webber & Gunner Gordon Scotland Trip 2012

[webber]

It hardly seems a whole year since I last reported on the adventures of webber and Gunner Gordon (GG) on the annual trip to Scotland. Tradition now dictates that the holiday should be hampered with any number of minor hiccups. This year was certainly no exception.

Tradition also requires that there should be a project, some gadget or other that is deemed essential to the well being of the expedition, yet is left to the last week or two prior to departure. Having observed the PW posts on home made night vision I decided to have a go, ordered some parts, set up a small bench and made a start, but as days turned to weeks, and I found myself with less spare time, I slowly accepted that we wouldn’t be taking webber vision to Scotland this year.

Over several years McF and I perfected a menu and associated shopping list, we honed it to the last cup of milk and can of beans. GG is retired; as I was buried at work due to my brother being off work due to long term illness, GG kindly offered to do all of the shopping on his own; he also said that he would make a few amendments to the menu. I offered him the shopping list, but he declined stating that he’d done his own. For the last goodness knows how many years the shopping has been done at Aldi the evening before departure. This year involved a joint visit to Costco (GG has no card), and visits to various other vendors including Aldi and Morison’s to name but a few by GG.

Due to prior commitments to a small car parking venture we would not be available to load the Rangie on the Friday evening, so I took a few hours off work in the afternoon to pack, and loaded the car with everything except guns and ammunition. GG set out on a mission to reduce the amount of food taken North, he’s yet to explain how he managed to fill an extra storage box, and allow me to forget my Branflakes.

I left work at 10:30, but not before we’d conducted a torch light search for my glasses. Fortunately they were picked up on one of the yards having avoided being run over. The trip hadn’t even started, but the buffoonery certainly had. Once the sighs of relief had subsided I towed the quad bike home. I’d had the apprentice check over the Rangie, quad and trailer, so I was surprised when one of the lads had followed me home to tell me that one of the trailer lights wasn’t working. I wasn’t happy, but we pushed the trailer down the drive and Dave coupled up the lights to the car and set about sorting the lighting problem.

I’d arranged an 8pm start with GG; he was obviously keen to get going as he was at my front door for 7:45. He loaded the electric cooler box, guns and ammo. A quick goodbye to the soup dragon, who managed a wry grin, and we were off, North bound for the land of Jocks; but not for long. The Rangie had done all of one yard when we heard a click! A quick check in the mirror and the quad was still where it had been placed on Friday evening. We quickly hitched the trailer and checked the lights with crossed fingers, but they didn’t work and neither did the lights. Its many years since I last wired a trailer plug, so I decided to take the job to our works and let young webber sort it. When he’d finished rolling around the garage yard in heaps of laughter he condescended to rewire the plug and check the fittings amidst much advice as to drivers responsibilities etc. The lecture went on so long that I’d made a brew and consumed my bacon butties intended for the journey. Forty five minutes into the journey time, we’d managed two miles albeit in the wrong direction, but had managed breakfast.

The journey North finally got under way shortly before 9am, with the exception of calling in a dangerous load to Lancashire police and GG managing to take a bath with just one cup of tea, the journey was uneventful. It was interesting to see the preparation works for the approach roads to the new Forth crossing and the works being carried out in the water. I guess that the English are paying for the bridge as the contractors were working weekend. Hopefully the engineers will have learned lessons from the old road bridge; it beggars belief that it requires replacement so soon when you can look over to the magnificent rail bridge designed by engineers armed only with skill and log tables. The rail bridge was designed and built to last, the road bridge obviously wasn’t.

We refuelled at Gretna and Dundee, we also remembered to top up at a station a little before Stonehaven, only a tenner or so, but the Autogas satiation in Banchory was closed a couple of years ago when Tesco came to town.

