We want the kids to see our new house and encourage them to come spend time with us. We also want them to understand why we've done what we have - perhaps you could call that 'looking for validation'. We hope that when they experience it for themselves it will be as obvious to them as it is to us.
In early September (2023) Amber had finished her job at Godiva vets in Coventry and was taking time out to think about what she was going to do next, and the weather was looking mighty fine for a late summer break. A great opportunity for some relaxation for Amber and for John to test out 'working from home', plus some dad/daughter bonding.
The weather absolutely delivered - during the day I (John) worked in the living room on the laptop with the patio doors wide open, enjoying the hot and long days.
In the evenings, we made the best of the warm nights and the Solo fire pit. The highlight this time was a Sirloin steak from our favourite Wee Butcher and, of course, some sausages. We also had the local wildlife joining us - some bats and a friendly toad.
We'd been to Puck's Glen earlier in the year with Kathryn and thought how inviting the water looked, but not taken clothes for a swim. This time it was hot enough for Amber to take a full dip in what were crystal clear, shallow pools, under the gurgling waterfalls. At the top of Puck's Glen - the view was, as ever, amazing with wall to wall sunshine.
Amber wanted to go wild camping and headed off down the single track road and up to the top of the hill at the back of the house. I'd got up about 3/4 of the way up that with Martin earlier in the year, then given up as there is no track. Amber managed to get to the top, where there is a communications mast and a track down the other side to Loch Fyne. She decided to do it - it must have been a long way, especially carrying her camping pack! She pitched on the shores of Loch Fyne - just the once - the bed back home was way more comfortable!
Later in the week, we drove to Colintraive, then got the ferry to Bute (5 minutes....) as foot passengers and walked to the top of the hill on the Northern point of the island, Balnakailly, where there are great views over the Kyles and a giant swing! It's only about a 1 hour walk there and back, and a pint at the Colintraive Hotel (warm enough to sit outside) rounded it off pretty nicely.
Along the way, we passed two walkers in RNLI t-shirts. A little research later showed them as Anthony and Sally Brown, who are walking the entire British Isles coastline (over 6000 miles). They may even still be going: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ukcoastwalk/
And we have new neighbours - aren't they just so magnificent?!
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