Geoffrey's Jaunt. West Coast of Scotland Tour. June 2016

[Hemsley]

Sounds like it will be an exciting trip, looking forward to reading your updates.

[tex]

sounds like your electrical issue isnt the switch, 2 going faulty is rare. more likely will be something like a connector crimp badly made, or solder joint poor. or even fuse connection.

[Marcus Barlow - Show and Events Co-ordinator]

 

 

On the way, Buttercup dumped some brown liquid over my left leg, just above my ankle. It did not smell of oil and I looked under the bonnet and everything looked clean. I will get it checked out on my return.

 

 

 

Geoff this could be from your expansion tank after we filled it up it could have been a bit too much under pressure, check level when engine cold and hot, should not be brown but could end up brown between expansion tank and your leg 

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

Well what a day.

Did not get back to the hotel until 10.28pm.

Big apology firstly goes to Ziplob and Lorna who made a trip to meet us a day earlier than envisage. Unfortunately at Glenfinnan, someone who shall be nameless at this point decided to go back to Fort William for food and they took my car keys and driving shoes with them in their boot and this left me stranded. Higgy said he would take me to Fort William but we eventually managed to get hold of the culprits and they returned. This made us late for a meal so we had to get something to eat in Fort William rather than with Ziplob and his wife.

Really sorry guys that you day did not end well but it was a genuine mistake and we will make up for it.

This morning after finally managing to get out of the hotel, I did some filming with my drone and the morning was as perfect as a morning could be. Blue skies, still water and no-one about as everyone was still in bed so it was blissfully quiet.

We had breakfast which to be honest was not very good and we have all complained about the food and it is no-where near as good as previous years but new managers have been brought in to sort the place out.

Next stop was the Three Sisters down Glencoe. There were loads of tourists taking pictures and when we parked up in Buttercup, there must have been 40 or more people taking pictures of her. I hope one of the others took pictures as it was so funny to see.

After 10 minutes here it was down to Glen Etive.

We did the full road at around 10mph and its a fabulous road with stunning scenery. Big mountains, then forestry and then a beautiful loch at the end. It must be tidal as it smelt so strongly of the sea with loads of seaweed on the grassy areas. The sky was the most stunning blue and this was reflected in the water. PERFECT.

Myself and Tom tried to cross a river in this old "mine cart contraption" that was suspended over the river by wire cables. It was all padlocked though but was great fun to actually sit in it and pretend.

We did the James Bond photographs at the spot from Skyfall and then a Euro Fighter streaked right down the glen just above us. it was so low and loud and looked amazing...... A bit like a Westfield.

Next it was it the famous Scottish restaurant chain run by the Scottish restauranteur , Ronald McDonald for coffees. The roads to Fort William are always lovely and there is petrol and a Morrison's and is a handy stop over.

Onwards and upwards we went. To the top of a mountain...Ok... We did use the gondolas. It was now our time at the Nevis Range. At the top we watched a helicopter taking building materials up and down the mountain and we also had a glider flying below us. Ben Nevis was to the side of us with not a cloud in site. The Ben is a massive lump of black rock and it was still covered in snow. It must have been fabulous at the top but that can wait till next year. The weather was red hot and you could see for miles. We loved every minute of it.

We then went to the commando memorial at Spean Bridge. Here we met with Higgy. I told him he looked like a beatle. He looked at me really strange until I told him that I meant the group and not an insect. The memorial is a very moving place and if you are in the area then please go. The statues are so perfect and they overlook the old commando training ground and also Ben Nevis. The memorial garden is also very fitting and I spent a few minutes talking to a regiment chap who was looking after his best friends memorial.

 

After here we all went to Glenfinnan where the viaduct that is in the Harry Potter films is located. Myself and Higgy went on a trek to find a path to the bottom of the viaduct and we eventually found a path. However we got a bit more than we bargained for. We had a bit of bonding and in the process we are owed a home made cake and a bar of hole nut chocolate from a passing group of people  . I will let Higgy tell the story.

