Scalpsie Bay & St Blane's Church

Hearing a strange noise coming down the road as we sat in the van with the side door, I mentally went through what it might be. A little bit mechanical and very regular but it wasn't a bike. Maybe some farm machinery, but way too soft really. Someone pushing a wooden cart? I didn't need to answer that one because it came into view as I reached over to Little Dog swiftly but gently. 

A hare! 

No more than four metres away and lolloping down the road with a mighty hoarse breath! Maybe he was hot?! He paused right in front of us but, despite our stillness, about turned and lolloped back up the road with his voice fading as he went.

I only read yesterday that we were bound to see a hare. I thought, never! Grinning as I write.

It's been full of smiles all morning actually. We woke up after a corking sleep to dry skies and strolled back down to Scalpsie Bay for a longer walk out to the headland where I hoped to see seals. A big fella splashed up to greet us and swam inquisitively along as we followed the coastline. The wildflowers are beautiful; something we don't see on our winter trips. The hedgerows are full of young bird life too.

With more and more blue sky around and great views over to the north of Arran, we reached the headland to find this seal waiting for us on the rocks. None of them seemed concerned by people. This guy mostly had is eyes shut, lazing on his back! But we didn't stay too long. In fact, it was Little Dog who started heading for home first. I thought she was tired until she found a stick and I realised, boredom more like!

At one point it was sheltered and still on the walk but still, not a midge!

The sun is now gently shining and the afternoon will be about finding somewhere else to potter.

We've moved camp and enjoyed a wonderful short walk up to the peaceful oasis of St Blane's Church and south for a short stretch along the West Island Way for views over a small loch. 

On reading about the history of each location as I arrive, I've discovered Bute is famous for its drainage tiles. Now, is that why there's no midges or are they just lying in wait?!

The sun's going down, lighting the clouds beautifully over Goat Fell, Little Dog is tired and sleep is arriving. There were a couple of hares in a field a little distance away too so I guess the book knows what it's talking about.