Lorn Lines ~ (iss 10) ~ 20 September 2008

Hope this finds everyone fit, healthy and raring to go.

Well, that was one wet August and halfway through September it looks like summer's been and gone. Keeping the fingers crossed for an Indian summer.

October is a month of contrasts I look forward to - the start of Autumn and the wonderful variety of colours all around. One day it's howling gales (Or is that Gaels at the Mod?) and a bright breezy sunny day the next.

Travelling? ~~If you're heading this way soon then there's a couple of travel issues you should be aware of.

Connel Bridge (A828) is closed midnight to 6am for the next 3 weeks. The diversion would be through Glencoe to Tyndrum and then on to Oban or wherever. If you're coming from the north then that's an extra 70 miles onto your journey. That's a long drive so best plan well.

The A82 between Tarbet and Crianlarich is also closed 10pm to 6am - not sure for how long though, I think it was for 6 weeks. If you're going to be travelling overnight then simply take the A83 at Tarbet, head for Inveraray and then the A819 to Dalmally. Only adds about 5 or 6 miles to the journey. I always go this way as I just hate the drive along Loch Lomond despite the outstanding scenery.

Best check on Traffic Scotland - a great information site which unfortunately is very often down when I try it. If you're struggling to find info then just contact me throught the links on this site.

But on the bright side the roads are so much quieter now with the peak holiday season petering out. One added bonus is the introduction of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), a Scottish Executive funded policy whereby ferry fares for vehicles have been reduced making the Islands much more affordable to visit.

New Pages since last newsletter

Walkin' in the Rain! ~~ A short walk over the hills through Glen Lonan towards Loch Nell with yours truly, Cleo the dog, some elusive rabbits and lots of rain.

The Ancient Lands of Lorn ~~ Lorn is divided into three areas, Upper Lorn, Mid Lorn, and Nether Lorn ~ Find out where they are and a little bit of history.

Underwater with Kazza ~~ A little bit of wilderness to call your own. Diving in and around Oban & Lorn with Karen Alexander. Local girl Karen has a keen interest in conservation. diving and luckily for us, photography. This is just a taster - she's a busy little bunny so hopefully now that's she's got the hang of the joined up writing, there'll be more contributions from her when she has time.

Just one more personal note ~~ Monday 7th October I go into hospital for a hip operation so there'll be a delay in replying to any emails for a couple of weeks after then.

That all folks! Be happy.

PS, almost forgot the new visitor comments page