Blogging at 19:00 on Monday 27th July from N 55.49265°, W 03.27382° / http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:55.49265%2C-03.27382
Rain, rain and more rain. It was forecast, so we carried out a plan to do a scenic drive from where we were to where we now are (coordinates).
In short, it's been very pretty with lots of rolling upland and picture-postcard valleys. Best of all, the master plan to eek out quiet and un-touristed spots is paying off. This part of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway has been amongst the least-trammeled bits of mainland UK we've ever visited.
Wildlife has understandably laid low today but we have seen plenty of raptors and some really unusual day-flying moths. These were out in their dozens flying amongst tussocky grass and rush in the teeming rain. They never seemed to settle anywhere and were totally unperturbed by the rain. It seemed an impossible feat.
Speaking of insects, the books on board indicate yesterday's beetle was a violet ground beetle.
At the location shown (pic) where we're staying for the night. It's Megget Reservoir and, thanks to it, Edinburgh is apparently kept in a water supply. On a day of incessant grey the sun broke through cloud for approximately eight seconds, just as I was snapping the overnighting location.
I'm quite sure it wasn't a sign from God.
Sent from my Armour X5