August ends and the Indian summer continues into September

End of August, and it’s still been gorgeous. headed back to the West coast of Argyll and Port Ban for another weeks camping. Although on the Saturday as we set out it was black and thunderous, with the rain coming down at a right rate of knots.

Many of our friends think we are totally mad, heading out to rough it under canvas in the Scottish highlands, instead of opting for a luxurious five star hotel in the South of France.

Truth is we like both, but it’s too early to contemplate travelling abroad.

Also in this day and age, you have so many bits of kit to make camping more than tolerable, in fact even moderately luxurious. 

But more importantly for us, it’s the living amongst nature and looking out onto fantastic scenery that ticks all the right boxes. 

l also get to play a big Boy Scout, light fires, or try to, navigate with a compass and cook inedible food on a gas burner that keeps blowing out.

There is nothing better than sitting back, glass of something in hand, out in the open looking up at the stars and planets. Plus the odd satellite if you concentrate hard enough. 

During the day, the ever changing views, the walks, the absolute immersion into the countryside with the smells, wildlife and flora. At piece with nature. Your mind wondering as you trek through isolated pockets of wilderness, not another person in sight. Bliss. Other than the Scottish wee devils, the infamous midge, that can take the edge off it.

For once a clear view of the Paps of Jura with the lighthouse in the sound of Jura

So calm, everyone is in or on the water, albeit in wet suites to combat the rather chilly temperatures.

Last time we visited, the area was full of purple Rhododendrons, this time it’s the purple of mountain heather.

Another walk, this time around Tarbert harbour 

Path rather overgrown. Just goes to show the benefit of water and sunshine. We have been so lucky this summer to have plenty of the latter.

Relaxing after dinner around the camp fire on the beach. Why is it such a thrill to become gradually smoked. At the time its exciting, but the smoke impregnates the fibre of your cloths and lingers around your body for months.

Some idiot out in the centre of the channel as the sun goes down. Not even wearing a life jacket. Nevertheless, it makes a great picture.

Judith enjoying a book whilst l head out to go fishing.

For once managed to catch fish. Small sea-trout on a spinner and a good sized lemon sole on lug, and a pollock on a dropped fly at Tarbert.

All returned for another day.

Even though l didn’t catch masses, the peace and tranquility with such splendid views. God it’s majestic.

One of these days l will manage to photograph the evening sky.

Fortunately l have enough time to look at Twitter, some great photos showing how fantastic our world and solar system is.

A whole new meaning to having the world on your shoulders

Back to Innellan and another evening’s kayak session, this time we head to the Toward lighthouse and back.

Last couple of days in August, and it’s a visit to Glasgow.

At long last we manage to get to the Hunterian museum, situated in the university on Gilmorehill. We have walked past on many occasions, but always on a Monday. Tend to stay in the premier inn on the Sunday night as it’s the cheapest option.

Had no preconceptions, but it just blew my mind away, the story and collection of the founder, William Hunter. It’s vast, Roman finds, coins medals, scientific, medical, geology, Egyptian. God it goes on and on. Truly magnificent. Will be visiting on a regular basis in the future. There is just so much to see, we haven’t even scratched the surface.

Not to mention the architecture of the University. Fabulous.

Guess what, another fish lunch, this time at The Catch in the West End of Glasgow. For the first time ever, we had curry sauce with the fish and chips. Really strange. Must be a Scottish thing. 

Surprisingly, it was truly gorgeous, dipping thick chips into the sauce. So much, it has now become a regular addition to our F&Cs.

The main reason for the visit in the first place was to see a sports injury consultant at the Nuffield Hospital in Glasgow.

Visited after the NHS hospital came back with a years waiting list to see a Rheumatoid Arthritis specialist. Fortunately l was able to call on my Benenden Insurance, the non profit making organisation to cover the cost, not bad for under £12 a month. 

Initially had been through the NHS system, taking three years to see two specialists and long waits in between for X-rays and ultrasound tests. Then covid brought everything to a grinding halt.