We were soon heading over the hill; I stopped briefly at a convenient spot to take in the panorama of the farm, to affix an image for posterity. Sadly, this may be our last year; the farm and moor are sold, with no guarantees that we’ll be able to shoot there in the future, although a good word will be put in for us when the move finally takes place. The farmer is retiring to a much smaller place just across the road, so we can still stay with him and shoot the much smaller piece of land.

We arrived at the caravan shortly before 4pm. The actual journey took less time than previous years; we didn’t break the speed limit, so it can only be down to better roads and less traffic due to travelling at weekend. We did encounter a number of motorway road works, but nothing to cause any delay of note.

We soon unloaded the Rangie and put the provisions away, a quick brew and slab of cake and we were ready for off. Although the weather was glorious the wind was quite brisk so we decided to go for a ride around to see what was happening. Our decision to leave the rabbits last year as they had taken a severe knock due the previous winter was a wise one. The rabbit population had increased, but not massively so, there were plenty of young rabbits about, although we agreed not to shoot them. We made our way down the road to the land where we shoot pigeon and crows as dusk descended, none of the crop had been cut, and none was flattened. We returned to base for a hearty meal, and bed. Long distance travel takes its toll these days.

Sunday morning was glorious and still. We were soon up with the daylight and breakfasted, due to the lack of Branflakes, I made do with beans on toast to provide the carbs that I need before taking medication. GG has recently become the holder of an FAC and has recently acquired an Anschutz .22LR and a CZ 17HMR, obviously he was keen to give them a whirl. We soon readied the rifles and ammunition, and had a stroll down to a favoured spot where we can rest on a stone wall and take classic HMR shots from about 85 to 185 yards. The rangefinder came in very handy, it took GG a while to get the hang of things and get his eye in. We shot 5 rabbits before the cross wind got too much for the HMR. We climbed the hill to collect the rabbits, but could only locate two of them. This is not uncommon in this location as the hill is a patchwork of small rushes and grass, the rushes hiding the burrows. We made our way back to the caravan with the makings of Monday’s dinner. The rabbits were soon butchered and left to soak in water. We ate a hearty breakfast, had a snooze and then made our way into Banchory to visit Morison’s for Branflakes, somehow GG still managed to fill a basket, with items that were so essential that I can’t remember what they were.

On our return journey we spotted the farmer towing a trailer of round bails, we followed the trailer to a field where he stores silage bales. We exchanged greetings, discussed the weather etc. and was told that the crops would only be cut on Friday. We were told to go to the fields and shoot what we could, “just let them drop, and leave what you can’t get to”.

During last years trip we spotted Roe deer in a few locations were we had permission to shoot, but we lacked specific permission for deer, and more importantly a deer calibre rifle and experience. I mulled it over for some time, eventually I wrote a letter to the farmer requesting permission to shoot the deer. I could have easily telephoned him, but didn’t want to place him on the spot with a cold call. I waited weeks, then months for a reply, and slowly concluded that he probably had the deer sorted, and so decided to wait for our visit this year.

During our conversation the farmer mentioned my letter and apologised for not replying; he explained that a cow had kicked him, breaking his leg in 3 places, he went on to compare scars, benefits of morphine and length of hospital stay with GG who had been fitted with a new knee joint in December. I won’t attempt to type in a Scots accent, but the gist of what he said was: I keep telling you that you can shoot what ever is legal, just don’t shoots my beasts. I’ll sign a letter, bring your map to the house one evening after 7 and I’ll mark the new land I’ve bought onto it.

As you would expect, I was feeling rather chuffed as we made our way back to the fields of barley, as we drove down a small track one area exploded with pigeon out of the crop. We decide not to shoot the field on a Sunday out of respect to the local population. We returned to base, gathered the 22s and went over to a favoured spot for some target practice and to look for signs of fox cubs that the farmer had reported. Whilst we saw no signs of fox, we took the farmers word as gospel, and lined up an ideal vantage point with cover and backstop, baited the sandy bank with the rabbit remains and returned to base for a most excellent rabbit stew with dumplings a la Gunner Gordon.

