You may remember that one of my goals in 2017 was to meet up with friends I have made here and through other social media channels. Having a target gave me focus and so I easily reached my goal of seven visits – I went just down the road for some, and as far as Manchester and Devon for others. However, one trip that was planned did not come to fruition until a couple of weeks ago.
When I originally mentioned my intention, Jenny from Simply Hooked commented that she’d love to meet up, but that she lives in such a remote part of the UK it seemed unlikely. Never being one to shy away from a challenge, I started looking at the possibility of organising a trip and it wasn’t too long before advice had been sought and bookings made. The advice was ‘come in May before the midges and children appear’. However, it was too late for 2017, so it had to be 2018.
So, earlier this month, we set off for the west coast of Scotland, stopping on the way to visit New Lanark for a few days and buy a little bit of wool – you get a discount if you are staying at the hotel, so it would have been churlish not to.
Beautiful New Lanark and the River Clyde
After staying for three nights, we continued our journey, arriving at our final destination to beautiful weather. Jenny and George kindly provided lunch the following day, and the weather was obligingly good enough for us to enjoy the sun and company in their garden.
Sunshine and smiles
Later in the week we visited the little art gallery in the village and I was able to snuggle some of the beautiful crochet that Jenny has for sale there:
Isn’t it lovely?
Sadly we were only there for a week, but we plan to return. More on the beauty of Scotland in later posts.
The Snail of Happiness 
katechiconi
/ May 27, 2018Oh Lord, the Scottish midges. Back when I had a reason to go there often, I tried to avoid April – September for just that reason. September is absolutely the best time; it’s not trying to be summer any more, but the weather is often excellent, and best of all, the midges have greatly decreased.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018Jenny’s husband George is a midge expert… author of “Midges in Scotland”. His advice is never visit there part of the country after the end of May!
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katechiconi
/ May 27, 2018I’d agree with him!
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Helen
/ May 27, 2018I like the knitted hot water bottle covers!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018and they are so snuggly!
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Helen
/ May 27, 2018That I am sure of!
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iamsimplyhooked
/ May 27, 2018Lovely to start seeing pictures of your exploits! The hot water bottle covers are crocheted – but in linen stitch which looks a bit like knitting. Sadly the little gallery is closing down in June….
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018Oh, that’s such a shame… we spent ages in there and bought a beautiful piece of art work… to be featured in a forthcoming post.
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Wild Daffodil
/ May 27, 2018You and Jenny could be sisters! What a fun focus for a trip.
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018It was such a lovely incentive for the trip.
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Donnalee
/ May 27, 2018How nice to be able to visit a lovely area plus meet good people–good for you!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018I have met some lovely people through my blog.
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Donnalee
/ May 28, 2018I have too–what a great thing.
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AJ
/ May 27, 2018What an awesome time!
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018It really was.
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thecontentedcrafter
/ May 27, 2018What a glorious setting for a meet-up that looks like it brought you both a lot of joy! You look like kindred spirits in that photo for sure. It is one of the best things about blogging, the chance to get to know and then spend time with people you really like! I wish you many more visiting opportunities! xo
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 27, 2018I would never have dreamed that blogging would lead to such wonderful friendships and great experiences.
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anne54
/ May 28, 2018You do look like sisters, especially as you both have smiles that capture the joy of your meeting! As for the midges, well, I suppose even paradise has a down side. ☺️
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 28, 2018We missed all the midges, but I think I might have gone anyway because it was so lovely.
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Nice Piece of Work
/ May 28, 2018I must have missed that post, otherwise I would have said I’d also love to meet you and then you could have just nipped down to Cape Town…
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The Snail of Happiness
/ May 28, 2018Maybe next year… I would love to manage it one day!
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nanacathy2
/ May 28, 2018What a super trip, I had wondered where you were. Glad the midges let you alone. You both look very happy and the crochet is very pretty.
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Laurie Graves
/ May 28, 2018What fun! Hope to meet a few of my nearby blogging friends this summer.
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wybrow1966
/ May 28, 2018What a fantastic idea – I don’t think I would be brave enough, so admire your trips immensely.
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quietwatercraft
/ June 7, 2018Curses, I’ve missed my window for visiting! But at least it’s just up the road (sort of) from me so takes slightly less planning. Isn’t Scotland gorgeous 🙂
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The Snail of Happiness
/ June 8, 2018I had never been to the west coast of Scotland before, but I will certainly be going back!
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vatlieuxaydungsg
/ November 22, 2018I like the knitted hot water bottle covers! Báo giá đá xây dựng
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