Suite you sir.

As some of you may know, I have something of a retro theme when it comes to cars. The retro-ness often leaks into the house. As with many retro activities, timing is important, the best way to get the best in retro stuff is to do nothing but sit and wait. A few years ago, a friend of mine was clearing out his house and had an old bedroom suite to get rid of, not good enough to make the charity-shop cut, but too good for us to pass up. It turned out to be a slightly tatty walnut veneer set with wardrobe, drawers and dressing table. Well, since then it has languished in various rooms in the house, covered in junk. This weekend, after a ten year residency the suite has finally been reunited in it's rightful place - our freshly-decorated bedroom.

High Hopes...

Well last weekend the family toddled off to Fuerteventura for a week's basking the the sun, eating cakes and generally having a Summer holiday. Unfortunately, being a grumpy old man and ginger means that such a trip away would be absolute hell for me - I know because it was last time, and the time before, so rather than spoil their fun - they went and I stayed. So what was a chap on his own to do? Yeah you've guessed it, get in his camper van and head for the hills. Van + Man + Mountain.

As it was just me, there was no need to rush, so I took a leisurely drive up through the Trossachs to Glen Coe.

The plan for the Friday was to head up Bidean nam Bain. Now this was the first time I had gone hill walking on my on my own so I was a little trepidatious. As it turned out I needn't have been so worried. The mountain was quite tame.

Intrepid explorer?

That's Ben Nevis that is.

The route down, once I was off the main ridge, took me through the Lost Valley where some people allegedly once hid some rustled cattle. Well that I think someone was pulling someone's leg there. It was a bit of a pain with two legs and proper boots. No chance with 4 hooves. It was a remarkably beautiful place though.

The raging torrent which was rushing down the valley was an amazing sight (no chance for hooved animals)

Picturesque river. Just before I fell in!

There's a Commer in them there hills.

Once I was back down, tired and very very happy, I headed back to the camp site for a well earned shower and bottle of Pinot Grigio - a perfect end to a perfect day!

The following morning it was time to head home, so obviously I took the long route via Oban and Loch Fyne, and of course the oyster bar - rude not to!

Old van in Oban