As darkness fell, I gave PW member Wee Jim a call to let him know that we were in the area and to arrange a couple of visits to his permissions. We had a snooze for half an hour or so, and then set out with lamp, rifle and shotgun. GG shot a couple of rabbits on our way over to the potential fox spot, but we were experiencing a problem with electrical connections to his battery. We tried the car cigarette lighter socket, but that also failed and was added to our snagging list. I was trying out a new fox call, I blew for a few minutes, waited about ten minutes then GG would have a shine around, we stuck to this procedure for about two hours, sighted only sheep; we called it a night, headed back to base for supper and bed.

Monday soon came around and following breakfast we fired up the quad bike for a trip down to the ruins in the distance. Last year we’d taken a gentle stroll down there, but the walk back was nearly the end of me, with GG still having problems with his new knee the quad was the best option for both of us. We were soon down the slope and crossing the burn to the ruins of the old farm house. We admired the scenery for a while, and appreciated the absolute total tranquillity. An area that once bounced with bunnies was now seemingly devoid of them. We returned to base, gathered our guns and sandwiches and set off for the barley fields.

We sat for a while, looking for flight lines etc. but hardly anything was moving; none the less we broke the golden rule of decoying and built a hide in some rough ground well hidden by natural material and set out a few decoys were possible but in an area where we hadn’t seen the birds feeding that day. Despite our best efforts we got very few shots only managing a few kills. I took a short walk to a favoured spot, disturbing a Roe deer lying in the crop, I spent about an hour there, one shot, one kill, but it came down in the river behind me. I returned to the hide, we decided to call it a day, none the worse for our effort, but left wondering if the 7s cartridges that I’d been given to shoot up were up to the job.

On our return to base we checked out another field about a mile away. One area was alive with both crows and pigeon. Next year we’ll be armed with banger ropes, GG please take note. We ate the remains of the rabbit stew for dinner, and changed to go and visit the farmer down the road foregoing the now customary snooze. As we approached the main road junction we saw our farmer and he saw us, he gestured for us to follow him. We ended up on top of a hill putting cattle feed supplement into a couple of troughs. GG fastened the field gates and we followed the farmer home.

When we arrived he was stood at the gate waiting for us, he made us very welcome and showed us through to a traditional yet modern farmhouse kitchen. On the table was a four pack of Stella and a half bottle of Vodka. I don’t normally drink, but it would have been rude to refuse, the beer was soon gone, and the kettle went on whilst our host sampled the Vodka. The map was soon marked up and the farmer explained his future plans. He explained that he liked us coming each year, actually looked forward to our chats, and said that he really liked us, unlike some people he’d granted permission to we’d never caused him any grief. Over the number of hours that we chatted we discussed a number of subjects based around farming and shooting. He was aware of our potential problem at the other farm and offered us the use of his bothie should we need it in future. As we left he told us to get the pigeon gear ready; he’d decided to start combining in the mid morning. As I drove the Rangie back to base several renditions of happy days were sung, hummed and whistled. I think that an evening with the farmer will be a future firm fixture. Following a quick brew it was straight to bed.

Tuesday was to be a lazy day; we both arose a little after 8:30. Following breakfast we decided to have a walk down to the wall with the HMRs, but nothing was shot; following a brew we decided to investigate the faulty lighter socket as we would need this to power the fridge unit on the return journey home. I couldn’t see a dedicated fuse on the legend and so started to pull 10amp fuses as you do. I couldn’t find a blown fuse, and having tested the socket with my satnav proved it as working. However, when the two way splitter was plugged in, it didn’t work; further investigation located a glass fuse inside the plug.

