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Post by billieblue on Apr 23, 2014 21:15:53 GMT
Oh dear, I might have to drop out of this one too...
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Post by Firefox on Apr 23, 2014 23:10:23 GMT
I doubt I'll be able to do this one now....have some work to do on a new van but still hoping to go on the second trip. Have Calmac changed their booking policy by the way? My experience there three years go was that you couldn't guarantee the crossing you wanted even if you did book. It was a case of just joining the queue. Shouldn't be much to worry about as the short hops have several crossings daily....well Mallaig-Skye, Lochaline-Mull and Tobermory to Ardnamurchan did anyway. Several are designated as "turn up and go" : Claonaig – Lochranza being one of them. The rest as you say, they advise you to book, but in reality there are a few crossings every day and you can probably just turn up and go, and if you can't get on one you'll probably get on the next. A few are very limited like Oban - Askaig and they only go twice a week. I'll probably just book Oban - Askaig/ Ellen- Kennecraig/ Claonaig-Lochrenza/ Brodick-Ardrossan Hopper 17 as a block ticket as it will probably be cheaper. Only one we must catch is Oban on the 17th and then the rest will be all flexible. Then for Armadale-Mallaig, there are 8 crossings a day, so bound to be able turn up and get on one of them and I'm not sure if that will be the 15th or the 16th so will probably just turn up on the day (And also Armadale-Mallaig, if the worst comes to the worst one can always go round by road to the Kyle at the expense of a few hours)
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Post by robmac on Apr 24, 2014 14:48:11 GMT
Unfortunately, I will probably not make either trip now. Too much on with the wedding and we've landed 2 huge contracts with the business which are just too good to turn down.
Every silver lining has a cloud!!
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 24, 2014 21:22:08 GMT
Oh dear, I might have to drop out of this one too...
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 24, 2014 21:23:02 GMT
Unfortunately, I will probably not make either trip now. Too much on with the wedding and we've landed 2 huge contracts with the business which are just too good to turn down. Every silver lining has a cloud!!
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Post by Firefox on Apr 24, 2014 23:24:51 GMT
Hope you can come Tom and Josie and Kaiser It's not looking like so much of a convoy, but if John comes we'll still have 4 vans and we'll still have a great time! The silver lining will be that it's much easier to find places to park up with 4 vans Edit: (I think it's 5 with goldfish part time )
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 25, 2014 0:43:20 GMT
Hope you can come Tom and Josie and Kaiser It's not looking like so much of a convoy, but if John comes we'll still have 4 vans and we'll still have a great time! The silver lining will be that it's much easier to find places to park up with 4 vans Edit: (I think it's 5 with goldfish part time ) I think it is only me and Kaiser up to now Vern. But I am struggling with the ferry bookings. It tells me there are no sailings on Tues the 20th of May from Ellen (Islay) on the Hopscotch. Also do we have to book separately for the Armadale (sky) to Mallaig on Friday the 16th of May one way. Also is the Oban to Port Askaig a single booking like Alec as done or is that part of the Hopscotch .. Last but not least do I need to hire a Sherpa. .. Help ... .... Tom ....
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Post by goldfish on Apr 25, 2014 7:55:41 GMT
Vern, had a look at you itinerary posted, it would be hard to catch up with the convoy during the island hopping days ie. between 17/24 as I cannot start travelling north before 18th, so it looks like I will meet the convoy at the end of the island hopping at port around 23/24 depending when covoy docks. It would also give me a very leisurely drive up, May be a stop on the way up, So anyone reading this post, any suggestion very welcome, I am keen on nature , historic stuff, walking, cyycling. Regards
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Post by onion on Apr 25, 2014 9:40:37 GMT
Hi vern I'm going to miss out the sailings this will give me more time on Skye & down the west coast then meet u again at kintyre only missing 4 pos5 days of yr tour Ching Ching
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Post by Alec on Apr 25, 2014 10:24:05 GMT
Bu**er. who's going to cook my breakfast after Skye..............LOL
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Post by Firefox on Apr 25, 2014 10:49:19 GMT
Hope you can come Tom and Josie and Kaiser It's not looking like so much of a convoy, but if John comes we'll still have 4 vans and we'll still have a great time! The silver lining will be that it's much easier to find places to park up with 4 vans Edit: (I think it's 5 with goldfish part time ) I think it is only me and Kaiser up to now Vern. But I am struggling with the ferry bookings. It tells me there are no sailings on Tues the 20th of May from Ellen (Islay) on the Hopscotch. Also do we have to book separately for the Armadale (sky) to Mallaig on Friday the 16th of May one way. Also is the Oban to Port Askaig a single booking like Alec as done or is that part of the Hopscotch .. Last but not least do I need to hire a Sherpa. .. Help ... .... Tom .... Hop 2. Kintyre Islay To Kennacraig Hop DateClick to select hop date Departs Arrives Addn Info Port Askaig (Islay) Tuesday, 20 May 2014 07:00 09:05 15:30 17:25 18:00 20:05 Port Ellen (Islay) Tuesday, 20 May 2014 09:45 11:55 12:30 14:50 See above. You have to have Hopscotch 17 Selected, direction Islay-Arran, starting on 17 May. Then on the next page, you select 