Durness it is, decision made

[dippingatoe]

Go to The Chocolate Mountain (if its open this time of year) and have a hot chocolate and chocolate croissant - just what you need in that weather after Smoo Caves

 

[DavidG58]

Go to The Chocolate Mountain (if its open this time of year) and have a hot chocolate and chocolate croissant - just what you need in that weather after Smoo Caves

Definitely on my list to do, plus a plate of their chocolate truffles

Just hope they are open

 

[DavidG58]

Just tested the electrics here, by mistake, when I arrived I checked the Amps with the owner, he said they have 16A breakers but covers are open for reset if needed, albeit covered by plastic bags, but he said the cables are huge and I shouldn't have a problem

Now not being techy I presume regardless of the cable size the breaker controls the current available

At Grantown I tripped my supply twice by forgetting to turn heating off before turning kettle on, heater 3Kw, kettle 3Kw, probably equals more than 16A (actual kettle rating is 2550 - 3000W so possibly not taking full 6Kw) although that is plus fridge and charger

So been careful here not to do the same, forgot this morning, both on nothing tripped, either a result, or maybe there is a fault on the electric post!! Will not be taking a chance, its a lot of trouble undoing the baling twine to get to the reset much easier to turn heating down or off before boiling kettle

Too much thinking time

I was laid in bed last night wondering what wind speed would it need to rip off the skylights? Being as we drive at 60mph+ sometimes into head winds, so presumably the design copes with that and some, but how much 'some' do they allow for? Still got no idea but al skylights still in place

 

[DBK]

Oops! 3 + 3 Kw is about 25 amps and the wiring in your MH should be getting warm at that. I'm surprised nothing tripped in the MH itself. Ours has a proper little "consumer unit" like you get in houses, although only twin circuit.

The problem with skylights is they may be designed for driving into a wind but what happens when the wind comes from the rear, so to speak? The one over our kitchen is hinged at the front so you could drive it slightly open (and have done!) but if a strong wind got underneath it I am sure it would be ripped off. I think all you can do is ensure any "wind-up" skylights are well "wound- down".

 

[Puddleduck]

I think the only thing you need be worried about is wind - and I am not talking about the effects of Jerusalem Artichokes, which I tried for the first time last week and could talk at length about.

That's why those in the know but an "f" before the name.......

And once you have grown them they seem to stay in the ground for ever.

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[DBK]

That's why those in the know but an "f" before the name.......

And once you have grown them they seem to stay in the ground for ever.

Yes indeed, we thought the reputation was exaggerated, it wasn't, almost had to nail the duvet down. Quite tasty though, but not sure I would try them again unless I was on my own!

 

[Puddleduck]

Can't stand them myself - but then I don't like cabbage or sprouts either.

 

[DBK]

Can't stand them myself - but then I don't like cabbage or sprouts either.

You heathen! Cabbage, finely sliced, done quickly in a little butter, add some bacon and lots of black paper. Delicious. Sprouts I normally eat out of a sense of duty at Christmas but I have recently learned you can roast them, here is an example which we haven't tried but will do some day: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/18/brussels-sprouts-pork-chops-recipes
This recipe also involves roasted lettuce which would be another first for me.

 

[DavidG58]

Ahem!! Back on thread please

Smoo Cave, a place that childrens and a probably adults adventure books could all be based on, I think the older I get the more child like I become, my mind was away with all sorts of stories today, hope the pictures give you some idea of what I am on about, or just right me off as past it, there must be a few loose screws to let me drive all the way up here in the first place

 

[camocam1]

Glad you had a better night David we woke this morning to 3" snow at Glencoe and had fun !!!! Getting up the long slope from where we were parked by the Loch Leven now stuck on long queue due to RTA on the A82 between Soean Bridge & Fort Agustus so kettle is on and will have to wait it out believe a bus went off the road so hope no one injured

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[DavidG58]

