Crampons and Axes

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Had a week of 'googling', and it looks like camping pods and the whole concept of pod camping seems to  be taking off throughout the UK and Europe.  It's surely going to be an interesting few years to see how big it will go.

Well, I managed to get out to the hills this Sunday with 'Big Davie' for company.
I take my hat off to him though. He threw up 3 times, and was on his hands and knees on a few occasions crawling up the hill...yet still stuck it out and made it to the top.
He also managed to be within 2" of a self-inflicted vasectomy whilst trying to show off by jumping a barbed wire fence that ripped right through his 2 layers of trousers and has left a lovely 4" cut in his groin area.
I think the way I clutched my sides and rolled around laughing indicated that I was a tad unsympathetic to his injury.

All dressed up and nowhere to go.

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Well, as expeditions go, even Sir Edmund  could never have been better prepared.
Everything ready to go, new Scarpa mountain boots, crampons, ice axes, rucksack, survival bag, latest gps and compass, ord survey maps, route planned..............everything but Sherpas.

Can't get the car to the end of the road......

Snowed in.

Wonder what's on TV

Winter bookings

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Well, good news from Kinlochleven. It seems their Hobbits are booked up every weekend through into next year.
On the minus side of course, it scuppers my weekend get-away plans.

We've been busy in the workshop making some long overdue alterations and got the office refurbished at last.

Walking in a winter wonderland

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Got my feet in snow for the first time this winter season.
As you can see by the pic, all the girls beat the guys to the summit, until I arrived and did the David Bailey duties.
We came across a guy at the top who had carried a 30ft antenna all the way up there to send morse code messages to his chums. My offer of a loan of my mobile phone was met with suitable scorn.

Ah well, some folks think we are just as crazy.
Then it was off for the club 'high tea' and lots of strawberry tarts before heading home for hot bath and early bed.

Shoot the weather girl (part 2)

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I can't believe the bbc got it so wrong again.
So much for clearing up and sunshine.
We had sleet and torrential rain in Glencoe and a foot of snow at 2 1/2 thousand feet.
The A82 was flooded, but luckily traffic was light.

The Willows, Abersoch, Wales

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We would like to extend a warm welcome to Anna and Miles, owners of The Willows in Abersoch.

Their site has  received the prestigious award of  'Best Place to Stay in Wales' (Caravan & Camping) 2010. 

Follow this link to their website.  http://www.the-willows-abersoch.co.uk/index.htm

Gary gets to go up North

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I was in the huff as Gary got to go up to Kinlochleven with the latest batch of mini-hobbits last Friday, but changed my mind as soon as I saw the weather forecast. Torrential rain.  Luckily, the weather for me over the weekend was fine and I managed to visit 'The Bunnet Stane' on the Northern slopes of the West Lomonds.

However, I may make it up to Glencoe this weekend coming and have a go at the few of the Mamores before the onset of the snows. Luckily, I'm all kitted up now as my crampons came, so I'm ready for the ice.

Tip for the day, don't try out your crampons on laminate flooring as the gouging marks are nigh impossible to disguise, and don't allow your cat to dance around your feet as the risk of perforations in the tail are high.

Mini Hobbits at Kinlochleven

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The first 2 of 4 Minihobbits have now been sited at Blackwater Hostel in Kinlochleven.
These mini versions of their bigger brothers are perfect for single walkers or couples, and with being bang on the West Highland Way, were occupied within 2 hours of delivery. They are set to become a very popular addition to the microlodge range.

Shoot the weather girl

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Quote...It will clear up by 10 in the morning.
Fact...Ryder cup goes to a Monday for the first time due to torrential rain.

With implicit faith in the BBC, I set off at the back of 7 in the morning with a view to tackle Ben Lomond.
This as it turns out was a leap of faith too far, and had my kit consisted not of sturdy boots and walking poles, but a snorkel and fins, I may have had a fair to good chance of doing the walk. Oh...bat-like radar would also have come in useful as I couldn't see a thing.
As it happens, discretion being the better part of valour, I turned tail after a thousand or so feet, soaked through, and went home to the pub.

Hey-Ho...It'll still be there next time.

