I'm on a mission to go to the Shetland Isles.
Leaving Cornwall in brilliant sunshine and drove to a little past Bristol, can't remember the name of the village.
In march I had joined Britstop whilst at the motor home show in Exeter. Britstop is a great idea where pubs, or restaurants or farms agree to let you stay overnight in their car park.
So my first stop was at Stagecoach Inn. I enjoyed my braised steak and wine and then some banter with the friendly locals and landlords. The landlords told me that the Britstop overnighters was successful for them.
My next night was spent with my niece near Congleton. She had cordoned off a section of the paddock behind their garden from the horses and I camped there. I even had electricity but actually didn't need it as it was so warm in the night.
Before driving north I visited Margaret and Roger in Cheadle Hulme. They have a beautiful 1910 house with so much tasteful furniture.
On the way up north there was some drizzle, but by the time I reached the Lake District there was blue sky again.
I stopped in the village of Shap for a picnic lunch of leftovers from home.
Once over the border of Scotland I turned left off the motorway to the small town of Annan where I parked by the old harbour and Sacha had a swim and I had a coffee from my flask and watched the ducks and birds.
Looking at the britstops book I chose the Hotel in Leadhills. Once off the motorway it was a beautiful drive through rolling hills beside a stream. It was a little dangerous driving as the sun was in my eyes.
I parked up in the level car park behind the hotel ( highest residential hotel in the UK at 1200ft). I had dinner of Lamb shank and mash which I shared with Sacha next to the warm fire.
As I was taking Sach for a walk I met Greta who told me that she was going for a talk on Baffin Island in the library.
She said that I was welcome to come.
Interesting casual talk and a cup of tea and biscuit. I cannot emphasise how pleasant people were. The library was amazing as it has existed since 1741! There were old leather bound books on all the shelves. Also many samples of minerals which much like the Cornish ones- lead, galena etc. They also have gold and many people pan for gold.
A thoroughly satisfying evening.
The only negative was that I had no phone signal.
Again everyone was extremely friendly.
The next morning I drove to the neighbouring village of Wanlockhead which is Scotland's highest village at 1531ft. The museum has a display of rare minerals and you can even go gold panning. Sadly I don't have time as my mission is Shetland.
Feeling relaxed as the people are so pleasant and helpful.
On on to Oban