8 Aug 2012

Still away with Grandchildren


"Grampeeeee!"  The look said it all as Jenna screamed at me. The largish stone aimed and delivered and causing large splash just by her had the desired effect. Hilarity all round as Grampy was once again admonished as the wicked purveyor of unpleasant and scary happenings.

I was away this time with Grandchildren Mia and Jenna on our way North West to the silver sanded beaches of Arisaig & Mallaig. The weather forecast indicated 'dry', always a bonus in Scotland, and parents Kirsten and Kevin indicated no rush to return them. Hmmmm!

Sainsbury for supplies, Dalrigh car park for lunch. The afternoon saw us over Rannoch moor, through Glen Coe and then over the Corran ferry where upon disembarking we hung a left. Hey presto, wild camping for the night on the edge of Loch Sunart at Aberay forest car park.

Graham the Kayaker arrived later and pitched his tent. I was quite glad to see that as the 'No overnight camping' sign was clearly displayed. It is always good to be in the company of other like minded mature, OK elderly, camping rebels. Graham was grateful for the invite to Sadie for tea, chat and escape from the evenings dose of midges. He seemed exhausted so it was no surprise when Mia spotted a note outside Sadie the next morning. Poor Graham had suffered his third bad night of chest pains and had decided to leave early, head home and see his doctor.

Our departure was much later. Lunch though was a pleasant affair on the sun blessed seafront car park at Arisaig village after a pleasant ride through stunning scenery with the mountains on either side of the single track roads brooding omminously under their blanket of stubborn grey cloud.

Two days of glorious sunshine have now been enjoyed at a campsite right at the end of the road leading to 'Back of Keppoch'. We are parked next to the silver and pink sanded beach amid, and to the delight of the girls, coves, rock pools, clear water, and safe paddling. In short a children's paradise. Canoe has been inflated and the girls plus the neighboring vans two girls have all 'had goes'. I have even managed a good paddle around some of the little rocky islands that eventually become part of the main beach as the tide recedes.

A delightful spot and to be recommended. The views alone are five star. They really do reinforce my love of Scotland. When the sun shines there is quite simply no place more beautiful.

Tomorrow we head back and there will be a tinge of sadness for me. As I headed north from Salisbury I had mixed feelings about 'having' the grandchildren. Bit of grumpy old pensioner syndrome I guess. Well; how that has changed eh!  They have all been different but each one a delight and without doubt they have given me far more unexpected pleasure and joy than I deserve. Kate, I know would have loved this time with every fibre of her being. I've said it before and I make no excuse for repeating it. I am just so privileged to be living this way.

So thanks to all my grandchildren, OH! And thanks to Dad Chris too. You were also fun to have aboard and that eggy bread for breakfast was yummy!



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