We’d arranged to shoot with Wee Jim in the evening and as we needed to buy a fuse, and GG needed bullets we set off for Banchory about 2pm. As we set off past the fields of Barley, the combine was hard at work, but little signs of crows or pigeon. The dash warnings indicated a blown fuse 6, gearbox fault, ABS fault. £60 of liquid gold from Morison’s then a visit to the local hardware store. There has never been a year where we’ve not had to visit his shop for something or other. Sadly he failed us this time, but I did buy some fuse wire just in case and some blade fuses. I removed and inspected fuse 6, all seemed fine; but as we set off for Ballater the same warnings flashed up, I noticed that we didn’t seem to be shifting gear, and the revs were much higher than normal; we managed to park right outside the gun shop. We made our way to the hardware shop; the owner was very helpful and turned the shop upside down to locate a suitable fuse. We still had time to kill, so we pushed the boat out and enjoyed a nice cake and pot of tea for two in a small café. It was soon 4pm and we made our way to the gun shop. GG purchased the HMR and 22LR ammunition that he required, but it was Hobson’s choice with only one brand of each calibre available. We left the shop shortly before closing and made our way over to Jims. When we pulled into Jims yard he was ready waiting for us, Terrios ready on the trailer. Whilst GG transferred our gear I took my trusty Leatherman, removed fuse 6 and tried to clean away some slight corrosion that I’d spotted. I replaced the fuse, switched on the ignition, up came the warning. Same procedure again but a new fuse, up came the warning. I removed the new fuse, gently scraped the blades and squirted some WD40 onto the blades, inserted the fuse, switched on the ignition, BINGO. The men who invented Leatherman multi tools and WD40 both deserve medals. Some years ago my Leatherman was to hand and saved my legs; I’ve lost count of the number of times a squirt of WD40 has saved my bacon to one extent or another.

We climbed into Jims truck and set off to shoot rabbits. We were soon at the fields that we’d shot last year. A number of rabbits were shot, we moved around a few fields then Jim stopped. He pointed out where we had been stopped and where the long range rabbit had been when I shot it last year, the difference being that at the time it was dark and raining hard, the place looked so different in the daylight and calm. It really was a memorable shot; it must have been as Jim had remembered it 12 months after. We made more progress up hill, but as we passed through from on field to another the ground was rather rough, then bang! It was obvious that something had failed on the car rear axle; a quick inspection revealed a bust shock absorber and tie rod. The axle was now crabbing. We had no option other than to make our way back to the trailer, call it a night, and head back to Jims. On our return journey we spotted a number of Roe deer, and could have easily had one as a mascot on the front of the car but for some careful driving. We returned to base, had a brew and headed out in the Rangie across a few fields shooting half a dozen or so rabbits to freeze and take home.

Wednesday was soon upon us, straight after breakfast we headed for the barley stubbles, the bailing was just getting underway as we arrived. I drove the Rangie to a high spot and sat for a good while trying to weigh up the best spot to set up. I could sense GG getting impatient and chomping at the bit to get shooting. I explained that it would be a folly to set up anywhere the birds were not feeding and simply expect them to decoy. We decided to set up on a field that we’d not shot before, but the birds had built up to a large number whilst we’d been sat watching.

We checked the wind direction and discussed the decoy layout. GG set about laying out a mixture of flocked shells and FUD pigeon and a few crows. I set to building the hide etc. and moved the Rangie out of the way. We set out 4 floaters, 3 obtained from Paul Hart at the BASC gamekeepers fare and one that swivels around with the wind. We discussed at length the location for the pigeon magnet and the reason for that location, but we soon discovered that the fairies had played a blinder; half of one of the arms was missing. No point in crying, there was no quick fix for this; another item for the snagging list, at least we had the bouncers.

