Advantures out and about...

DDU has been a part of my life for many years now. We’ve been through many wonderful advantures together round Spain, France, the Netherlands and the UK. There’s been long periods of ill health, hefty private clinic bills but many, many, fun times have also been had. He's been there when I wake in a morning and there when I've fallen asleep at night. And he has many hidden treasures inside, so much so there is a saying in the Rooke household that "the van will provide".

This year is no exception and we’ve a big trip round France planned. But before that we’ve been putting dear DDU through his paces and enjoying some quality family time together around Scotland. First up there was a wild camping trip to our favourite spot on Loch Chon which involved a detour to Scotland’s only lake (Lake of Menteith) and a trip to the community beach and field at Kinlochard. The weather was grand – so much so that after opening the back doors whilst parked up to keep cool, we managed to drive a couple of miles down the round without realising they were open. That was until we discovered we’d lost some of DDU’s treasures out the back. Hasty retreat time to recover said treasures, and then a beautiful night was spent by the loch.

 The bluebells were out

 Jumping about at Inchmahone Priory

 More jumping about at the community beach

 All the family together

Which way's up

Then we had a long weekend in Dumfriesshire near Kirkcudbright – where the sun just seemed to keep on shining. We stayed at a wonderful campsite on the Solway Firth and lived for a few days in rural bliss with our own private beach just 5 minutes’ walk away. We ate fish and chips by the sea, went beach combing on the shore, ran around in wild meadows, and had a lovely bbq with Tanya’s friends, Fiona and Frank.

 Our own private beach

 From sandcastle destroyer aged 1 to sandcastle protector aged 3

 The scent of garlic was somewhat in the air

 My beautiful girls

The view from DDU's side wasn't bad

And then finally there was the annual Dad walking weekend with Big John. This year we headed up the west coast for more manly munro's, campfires and beer. We also substituted the angry fish and chip shop owner for an angry farmer; some angry midges for some more angry midges; and more not angry at all stunning scenery for much more not angry at all stunning scenery - the highlight being the walking on the CMD arete. Great fun :-)

The big man and a big view

The van doth provide magnificent views

Early morning bath

The stunning CMD arete to Ben Nevis