Sense of Place 8

Kayaking on Loch Lomond

So the tour draws to a close, but rather than one long drive back we decide to stage the trip by stopping on Loch Lomond for two days. 

The loch was at times a bit choppy

We were at times drawn to walking rather than bouncing about on the water. Though our campsite was secluded next to a small bay with launching from the back of the van there were also plenty of footpaths including the West Highland Way just a couple of hundred yards away. This meant we quickly discovered that although looking remote, the local area was in fact a hive of activity, especially as we stayed into the weekend, finding that the area became an obvious escape for the citizens of Stirling, Dunbarton and Glasgow. What does continue to puzzle though is the perceived need for people to bring all their belongings. It seems that instead of enjoying this place they are simply transferring their home space temporarily to the countryside, with large caravans with satellite TV, loud music, barbeques, well stocked fridges of beer (or are we in danger of becoming 'countryside snobs'). We need to be mindful of the fact that while the parents are watching their tv's and cleaning their gas guzzling 4x4s at least the kids are climbing trees, enjoying their time in open space!