The Dry Country

Spent the night in Purple Roomz in Bamber Bridge - again.
Had breakfast in the Hungry Horse next door - again.
Vowed never to do either again - again.
Drove down the M6 in torrential rain and spray - again.

As we passed the Lakes the rain eased off and we drove through Scotland with only some very light raindrops around Inveraray, light enough to be ignored. Pulling up for a last comfort stop I snapped the 'Vital Spark', lying at the derelict pier. She is a Clyde Puffer, built to serve around coastal communities and able to beach to allow unloading. This vessel, built in 1944 as VIC 72 (Victualing Inshore Craft) has been renamed several times, the last time to reflect the fictional 'Vital Spark' of Neil Munro's stories and the TV series which have sprung from it. It was put up for sale last June for £115,000. A bargain.

Back home by 3.45 having driven some 2,000 miles. Enough for now. Lots of photographs to go through, cuttings to pot, seeds to sow, books to read! And back to camera Blipping. Phew!