Compo 10,078 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 It has been my custom, for more years than I care to remember, to camp out by my well on Hogmanay to get away from it all here in the far north of Scotland, where the event is a big thing. It snowed steadily all day yesterday and when the sun went down it froze. I managed to get my tent up before dark and retired for the evening at around 2200hrs. I survived the snow and freezing temperatures (-4°C). This morning at 0530 I got up and the tent was frozen solid above me! I took my mountain bike out and went for my usual New Year's Day bike ride. It was quite scary with yesterday's snow all frozen and the ice on the roads where it had partially thawed before freezing again overnight, into ridges and sheets of frozen slush. By 0630 I was back indoors, having covered the allotted four miles of country lanes. My tent was laid out in the loft to dry before packing away and my porridge was cooking nicely by 0700. It's now 1118hrts and I'm just about warmed up! Not bad for a 72yr old - even though I do say it myself. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
plantfit 7,084 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 Well done Paul, I always read your new years exploits under "canvas" although it's probably nylon these days, fair play and happy new year to you mate Rog 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PeverilPeril 3,153 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 I was wondering if you had done the usual mad camp thing Well done mate. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
siddha 795 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 I am impressed what a good thing to do. I would like to live in Scotland seems to me to be a good place to be. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beekay 4,263 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 They do some lovely fish n chips up there. ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
philmayfield 5,345 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 I've spent many wonderful holidays on the west coast sailing round the Inner Hebrides. It's a long way to tow a boat and I'm not sure I would want to do it now but I've got many happy memories of the area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
philmayfield 5,345 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 2 minutes ago, Beekay said: They do some lovely fish n chips up there. ! I remember the large fresh lobsters and crabs we used to buy on the quayside in Oban to take back to the cottage. Preferably eaten with chips of course. Ive been going to Scotland for many years both for business and pleasure. Back in the sixties chips were the staple diet but civilisation has gradually crept northwards. I remember a crab salad in the fishing port of Campbelltown where the crab was out of a tin! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,078 Posted January 10 Author Report Share Posted January 10 On 1/1/2023 at 5:29 PM, Beekay said: They do some lovely fish n chips up there. ! You almost need a second mortgage to buy them though! One portion of "Regular" fish and chips to take away in Golspie: £9.30! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,078 Posted January 10 Author Report Share Posted January 10 On 1/1/2023 at 5:38 PM, philmayfield said: I remember a crab salad in the fishing port of Campbelltown where the crab was out of a tin! Nothing surprises me about Campbelltown! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,078 Posted January 10 Author Report Share Posted January 10 On 1/1/2023 at 5:14 PM, siddha said: I am impressed what a good thing to do. I would like to live in Scotland seems to me to be a good place to be. Even when the weather is like this? Winter North Atlantic storm approaching Dunnet Head on the North coast of Scotland. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beekay 4,263 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 I'm afraid I've not bought fish n chips for years. Not when I can get 2 breaded cod fillets from Tesco (other stores available) for only £2.40. Plus some chips in the air fryer. That'll do me. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
philmayfield 5,345 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 Yes, we’ve gone down that route since we were charged £16.80 at the Burton Joyce chip shop. What used to be a cheap meal has become a rip off. The only problem is the batter which is never as good as the chip shop variety. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Beekay 4,263 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 True, very true Phil., but then again we all have to make small sacrifices in the name of economy. Crispy batter is nice but you don't always get it if the chippies oil is not hot enough. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
philmayfield 5,345 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 You’ll only get proper fish and chips from a backstreet chip shop in Barnsley. I remember once driving through Barnsley and seeing a sign outside an off license saying ‘Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived!’ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
siddha 795 Posted January 10 Report Share Posted January 10 6 hours ago, Compo said: Even when the weather is like this? Winter North Atlantic storm approaching Dunnet Head on the North coast of Scotland. Great picture! Yes even with the weather like that! There is something magnificent about the elements and that wouldnt put me off provided where I lived could keep out the rain , wind and cold. And I had decent gear to wear when outside. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.