It was time to take the camper out for a run. Destination sorted, fuelled up, two days off and even the sun was out on those days so we headed out on the A82 towards Bunree campsite.

The drive on the A82 towards Glencoe we have done before in the car and to be honest I could drive that road everyday and not get bored with it. There was a bit more traffic on it this day as the season is getting underway. A few tourist coaches which pull into the viewing points, everyone jumps out takes a photo, gets back in the coach and away they go again to the next one.

The site we were going to was about and hour and half away from us and we arrived just before 1pm. There are pitches right on the Loch side which is where I wanted to be, and luckily we got one of these pitches.

Parked up, chairs out and the words WOW and STUNNING were put to good use. With the water so close and the mountains spreading from left to right as you looked across the loch there was nothing to dislike.

This was going to be a chilled out couple of days. We were happy just sitting with our postcard view with a beer and wine for the afternoon. No driving around because we left the car behind but we planned a small walk. Not to a pub, well sort of.

The next day I was up early as usual and the loch was like glass so I was out there taking photos. Getting up early has its advantages as it’s so quiet and peaceful. I saw a seal and various birds and just sat in a rock looking out across the loch. It reminded me of when we were in New Zealand with the water and mountains .

We had a lazy morning and then got our walking boots on for a short walk to catch a ferry to the pub. Let me explain. The walk from site to a small ferry is about half an hour. The small Corran ferry takes you across a small stretch of water to Ardgour with the landing strip right opposite the pub called the inn at Ardgour.

The pub does not open until 3pm which we knew but we were not going to the pub. Instead beside the pub is a 1960’s caravan that does drinks and snacks. And just up the road was a small lighthouse I wanted to get some photos of.

The ferry took all sorts of vehicles from bikes to big logging lorries and we even saw a Ferrari coming off. For us as foot passengers it was free.

The 1960’s caravan was called the Nomad cafe and was run by a lady who moved there about three years ago and set up this little cafe. She was very friendly and the display of food was fantastic. We had a quick chat and said we would be back after walking up to the lighthouse.

The walk to the lighthouse was only just around the corner and we walked on the beach. While Nikki was searching for treasure I was taking photos. I got more photos than she got treasure.

After our photo shoot and treasure hunt we sat on a rock and stared at the scenery once again. Then it was time for lunch, so back to the Nomad cafe. We both chose a chicken Tikka wrap with Bombay potatoes and samosa in it. I can honestly say it was the best wrap I have ever had and it was huge. Sat outside the old caravan looking at the ferry coming and going it was ideal.

After our huge lunch we got the ferry back and walked back to site for another sit down and gaze out across the loch. That afternoon the cloud rolled in and it started to rain so we headed indoors. The next morning we packed up and headed back to work. We had a really nice chilled two days .

We had some friends staying on another site just down the road so we planned to meet up with them and go for a drink and meal in Killin. The weather was not too good so we chose to drive to them and then walk to the hotel for our meal. We left the car at the site and planned to pick it up the next day. We had a lift back arranged. A really nice meal and catch up was had.

The next day was supposed to be a walk to the loch and the longhouse and then pick the car up. What really happened was a walk to the site to pick the car up then a drive to the longhouse.

The Moirlanich longhouse is an old longhouse which was owned by the same family for generations and the last ones left in 1968. The house is virtually as it was then. And in a tin bothy next to it is some pieces found in the roof space etc including old cloths and wallpaper.

It would have been a hard rural life for the families, farming the land and fetching water etc. No services like we are all used to and one part of the house called a Byre would be where a couple of cows or sheep would sleep. Must have smelt nice in there.

The house is what they call a cruck framed byre building. This means the frame is built then the walls are built up around it. That way there is no stress from the roof and frame on the walls. Originally it would have been thatched but now has a tin roof on to protect it. The national trust own it now.

As we left there the conditions were good for a photo I had wanted to get for a while so I took the opportunity while I was there. The small private fishing and pleasure boats moored up on the river Lochay.

So that’s us up to date. There is so much more to say and so many more photos I could show you here but we have to work and you would only get tired of me saying the word stunning so I try and keep it short and sweet as they say. Take care.

On our days off we have been going out and about to see things that I had on my list I made before coming here. But last week we decided to be tourists for the day and look at things right on our doorstep.

