Camping up Lochearnhead

I find that because I'm working all the time just now when I get two days off I like to make the most of them and plan something nice with G/freinds/the family. I really value having time to spend being productive/memories when I work full time because even though I finish at 4-5 every day I start at 6am so when I finish I want to do as little as possible and I feel myself clock watching to make sure I am in bed for 9-10 or I can't work well the next day. I don't think getting up at 5 will ever get any easier. Anyway, on this particular weekend off I thought Graeme and I could tick something off on our summer to do list that was actually on last years list - since we have a car now, we can just pack it with bare essentials, hop in, pick a destination and camp for a night. 

Graeme was more excited at my proposal than I imagined he would be, buzzing around collecting various camping bits and bobs from family and friends - camping chairs, air beds, a stove, wood to burn, Bluetooth speakers, coolers.. The works. I was beginning to think he was going to more trouble than  it was worth seen as we were only going up for one night and I didn't even think I would be finished work until 5. The car was packed FULL of camping things and Graeme had organized everything while I was at work (G never organizes anything)! A friend of his had suggested Lochearnhead at this time of year for camping so that was our chosen destination. I finished work at 1.45 on this Saturday as luck was on my side and things were running smoothly. I jumped in the shower, got ready and we got in the car. Our first stop was the petrol garage and the rain was beating down on the windscreen much to our disappointment, we continued anyway. Typical - hottest week of the year and the one night we wanted to spend it outdoors the rain was forecasted for 90% rain.

When we arrived it looked like we were the last people as every nook and cranny of every area was taken, we kept driving along the narrow, windy road next to the loch before we came to the signs that read 'No Camping!' I was just going to give up and camp there anyway but Graeme was more reluctant and wanted to ask some passers by. They said they were in the same predicament and were parked in a No Camping site also, but they had asked a ranger who said it would be ok for tonight. We didn't take much persuasion and pitched up our home for the night with great haste. We had a lovely area all to ourself with a tree shelter if it did rain and a lovely view.

With the rain battering down on our tent the mood was a little dampened to begin with but after about 30 minutes it dried up and the skies cleared, we poured ourself a drink and sat out on the water side. Graeme built a fire and we were so glad we had decided to stick out the decision and come here as everything was coming together. It was nice to not depend on technology (other than music) and just appreciate the outdoors and each others company.

Ofcourse there would have to be some hiccups, after packing a stove and plenty of food, plates, cutlery and tomato sauce - we realized there was no frying pan or anything we could use to cook the food. Luckily we were only going for the night and had crisps. I wasn't actually hungry anyway, I was just happy with the scenery and a drink. The sky at night made our efforts worth it, and our view.

I'm really glad we went camping and I think we will do it for a few nights the next time we go, It's just nice to get out of Stirling and see different things. Especially without spending an arm and a leg. 

With warning from a local that police would be out in the morning, so we should make a sharp exit we got up bright and early to pack up and tidy. We were on the way home for 9 and went straight to my grandpas to spend the day and have breakfast.