The Vital Spark at Inverary, in Argyll and Bute

We set off rather late for Scotland, deliberately, to avoid the congestion at Birmingham. That worked well until we came across the aftermath of an accident on the M6 which meant we crawled for nearly an hour. You cannot win, is possibly the lesson from that. Just go when you are ready and able.

The journey was hot but otherwise uneventful. We managed to stop at Preston to visit Helena's sister Kate and her three children who we don't see enough of these days. We then set off again at teatime and the day seem to hot up even more as we entered Scotland. But we sailed smoothly through the quieter roads of the Southern Uplands and Glasgow was passed through without hardly a murmur of complaint.

But by the time we reached Inverary I needed another break from driving and took the opportunity for fifteen minutes on the quayside with my camera. It was getting darker and the only subject of note seemed to be the old puffer, Vital Spark, moored alongside the three masted sailing vessel whose name I don't know. I like the sleeping birds on the high ropes of the schooner.

We arrived about 10pm and supper was waiting as were Christine and Dawson, which was a lovely surprise. It was their last night so we sat chatting till late, and had five blippers staying in one house for the night. No-one pulled out a camera though which was probably a good idea. It is great to be back again on the shore of Loch Etive.