Whenever I’m decoying pigeon I usually have a good idea how it’s going to go within a few minutes of the first decoys hitting the ground, the interest from the birds spurring me on to hurry up and get ready. Sadly there was no such interest, and as we settled in it became obvious that the birds weren’t going to play ball, although we did get a number of visitors few fell to our shots. We were still shooting the gifted cartridges, 7s, quite old of various makes. We’d gone prepared for the long haul. GG went for a walk around, but returned with nothing to report. He produced a billycan, gas stove and the makings of a brew. We picnic lunched in style with a proper brew. I empted my Beretta, pulled the veil over the peak of my cap to cover my glasses, left GG to it, and had a snooze. I’ve no idea how long it was before he got a shot off, but when I was eventually stirred by gun fire I was well refreshed but ready for another brew. We’d hardly finished the brew when the bailer entered the field; we gathered the decoys and packed up, checked out some other fields and headed for base.

GG rustled something up from his Pandora’s box of vitals; snooze time was declared followed by a ride around in the Rangie lamping rabbits, a quick check across the road revealed that the bait was being taken, but blow though I may, we didn’t even see a fox, never mind shoot one. Next year we shall return with alarm clock and trail camera, something else for the list.

Thursday dawned, and we both overslept by an hour or so. We decided to have a lazy day and give the pigeon a rest. After breakfast we bagged a few rabbits and butchered them for the freezer. After a light lunch we went over to the sheltered dell that provides an excellent area for target practice. GG was having issues in judging distance and making suitable allowance for it.

We set up 5 targets on a sheet, and started at 50 yards as that was the distance that the 22 was zeroed at. A single stick wasn’t sufficiently stable, and he couldn’t kneel down to use the short cross sticks, so we improvised a shooting rest from a thumb stick and folding chair. The rifle rested on the stick and the shots taken seated; not perfect, but good enough. GG placed 10 shots into the centre target, I then used the range finder to set up 40 yards, and the exercise was repeated and again for 25 yards , 60 yards and 80 yards. The object being to show GG graphically how a bullet drops etc. and the allowance required at differing ranges. I repeated the exercise shooting the same Eley ammunition through my Sako, but only 5 shots per target. I place the targets side by side, whilst my groupings were much tighter the overall result was the same and GG had a much better understanding.

We packed up shortly after 2pm and headed for base to prepare for our second trip to Ballater and night out with Wee Jim. We arrived a little earlier than anticipated so another visit to the café was in order. GG popped into the small supermarket for yet more food whilst I had another mooch in the gun shop and organised some more 22s for GG. We’d decided to treat Jim to a meal to thank him for his effort in providing us with some shooting and excellent company. Having sought local advice we plumbed for the Alexandra Hotel, it transpired that it was a favoured haunt of Jims. Fortunately it also transpired that they understood men in wellies and boots etc. We enjoyed our meals and set off towards a different permission passing Balmorals castle on the way. We soon had the 4x4 unloaded, negotiated a couple of gates and started shooting, but not for long as sadly Jims best efforts at welding a repair failed, so it was back to the yard. Undaunted and not one to give in easily Jim unhitched the trailer. GG climbed onto the back of the Transit tipper, and off we went again. When Mr. Fords men designed the Transit tipper they omitted to include much of an off road capability, but I can assure you that Jim tested the capabilities of his vehicle to the limits and beyond; but alas the lack of off road tyres, 4 wheel drive and no lamp meant that with fast fading light it was time to call it a day and head back to Jims. We’d not managed as many rabbits as last year, but we’d had a good laugh and it wasn’t for the lack of effort.

As we were about to leave Jim produced a pigeon magnet, we’d told him of the blunder. We mulled it over for a while, but decided that we didn’t really need a second magnet; we just needed the one we had to be complete. Jim explained that he hadn’t used the thing; he no longer had a shotgun as there were very few pigeon in the area and most of his time was spent controlling rabbits. He asked me to advertise the magnet on PW as there was more chance of someone being able to collect from St. Helens rather than Ballater. I’ll place an advertisement later.

We made our way along the south Dee road stopping briefly to look a t a large monument that we’d passed a number of times in the past. Sadly our lights were not good enough to allow us to read the inscription. Maybe next year we’ll be able to view it in daylight. We checked the baited area, and again the bait had gone, but it was supper a little telly and bed for us.

