea in some massive storm.

Lovely day today though, sun shone all day and it was warmer again than its been so we managed a whole circular tour of the island this afternoon on the bike. A huge amount of Seals today especially along the west coast where we counted 24 in one spot today. We also once again sat at Pirnmill and watched another Basking Shark swimming about offshore feeding on Zooplankton. I was willing it to come in towards the shore for a photo but it didnt happen. I think thats the fifth one now. We thought we saw a distant pod of Dolphins also. The water was like glass and its so much easier to pick up stuff riding around on the bike.

Bike clocked up 4000 miles today. All done this summer from new mainly on this trip.

The neighbours won’t know who the hell you are when you get home Barry.
Maybe you could invite them in for a wee party, just to reintroduce yourself.
Possibly you and Michelle will be piped onboard the ferry on Saturday, then given a guided tour of the ferry and a sherry with the captain. They will be putting the bunting up tomorrow in Brodick readying themselves to say goodbye, and haste ye back Barry.

Seriously Barry it’s a shame we never crossed paths, and I have enjoyed your posts and the banter, and the photos. We may well head over in the winter not sure but it’s looking likely. Safe journey home Barry after the Lake District and maybe next time we will meet up, SLANGE.

 

[barryd]

The neighbours won’t know who the hell you are when you get home Barry.
Maybe you could invite them in for a wee party, just to reintroduce yourself.
Possibly you and Michelle will be piped onboard the ferry on Saturday, then given a guided tour of the ferry and a sherry with the captain. They will be putting the bunting up tomorrow in Brodick readying themselves to say goodbye, and haste ye back Barry.

Seriously Barry it’s a shame we never crossed paths, and I have enjoyed your posts and the banter, and the photos. We may well head over in the winter not sure but it’s looking likely. Safe journey home Barry after the Lake District and maybe next time we will meet up, SLANGE.

Cheers and sorry for hijacking your thread but I think you will hopefully agree, its been a great thread. They will probably be glad to see the back of us although I dont think so. Im on their facebook page and random people keep waving at us now on the scooter.

Often wondered about winter here in the van and I guess the Auchrannie Aire makes that possible if its open all year. I think it is but not sure. Before we got the van most Christmas and New Year we spent here in various cottages. It can be lovely but equally it can be grim.

 

[barryd]

What a contrast to yesterday. This is the view from the van window now on the CL. You can't even see Holy Isle. It's grim and really wild. Nice and cosy in here though.

 

[Fisherman]

What a contrast to yesterday. This is the view from the van window now on the CL. You can't even see Holy Isle. It's grim and really wild. Nice and cosy in here though.

Get yer wellies on and get out there, that’s just invigorating Scottish weather Barry.
Same here on the mainland, a horrible day today.

 

[caledonia]

That’s just a wee bit scotch mist Barry. It’s a bit blowy and wet here in sunny Doune and the power has just went out.

 

[barryd]

Its actually faired up now but still windy. Not as bad is was a few nights back at Corrie though. I thought the van was going over there.

 

[barryd]

Blooming very high tide at Corrie just now!

Finally got out of the van. Roads are lethal.

 

[barryd]

Haha! That didn't last. Rode back round to the far end at Lamlash and sat for a bit then the sky darkened and it absolutely lashed it down and blew a hooley. Parked up outside the coop and sat and waited for Michelle to do a bit of shopping and then low and behold a seal literally flies out the water about a hundred yards out followed by a pod of very large dolphins! We were then treated to a bit of Dolphin show for twenty minutes literally sat in the green right in front of the coop. People coming and going and doing the shopping and totally oblivious this place is a feckin zoo.

 

[barryd]

Well that's that then. Ferry is blooming late! It's just coming in now.

It's been a blast but time for pastures new.

 

[rugbyken]

safely back on kintyre sunce yesterday afternoon weather when we arrived was beautifull now got the same as barry forecast 40mm of rain and 50 mph winds , parked up at a lovely forestry stay the night car park above lochgilphead just below the rock art i walked up to yesterday walks of in five different directions dogs loving it thinkView attachment 113280 we may just sit out the next couple of days here

 

[barryd]

Just when you thought Bills thread was dead! Seems the pod of mischievous Dolphins are still around. Someone (with a very good camera) on my FB group took these this morning at Lochranza.

Near Carlisle now and the only wildlife I've seen was some over fat ducks on a pond.