Jegs Blog : Tay Valley Norton Owners Club applecross Weekend 28/07/17

The Big Yam and the Street Triple were packed up with the tent and all the associated gubbins that goes with motorcycling and camping to head up to Applecross for the annual Norton gathering. Rain was forecast all weekend so we were pleasantly surprised when we had blue skies all the way up the A9 to Dalwhinnie and beyond. The weather gods must have decided that we were sufficiently fooled into complacency as approaching Loch Laggan the heavens opened making aquaplaning and avoiding gravel washed into the middle of the road an interesting way to keep your mind on the job at hand. A pit stop for food was planned at the Old Pines Restaurant along the B8004 100 yards from the Spean Bridge Commando Monument, hot soup and sandwiches were much appreciated, dripping wet bike gear made for puddles on the floor, I did ask if I could clean it up but the girl said it was fine even smiling, probably thinking thank feck she wasn't going out in that rain, well worth a visit if you are passing.
An uneventful journey thankfully all the way even drying out before a stop at Lochcarron for photos and all the way up the Bealach. It did start to rain again when it was time to put the tent up at the Applecross campsite. Gino, Fiona, David and Ann and Micky all the way from Ireland were already pitched and in good spirits, Bert and Laurenne, Phil, Alex and Ewen all arriving at various times throughout the day, all with varying stories of their journey up. Friday evening was spent drinking, eating and chatting in the newly opened Junction café/bar, great company, Toon and Elke arrived from Belgium as part of a tour of North Scotland, great to see people making the effort.
On the Saturday Lesley and I headed back down the brae to the Junction again for breakfast and were joined by Alex and Micky. Lesley and I went for a wee walk along the coast to Milton for a clear the head, meeting Phil out for a run on the Commando.
On the way back along we popped into the Applecross Inn for a beer, we were soon joined by like minded souls leading to more than a few beers. Our tea was booked in the Walled Garden, a 20 minute walk along the coast, time to clear the head again for a wee while, fantastic food was had by all, my lobster was so fresh it tried to escape off my plate, much to Lesley, Ewen and Phil's amusement, more beer and some great laughs. We rounded off the night back in the Applecross Inn before a wander up the brae to the tent. Sunday morning and the packing of the soaking wet tent, apparently horrendous rain in the night but I never heard a thing. A dry run up and over the Bealach, stopping off at the Waterside Café in Lochcarron for breakfast, having a blether with Ewan on our way out.
Some heavy showers on the way but an otherwise fine run home.
Another braw weekend in great company with folks from far and wide, cant wait till the next time.