LonelyRat's (not so lonely) Road to Riches

doingitanyway

Love the word foosty

Happy hols

lonelyrat

Thank you everyone that's us back now. Was fab :cool: Had a truly lovely time, it was really nice to get away from everything and just switch off and enjoy 'being'.
tl;dr - saw waterfalls, graves, castles, beaches, buddhist retreats and climbed a mountain :eek:

The rest of this post is a wee bit lengthy so feel free to skip it!

First day I had organised with the B&B that we could drop off our bags at half 11 (check in wasn't until 3) which meant we could go exploring... But the lovely lady who co-runs it had actually already sorted our room out and just let us check in straight away which was unexpected but lovely. Was nice to sit down and sort ourselves out before heading off to adventure. We did a walk up to a massive waterfall which was great, then climbed up to the Giants Graves (two cairns that supposedly giants were buried in). We then got a bus to Kildonan and walked along the beach and to some castle ruins... They were actually in people's back gardens which was unexpected!

Next day we got a bus to the north of the Island and got off at the Arran Distillery - we didn't do a tour (trying to save pennies!) but just sat outside with the sheep for a while. We then walked through the fields to a castle on the seaside... This one was also ruined, but less so (and was not in a garden :rotfl:).

We had lunch sitting outside a cafe which used to be a small fire station (!) ... it was pretty cool and was speaking to the lady behind the till and she said it's been a sandwich shop for 16 years now. Sat on the beach some more waiting for the next bus (waiting on buses actually became a bit of a theme for the trip).

The next day was the biggie..... Goatfell Mountain. We asked the bus driver to give us a shout when we got to where to start from but she forgot unfortunately and we've never been before so didn't know we had passed it :rotfl: We stayed on the bus till the next town and then got off there. We started the walk from Corrie rather than Brodick which is more challenging... Was not what we had planned for our first attempt at climbing a mountain It was nice on the way up though as there was no one else walking the way we did. We walked up next to Corrie burn for part of the way which was beautiful as there were loads of waterfalls and I filled up my water bottle from the burn. The water was completely clear and tasted great.

The climb was tough... Was supposed to take 6 hours but took us 7 and a bit. We did it though! The path we took met up with the easier route on the range with about 400 meters to go from the top so we started to see other people. Mostly they were going down which was a bit nerve wracking for us as we worried we were taking too long and would miss the bus back. OH struggled a little more than me and when we were about 100 m from the top he said he would wait there for me. He's developed a bit of a fear of heights and was getting a bit nervous I think. I kept going and the final bit was really easy... The path and the rough steps we had been climbing kind of disappeared and you needed to scramble over boulders, but I found that far easier than climbing the stairs :rotfl:

When I got to the top I genuinely felt I could conquer the world. Sounds stupid, I know, but it was an amazing feeling. I had it all to myself and it was a beautiful afternoon so could see really very far. Took some selfies at the trig point and must have been longer than I thought because OH had climbed up a bit and I could see him. He had got worried I'd been gone too long and thought I had hurt myself and had raced up to me. It made me feel very loved and gave me some butterflies. He's a good egg. I went back to down to where he was and convinced him to come up with me (the end stretch was far, far easier than what we'd already done!). He's very glad he made it to the top and so am I

On the walk down the weather changed and we were actually walking through clouds which was pretty surreal. It then started to rain which was a bit nerve wracking but we made it safe and sound. OH had not worn his waterproof (surprise surprise) so got soaked. He has now agreed to listen to me in the future :rotfl:

We took the other route down (towards Brodick) which was much easier going. By the time we made it down there weren't any buses so we needed to walk back to the ferry terminal to get one which was pretty rough as we were shattered at that point. We did it though, and caught the last bus back to where we were staying from there.

Did 37,1288 steps and climbed 291 floors (874 meters technically).

Next day we took it easy and went to the Holy Island - an island off Arran which was bought by monks. The island was beautiful and was pretty interesting to learn about Buddhism a bit more. I got a wee book on relaxation and am enjoying it. We walked around the island as much as we could (some parts where off limits as people are in retreat.... for four years! No leaving for four whole years!) and it was really nice. There were goats, sheep and eriskay ponies and I also lucked out and saw a seal basking on a rock near the shore.

On the final day we got the bus to Arran Aromatics and the Cheese shop. Got a wee candle for our room and a hunk of cheese which is very tasty.

Safe to say I'm pretty shattered, but it was an absolutely amazing holiday. September 2015 was our last holiday as we've always been too skint .... It's almost been three years but this holiday was worth the wait

Had done 143,879 steps this week :eek: which is definitely a new personal best. Don't think I'll ever be able to replicate it Money-wise things are good... Had money in savings for spending when we were there and managed to keep in budget so feeling pretty happy about that! Still have some money left in the bank and get paid pretty soon so for the first time in a long time (ever?) I may have over £100 still in my account when I get paid :cool: Usually I'm right down to my last fiver....

lonelyrat

Tomorrow I'm off work still so will have a day of faffing about... Will do all our laundry and go a walk. Want to pop to Asda as well to get some photies printed. I've been meaning to start a sort of album for a while now but never get round to it. Have decided that now seems a good a time as any. Went in the shed and dug out a sketch book I've had for a while and will use that. It's been sitting in there collecting dust for 2 years (since the last time I decided I wanted to start one )

Will make this a '2018' book and will do all our adventures this year so far. Will be nice to have something to look back on.

I've just lit my new fancy Arran Aromatics candle (£8 and it's tiny!) and have put the fairies on. Going to get in bed and watch OITNB then have an early snooze. Will be on tomorrow at some point to catch up on everything I've missed.