So the day started with a lazy morning and I nice bacon sarni at mid morning. The car was staying put today and we were going to walk into Killin and be tourists.

The right to roam is a great thing in Scotland, basically it gives you the right to walk where you like apart from through people’s gardens etc. But across fields etc is ok as long as you are respectful to the land and animals in the fields.

We left the site and climbed over the farmers gate into his field and started to walk down the hill, through an open gateway between a lovely stone wall and continued down hill towards the golf course. On the edge of the golf course we climbed over another fence, after crossing a small stream, this fence had a stile to climb over.

So now we were on the edge of the golf course. We walked around the edge of the golf course rather than stomp across the greens which were immaculate and continued down hill passing the club house and onto the golf course driveway leading out onto the road. It was tempting to call into the club house but we had a lot to see and do.

After a short walk into the village we turned off to cross a small bridge leading us down a road towards Killin cemetery. Such a strange name when those two words are put together. Our first thing to do was look at the ruins of Finlarig castle.

The castle is an early 17th century castle standing on a mound between the river Loch and Loch Tay. I love old castles and ruins and the fact they have been there for so long and will will continue to be there for many more years with nature slowly taking them over.

After looking at the ruins we headed out on the small track that goes across the river Tay and comes out at the bottom of the village. The weather was overcast but very warm and the sky and river looked moody together but I like photos like that.

Our next stop was the Killin hotel where we thought we might eat so wanted to have a look inside and have a look at the menu. We were not going to eat until later but as we were passing it made sense to pop in. If we didn’t like it then we had other choices in the village. We were greeted by a beautiful Indian lady and shown around and showed us the menu. We asked if it was smart dress code and the answer was you come as you are we are used to hikers and bikers, everyone is welcome. So we booked a table for later that day.

Our next stop in the village was to look at a small old barn conversion which Nikki’s sister is renting when she comes for a visit. When I say barn it’s a small barn and the owners house is next door. The owner was in the garden doing some work and let us have a peek inside and told us a bit about it.

Onwards through the village and our next stop was the old water mill which sits beside the falls of Dochart. The mill wheel has been refurbed and the old mill itself is now an art and craft shop with some lovely stuff for sale. Luckily we don’t have a house otherwise that could have been an expensive visit. Upstairs were some old photos of Killin with stories from the people that used to live in the village which I found interesting.

Now it was time to cross the main bridge that crosses the river Tay with the falls of Dochart. This bridge is narrow and is only wide enough for one car so drivers have to look ahead and make sure nothing is coming across. And then also watch out for the people walking across the bridge. Half way across the bridge is a gateway and some ruins on a small island. This is the Clan Macnab burial grounds.

The gate is locked and you get a key from the little shop at the end of the bridge. It costs five pounds and you leave a deposit. We were lucky and got our key and opened the gate and had the whole island to ourselves, apart from the Macnab family who were buried there.

Really interesting to think why they would have been buried on this island. The island is long and narrow with the grave at the far end.

We sat on the island for a while enjoying the space and peace and quiet. After taking the key back we were getting thirsty so we called into the pub at the end of the bridge. The falls of Dochart inn. We took our drinks outside and sat there watching the vehicles crossing the bridge and all the other tourist taking photos of the falls etc.

We had now reached the end of our mini tourist route so it was time to head back home, or to the Killin hotel for our next drink stop. It’s hard work being a tourist on foot. No buses or cars to show you around but we managed it ok.

A slow walk to the hotel with a lovely greeting and a well earned pint. We sat in the conservatory overlooking the river while having our drinks and a very nice meal. Although we could have stayed longer we still had to get back to base which was all uphill.

Retracing our steps and after a few drinks and a meal the uphill trek was slower than when we came down to the village. Red faced and panting we got back to base and realised our little tourist route and sightseeing adventure had taken us about eight hours and we had walked six miles. That did include stops for food and drink.

Today we are off in the camper for a couple of days to a nice site on the edge of a loch. Watch this space.

The wildlife refers to creatures that surround us not our life’s. Maybe if I had wrote this forty years ago the wildlife connection would have referred to my life and the creatures that surround us. Even as a kid I was always out playing across the fields and not stuck indoors. My mum only seeing me when I was hungry. My life was also pretty wild but that’s another story for another day.

