SO WHAT DROVE ME POTTY ON

THE ISLE OF SKY?

HIGHLAND ROAD TRIP - Update

So if you haven’t read my previous muse about our road trip to the Scottish Highlands including Glencoe, then please let me briefly update you. We chose an early spring date to pack our ever-reliable but maturing VW camper van and set off to The Highlands. It purred its way north of the borders: so far north that we endured 7 different motorways and crossed 12 county borders before finally arriving in the bonnie western isles of Scotland. It was a long haul from the country lanes of North Dorset.

The first week we had the luxury of staying in a super self-catering apartment at Port Appin, almost on the doorstep of Castle Stalker. Our camper van was ever present in our daily explorations of the blissfully amazing surroundings of Glencoe. For the second week we ventured over to the Isle of Skye.

DISCLAIMER

Anyone who knows me will attest to the fact that I loathe honeypot photography locations - always preferring the lesser known and personally composed places as I look for something a little different to photograph. Add to that experiencing something meaningful and personally creative and it’s the perfect photographic conundrum for me. Visiting Glencoe and the Isle of Skye was therefore quite a challenge for me, so I purposely decided to avoid looking at other people’s photographs before setting off. My main hope was to almost stumble across locations as we went. At least then I knew I would be composing from within, rather than subliminally copying someone else’s work. This worked well over the two weeks until I got to the next location.

THE OLD MAN

It has to be said that one of the main highlights of the Isle of Sky was to take a climb up The Storr. We were lucky - over the seven days on Skye, we were blessed with just a single window of opportunity to make the climb when the weather conditions were clear. Covering 2.5 miles and with a 2360 foot ascent, the climb can be arduous in places. Especially when nursing a painful knee, as I was at the time. The climb is worth it though and when you get to the top the epic view will soon distract your attentions from your efforts to get there! Even though it is a popular location and view point, it was no less of an opportunity to savour and photograph. I cherished the experience there for an hour or more. I was grateful to my wife Miranda for chatting to the other, younger, photographer who had made the climb. I managed to totally lose myself in my own photography - I did eventually chat with him and found myself doing what I always seem to end up doing and helping him with his camera skills - even lending him filters and a pair of gloves to keep his hands warm.

If you have got this far in my muse you will know that our beloved camper van is of mature years. It was pre-owned before we took on his guardianship and we have now cherished it for about 11.5 years. Due to the vigilance of good maintenance, the van has faithfully carried us all over the UK, as well on many forays into Europe. Before leaving our Dorset homestead and knowing we would probably be making a round trip of around 2000 miles, I was very keen to spend a few bob on a precautionary service. In particular, a few upgrades were completed to the ageing suspension bushes etc. All went well; our mechanic did a sterling job. The van covered the ground with ease and never failed to perform. In fact, as expected, it didn’t miss a beat.

But … on the Isle of Skye, there was something I wasn’t expecting! Something that drove me absolutely potty every time we drove anywhere. In fairness, it wasn’t photography related, neither was it any fault with the van. So what was it?… I hear you ask …

Pot holes, millions of them. You cannot travel across the Isle of Sky without hitting them. I was caught in two minds: part of me was grateful that I had the upgrades to the suspension completed before we left home, but conversely I was very concerned that the newly aligned tracking, tyres and suspension components were taking a pounding. As much as we tried, it was impossible to avoid the blessed pot holes on the island. If you are considering a visit to the Isle of Sky and your vehicle suspension means anything to you … be prepared for the worst! AB

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Related links

The Road Trip Week One, Bliss in Glencoe >>

A personal statement of belief As I see it >>

In the mood for photography More than a photo >>

More muses >>