Applecross

 So an August bank holiday Monday usually finds us on the continent and usually at the Flanders branch Norton Owners Club most excellent Begonia rally but the virus drones on so we had a well overdue visit to Applecross instead. Sad to say we hadn't been up for a while, not since the onset of the virus anyway, it has been very busy and last year no tent camping but the draw was strong so we made our way up on the Saturday. Horse trials and ongoing roadworks on the A9 didn't make that an attractive proposition so we took the small roads via the sma glen, Aberfeldy, Tummelbridge and Dalnacardoch to join the A9 just south of Drumochter summit and miss the chaos, the usual fuel stop at Dalwhinnie (James May's caravan from the recent Amazon series is now a visitor attraction!) then a food and tea stop on the Laggan road before heading up to Invergarry, the bridge at Laggan Lock was closed for a passing cruise boat so we skipped to the front of the queue which gave us an amazing run all the way through to the Inverness - Kyle junction, what a result, empty roads and sunshine, an excellent experience. Lochcarron for fuel and noticeable increase on "normal" summer levels of traffic, Motorhomes and Caravans causing chaos on inappropriate roads (every other road user thinks you are a complete arse by the way)  

A great weekend in Applecross reconnecting with friends and getting the local gossip, it felt like we had never been away and thanks to all for the warm welcome. The booking of meals which takes away the spontaneity is a pain but in truth leads to a calmer experience. I have to say though I've not seen the village and campsite so full since the old seafood and music festival days. A nice run around the peninsula on the Sunday and on the Monday a great run home with the swing bridge at Laggan again offering us the opportunity for a great run down to Spean bridge. As an added bonus the new part of the A9 is open so an easy run after Dunkeld back into Perth. Braw weekend, no complaints!

Tea stop

Fiona happy in the Sun

Stop at the spar for provisions (beer)

Camping in the far field (new toilets and showers are ace)

Roof tents seem to be the new craze in Scotland, keeps you safe from the Lions and Tigers I suppose

Plenty Deer

Unperturbed by humans

Fi moving in for a sefie

Coast road (preparing the Drone)

The mythical Bealach na Ba

Fi controlling the Drone

Drone selfie

at rest

The view that was denied to the guys on the Grand Tour special

and finally, that sunset, simply stunning!