Easter showers, some sun, snow and sleet

As always holidaying in Scotland at Easter is a bit of a gamble especially if you are motorcycling and camping but all in all we got away with it. Easter Friday saw the run up to Strontian (The place not the element) in much rain, matter of fact when we got there we decided it wasn't worth getting changed, wet bike gear is warmer than what would have been wet clothes so we got the tent up and went to the pub decidedly damp. It happened there was an Adventure bike meeting at the campsite so we made some new friends, in particular Ian and Colin from Gairloch, handy Colin has a hotel in Gairloch so we decided to meet them there later in the week. A wet and cold run up to Applecross and the snow and mist over the Bealach did nothing to warm us up but after we pitched the tent and had a hot shower the world was good again. Bert and Laurenne appeared so a boozy night was enjoyed by all, also joined by a German motorcyclist Heiko who joined us for some of the evening but who drank less.
Sunday was like summer so we spent the day drying our gear out and getting ourselves wet on the inside with copious amounts of beer and whisky. It was so good we decided to stay on Monday but Monday it cooled down again but hey ho to be in such a great place it was worth it, just meant we had to go to the pub for a heat.
Tuesday arrived as it often does after Monday and a slightly warmer run over the hill and a stunning ride to Gairloch for a night with Ian & Colin, good crack as always. We got the bonus ball on Wednesday with a stunning ride from Gairloch to Fort Augustus, fantastic deserted roads and warm weather, another nights camping before heading to Port Appin, sad to say first time I've visited there but I'll be back, the view is amazing, the roads excellent and the hotel there (The Boathouse) 5 star!  When I arrived I realised that this place is where an old work colleague and friend Peter and his wife Elaine had escaped to when he opted out of the corporate rat race, the lady at the hotel let him know we  were there so another very sociable evening ensued. Friday Lunch and afternoon tea with the Templetons at Minard, outstanding motorcycling again and then a weekend in Crianlarich before a cold ride home.
A great week which reinforced my feeling that we live in the best motorcycling country anywhere, just that you need to find the roads away from the Motorhomes, Caravans and hire cars!!!! Just wish the temperature was a tad higher and the rain and wind a little less biting but that's life. As always the pics will sum it up better than my mindless drivel.

Ballahullish for petrol and a cuppa to warm up

On the Coran ferry, Fiona's boots had leaked which in turn killed her heated socks!

Fine day for the ducks

Saturday morning, Breakfast before we leave, still wet

The Bealach, not able to see anything

Woo Hoo Sun's out!!

Applecross bay

More wind damage

This cow had just given birth hours earlier

Highland cows with their young

Appplecross sunset alert

There it is

Drying off our stuff looking at the nasty black clouds

The run into Gairloch, stunning

Ian and Colin discuss karate

The view over the bay from Gairloch

It doesn't get better

Well maybe a bit

great motorcycling

The boat locks at Fort Augustus, from the days when we could build stuff

Power Nap

Castle Stalker

Port Appin

Ferry from Lismore makes it last run of the day

Port Appin sunset

The boathouse, recommended

Another castle

Fiona saying hurry up you!!