                                                  

Mini Hobbits

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The first of the new Mini-Hobbits are now in production with an immediate order for 4 units to go to Kinlochleven asap.
The smaller versions are perfect for single walkers and couples, and fitted with a choice of either a double bunk, or 2 single bunks.
They still have the TV, fridge and microwave capabilities like their big brothers though.
All in all, another good excuse for me to do a few more hills in the beautiful Glencoe area when the first 2 are sent for delivery.
Another added bonus is that I managed to get a gig at the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven, so the guitar will get an outing as well.
Yesterday was spent visiting the Cateran Trail from Blairgowrie to Glenshee looking at possible Hobbit locations, so a good day for me.  Gary had the drive North and back to Glencoe, so I think I had the better of the days yesterday.

Everybody's Tolkein 'Bout Us

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Ah well, the end of another working/fun weekend.  Did the usual run up to Blackwater hostel on Friday and had a very pleasant evening in the local watering holes. Saturday was an ascent of Garbh Bheinn on the most glorious of days and the view was incredible. Ben Nevis stood out crystal clear at 20 miles away with a light dusting of ice on its peak. My hill had amazing views down onto the Pap of Glencoe and Loch Leven.
On the Sunday, I had a couple of visits to The Kingshouse hotel and Red Squirrel campsite looking at possible Hobbit locations. Then it was a trip to Fort William and dropped in at the Nevis campsite there before heading over to Loch Ness and home.
All in all, apart from it going down to minus 2 on Saturday night, a very pleasant trip.

Peak of Garbh Bheinn

The Mini-Hobbit

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Been a busy, yet rainy week in Crail, so here's hoping it clears for the weekends trip.
Off up to Loch Ness, then down to Kinlochleven and Tyndrum.
Then next Tuesday, we are off to visit the Cateran Trail which should be fun.

We also have a new addition to the Hobbit range, The Mini-Hobbit.
Details here        http://www.visionarymedia.co.uk/Mini%20Hobbit.html

Preparations are now underway for the SECC show in Glasgow, which although still almost 5 months away seems to arrive at a rather alarming rate.

Interesting week

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Well then, Tuesday was good. Went to the hillwalking meetiing in Glenrothes and we received a lecture on the Cateran Trail, something I was not even aware existed. Looks good, and the guys there doing a lot of work promoting it. More info at http://www.caterantrail.org/

Then on Friday, I did a wee trek up the Bishop hill and over to the West Lomond in 30ft visibility. I know I wanted some compass work...but that was ridiculous. On the plus side, as it was so wet, I was able to descend 400ft down the West Lomond on my butt, thus saving the walk down.

Then on Sunday, it was a 6 am start and off up to Tyndrum for a wee stroll up Ben Chuirn, and once again saw sod all from the top due to the mist.

I think I should just sit in a sauna for all the good I've been getting from the views recently. It did however clear up, just as we got back down into the valley.  Typical.

Up the Hills

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What a lovely weekends weather.
On Friday morning, the latest Hobbit headed North to Kinlochleven, which sits on the last leg of the West Highland Way when heading to Fort William.
Upon arrival, Callum, as usual, had everything under control and ready to offload the truck, and the job was done in half an hour.
Then, it was off that evening to watch Scotlands spectacular 0-0 draw.

Next morning, up bright and early, and once again, thanks to Callum, who lent me his OS map as I had left mine at home, I kitted up for the days activities.
The mist was just burning off as I set out from Blackwater Hostel, through the village and started the ascent to join the West Highland Way.
From there, I followed the pathway for a few miles, then headed off track to climb Beinn na Caillich at 764 metres. The views all around were stunning. Oh, if anyone does this walk....to reach the summit, take the northern path and not the southern as I did...unless you like vertical rock climbing and scrabbling across scree slopes.
After lunch at the top, I headed along the ridge to Mam na Gualainn at 796 Metres before descending from there to rejoin the West Highland Way and back to town.
I recommend this walk highly as it's only about 10 1/2 miles and not overly taxing.

It's not all work...

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The first of two builds for Kinlochleven coming along nicely, and delivery arranged for Tuesday. No room for error as Caroline and Callum have their first bookings starting Thursday.
Yesterday was fine weather yet again, and with daylight still going until 9, I decided to take a walk to John Knox's Pulpit on the southern face of the West Lomond Hill.

It was a place I visited often as a youngster, and took my kids there camping. Not a soul to be seen, and had a fantastic face to face with a large red deer.