(I actually feel like I've been gone a month rather than a few days :rotfl:)

Lucifa73

Hi Lonely! Just caught up on your adventures now I'm back to 'normal'. You have certainly packed a lot into the past 3 weeks!

Your trip to Arran sounds amazing fun - I hope the midges didn't snack on you too much?! I went camping there years ago. We climbed Goatfell and when we got to the top OH got down and one knee and proposed! (Sadly when we tried to call everyone to tell them the mobile network was down. We learned later that London Underground had been bombed )

Congratulations on your 1 year MSE-Versary and double congratulations on clearing your credit card. :j

I hope OH's job hunting is going well - you have carried a lot of this burden by yourself and it would be nice to see you getting a bit of support! (Sorry if that is out of turn but I really think it would help your stress levels not to be covering this all alone).

lonelyrat

Hi Lucifa It was amazingly fun! It's now made me want more holidays.... Need to keep my sensible hat on and not go crazy booking anything! Midges were ok surprisingly! Think we got very luck. Bought some 'smidge' spray and some head nets (we looked v. fashionable when we tried them on :cool:) but never needed them. Awwww that's so romantic! OH did not drop to one knee... If he had I think it would more likely be due to exhaustion :rotfl:

Hmmmm OH's job hunt has ground to a halt unfortunately. I'm going to let him have a day off (as he was drinking last night and is currently out for the count) then tomorrow I will be having some words.

Don't worry, you aren't out of turn at all. I feel the same sometimes, but then feel a bit guilty for it. He was very helpful and lovely when he got his student finance every month as he would usually transfer me some to help with my debt as well as his... It's just this period where there's nothing coming in from him which is hard. Last summer it was dire BUT there was an end in sight as uni started again in September. But this time there's not an end in sight which, I can admit, is making me a bit stressed out.

I feel stretched very thin at the moment, moneywise and mentally. Payday was a few days ago... All bills are covered and I've my payment to the Virgin card. Also made minimum payments to OH's cards and put a tenner into my savings. There really isn't much left to play with for the rest of the month which is worrying. Will just need to have a very frugal month... We are heading camping over the bank holiday (as the scheduling gods in work have smiled upon me and it's too good an opportunity to miss ) so will need cash for diesel and food.

I have a confession ... Before Arran I got myself a new pair of walking boots and OH some walking shoes. I also got us a pair of good wool socks each which were quite pricey. This all went on the Virgin card which took the balance up to £850. I justified it at the time very convincingly to myself (that we wouldn't enjoy/ wouldn't be able to make the most of the holiday with blistered feet etc.) but I've been feeling guilty about it. We had a great time, but it means I'll be in debt for even longer and I don't like how easily I reached for credit. I just feel a bit pants about it all really.

I paid £200 to the Virgin card on payday so the balance is now £650... £25 increase over last month

In good news I just took a trip into town and used the scales in Boots. Have now lost £20 kg Very happy about that... Just need to keep motivated. Money and weight wise.

Toni'sfriend

I have a confession ... Before Arran I got myself a new pair of walking boots and OH some walking shoes. I also got us a pair of good wool socks each which were quite pricey. This all went on the Virgin card which took the balance up to £850. I justified it at the time very convincingly to myself (that we wouldn't enjoy/ wouldn't be able to make the most of the holiday with blistered feet etc.) but I've been feeling guilty about it. We had a great time, but it means I'll be in debt for even longer and I don't like how easily I reached for credit. I just feel a bit pants about it all really.

Well, you know, you can't stop living and enjoying yourself. I would say this is just a good investment. It's not a waste of money that's gone in a puff of smoke. You're doing really well. Wish I could be so positive on the weight loss.

Scott-Weiland

I have a confession ... Before Arran I got myself a new pair of walking boots and OH some walking shoes. I also got us a pair of good wool socks each which were quite pricey. This all went on the Virgin card which took the balance up to £850.

Hay there is nothing wrong with buying those as long as your using them, I buy running shoes every three-four months and they are 100-120 a pair same goes for running socks 10-15quid a pair but they last and they are better than there cheaper counterparts at preventing knackered feet and injuries.

Lucifa73

Walking boots are critical if you plan on doing a lot of walking (and you are racking up the steps on a regular basis :T) - it goes beyond blisters - you need the right support to avoid sprains and ligament damage. I don't think they were unjustified expense - they are an investment in your health and wellbeing! (Unlike the blow out I had on Friday but that's another story... )

Hopefully OH is back on track with applications... Have you spoken to him about how it is adding to your stress? Sometimes Hubbles just needs to hear my perspective to help him understand and make a change.

Where you planning on going for the weekend? We haven't been camping in a while which is a shame because we all enjoy it. The kids are at school so I'm hoping to get out and about with Hubbles and get some fresh air!

UncannyScot

Agree with what's been said before, a pair of good quality comfortable boots are an investment.
Any experienced walker / hiker will tell you the same thing that the one thing that is essential to get right is the right pair of boots for your feet.
I've spent / wasted a LOT of money over the years on various walking / hiking boots and at the moment I have two pairs that I use dependent on where I'm going, what I am doing and what the weather is expected to be like.
I have a pair of well used, well loved (and bloomin' expensive!) Salomon Boots that are really good and comfy for most walking conditions BUT my fave boots are a pair of £30 British Army Issue Hi-Liability Combat Boots made by HAIX, that have provided many miles of comfortable hiking in all sorts of weather and terrain.
Hope you enjoy your next adventure

Silver_Queen

Hi Lonelyrat, just thought I'd pop in to say hi. Hope you're doing well. Sounds like your holiday was really lovely! Totally agree that good shoes are a necessity.

Did everything get sorted out with your work issues in the end, by the way?