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| It was late on the 16th of October when Beach Buoy arrived at Maryport. A plot had been booked at Maryport Harbour-side Caravan Site. It was an excellent set up, the facilities and staff were spot on. It was dark when they arrived. It was clam night. During the night, the rain came. Beach Buoy was woken up at three different times by the sound of the rain bouncing on the van roof. He didn't mind one bit. It is one of the best sounds around. It was all a bit odd. Beach Buoy and Stubborn Dog had made their first visit to Maryport in May 2019. Beach Buoy recalled walking through the Marina, thinking what an odd place for a campsite. It was only when he realised it was all linked to the Marina and its facilities that it all made sense. Beach Buoy didn't take any photographs at Maryport this time around. Here is a link to the May visit. MARYPORT MAY 2019. The photograph above is of Loch Lomond, Scotland. They journeyed up to Scotland on the Thursday. Before setting off Beach Buoy joined the Camping and Caravan Club over the telephone. After being told membership was up and running, a booking was made via the club for Luss Campsite on the banks of Loch Lomond. It was 2-30 pm when they arrived There was a bit of a fuss at Luss, as the Lady there said that 24 hours had to pass after joining to be able to stay. They stayed. |
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| Beach Buoy had two dogs in tow for the break, which wasn't ideal in a SWB VW T4 to be honest. Beach Buoy walked the dogs around the site and had a first look at the Loch. |
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| It was very dramatic. |
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| The van was parked up close to the water's edge. They could hear the waves lapping on the Loch-side. |
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| Beach Buoy took the dogs out for another walk before dark. They cabined up for the night as the rain came. More noise on the van roof; it was relaxing. |
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| Morning arrived in a Grey Overcoat. Beach Buoy is happy to report that there wasn't a Midge problem on the visit. It must be an issue during the Summer as there was noticeboard giving details of the Midge's life cycle; should you want to swot up on them ... or maybe just swat them? |
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| The Loch was still and calm; a tranquil scene. It was time to leave. The Campsite was all good. All the things that mattered were good. |
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| Next it was the open road to Oban. |
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| They arrived at 12-15pm. Thankfully it was a bright and sunny day in the gateway to the Isles. They sat on the seafront eating lunch as people walked by talking in their languages ; East European, Oriental and American. It was quite awhile before they heard a local accent. That came in the shape of a local lady who chatted to them. The lady asked if Beach Buoy was from Newcastle! |
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| They walked a while and had a Coffee stop. After the drink they headed for the busy Ferry Terminal, where cars queued, their occupants running to or away from home? |
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| They headed to the Campsite that had been chosen for the night. Beach Buoy's Sat Nav is a little out of date. It sent them down a narrow road that they later found out had been closed two years earlier.... Thankfully it was just a van and no caravan involved; the caravan would still be there. The campsite was ROSEVIEW. They sorted out payment , parked up and went for a walk. The Sound of Kerrera came into view after a decent walk. |
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| Beach Buoy found a few pieces of sea glass. |
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| Rain seemed to fall on a nearby Island. |
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| They followed the road around to Ferry crossing point. A Ferry makes a short trip across to another Island. |
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| Then it was back to the little beach for a sleep in the Sun. |
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| They sat and watched as the light changed. A young family rock pooled nearby by 'OK Google; what is an anemone ?' asked the Mother. She relayed the answer to her inquisitive daughter in a wonderful accent. Slow walk back to the van followed. There was no rain that night. That will most probably be the last van night of the year? The clocks go back soon and the nights will seem so much longer. But who knows? Never say never. |
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| Then the long drive back to Hartlepool. They stopped off at THE GREEN WELLY STOP A shop where Buns are Rolls and they let you know the fact. The road seemed to follow the train track and it in turn seemed to follow the river. Like three ribbons they twisted and turned, at times crossing over or under one another. The Road led to Hartlepool. The track led to the south; the River to the Sea. BEACH BUOY. |