Blackwater Hostel, Kinlochleven

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We had a lovely wee break this weekend and the highland weather surpassed itself.
So did the midgies though, and Gary was well bitten.
Firstly, we went to the site at Loch Ness for a catch-up with Robbie and a chat about phase 2 of the Hobbit Village there.  It was pleasing to see that all 10 hobbits had been full every day throughout the season so far.
Next day, we headed west along the Loch to Fort William and down to Kinlochleven, where we met with Caroline and Callum and family at Blackwater Hostel, (www.blackwaterhostel.co.uk), who are the latest members of the Hobbit camping family. They will be taking bookings for their hobbits within a fortnight. Lots to do there, with stunning mountain views and the Ice factory which looks fun. They also have the hostel which is well equipped for hill walkers, cyclists etc and a perfect setting off point for the surrounding countryside.
From there, we headed 10 miles away to Glencoe, and dropped in for a coffee, with Lynne providing the apple pie.
So, fed and watered we headed back south to Noahs Ark in Perth.  Wow.. the site is wall-to-wall and hobbits booked solid through until October so far, and already reserved for next years T in the Park.

Noahs Ark in Perth

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Well done to Noahs Ark. From field to 4 star site in 12 months, as awarded by Visit Scotland yesterday.

Summer Showers

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It's sunny in Scotland and the campaign for World Cup Footie in the workshop has led to a drop in productivity but a great rise in morale.
After a slow start awaiting some bits and pieces, we eventually finished the Hobbit Cascade stand-alone shower unit to complement the Wee Hobbit.

New Website Layout

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Ah well, A nice 4 day break with a wee run down to Stamford. Very relaxing apart from the 700 mile drive there and back, then all too soon, a return to the workshop. Meanwhile, Gary is still 'sunning it up' in Turkey.
At last, the shower tray arrived for the Hobbit Cascade, so that was fitted today, and all the wall structure is now up.
Tomorrow, we get the shower door fitted and the internal walls lined.
Can't wait to see it all finished.

Official Sponsors of 'Watch World Cup in the Workshop'

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Ok,so it was never going to be a mutiny as such, but in the better interest of the boys, the tv is now installed in the workshop so we can watch whilst we work.

The Hobbit Cascade is in its final stages and should be ready for it's debut appearance by midweek.

The Chosen Name for new Microlodge Loo

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At last, the loo is built and now christened, so welcome to the WEE HOBBIT.

Loo Loo, skip to the loo....

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Fun times to be had in the workshop.

We are in the final stages of finishing our 'stand alone' Hobbit w/c, and Hobbit shower units.  Of course, we are wanting to give them catchy little names along the Hobbit theme, yet are head-scratching...
Boromir's Bog?, Sauron's showers?, The Legolas loo?

Hmm....

The last of the Loch Ness order was carried out last week, followed by a night in the Hobbit houses for the boys.

A peaceful night was had by all, with no doubt the 'on-site' bar taking responsibility for that, yet we were all up bright and early with the rare sight of a Scottish sunrise over the loch.

Invercoe Caravan park at Glencoe

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It snowed...well, sleeted anyway. We got lost, sort of, and the only person who knew where we were meant to be was Gary, who was in the workshop. No problem methinks, I'll call him. Easy, assuming had I never left my phone in the car. 

As it happens, we arrived, asked, and found the site no problem.

The bases were all ready for us, bang on level, and offloaded the Hobbit houses in 20 minutes, then were invited for tea and sticky buns, so a good day all round.

The views are stunning!

Lots of people up North, and the West Highland Way is awash with walkers. Bodes well, for the season.

Hi Ho... Off to Glencoe

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Off to Glencoe tomorrow

Another busy weekend, with only minimal crisis, as in running out of varnish on a Sunday and having a 30 mile trek all around to get the right colour.  Then to cap it all, we all left for home, except for David, the painter, and it turns out we had locked him in the workshop, and he had to get someone down with a grinder to cut off the padlock to let him out. Oops!!

Almost ready for liftoff

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At long last, the 3 phase cable for the cnc machine is in. The compressor is due to arrive tomorrow. Fingers double-crossed that it works.

I forsee many late nights learning G-code, but if it helps production, so be it.
Got the sacrificial base fitted today and all the machine paths worked out, and can't wait until it awakes from its slumber.

Loch Ness here we come....again

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What a long day. I never got out of the workshop until 3 this morning, then out again at 7 to load up for units 7 & 8 to go to Loch Ness. Only just got home and found I still have a set of keys in my pocket. I think I'm going to let the post office to return them.
Not withstanding, it was a beautiful day and the hills still have a dusting of snow here and there, plus it was a treat to be out of the workshop for a day.
Tomorrow, must try and get a new compressor for the cnc machine to run.... BOYS TOYS...

