New Self-Checkout

New Self-checkout counters have been installed in the local shop.  It took me a minute to realise how there was nobody at the cashier, and I proceeded to the self-service checkout.  Then a man still didn't realise it was self-checkout thought I jumped the queue. 

When the cashier came back to remove the tag from another customer, he explained that these are new, and he later apologised.

GLME Arrochar 2026 - Day 4

The departing day of the camp.  I got up to have some breakfast, final packing and left.  Some of them are staying on for the NC 500.

My first stop was Lock Lomond Shores, they just introduced parking charges, there does not appear to have motorcycle exemption.  It doesn't appear to have blue badge exemption either!  

I took the opportunity to visit the Sea Life Centre.  It was quite small.  Coincidently, they also have a market on, I bought some Lorne sausages.  I packed away my rain jacket, what a mistake.

By then my tank is blanking empty, as planned, I went to the Sainsbury's I stopped on the way up. In the short 10 miles, I was soaked.

I made a stop at Cairn Lodge again, I saw a couple familiar bike, when I popped in, I saw them and said hi.  After my sausage roll again, I got back to the bike, another familiar looking bike, but I couldn't spot the owner this time.

I stopped at the ASDA in Carlisle, the same one on the way up, then it was straight home.  The weather was looking good, but I didn't want to tempt faith again, so I had the water proof on all the way.

GLME Arrochar 2026 - Day 3

I was told the trip I signed up was the same one from the day before, besides it is in the other direction.  So I signed onto another trip instead.  But that ride leader had a tyre problem so we were not sure if the tour would go on.  

He borrowed a bike, although it doesn't suit him, but it works.  We stopped at Kilchurn Castle, then had coffee at Oban.

I checked out the seafood hut in the train station, which is less impressive than the one at the ferry terminal.  I did not buy anything form them.

Then we got to Duntrune Castle and Gardens.  The owner was not that impressed with all these uninvited guests, he thought he would get me to pass the message, which I did.

We stopped at Lochgilphead for lunch, the group ended up in two different cafe.  We went to one with real home made food.  I had the cullen skink, it was quite small and creamy, much unlike the ones I make.

It rained a little, we got home a little late.  I took the opportunity to have a bath before dinner.  After the dinner we have a handover party, followed by Eurovision party.  I stayed for the handover party and went to pack.

GLME Arrochar 2026 - Day 2

After chatting with others over dinner, I thought I had better idea of my run.  The run was pretty good, the set off was a bit messy.  

When we stopped at Falls of Dochart, which I have been in 2021.  Then stopped at Crieff for lunch and came back via Duke's pass again.

After dinner, there was a drag show, I stopped for a bit and went to bed.

GLME Arrochar 2026 - Day 1

When I sign up on the rides, I didn't really read in details.  So when I got to the little steam boat excursion, it was a surprise for me.

Loch Katrine was quite nice, the ride was pretty good and the weather held up.

After dinner, there was ceilidh.  I just watched for a bit and went to bed.

GLME Arrochar 2026 - Day 0

I signed up to Arrochar only two weeks ago.  In order to save my annual leave, I worked in the morning and only set off in the afternoon.

On my way to Arrochar, I stopped at a service station/farm shop.  When I parked up, I thought it looked familiar.  Because Cairn Lodge is part of the Westmorland family.  I had a coffee and a sausage roll again. 

It was cold and wet.  My new waterproof was quite useless.  I got there, showered and had dinner.  We cranked up the heating to try our gear.

Paper Dosa

I tried a paper dosa from Herb.  It was massive.  It was evil, full of ghee.  It is like ghee fries lentil and rice crisps with spicy potato on the side.