 

That then leads us to paragraph one and the end of our day.

It was great to meet Higgy and his silver bullet of a car and the day was spent with a great bunch of people, despite the keys and me earning a nickname of "Well jell Geoff"

Big thanks to Higgy for today and it was great to meet you and to also share our "moment"

 

Roll on tomorrow.

[Higgy]

Twas indeed a special moment  !!   Especially enjoyed the battery powered whirry thing!

 

It was great to meet up today, may well see you again before you head back south.

[Davep1]

 

Myself and Tom tried to cross a river in this old "mine cart contraption" that was suspended over the river by wire cables. It was all padlocked though but was great fun to actually sit in it and pretend.

This is used to transport stray sheep from Buachaille Etive Mor when the river Etive is in spate!

Agreed this is such an atmospheric glen - I camped out here a few months back while doing a bit of climbing.

 

Thanks for your ongoing updates - lots of really jealous people down here...

 

Just hoping the weather is as good for our our trip to Applecross in a couple of weeks.

 

Good luck with your next leg, and take lots of pics / videos.

 

Dave.

[tex]

Forecast is sunny till least sunday.. Hmmm

[Julie Hall - WSCC AO Representative]

I am going to do a sun dance for you

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

THANKS BOYS AND GIRLS FOR THE NICE COMMENTS.

 

It's 12 minutes past ten and we have just walked in. Been out since 9.00am.

Must update the post from yesterday and tell you about our amazing day today.

Myself and Ziplob and Lorna have just left Glen Etive and around 50 deer.

Going to Applecross tomorrow and Skye.

Just st going for a shower and will add a bit more.

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

Post 184 is now updated.

 

We all went out today and our party now included Ziplob and his wife Lorna.

 

We had breakfast in the hotel which was better than yesterday. However they still cannot make toast and we had warm bread again.

 

After breakfast we made our way over to Killin via Tyndrum. The roads are through forestry areas and it just reminded me of Switzerland. Roads were really smooth and clear, sky was blue but the sun was so, so hot.

 

We stopped at some traffic lights and Ziplob was at the front. In a field over the road a load of people were waving in the distance. We all waved back and next thing cameras were all out and pointing at Ziplobs car. Bob and Lorna did look the part though as they were wearing proper in car communication and they looked the mutts nuts.

 

We arrived at Killin and parked by the Falls of Dochart Inn. Pub was shut but the cafe next door was open and they make the best carrot cake in the world. I did some filming with my drone here so hope to get some good shots of the waterfalls. 

 

It was here we had to say goodbye to Tom and Seonad. Thanks for your company and it was great to meet you both. Thanks so much for joining us and we hope you get the car sorted........ONE FOR ALL........ 

 

Next stop was Aberfeldy and we headed down the "track" side of Loch Tay and its a great little road. 14 miles long and just go steady and you will  be fine. The banks of bluebells at the side of the road are amazing. REMEMBER THIS BIT..... We filled up with fuel in Aberfeldy which is around 23 miles from Killin and I paid with my bank card...... remember that for later.

 

Next we went over to Ben Lawers via Fortingall and the roads are lovely, especially when you climb up into the group of mountains themselves. The roads are single track and very twisty and they suit our cars perfectly. We stopped at the dam for some arty shots of the cars and the ladies had a wee behind a wall. I just hope that all you Scottish boys and girls do not get ill from drinking the water from the dam. The girls did some sexy posing against the backdrop of the dam and I will post you the pictures later and then it was the boys turn. I will not be posting them as we will end up on bedroom walls throughout the land and we will classed as marriage wreckers so I will only post the lady pics.  .

 

We then went back to Killin for drinks...... Where was my blooming bank card......I could not find it so I did a 46 mile round trip to the garage in Aberfeldy and back to Killin. it was not there....Can you guess where it was.....Talk about feeling stupid.