17 May from Oban as your first hop, then selecting the second trip from Islay the above options are given. There are several ferries leaving Islay each day, and you can either risk and not book, turning up on the day, or book as part of hop 17. If all else fails , give them a ring on the 0800 number, they are quite helpful. I am going to book Hop 17 and Oban-Islay is part of that. I am not going to book the Armadale-Mallaig Skye ferry as there are 8 a day and should be able to get on one of them easily enough, and also not sure how much time to spend on Skye. onion You can easily just miss out Islay and see us on Kyntire. If you want, you can do Arran at the end as Claonaig-Lochrenza is just turn up and go, and there are loads of ferries back from Arran to Ardrossan. If you stay on the mainland for a bit you will stand a better chance of meeting up with kimbowbill for a couple of days... but do not let her dogs smell all the meat in your fridge
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 25, 2014 17:19:37 GMT
OK been doing some checking and this is what I am up to, but does it correspond to everyone else ?. We seem to be meeting at Torridon sometime on May the 10th, which by my sat nav is 335 miles from Manchester and it estimates a 10½ hour trip. But I think it will be longer than that due to my old tub being no racing snake. We then meander over to sky and leave on either the 15th or 16th of May depending on how we feel from Armadale to Mallaig. This crossing will not be booked, we just turn up when we are ready. The price for this trip for me and the bus at 8M is £40.65 if doing advanced booking but could be dearer on the day. We then kick off for Oban and catch the ferry on 17th of May at 16:45 which is crucial we are in good time. This is the start of the Island Hopping Hopscotch No 17. Hop 1 We sail from Oban to Islay and spend a few days there. Hop 2 We Sail from Islay to Kennacraig on Tues 20th of May. Hop 3 We sail on Wed the 21st or Thurs 22nd deepending how we play it. This is flexible We leave Brodick (Arron) for Ardrossan on a 18:00 hour sailing and arrive in Ayr ready to join up with others on M74 sometime Sat 24 May. This Hopscotch 17 is costing me £237:55 + the Sky ferry at £40:65 which is £278:20. There will also be massive diesel bills so need to know if this is right before I click the buy button. Phew .... Tom ....
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Post by billieblue on Apr 25, 2014 18:05:28 GMT
Go on Tom, do it now!
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Post by Alec on Apr 25, 2014 18:31:15 GMT
Phew.....Tom
I'll swap you Sat Navs, Garmin seem to think I can do 623 miles in 13 hours and 8 minutes (Maidstone to Torridon - Shortist Route) ! Plus I may be stopping off on route at Norfolk. Have already booked Hop 1.........Shall book rest when consensus.
Alec.
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 25, 2014 20:23:00 GMT
Go on Tom, do it now! Shurrup Bluey I'm waiting for our leader to confirm its all in order. .... Tom ....
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 25, 2014 20:39:53 GMT
Phew.....Tom I'll swap you Sat Navs, Garmin seem to think I can do 623 miles in 13 hours and 8 minutes (Maidstone to Torridon - Shortist Route) ! Plus I may be stopping off on route at Norfolk. Have already booked Hop 1.........Shall book rest when consensus. Alec. Goodness Alec 623 miles in 13 hours, that sure is some motorhome you got there. Is it related to the air bus family. What date are you leaving to get to Torridon. Mine is a Garmin so according to mine it would take you 21 hours to get there. Last time I did this trip I left the far end of Sky and it took me 16 hours with a slipping clutch so I expect about 12 to 13 hours depending on stops for the dog. My tub only chugs along at about 55 to sixty with the wind behind. If I don't see you at Hereford I'll catch you in Scotland have a good trip. Now I got to go check what consensus means .. .... Tom ....
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Post by Firefox on Apr 26, 2014 12:27:52 GMT
Torridon area 10-11 May. Probably 11th at free campsite at Sheildag just North of Applecross would be a good meeting point.
The only Ferry you really need to book is 17th May 16.45 from Oban to Islay. You can do that as a single route or as part of Hopscotch 17. I am booking Hopscotch 17 Oban to Ardrossan as I'm hoping the block ticket will be cheaper , but I don't think there will be too much in it either way.
Since Mark will not be with us it may be worth doing our own research on various places we may like to park up on the way!
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 26, 2014 22:37:56 GMT
Torridon area 10-11 May. Probably 11th at free campsite at Sheildag just North of Applecross would be a good meeting point. The only Ferry you really need to book is 17th May 16.45 from Oban to Islay. You can do that as a single route or as part of Hopscotch 17. I am booking Hopscotch 17 Oban to Ardrossan as I'm hoping the block ticket will be cheaper , but I don't think there will be too much in it either way. Since Mark will not be with us it may be worth doing our own research on various places we may like to park up on the way! Sat Navs, Maps, Time tables grrrrrrrrrrr whats going on. My Sat Nav says its 335miles and takes 10½ hours. Google maps says its 429miles and takes 7 hours 21 minutes. So one is nearly 100 miles nearer but takes 3 hours longer !!!!. I've got the Ferries sorted but have not yet clicked the buy button. I think there are only 3 of us remaining for the tour. Alec as booked the Oban ferry. I am close to doing the 17 hopscotch trips. Vern if you want to meet on the way, which way are you going and where do you suggest. Or did you mean park up on the way after we meet at Sheildag. Gosh a day at the pub tomorrow thank goodness . .... Tom ....