Friday came around all too quickly; we breakfasted and headed for the barley fields. A reccie from the usual vantage point revealed little activity, we sat for a while, but there was little doing. In the distance I spotted some activity and drove the Rangie over in that direction climbing a hill to get the best view. Aha, bingo, or so we thought. We set up quite quickly, utilising a couple round bales to mount a couple of sentinel crows. Somehow we’d lost the stake for the rotating floater, so just 3 floaters out. Birds decoyed for a while but dried up. GG went for a walk to check out other fields, but not a shot was fired, he also checked out the area of the previous days shoot to try and find the floater stake, but returned empty handed; one more item for the snagging list.

Lunchtime was declared, and a brew required. As GG opened the brew bag, he looked puzzled, and then announced that he’d left the billycan back at base. Nice one GG. No pigeons or very few, I can tolerate, but no brew just isn’t on old boy! Undaunted by the plight he plonked two stainless cups onto the gas ring and boiled the water in the cup, nice one! “who needs a billycan anyway”? GG obviously did, as when he went to pick up his cup of freshly brewed tea off the stove, he forgot to use the insulated handle, resulting in a few choice words that would be auto deleted, GG enjoying his second tea bath of the trip and a burnt finger. Of course it could have been far worse, but fortunately GG was spared the chore of making another brew, as mine remained in tact on the stove, a small miracle I know, but I’m due a bit of luck sometime. As GG sat nursing his finger, he sought some comfort from my suggestion that he should hold it against his gun, the barrels were hardly going to be hot. As I sat chomping through a chunk of cheese and biscuits I contemplated our luck and some of the situations we’d been in over the years. Black Adder had Baldrick; webber has Gunner Gordon, a friend for life and unsurpassed loyalty for sure.

We packed up around 4pm, the pigeon had dried up, and so had our enthusiasm, in the near distance was a serious black cloud, as we drove off the field the wipers went onto full blast to cope with the deluge which was short lived. We called in at the baited spot, which had been cleared. GG rustled up a simple stew with some pigeon breasts, very filling and tasty. We had intended to go out on the rabbits, but as darkness fell we were both to knackered to be bothered; something interesting came on the telly, and we got settled in. Shortly after it was supper and bed.

Saturday soon sprung into life, we were up early, breakfasted and down on the stubbles well before 9am. We went through the same procedure of sussing out the birds, but it soon became evident that we could be in for a bonus day. We had a drive around just to check as this would be our last chance to achieve some pigeon shooting to remember. Some years ago I’d built a hide into a tree line and rough ground. It’s been trimmed and perfected over a number of years and now provides excellent natural cover overhead and all around. As I started to build the hide I saw someone walking in the field in our direction, as he got closer I recognised him. It was Jeremy, McF and I had met him a few years ago, he lived nearby and had spotted my car. Jeremy said that he had a friend coming and that they were going to have a go at the pigeons from around 1pm. He told me where he was intending to shoot which wouldn’t cause us a problem at all, quite the opposite as it turned out. I built the hide whilst GG set out the decoys. From the moment the first few decoys were set, it was obvious that we were going to see some action. As we settled in the birds were decoying perfectly, then in the distance we could hear other gun shots, obviously a clay set up due to the repeatability, but they certainly kept the birds moving for a couple of hours. We were not disappointed and saw steady action throughout the day. GG managed to brew up a number of times in the cups without having a tea bath or burning anymore fingers, although when he showed me his finger he was sporting a blister about the size of a butterbean. Whilst we’d heard a number of shots from Jeremy’s direction they were nothing compared to the action that we’d seen. At 4:30 we’d shot our last cartridge, there was plenty more in the Rangie, but it seemed like an opportune moment to call it a day. We didn’t count the bag, but I can report that our Hessian sack was filled to overflowing, we’d lost a number of birds into the river behind, and in a first for me, I almost had 3 pigeon dead in the air at the same time, only almost though as the last bird made over the trees minus its tail feathers, but there was no satisfying splash. We packed up and drove over to Jeremy to see how he’d got on. There was still time for him to tuck into our spot if he’d fancied it.

