We were ready to roll at about 10.30am. But the minibus was a bit reluctant, so it seemed. We tried to bump start it, but when we had run out of hill it still hadn’t started. However it was pointed out that the choke was still in (Phil said he was used to automatic chokes). We took it to the hire place anyway just in case there was something wrong, but there wasn’t .
We reached junction 36 of the M6 a bit late but Amanda was waiting. It was then full steam ahead for Carlisle, which we about 1/2 hour late and remarkably found that BR had delivered Jane, Malcolm and Tim on time, so they were waiting for us.
Into Scotland we started to look for a pub to stop at for lunch. Eventually we found somewhere with an inauspicious exterior but which was nice inside and (as we found out) did good food (and they had a table for 12).
At this point I was allowed to take over the driving, and I managed to drive for a whole two hours before crashing the minibus. (Not that badly, just a puncture and a dented rim on the nearside rear wheel). After finding that the minibus came with a jack but no wheelbrace we limped on and soon found (luckily) a garage with lots of spares, like minibus tyres.
W e had the back tyre replaced as the puncture had quite a big hole in it, and the wheel rim was straightened out. Jane (who had just been paid) agreed to foot the bill a mere 50 guid until we sorted the insurance out. Just as we were about to leave, our friendly garage man pointed out, with characteristic Scottish optimism, that the bulge in the nearside front tyre could develop into a blowout and kill everyone. We decided this might not be a good idea and agreed to have that tyre replaced as well. (Dave W. stumped up). Well, whats £100 between friends?
During the wait, Phil tried to ring Cluanie Lodge to say we’d be late, but couldn’t get through. Anyway, once we were ready, I handed Malcolm the keys. We loaded the two ex-tyres (Exhibit A and Exhibit B) to show the hire company. All this fun made us a little late (12 hours to be precise) but the rest of the trip was relatively uneventful, mainly by cries of “Gosh that’s amazing” as the scenery became more spectacular. We arrived at Cluanie Lodge at about 8pm. Further cries of “Gosh that’s amazing” (and similar exclamations) ensued as we explored the nooks and crannies (not to mention the enormous lounge, dining-room, bathrooms etc) of the lodge. After a minor stampede for the best bedrooms, we were ready to cook, eat and settle down for the evening. Ian (apologetically).
THE HOUSE
Words must be extolled of our abode for the week. The suspense induced by being late enhanced its first sighting over the lake in amongst the trees. Surely it was too big? But it was going to appear larger when we got there, so large that later we were going to play Sardines, an excellent setting – but for the fun see later. Dave & co. were at the house already, & in amongst the din of entering, Dave suggested we chose bedrooms – so off we rushed, up and down, in & out – u p the back staircases, in and out of the loos (not very good as bedrooms) & rattling the locked doors. Choosing a room but is it the best we can do? – so we call quits and keep it. (Tim is moved on though so that Sarah and Jane can share a room with each other and not with Tim). But after finding the lounge and the roaring(?) log fire we all set round complementing each other on the house & the setting & and what a good trip it was going to be. Lets hope the log proves it.
Mark.