 

We  then headed back towards Glencoe and stopped of a meal for Tea. It was here we said goodbye to Paul and Claire......Thanks for joining us you two and I am really pleased that Claire was able to try new adventures.....Are you coming back for more. 

 

That left myself and Carol and Bob and Lorna. We headed off to Glencoe, dropped Carol off and then immediately went back out agin for another 2 hours.       

 

We went down Glen Etive so Bob could play at James Bond and Lorna could be a sexy bond girl.....

 

WORD OF WARNING. Bobs car sits lower than mine. If you have a low car then it will bottom out going down Glen Etive.

 

It was down the Glen we saw around 40 to 50 deer all feeding and they were right at the side of us. It was amazing.

 

And that was it. The end of another day. We did see a rescue helicopter on the way back that had landed in the Glen so I hope it was not bad news for someone.

 

My face and arms are a bit sore as the sun has been full on for two days and its has been as perfect as perfect can be.

 

Everyone has been so friendly and we have had so many people wave and take pictures of us. This is a FANTASTIC holiday and its a shame that our friends who had to goody could not stay a bit longer....Always next year.

 

Alppecross and Skye tomorrow. 

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

hello. am travelling from applecross - durness sat morn / afternoon so might see you about

 

Brilliant.

 

If we pass then I will stop.

 

I like the colour of your car. 

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

Just loading up the car to go to Skye via Applecross.

 

Weather is glorious once again.

 

Neck is sore this morning from the sun. Day to be covered up like winter I think.

[Geoffrey Carter (Buttercup)]

Today is now over. Sat on the Isle of Skye watching all the mist forming over the Cullin Hills.

 

Sunshine all day but cooler.

 

Travelled from Glencoe to Applecross and then to Skye.

 

Left the hotel with very little breakfast as I sent mine back.... It was terrible. Really disappointed with the hotel this year.

 

Applecross is amazing to drive too and I know fully understand why people rave about it.

 

The roads are certainly entertaining to drive and the hairpin bends are brilliant. Ziplob has them off to a "T".

 

Mind you though I did hear some effing and blinding when Bob pulled into a passing place to let cars pass that were coming down the hill and a BMW driver just ignored Bob and  shot up the hill and ignored the passing points.

 

Fantastic views of Skye from the top but how the weather changed just for going up a few hundred feet.

 

Great food at the Applecross Inn and if you like fish and lobster etc then its the place to go. It was really busy and judging by the quality of the food, I am not surprised.

 

Whilst we were outside we watched 3 Euro-fighters fly over in formation. Bob said he had organised the flypast for us.

 

Bob and Lorna kept us entertained with some great stories and we really enjoyed their company.

 

I had to do another running repair today as I lost a bolt from my luggage rack but a bungee cord and zip ties worked a treat until Bob and Lorna took us to a garage they know and they gave me a bolt and some washers.

 

Tomorrow we are going around the north of Skye so looking forward to that and lets hope the weather continues.

 

After these past few days with no rain, and also travelling with the friends we have made over the past few days, I am already looking forward to my next trip.

 

Tata for now.

[silky13]

We arrived at Killin and parked by the Falls of Dochart Inn. Pub was shut

It was here we had to say goodbye to Tom and Seonad. Thanks for your company and it was great to meet you both. Thanks so much for joining us and we hope you get the car sorted........ONE FOR ALL........

Had an awesome time, thanks again for inviting us along! will get some photos uploaded in due course!.... AND ALL FOR ONE.... Lol!

[BLOGGY S7]

Had a fantastic trip making new friends. Had some epic moments,especially running off with peoples keys etc, wasn't delibrate but made for some excuses for a bit of banta.

The sights were amazing & thanks to Geoffrey for the amazing runs out. Thanks to Carole for adopting my Claire & keeping her entertained. Tom & Seonad for being great partners in crime (the keys moment will stick with me for years lol). Bob for some great stories & the sound if the Megablade.

Hope the rest of the journey is as good for you all.