So contacted Benenden and within a fortnight l have seen a specialist, had blood analysis, X-rays, MRI scans and received my final consultation. 

Even though there were signs of arthritis he didn’t believe that this was the cause of my problem. He felt that it was more likely to be attributed to Morton’s Neuroma in both feet, although it could also be compounded by my walking behaviour and quality and style of footwear. 

Recommends that l obtain metatarsal sleeve pads or specially adapted insole supports. He felt that it could be beneficial to consult with a podiatrist to ensure l obtain the correct product. But if this doesn’t resolve the problem, he recommends that l return to him for a ultrasound examination on both feet to determine if it is definitely Morton’s neuroma. If it is, he would be able to inject into the nerve. Although personally l would prefer not to be injected with steroids if possible. Let’s hope the new inner soles do the job.

Anyway, l can’t recommend the swift and efficient services at Benenden more, check them out.

Benenden Health | Not For Profit, Affordable Health Care Provider

We have not visited a cinema for eighteen months, in fact it may have been even longer. 

The big screen brings an extra dimension, something that can’t be replicated at home watching scandi noir on Amazon Prime or Netflix 

Judith had a mind to see something humorous, something that would put a smile on your face, and The Disney Jungle Cruise movie ticked all the boxes. Slapstick, high energy, over the top extravaganza which Disney do so well.

Booked our seats in the enormous Cineworld on Renfrew Street. 

18 screens on six levels. 

The views of the cityscape of Glasgow from the escalator are an added treat as you head high into the clouds.

Chose seats away from everyone, and the company ensured there were plenty of gaps. Not that it was necessary. There were only a dozen people to watch the showing. 

With the obligatory adds showing in full technicolour and Dolby sound vibrating through the fabric of the theatre we settled down with high expectations. 

But all our enthusiasm was soon dashed when we realised that the majority of the audience must of have just come in to get shelter from the unexpected heat wave outside. It definitely wasn’t to watch the movie.

Then again they could have been Rent a Crowd from the local institution or extras from a candid camera spoof.

Three Japanese girls, possibly University students did nothing but chat and giggle throughout, whilst one blockhead kept opening his phone up, piercing the dark as his screen lit up the auditorium.

Down at the front, two mothers with babies in tow competed to out volume the Dolby sound. Which they did with vigorous bursts of screaming. These babies had lungs that would be more useful in a fog covered sea channel. 

We’re they trying to prove something, that’s the mothers, not the babies. Or were they just just deaf.

It’s at this point you wish you could pull a handle or press a button which in turn opens a trapdoor and deposits the offending individuals into a skip below.

They must have picked up my murderous psychic thoughts, all went quite within ten minutes of the start of the main movie. Albeit the iPhone flasher still continued, that was until he dropped his phone. He spent the rest of the movie on his hands and knees scratching around for his mobile.

At least the popcorn crunchy brigade were not in evidence. 

Science proves people can only be themselves in crowds in short bursts, normally only a couple of days at a time. My intolerance of people in numbers has grown in proportion. After only minutes, my best pleasant self gets tired and crumbles. I revert to my peevish, uptight grumpy self. Or is it just an age thing, or perhaps the result of being isolated in a bubble of two for the past eighteen months.

Perhaps l need to try and understand youngsters, become more tolerant, they are after all the future. 

All l can say, there is a benefit to becoming hard of hearing.

Moving to positives, we head out of Glasgow, South, stopping in Carlisle to see the accountant, then onto Leicester to see Iris, my 92 year old sister, before going to Norfolk for a stay with our friend Jane. Brilliant time.

On one of the evening dog walking trips, we had the luck to watch an owl for almost 30 minutes. Hunting the edge of a wood and the surrounding hedgerows. Managed to get a photo on the iPhone. Not brilliant, but you can clearly see the bird as it swoops in for a closer look. Shortly after this view, he dived down and caught his supper.

On the way to Kent dropped into see Gwen’s cousin who lives near Harwich. She had made us tea, which was greatly appreciated. Offered to take her out, but she is still quite weary of the virus. 

