For the first time since April we have a wee respite! and only because we had a cancellation. Cottages have been busier than ever this year and we have had so many super people to stay - and lots of lovely very well-behaved dogs as well. But it was all out on Monday for an empty few days - just as well as the wonderful Catherine who looks after them for us is on holiday. In such times Mike and I get down to the changeovers. For years Mike managed the Caravan Site on Carradale Bay and there is not a thing he doesn't know about cleaning, so they usually get an extra dust when he's on duty. Two days of heavy rain didn't help things on the drying front - life in Carradale without a tumble drier would not be funny. But all the cottages have them which does help.

Out brambling at the week-end and got about 2lb in half an hour - they make wonderful jam. Hazelnuts are good this year but having picked pounds one season and ended up with 1/4 oz by the time I'd spent a whole evening shelling them, I just cheat and buy them on the Co-op. We have terrific chanterelles in the woods behind us as well, so country living has its perks.

I tell a lie! the swallows haven't gone at all - met about a hundred of them on my beautiful morning walk down to the Bay. Sadly there was actually ONE OTHER PERSON there , and not even someone I knew. He said he hadn't a clue where he was which seemed strange as he was staying on the caravan park at the far end. A lot of people arrive at the park and never find the rest of the village, the harbour, the shops. Or they put on their hiking boots and gaiters, get out their GPSs, and head for the hotel. That's Satnavs for you.

Autumn always hits Carradale early, and the chestnut tree along the road is beginning to turn. Always the first to come out and a real sign of Spring, it's now going a lovely orange. The colours on these nice sunny days we've been having are super - expecially if you get up to the trig point on the Deer Hill walk. Loads of purple heather, red rowans, and black brambles - Scotland at its very best.

And the swallows have all suddenly departed having had their usual get together on our telephone lines before they set off on their amazing journey.

We are having our busiest September ever, but don't forget our last minute booking offer of 25% off - there may be a wee gap for you; not to mention the ridiculously low rates on October.