A short musical interlude.

I'd pulled the blinds and put the footbball commentary on...imagine my surprise when I popped my head out to see what all the commotion was: I'd been blocked in AND a brass band had set up within feet of my windscreen AND some 5 bagpipe bands started their march through the town from just outside.
It was a magic moment; one I might have missed. Doh!

As an aside, Lettie seems to have sorted herself out. She's still no sports car but she's rolling much more confidently now.

Where in the world..

The sun is out, the temperature above typical for mid-September although it always seems to me to be the best of months - I am biased though.

Lettie isn't convincing on the road. The head gasket is fixed but there seems to be an issue with the timing or carbouration; I have the Haynes manual coming in the post and hope to improve things myself: I can't afford to send her elsewhere.
I took a short drive as a test, I spent the night north of the F. of Forth at Limekilns and find myself today south of The Forth. Once I'm sure of Lettie I'll head further into Scotland.
I have to mention Lettie's livery; the not macho flowers get comments and looks everywhere they go. People look, people point, people shout, people wave.

On hold

Plans for getting out and about have been arrested. Lettie blew her head gasket on the journey up. The work is almost finished at this time and I'm reassured that, once this work is finished, I'll have the vehicle to ferry my imagination.

I hope to have some images and text next weekend.

Well,
the journey up wasn't pleasant. Lettie isn't playing by the rules - there's something wrong with the engine which causes a lack of power and misfiring under load.
I have her booked in to a garage for Monday to see where we stand...
I was greeted by the rainbow on my arrival, I'd like to see the half-full glass but fear it's simply a harbinger of rain to come...like there wasn't enough in The Lakes!

First day has come and gone at college. Introductions made; some first impressions taken. We're a big group at over 30. The year will be very busy: I can't affford to miss too many days: one day missed is equal to a tenth of a module!

We saw photos of what we can expect when we get out and about, we saw pics too of previous year's field study trips to Rum - I'm really looking forward to that. The weather can be fickle but always cold with the probability of snow and the prospect of some mountain running.

We also saw examples of last year's student's work some of which was very impressive and showed just what can be expected and attained.

I'll spend a second night on The Forth tonight but feel I'll over-stay my welcome in this lovely village.

The Forth Rail Bridge

Getting my hands dirty.

A picture from Low Wray Campsite - a rare sunny moment.

I have to be honest here...I'm not a mechanic! However, being more pro-active will be necessary on two fronts. One:economy, two:roadside necessity.
I need to learn about the electrics of the van. Particularly the 12v 'leisure battery' side, from the points of view of charging and storage potential difference to battery health.

To date I've changed the oil and oil filter. I have a couple of things I need to address. One is to find a way of getting a warning if the head-lights are left on!
While changing the oil I'd knocked the switch and put the lights on. When I returned to Lettie a few hours later her lights were grinning at me from the darkness...and the battery was unable to turn the engine over.
The second issue is the windscreen wipers..they don't automatically stop at the 'bottom' of the cycle; you have to judge when to stop them. There's also no intermittent wipe. This might be an off-the-shelf solution.

I need to buy a Hayne's manual.

Lettie entertains you

It was a pleasure to spend some time with friends and collegues these last days.

An evening of discovery with James proved fruitful - we both can nearly play crib: we both know a lot of songs.

Later in the week Lettie was to have tea with Sarah and Matt then on to Langdale and Ambleside to finish the day.

I learned today that fish is to be had by the sea-side and battered sausage elsewhere: you can have chips where you like.

Lettie got her start date through the post this morning - she's off to college on 2 September 2009.

Notwithstanding other issues in life she is looking forward to this exciting new challenge.