Touring: Argyll - The final outing before court

[st4]

As you are all aware, I am now a disqualified driver for the period of 20months discounted from 24months for contravention of section two of the RTA namely driving at 138mph on the M74.

I was convicted of this on Thursday 10th at Lanark Sherriff court, and was meant to be in court the Thursday before (the 3rd) for my pleading diet. However, the case was continued.

A driving disqualification was an inevitability so I decided to head out one last time on a nice day to take some pictures, and the good weather was on Sunday and in Argyll....

I decided to make use of the driving time I had left, as the net was closing in on me and it would be rude not too

Loch Lomond at Sunrise


_DSC0878 by [e-mail], on Flickr

I headed back up the A82 to where it all began, where I took my first image I got published and have sold.

Inverglus @ Loch Lomond


_DSC0884 by [e-mail], on Flickr

And the powerstation here too


_DSC0893 by [e-mail], on Flickr

This hydro station uses the excess power it makes to pump the water back up, to generate power from when its needed at peak time. Actually I think they are all like that.

Its a Rubbish road to get here, but the views and tranquility make up for it. The odo read over 20 miles, so without a lift I cannot do this by bike as its too far to carry all my gear.

I decided to NOT head up Glencoe, the weather looked more ominous that way, but turn back and head for Loch Long and maybe over the rest and bethankful pass


_DSC0927 by [e-mail], on Flickr

Here is the wonderful view from the Arrochar hotel, ok, I am on the beach and I parked up next to a Porsche turbo. Both have something in common other than being from Studgart, and that is the ability, and in my case a realised ability, to get you booted off the roads for a chunk of time.

From here, you can take a lovely run over the A83 and come off at the signs for Dunoon and follow the route through the Argyll Forrest.

Here is the view at Strachur...


_DSC0940 by [e-mail], on Flickr

And further along the route to Dunoon you get this view


_DSC0972 by [e-mail], on Flickr

The roads an absolute belter, albiet I wasn't pushing as I am very chastened and the fear of invoking the wrath of the law is too much to take. But you can still enjoy driving at 60 and even below. I've gone along here over 90 in my days and its a popular bikers route, and the bobby cars were out nabbing them.

Don't speed, you will be caught and the police 330d was doing a roaring trade in FPNs.

A popular run of mine is to Colintraive, and its an easy one from Dunoon.

Here is the hero shot, of the hero of the day


_DSC0981 by [e-mail], on Flickr

The cars being taken off its cherished plate, which will be put on retention for my next car. I've decided its best to sell it, the car would deteriorate without being driven and also depreciate. Its most sensible to cut my losses and take a reasonable offer of £11700 for it, save it and see whats out there.

I'm in two minds about the C class. On the smaller roads up here its a godsend, and not just because I drive in a spirited way, but the smaller size means its less oo errr when something is oncoming the other way or a little over the white lines. But, its not a comfortable car particularly, its engine is not that refined and the trim (not the spec) is a tad lousy but it is solid and robust but its very utilitarian.

Given once I get my driving privildges back, I won't be cornering with as much vigour, the things that my car is bad at will irritate more and the things its very good at it will not get the oppertunity to impress.

I'd love a shooting brake, but I will not be able to afford one. I don't want a 4 clyinder car particularly if I can help it so an E350 estate (or saloon) would be fine. But the insurance will be steeper, so it could be another 204, but I am aiming for the E class again.

Colintraive was pleasant and I sat on the beach and mulled things over, as I knew this was the last time I would be here (by myself anyway) for a long long time. And that is a galling thing, I liked being able to go here when I wanted.

I hung around at Loch Eck for a bit hoping as the evening would draw in, the water would calm it....it did not and I never got my reflection shot I wanted


_DSC1011 by [e-mail], on Flickr

I headed back and took one last sunset at St Catherines


_DSC1020 by [e-mail], on Flickr

Total MPG for the trip


_DSC1026 by [e-mail], on Flickr

And a farewell to probably the best car I have ever had.

Yes it had its faults, firm ride, poor trim but it was fun in a way no diesel estate had any right to be, cost naff all to run and insure (until I did that stunt on the motorway) and was very practical. My only gripe was on long runs and motorways that I do quite a number of miles on it was a bit hard and uncomfortable but still tolerable.

I'd recommend a 204 to anyone, and I'd probably get one again, but I'm aiming for that 212 as the comfort will be better for my law abiding motoring future. And the extra space will be nice.

[r129sl]

Crumbs, I am sorry to hear about that. Seems a tad harsh.

[AC43]

Hi ST4 good luck with the ban (is that makes sense) :-(

I'll miss your amazing photography.

As you can'y drive to find your solitude I suggest you take the chance to develop other interests which can give you an element of that.

I find cycling, even across a busy city, as an escape.

And, for shorter distances, running.

You'll need to throw your energies into something.....

[st4]

Aye, will do urban photography etc and will get about by train.

But this 20months will be awful, I am already planning cars etc and what to buy in that time..LOL

[ecain63]

I think I'd happily take a 20 month ban over the week i've just had. Treatment hopefully starting Weds.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[st4]

The car was uplifted and is on its way to Hull, it could make its way to the dealer network or to a private dealer.

You are looking for the plate HV09 MXB.

It is an extremely clean and good condition car and I hope someone on here gets it. new disks and pads, full specialist service history and all factory paint, its never been bumped