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Post by Firefox on Apr 27, 2014 2:14:38 GMT
Sat Navs, Maps, Time tables grrrrrrrrrrr whats going on. My Sat Nav says its 335miles and takes 10½ hours. Google maps says its 429miles and takes 7 hours 21 minutes. So one is nearly 100 miles nearer but takes 3 hours longer !!!!. I've got the Ferries sorted but have not yet clicked the buy button. I think there are only 3 of us remaining for the tour. Alec as booked the Oban ferry. I am close to doing the 17 hopscotch trips. Vern if you want to meet on the way, which way are you going and where do you suggest. Or did you mean park up on the way after we meet at Sheildag. Gosh a day at the pub tomorrow thank goodness . .... Tom .... Will be going up the M1/M6 Starting early on Sat 10 from Essex so could meet Midday on M6 around Preston, maybe Charnock Richard, then we just see how far we get that day, and if people want to break in the borders or Pitlochry that's fine or if you want to try for Sheildag that's fine, but I'm thinking Sheildag maybe too far in one day. I don't really go by Sat Navs or Google, just how long I have driven in the past. Borders will be easily doable in a day, maybe Moffat.
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Post by Alec on Apr 27, 2014 6:26:49 GMT
Tom.......whats going on ?? Garmin - as the Crow flies!
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Post by Firefox on Apr 27, 2014 9:58:46 GMT
Do you want to meet on the M6 Alec? It's looking like about Midday on the 10th May at Charnock Richard for me anyway.
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 28, 2014 8:59:22 GMT
Tom.......whats going on ?? Garmin - as the Crow flies! Would be great if we could follow the Crow Alec. .... Tom ....
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 28, 2014 9:15:52 GMT
Do you want to meet on the M6 Alec? It's looking like about Midday on the 10th May at Charnock Richard for me anyway. Errrr spanner in the works syndrome. Vern and Alec would you mind meeting at the next services after Charnock Richard. I know you both will be well ready for a break but I join the M6 from the M61 and Charnock Richard is behind me. The first one available to me on the M6 is Forton which I now think is called Lancaster services. motorwayservicesonline.co.uk/LancasterAll my ships are now booked and paid for .. I am well looking forward to this and I hope Kaiser don't get sea sick to go with his fits. Are you two going to Hereford this weekend, if you are we can have a chat over a gallon or two and maybe make a few arrangements. If not see ya the week after. .... Tom ....
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Post by Firefox on Apr 28, 2014 10:19:33 GMT
No problem, can do that one or Tebay. Am not going to Hereford meet, as a little big for me, and a bit far for a weekend, plus I need to get van ready for Scotland. Have great time there though!
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Post by Alec on Apr 28, 2014 19:23:58 GMT
Hi Vern and Tom,
Tebay on 10th. May would suit me better, as I shall be coming up the A1 and can cut across from Scotch Corner.
Tom, won't be at Hereford this weekend, will be in Kent with family.
Alec.
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 28, 2014 21:41:12 GMT
OK you two Tebay it is on Sat May the 10th. Have we got a time in mind to head for ? . .... Tom ....
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Post by Firefox on Apr 28, 2014 21:45:54 GMT
Say Truckstop J38 at 1.00pm. I don't remember there being time limits on parking there.
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Post by gaz on Apr 28, 2014 21:57:45 GMT
Say Truckstop J38 at 1.00pm. I don't remember there being time limits on parking there. last time i was in couple of months ago saw a sign saying 2 hrs theres is always the red rooster and its cheaper derv than motorway if ya need a top up 54.656562,-2.761454 or dougs diner what a breakfast btw 54.668416,-2.771143
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Post by stonedaddy on Apr 28, 2014 22:14:11 GMT
Say Truckstop J38 at 1.00pm. I don't remember there being time limits on parking there. Vern J38 means Alec comes back a long way from the A66. If we stick to Tebay he can cut from the A66 at Brough onto the A685 straight to Tebay at J38 on the M6. We can still leave the time at 1.00pm though. Alec are you still meeting the second convoy on the 26th or whatever date that is agreed on. I hope to be still doing it if everything is still going OK. Like me and the dog and more to the point the old van. Gaz see you and Angie at Hereford. .... Tom ....
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Post by Firefox on Apr 28, 2014 22:44:31 GMT
Can make it further North then J38 if you want, but I am coming from Essex and will have to make a couple of stops.
I'm not sure whether to go M1/M6 or use A1 myself. I am tired of all the roadworks and queues on the M1!
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