Glad you had a better night David we woke this morning to 3" snow at Glencoe and had fun !!!! Getting up the long slope from where we were parked by the Loch Leven now stuck on long queue due to RTA on the A82 between Soean Bridge & Fort Agustus so kettle is on and will have to wait it out believe a bus went off the road so hope no one injured

just watching the news, A9 at a standstill as well, hope you get home soon and safely

 

[DavidG58]

This photo, is not simply another of my favourite dog, it also shows the sun does shine up here, but look at the shadow length, this was taken at 12:00 mid day

 

[DavidG58]

Playing with my camera today, this is Cape Wrath and if you look carefully you can maybe just make out my MH in the same photo, second photo taken from same spot with zoom lens

Thought camera had broken earlier, kept displaying lens fault, seems to be OK now it is back in the warm

 

[DavidG58]

One of my favourite birds, possibly followed by my favourite, if you don't know your birds, the first one is doing its name took me about 10 goes to get it above water, its a Dipper, the second birds are Oyster Catchers, I love them, shame they have their heads tucked in, but I can't fault them

 

[Mousy]

Lovely David, I'm really enjoying your trip, thank you.

One I hope to make myself one day.

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[DuxDeluxe]

Great pictures, David. Thanks for posting them

 

[DP+JAY]

Just had my daily "fix"- thank you David!!

 

[DavidG58]

Its been a good day today, really enjoyed my walk out, but waiting for weather to close in again overnight and tomorrow, particularly the wind. I did notice that the direction had changed a bit during the day and had a chat with myself about realigning the MH, but decided it will be alright or I will do it tomorrow depending on how strong it gets

Realignment has a few benefits, but mainly aims the wind at rear nearside corner, keeps the wind off the door which was nearly a 2 man job to close when I arrived, me and the camp site owner then, but now its just me and Lola

So typically, it has gone dark and the wind has picked up to a decent breeze again, gusting gales (I seem to have morphed into a weatherman this week) but also moved to southerly, that though means it is coming much more straight at the door and has highlighted a poor seal round the door

So cooking dinner now going to continue the debate with myself as to whether to change my angle before bed tonight

 

[Puddleduck]

Change the angle. You want to be able to get out of you need to.

 

[Debs]

Definitely on my list to do, plus a plate of their chocolate truffles

Just hope they are open

Never mind the wind - what about the chocolate?????

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[DavidG58]

Never mind the wind - what about the chocolate?????

It started to snow again on my way back from the cave, saving myself for the chocolates tomorrow, presuming it is not too rough outside, but there is always Friday

 

[Debs]

When you do will you spoil us with pics please?

 

[DavidG58]

When you do will you spoil us with pics please?

Oh yes

 

[DBK]

Going to be rough up there for the next day or so. The peak wind hits us in Devon about 10 o'clock tonight but I think it hits northern Scotland tomorrow morning. Good luck!

 

[DavidG58]

Well I have turned round already, rear end to the wind for tonight at least

Trouble is though turning off my iBoost has lost my internet connection to the local paid for wifi, just about running tethered on my Vodafone phone, but useless speed

Hopefully back to full strength when I can work out what I have done wrong, there certainly wont be any more photos at this speed

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[Puddleduck]

Glad you got turned round and sorry you have lost your wifi.

It could be that the telephone lines are down rather than a problem your end.

 

[DavidG58]

Been back on to Highland wifi, they are really helpful, £20 for a weeks unlimited access and helping me out at this time of night

http://highlandwifi.com/

 

[daveandsan]

So typically, it has gone dark and the wind has picked up to a decent breeze again, gusting gales (I seem to have morphed into a weatherman this week)

David I just hope your name is not Michael Fish.
Have a safe night and send some more photos tomorrow.

 

[camocam1]

Just checking your ok as was fairly wild again last night

 

[Ambilkate]

Hope all's well David was thinking a lot about you being there last night it was pretty bad weather here in Shrophire dred to think how bad it was for you .

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