She is doing well, especially as she lives alone, since her daughter passed away a few years back. She is 90, but very capable of looking after herself with the help of relatives doing the weekly shop.

Stopped in Dover, tidied Gwen and Stuart’s grave. Added some new plants around the base. Next visit, must remember to bring pruning secateurs and another red rose.

Judith still misses her mum dearly. They were great buddies. An exceptional women, so kind and thoughtful.

Parked up on the seafront and walked up the cliffs to the National Trust cafe on the cliff top. Great views overlooking the harbour and all the ships.

The views never disappoint, no matter what the weather. Rather misty today, but warm.

Parker looking chunky. Not extra pounds, just a wide angle lense.

Noticed this unusual garden on wheels whilst shopping in Ashford. Must have a specially adapted mini lawnmower to cope with this.

Weather rather too hot, but shouldn’t complain. Pity the hotels don’t have air conditioning. The room didn’t drop below 30 degrees, even though the window was kept open, and the fans on, none stop 24/7.

Some excellent days out, meeting up with friends, fishing, the odd pint and of course plenty of splendid and varied walks.

Headed off to Charring and managed to walk along the Pilgrims way, a glorious circular walk, followed by a further circular along another section of the Pilgrims way before heading off past vineyards west of westwell, a very busy quarry. The empty lorries nearly wiped us out on the narrow roads. Then up alongside the Kent glider club. A plane was busy towing glider after glider into the sky. The noise of them coming into land was surprisingly loud. Gliders are renowned for their quietness whilst floating through the sky. The wind flow as they shot down over our heads on landing produced a howling screech as it forced itself against the downforce. 

At this point we also noticed gliders being shot into the air from a catapult contraption. Knew that they used this in certain circumstances, but never, ever seen it first hand.

Struggled through an overgrown woodland before reaching our starting point. Just so pleased to have our mobile walking app to keep us in the right direction.  

Sure this building is the home of the new Ghost tv series.

Following day, another beautiful morning, blue clear skies. We drove to Wye and the Royal Crown circular walk. 7.5k through old English farmland, thatched cottages and ancient hedges full of damsons, sloes and blackberries.

Clouds soon darkened the sky, yet it was still warm, humid and thunderous.

Then up hill on common land towards the chalk crown.

Following day we shot off to the Cotswolds, yet managed to get in a couple of walks on the way. 7.5k stroll around Offham, with its market gardens surrounded by ancient woods, estates and the oldest remaining Quintain. A jousting tilt, situated in the centre of the pristinely manicured historic village green. 

Plenty of juicy blackberries to feast on. The lanes were overflowing with the little black gems. Had to keep stopping every few metres to gorge on our afternoon snack. Hands and tongue becoming totally black.

The final walk of the day was on Snelsmore Common, near Newbury. Although we had to cut it short due to hunger pangs. But we had also lost time at the start as the directions in our book got us completely lost and heading off in the wrong direction. Not envisaged to find such a choice of paths, a real spaghetti junction, with coloured signage that didn’t match with our ancient guide book.

Nevertheless, we eventually found our way, managing to do a circular walk. 

Drove North to Little Whitcomb on a superb dual carriageway. Can’t recall the name or number, but it was amazing. Perhaps the A419.

Stayed for a couple of nights, which gave us the opportunity to walk some of the Cotswold Way.

8.5k on the circular Winchcombe and Belas Knapsack Long Barrow. A burial mound with umpteen entrances. 

Since the first excavation back in 1863, hundreds of human bones have been uncovered. Some dating back 6000 years.

We tried to add a few more. Why is it people walk all the way up with their picnics, only to leave the wrappers for someone else to dispose of. Not to mention the dog poo bags, swinging in the breeze.

From Cheltenham we moved for the last three nights to Evesham. Still hot, but only 25 degrees in the bedroom overnight. The forecast is changeable with the possibility of rain for the following day. 

Stopped off to do another section of the Cotswold Way, The Leckhampton loop. 