Jeremy introduced us to his friend as asked me what I thought of his bale hide? I awarded him 9/10. He looked a little disappointed. It really was a cracking hide, with top net the lot. I explained that webber never gives 10/10 as there’s always room for improvement, and advised that they had both stood out like beacons due to the lack of face veils. It was however a glorious day, one to shoot in shade and shirt sleeves. GG and I had both dispensed with veils and gloves after the first 30 minutes of shooting, but we were so well consealed that I doubt any of the birds ever saw us until it was too late.

We said our goodbyes and headed back to base. We followed the now familiar pattern of dinner followed by snooze. We’d planned to lamp the back fields with the quad bike, and readied the rifles and gear. As we stepped out onto the decking it was obvious that we would be wasting our effort, a hoolie of a wind was getting up, climbing even higher up was going to be even worse. Very reluctantly we packed the gear away and had an early night. We had a long journey in the morning. It was a sad anticlimax to the holiday, but better safe than sorry.

I awoke about 6:30 and got up. I discovered that GG was already up. We agreed to have a quick breakfast get packed and be on our way, the weather was about to turn. At 8:40 we were knocking on the farmers door to say goodbye, thank yous and pay our dues. It was a sad moment, it’s very doubtful that we’ll be able to stay or shoot on the farm again, quite possibly the end of an era. Next year is sort of sorted so we have that and some new permission to look forward to; we’ll miss the place for sure. We hit the road at 9am and headed for Stonehaven. We refuelled with Autogas at the station that we’d stopped at on our way in, but a full tank this time. We decided to skip refuelling at Dundee due to the palaver of getting into and out of the station, but noticed an alternative BP station which we’ll try out next year. We refuelled again at Abingdon, and made very good progress homeward bound. On the return journey we usually collect Autogas at Junction 36, but I made a judgement call and thought that we could make it back on the remaining gas. As we sailed past Charnock Richard services the car reverted to petrol for the remainder of the journey.

The return journey took a little over 6 hours, but we had missed out a refuelling stop which cost us.

As the quad bike trailer was pushed down the drive, the front door opened. I was greeted by the soup dragon, she enquired if we’d had a good time and was sporting the same wry grin that she had as I left a week ago. She then announced that there had been a few changes. I decided to leave unloading the car for another day, but as I took the guns to secure them, I noticed several large bundles of shooting magazines. Oh well I thought, it could be worse, at least the rest of my gear isn’t packed and at the side of them.

A few nights later I unpacked the car and put all the gear away. Surprisingly the extra box of food was there, almost just as full as it had been on its outward journey. A lesson to be learned I think.

Anyone that really knows me, knows that I’m always quoting the 6 Ps in engineering. I had them drummed into me when I was an apprentice doing my stint in the drawing office. Proper Planning Prevents Pee Poor Performance. Given the number of cockups and hitches on this years trip I’d better start to practice what I preach; on the other hand the annual trip to Scotland wouldn’t be the same if I did.

I’m sorry that its taken me a couple of weeks to write up the report, a number of PW members had contacted me asking if I’d been to Scotland as they were looking forward to the read. I’ve been very busy at work, and I now find it difficult to burn the midnight oil.

Next years trip is fast approaching; we’ve several repairs and modifications to make.

Thanks for taking the time to wade through this report, I’ve enjoyed writing it, I trust that you’ve enjoyed the read.

webber

[Wildfowler12]

Sounds like a good trip, did you take any photos?

[webber]

Sadly no photos. Forgot the camera and never worked out how to get photos off the mobile phone so didn't take any, other than one of Jeremys hide. If I can get someone at work to lift the picture I'll post that.

 

webber

[davecooper1]

Good read mate :good: