Our friends had gone away to Rockcliffe in Scotland for a week or so and Dot decided that we should go, although the tyres on the van were not very good. So first I had to get the tyres fixed and that only cost around £250 for three new ones. Even then it was getting everything ready on the Friday morning and into the afternoon that took all of the time to set up.
Friday 13th July
After the long drive to Rockcliffe it was ferly late by the time we got there and Dave walked past as I sat in the van as Dot booked in. Dave was very surprised to see us and pleased (I think), we got parked up and walked over to Dave and Claire's tent.
We got the beer going and I went back to the van for more food for the BBQ that Dave had set up. It was a very good feed and a very good drink and before we knew it it was getting dark and time for bed.
Saturday 14th July
On the morning when everyone was ready we set off for a walk, we left the site headed toward Rockcliff then turned down a lane towards the beach. From there we walked along the beach away from Rockcliff towards the cliffs.
At the top of the cliffs we turned, headed back toward the campsite and our dinner.
After dinner we headed back out, walked along into Rockcliff and then headed over the hills to Kippford. It is quite a long walk but doesn't seem too bad and it didn't take too long. After our walk we went for a drink in the Anchor Hotel and had a new beer, to me anyway.
We set off in there watching the World Cup match, with England and Belgium. But by half time the others gave up and sat outside, but I sat through it all, even though we did get beat, it was only for third place anyway. Then I went outside with the others to sit in the sun and enjoy life.
After the football as we were there and as they served food, we had a meal sat outside and stayed there for another couple of drinks.
It was getting on for about eight by the time we got back to the site but that didn't stop us from drinking some more.
Sunday 15th July
Today Dave and Claire took us out for a drive, as we don't have a car with us and it was really good of them. The first place we went was to Threave Garden and we had a good look around the meny gorgeous flowers they have there.
From there we drove across the hills to get to the Kite Feeding Station and stopped on the top of the hills to have our sandwitches. We had them, sat on the side of the road without a car passing as we ate, a van may have passed.
We then drove on to the red Kite Feeding Station at Bellymack Hill Farm near Laurieston, were we had to wait for a short while before it was feeding time. So we popped off to see the bridges over the river Dee at Glenlochar a bridge and a barrage, were we had a walk and I took photos.
Back at the Kite Feeding Station we were still early but had a cup of tea and got a good seat. The actual feeding of the birds was pretty amazing and there were so fast, it was hard to get any photos.
On the way back we popped into Castle Douglas, Dave wanted to take me to the Sulwath brewery but it was closed when we got there. Sadly it did not open on a Sunday, so we went off to the Co-op for some shopping and some new beers instead.
Back at the site we popped into our motorhome as it was getting cold and had a drink in there as well.
Monday 16th July
Today we set off for a longer walk and left by the rear of the site, up the hills and towards the sea. Then we walked along the cliff tops following the line of the beach on a very nice trail.
One of the cliffs we walked passed was covered in Cormorants, it looked like a breeding ground for them.
The walk was really good with some fantastic views along the way . Towards the end of the walk we headed down onto the beach to walk the last bit along the beach, but unfortunately the tide was coming in fast. Just before the beach we came across an Adder on the road, it looked like it may have been run over but it was still moving. I think it most likely died but we moved it off the road anyway.
With the massing about with the snake we didn't make it and the tide cut us off, that meant we had to walk back to where we came down onto the beach. Anyway we decided to have our sandwitches we had for lunch, sat there on the rocks by the beach. Then it was back up the hills and walk the rest of the way to Sandyhills.
When we got to the bus stop and checked the timetable, there didn't seem to be a bus for over two hours. Anyway we went over to the shop opposite the bus stop and got a drinks and icecreams, we also got the local taxi number. Anyway Dave phoned the taxi and was told that it would be about two hours until he could get there. In the end Dave decided he would walk back for the car, I would have gone with him but I was sheltered.
In about half an hour Dave was back (it was shorter via the road than the way we walked there) and we drove to Kippford for a beer.
Back at the van we had a drink then Dave and Claire went back to get ready to go home in the morning.
Tuesday 17th July
This morning I went over to reception and booked on for another night, we were in no hurry to get back home. Went over to see Dave and Claire and although they were going home today they were in no hurry ether.
So just after dinner we set off and walked into Kippford again. As we got there a sailing ship was coming in to the river and moved up to where we were before we set off back.
We called into the pub and I had a pint but Dave was driving home so he didn't, pretty soon though we set of back to the site.
Once back we waved Dave and Claire off, retired to the van and got ready to leave the net day.
Wednesday 18th July
Set off from Rockcliff and headed towards home, only we were not going home, I had booked us onto the site at Barnard Castle for a couple of nights.
When we arrived at Barnard Castle, there were only a couple of pitches available but that was ok and we pitched up and wandered into town. The usual way into town was blocked, there was work going on, on the footbridge over the river. So we had to walk on the the road bridge then up into the center.
We just wandered around the shops and as usual we headed to the bub for a couple of beers and also had our tea in there. The Three Horseshoes is very good for beer and food and if you have read these posts before you will know that is how I think.
Thursday 19th July
Today we had more time, so had a leisurely walk into town. We walked down to the next footbridge then crossed over and walked up to town.
I did not take any photos, we have been that many times before there was nothing new to photograph. Anyway we had our usual shop around and again went for a drink but instead of eating in there, we went to the Co-op for food before we set off back to the van.
Friday 20th July
As usual we didn't do anything on the last day, we thought about things to do but as usual we just went straight home. When in the van it is hard to park anywhere so it is probably the beast thing to do.
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