I have already told you about the deer on site and the once I saw a pine Martin and was hoping to see a Red squirrel. Well the red squirrel is a regular to my bird feeder now. He loves the peanuts in the feeder and hangs on to it upside down trying to get the nuts out, then sits on the branch it’s attached to while eating them all the time looking out for anyone who might want to harm in.

We actually got two days off with good weather so went for a drive up towards the Ben Lawers dam and on further to Glenlyon post office which is now a tea room. The drive is stunning and it was Nikki’s first time up that road which she loved but was a little anxious about the road edges being a single track road. She calmed down by the time we got to the cafe and enjoyed her bacon roll and coffee while sat out side looking at the river view with the mountains as a backdrop. What’s not to like.

And right behind us in the covered part of the cafe was a Thrush nest. The female sitting on the eggs and the male flying off and bringing her back some food. They were not bothered at all with all the coming and going of peaple.

As I said I love the wildlife and I have put four bird feeders up with different things in them to attract different birds and a squirrel. The amount of different birds visiting the feeders is fantastic. We do have some very pretty birds in the U.K.

The birds visiting the feeders are Blue tits, coal tits, Great tits, chaffinch, nuthatch, Siskin, Green finch, Great spotted woodpecker. There are also so many other birds around the site.

I lifted a manhole cover on site the other day to unblock it from leaves etc and there sat on a pipe was a smooth newt. I just froze still because I did not want to disturb him. I reached for my camera hoping he would stay still for me and I started to take his picture. He never moved at all and I got one of the best photos I have ever taken for me. The smooth newt looking at his reflection in the water with the sky reflecting in the water also. All the colours were just right. I replaced the manhole cover gently and went on my way with a very big grin on my face.

Don’t you just love wildlife. Another day off and we headed out on A85 towards Tyndrum then we would turn off onto the A82 and head for Glencoe. This road I have wanted to drive for years. The weather was fine, not the hottest of days and not a lot of blue sky but then clouds look nice on the photos also. At this time of year there is a lot less traffic about also which is a good point.

The road from Killin to Glencoe is 51 miles of stunning scenery with mountains, open moorland, and Lochs. With snow still on the tops of the mountains. It takes an hour to drive this route unless your me, then you have to keep stopping to take photos or just pull over into a lay-by or viewing point just to soak up the stunning scenery. And listen to the silence only interrupted by a car going by. Some photos from that road trip below. You have to do it to really appreciate it.

I could post so many more photos of that trip. So if you ever meet me be warned you might see a few more photos. And to the peaple that know me, don’t hide I know where you are.

Glencoe is such a big name name in Scotland, everyone has heard of it but in reality there is not a lot there but you just have to go and have a look. Sit beside Loch Leven and just stare at the mountains in the distance. I could have sat there for hours but I was getting hungry.

We then drove just around the corner to a small village called Ballachulish where we had some lunch. After lunch I wanted to look at the old slate quarry there which was just across the road from where we had lunch. As you walk in you can imagine all the workers hammering away at the slate and the noise and dust. Their lives would have been shorter then and it would have been a tuff life. Now the old quarry sits there all quiet and the only noise is birdsong. It’s a wildlife heaven with some nice walks around the old quarry pools.

It was now time to drive back home along the same road we came up on seeing it all again in a different light from a different angle. But I had a little stop planned. Turning off the A82 towards the Glencoe mountain centre which is where I hope to go for some mountain biking. There is an old cottage called Black rock cottage and it must be one of the most photographed cottages in Scotland. Well as I was passing I could not give up this opportunity to take my own photo of this cottage.

Last week I actually went out on my mountain bike for the first time in eight months after my injury, which is still not right but then it never will be now at my age so I just have to get on with life and suffer the pain and limited movement. I only went about ten miles around the back roads just to see how it felt. It was ok but I don’t think my shoulder would stand up to a bike park yet. But it felt so good to be out on my bike again so more rides planned. And yesterday I went for more physio.

So that’s up to date with our wildlife and adventures. For the last week I have heard a cuckoo daily which is nice. Today we are off and going to walk into Killin across the fields and there just maybe time for a pint or two.