Trip 2 - Further into the Unknown

Trip 2 - Further into the unknown (Frisbee, wrestling and the rest)

Intended destination - Barcaldine 

Actual destination - Barcaldine (Fasnacloich)

It was July 2007 and after the immense success of the previous trip we were champing at the bit for more camping fun.

Driver - Andy Cowan (small silver car)

Barcaldine was the destination and Fasnacloich was where we ended up. So for the second time in succession we aimed planned and missed. But that didn't matter.

Diary

Trip 2 Day 1

After Andy's shoe success of the first trip I decided to step into unbridled comfort by treating myself to a pair of factory shop Hi-tecs.

We arrived at mid day. It took a while to find the spot as there were many houses. After seeing a potential spot from the road we set off on an arduous trek through long grass higher than our heads and they were high.

The spot was surrounded by trees and beside a loch.

We settled and myself and Andy T made the tent and the Cowbag made the fire. Wasting no time in finding boulders when the area looked stone free. 

Trip 2 Days 2 and 3

This was the time of "the great frisbee explosion". Copious amount of frisbee was played. We became highly skilled playing around the fire and out in the field. The area was excellent for frisbee.

At one point during the trip Andy Tait jumped on me as I lay on my back pinning me to the ground. Andy Cowbag followed at his back. Bravely I got Andy T in a headlock and managed to kick Andy C into the fire. (Picture below prove this)

The Cowbag later pulled a master stroke and put chicken and bacon in tinfoil to cook on the fire and put it in a roll. It was delicious.

Later that evening we tried to wash in the loch but nearly got stuck forever and quicksand and abandoned the idea.

In the end a fat baldy farmer with two dogs that looked like rubbish muppets claimed to have smashed the windows in Andy's car. We laughed calling his bluff in a suave sophisticated manner that was surely unknown to this simple bumpkin. He looked over at a huge stag skull we had found. The farmer boldly claimed to have shot it (wotevs). 

We also had a neat trip to Benderloch for coffee.

In hindsight I think this may have been my favourite trip the spot was brilliant and the weather was good.

Buckfast was old hat. Leffe was the drink of choice.

Tiny back seat

Sleepy or drunk? You decide

Andy likes to be busy when camping which is the opposite of his home life

No chance of food poisoning with that snorker

The farmer shot it???

Andy created a big light

I loved lying by the fire

Bosom buddies. Can't help but think there was a better view at the other side

My favourite spot

Andy's burn after I kicked him on the fire

Views from the campsite

Spot the Jamieson

Spot him again

Great times

Andy's small backseated wee car looks nice.

Trip 1 - A Venture Into The Unknown

Intended destination - Falls of Blarghour

Destination - 2 miles shy of the falls of Blarghour

It was May 2007 and Andy and Andy had the grand plan of a camping trip. Although, I was treating the idea with caution. When I asked Andy T what campsite we were going to so I could google it he said "campsite?". Yes I said where is it and I'll get directions. Little did I know that it was to be wild camping all the way. I didn't believe this would be ok and created a list of near by campsites. I was delighted to be proved wrong.

 Driver - Andy T in his black Civic. We mocked this up to get him in trouble (or did we?)

Day 1 Trip 1

When at first we stepped out the car -  Andy C dropped the bomb. He had new Sandstorm walking boots. They were glowing like beacons on an otherwise dull day. Andy T was extremely enthusiastic (possibly down to the earlier beer). 

We found a nice spot. Just up hill from the car in among the trees and with The Gorge of Death leading down to a stream. Me and Andy Tait put the tent up and Andy C got the fire going.The midges were chronic but then a glorious breeze came and scared them off.

The night was excellent as we enjoyed a beer or two by the fire.

Trip 1 Day 2 The Hill Climb
It was a nice day. Dull but pleasant. So we set off to climb a big mother of a hill that had panoramic views of Loch Awe. Brief highlights included Jimmy forgetting the water and Andy getting battered by a Thistle. As he kicked the head off it the thistle had the last laugh as it twisted Andy's ankle.

Trip 1 Day 3
We invented frisbee with our plastic crockery and found a dead sheep.

The first camping trip was a huge success we didn't make the falls but that didn't matter. This was to be the start of many. I hope you enjoy the pics below as much as I do.

The size a fire should be

This tent is our best tent. We tried to replace it but this is a wee beauty

Camping wonderland

The Gorge of Death only 10 foot from our tent

What a view. Up the hill you could see Loch Awe in all it's glory

Andy picks a winner

A roaring fire. Only took two cans of Linx Africa to kick start it

Ah Buckfast - You can take the boy out of Kilbirnie

A fine piece of firewood

Another fine piece of firewood

Classic Times