Day 10 ~ Annbank to Ardgarten (82 miles)
Another day that started for Vince with a wheel change ~ this time a new tyre instead of just the tube. This after a night disrupted by Glaswegian trippers flying back all night from their holidays or perhaps it was another load of Iraqi doctors arriving. Also a wet windy night with 1 gust at about half six truly rocking the van ~ well it moved for me.
Then off they went for an arse numbing 40+ miles before lunch along the A77 and A78 up to Gourock to catch the ferry across to Dunoon. After a 20 minute ferry trip, during which a woman passenger seeing the sign on the back of the van came over and gave me £3 for the cause, we made landfall on the other side of the Clyde. Then the ride along Loch Eck started ~ truly magnificent with every corner producing another picture opportunity as the road hugged the waters edge. They kept asking me how many more miles to do today and I kept replying "only 21" as I was trying to play down the horror of a hill I knew was waiting round the corner. Eventually the truth dawned on them as they made their way to the top at "Rest and be thankful" only for them to be cheered by a fast downhill run for the final couple of miles to camp. And so then to the campsite sat on the banks of Loch Long ~ where also we found the curse of the day awaiting for us ~ BLOODY MIDGES!!!!!!
2 comments:
Re your itchy midge problem.
Young Richard L says when he frequents Scotland, he uses by Avon's "Skin So Soft Moisturiser".
He reckons the Scots swear by it, and can be found on the shelves alongside proper insect repellant.....don't know if this is true or whether he's just trying to compromise your manly 'grrrrr'ness.
It's not true, I never used 'Avon Skin So Soft'. I was too mean to buy any, I resorted to the method of wearing hat, gloves, scarf and big coat whatever the weather! You have my sympathy, the little beasts are ferocious. They chew me to pieces if they get the chance.
However, people swear by the Avon product and it is likely to be marginally less toxic than normal midge repellant.
Also if you purchase this product you can consider using any unfinished bottles as 'Presents from Scotland' for loved ones. Practical and economical!
You are passing through one of my favourite parts of the world so don't forget to enjoy the view when you are charging along.
All the best.
Rich.
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