Climbing to the ridge with magnificent views over Cheltenham, returning through the valley below. Interesting walk, taking in Iron aged hill forts, lime kilns and the famous Devils Chimney before climbing back into the car and heading North.

Awoke to a cooler day, thank goodness. You can have too much heat.
It was quite damp, so we decided to head to Stratford, stopping at the park and ride. 

Instead of using the bus, we took the canal footpath into the centre. 

Even though the rain kept spitting, it was a most enjoyable walk into town. A first for me, but not for Judith, who used to work at Alverston Manor as a personnel & training manager. That was in the days of Trusthouse Forte.

Early morning snack. Juicy blackberries in plentiful supply, uneffected by traffic fumes.

Taken aback by the noise as we arrived in the basin that links to the river Avon. Seems that a coach load of Indians had taken to the water to celebrate the deity, Ganesh, the elephant god. Flowers were thrown into the river. Bystanders made their own offerings by dousing friends with brightly coloured powders.

 

The architecture was truly amazing, yet rather diminished by the throngs of tourists, of which we made up two. Worth the visit, but enjoyed the towpath and river walks more than the town walk. Can’t say l would visit again.

Had a late lunch that refuelled the old body, then off back along the towpath to collect the car.

Another day, and it’s off to Broadway and a circular walk up to the tower and back.

Glorious day without being overly hot. Made a pleasant change, especially as we had some stiff climbs on muddy, thick gloopy paths to reach the tower.

Initially we head along the high street. It’s quite early so the foot fall is light from the dreaded tourists on their staycation. We manage to really see the village in its true colours. Especially as we had to try and find a little alley to start the walk proper.

A few onlookers as we near the top of the hill.

In truth, we got to this point on the Cotswold Way, in fact a little further, and realised we had taken the wrong section. Having to replace our steps, back to the tower before heading off down, back to Broadway. In reality, it added 2k to our walk. But don’t tell Judith. Especially as l was using my new walking app that tracks your progress in real time. ViewRanger. 

After the walk, we meander through the countryside, stopping off in little villages, the real Cotswold that is often missed by the tourist.

What a great break. Round Robin to see friends and relatives, plenty of walking, eating and a few fishing days. Fantastic to escape our self imposed asylum in Scotland. Yet looking forward to the solitude, lack of density of population and unpolluted skies.

 

Cruise lines have started returning to Port Glasgow and Greenock in earnest. Looking at Greenock web site it seems we have a new ship arriving every day on their round Britain staycation cruises. 

MSC,  Seaborne, Royal Caribbean , Queen Elizabeth, Celebrity, Silverseas, Britannia and Hebridean Princess to name just a few.

Plenty of naval activity in the Clyde this morning. Sunday 19 September.

It’s part of a joint military exercise running from 18-30 September. Vessels from Belgium, Canada, France (France May back out due to the Australian spat)Spain, Portugal, Germany 

One of the largest military exercises of its kind in Europe, with a number of the participating vessels departing from ports on the West Coast of Scotland. 

Had to visit the nurse today for my annual blood tests, specifically the cholesterol. Just to ensure l’m not over indulging. As if.

Whilst there, received my flu jab (called jag in Scotland). Eager to get my Covid booster,( Scottish rate highest in U.K. with one in 45 infected) but the surgery nurse hadn’t a clue when that may come to fruition. She did say they were hoping to start in October, but it was dependent on the availability of the vaccine. Once home, listened to the Scottish news reporting that vaccine was going to waste.

 

Still can’t understand why people would prefer to follow vaccine false news on Instagram and Facebook in preference to talking to their own doctor.

After all, doctors have your health as their main responsibility, these internet companies are only interested in getting followers on their sites and making money.

It reminds me of the old story of the man who sat on his roof during a huge flood. A rowboat came by and offered to rescue him, but he said “God will take care of me!” Then a motorboat came by, then a helicopter -same thing. When the guy drowned and got to heaven, he asked God how he could have let him down, and God said, “I sent you a rowboat, a motorboat, and a helicopter. What else could I do?”