The Tarbert Hotel

... it would be really good to explore all the islands my boat, and so i set to finding something suitable. I found a site, for a tall ship based in Paihia that does day trips out from there. It looks an amazing experience and something ive always wanted to do! Thats on the 28th of November, so look out for the pics:) Im also planning on doing some kayaking up here, of course, make it feel like home a bit! Then, a ...

Some of the older historic sites - apparently prehistoric people put cups (or something) in the same place and caused marks in the rocks. Kind of funny that they always chose their meeting places way up on top of hills. Getting too much exercise today.<br><br>Also got to see another one of the canal locks.<br>

A rare stop at one of the "National Trust for Scotland" member locations, instead of just "Historic Scotland" locations.<br>After the driving, thought it would be good to stretch my legs and take a couple of the walks through the gardens. Mainly took the waterfall paths.<br>

Around the lochs and islands of West Scotland must be some of the best sailing in Europe as the scenery is always changing, there are no shifting sandbanks or concealed reefs, and there are many piers, marinas and safe bays to moor or anchor for the night, or in case of bad weather. Some of the usual stopovers have been well written about and are obvious from the chart, but we were well pleased to discover a unique secret spot that we would like to ...

... catching a plane over to OZ. If all goes well, a few relaxing weeks will be spent on Tasmania before making my way up the east coast to the Great Barrier Reef, and back down to Melbourne via Ayres Rock. <br><br>To be honest, I'm pretty excited!!, I've plenty of sea kayaking planned for the trip, along with whatever comes up along the way..maybe some bungee jumps....and how about a gliding tour?! The world is my brand new oyster:)<br><br>Oh!, I must of course introduce ...

... we did was go the very Scottish Starbucks. Ok, maybe it is not the most cultural of experiences, but we did have some pretty amazing shortbread! Plus, she needed the caffeine so that we could start our adventure in the form of a rental car. A Mercedes rental car J<br><br> The moment we hit the road was the moment that my most frequently used phrase of the trip would first be uttered. What might that phrase be you ask? "Left side, Mom." It took a ...

... back. We have seen many old friends and close family which has helped the time absolutely fly by. We have also been busy preparing the house for the arrival of the builders, building a shed and even doing a little bit of work on the side. The credit crunch is in the process of decimating many small businesses here in Argyll. The banks are behaving towards small ...

... Indeed, walking through the building one has to wade through goat droppings 6 inches deep. Nonetheless it is worth the walk - and wade. Two walls are taken up by paintings done in the style of Brueghels whilst others are covered in cartoons. On our return to Mo's car on the beach at Xerocambos we concluded this delightful day with a birthday picnic - Thanks Mo! Tiercel Is Hauled Out and put into Hibernation On Friday it was our turn to be hauled out. The boat ...

It was a more overcast, albeit slightly warmer day. We had to get back to Largs to let Peter &amp; Cherrill get back home to Manchester, so we set off at the crack of 10:15 ( getting used to the cruising timetable!) and motored into the F 1-2 ESE wind, round the bottom of the Island of Bute and then, when we could sail up ...

... t! The mooring line & dinghy were so tangled up it wouln,t budge.Rob had to get out into the dinghy while I took the boat off & pottered around the harbour while he sorted it. The first time Tiercel & I have been alone!!! I managed to get back & pick him up ok!! Then it was home to more packing while listening to the FA Cup Final only to hear West Ham be beaten on penalties!!