Menonday Magicalisms

Well, today, I want to share an extra-special post.

View from the charger station.

I moved on from Yorkshire, up through Cumbria via Carlisle and on into the Bonny Land once more. I had been thinking of one more stop below the border, but frankly, the charging situation drove it. Below, the best I might get is 59p/kW... up here, it's free to 30p maximum in most places. (There are exceptions - but a separate post will discuss this.) Parking is also free (outside of cities and tourist spots). So no contest.

I opted to drive for the longest stint since the start of the trip, a total of two hours and forty minutes. The new backrest setup has paid off! The town of choice for stopping? Sanquhar. The town carpark had chargers at 25p/kW, and I used the time of 'filling' to take a walk around the main street, going to the wee shop for some fridge items and then... into the chipper for an easy tea! The lady there told me of the flat area down by the River Nith where I could park. The weather was again rather damp, but the spot was ace. One other camper when I drew up, but they moved on before tea time, so I had the place to myself the first night.

I had a marvellous sleep and came to next morning to the sound of a horse being spoken to softly and kindly to 'stand still'. I spotted something colourful out the side window, so I opened the sliding door, offering a hearty "good morning!" to my new neighbours, MC, his horse Midnight, and his dog Roxy.

A true Traveller and a proper gentleman! He readily accepted a cup of tea, and we settled into a comfy conversation directly. Later in the morning, I pulled out the RRD and MC, Roxy, and I set off on a walk that I only discovered when we got back - due to MC having an app that measured - was about 3.7 miles in length. That, too, on some quite challenging pathways. I was well chuffed to have completed it and could never have done so were it not for the new equipment. Also, the fine company and yarn - and the steady silences - shared along the way. 

Back at the park, MC built his fire and made our cuppas while I put a nibble lunch plate together. So the day went on... shared a meal again in the evening with lots of natters and lots of downtime. What marvellous company to share this most delightful and welcoming space ... the number of local folks who stopped by to say hi and chew the cud (and also to bring MC supplies of dry wood and meet the animals) was heartwarming.

Roxy: What's dad doing?
YAM-aunty: Making the chowder sauce for our tea - you've got fish, I've got veges

Roxy: Oh, that's okay then... yup, smells good!

Roxy is a Labrador x Pointer

Come back Thursday to see photos from that walk and to learn a bit more about the local history!