Early Monday

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The Half Marathon was a stunning success....sort of. Mike, my nephew raced in at 1 hour 39 minutes, cheered on over the line by me and Laura. Susan had a personal best and made it in under the 2 hours. That was the successful part of the day.

However....

My saga was really quite different. Oh, it started out well, bag full of flasks, food and dry clothing and I even got to the location easily (well for me anyway) and only got lost twice.

Back to the aforementioned cheering of Susan over the line. I think she was too busy smiling for the cameras and never seen me. This then lead to her thinking I wasn't there. This glitch was compounded to by the fact my phone decided to die. I missed her at the exit gate, and stood in the pouring rain for over an hour until even the runners dressed as bananas had came and gone and I decided to give up when the last runners came through who had carried their kids around the course. I then had to hump my holdall, which was like a hang-glider storage bag all the way back to the car. The rain by now is lashing down. I know I should have taken the by-pass home...but no, I decided to be a sheep and followed the rest of the traffic. By the time I got stuck on Princess Street in Edinburgh, I was getting frustrated. I used to know how to get home from there, but all traffic is diverted due to laying new tram lines. I then ended up miles away from the intended route, but ended up at the zoo. Not too bad now as I had been lost there before, so eventually made it to the Forth road bridge. I'm never going to leave home again. Even worse, I had lent my sat-nav to Mike....and they never bothered using it.. GRRR.

Anyway, congratulations to all the runners and...you're on your own next year...

Early Sunday

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It's Sunday and not 5 in the morning yet, but up and about getting ready for the trip into Edinburgh. It's the Chris Hoy half marathon, and it seems everyone I know is participating in the run.

My preparations on the other hand, will consist of filling the big flask with strong coffee, tupperware boxes of sandwiches and lending vocal support to all and sundry.

I think people here in Methil have an unusual training method, as every time I see someone running around here, they are usually carrying a TV or church roof lead.....

The race starts at Meadowbank stadium at 9 and ends at Mussleburgh race track, running via Leith.

I on the other hand will scoot around the Edinburgh by-pass in the car, and arrive before everyone, declare myself winner, and spend in the pub what I've saved from not buying expensive trainers.

Tayvallich

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Gary on site at Leachive in Tayvallich delivering their first Microlodge Hobbbit houses.

The Great Scottish Spring

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It really hasn't been the best of weather, but Steve and Gary headed North yet again to Loch Ness for delivery of units 5 and 6.

Robbie, the site owner has started to install the deckings around his Hobbits and they are looking splendid.

At the workshop, we had a good clean-out, then made a start on the 2 units due for delivery to Leachive Farm in Tayvallich.

Tweet Tweet

Microlodge is now on twitter.....as if I never had enough to do of a day!

Loch Ness

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Yet again, another hectic week last week.

Microlodges 3 & 4 were delivered to Loch Ness, and numbers 5 & 6 are taking shape in the shop.

Then a short break from them to build 2 units going off to Glencoe, then into production for the remaining 4 for Loch Ness.

Then........6 units to be delivered to the West coast in May.

Gary and Dougie off to Noahs Ark tomorrow to do some finishing touches, and let's hope Dougie doesn't get lost going home again...and end up in Dundee...again.

Jeez, I draw him maps and everything, to no avail.

Curious sightings at Loch Ness

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A long journey for Gary and Rab yesterday, but the first sightings of the Loch Ness Microlodges have now been seen.

Meanwhile, myself and the rest of the guys have been slaving away in the workshop whilst those two have been traipsing around on their mini-tour of the Highlands.

Loch Ness here we come

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Today the new style builds are heading off to Loch Ness. The double glazed pre-assembled units are more efficient, yet easier to fit than the hand-made doors, and well worth the extra cost.

No rest for the wicked

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Ah well, all hands on deck and working through the weekend to get ready for the delivery of the first 2 of 10 Microlodges heading to Loch Ness on Tuesday. We are delighted with the inclusion of the double glazed units we are now installing, plus saves us a bucketload of time in assembly. Still not found the keys for the cnc machine, but as we still have no 3 phase yet, I guess it's kind of irrelevant at this moment in time.

New Team Member

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At last we have bitten the bullet and went on a recruitment drive, and the new member of the Microlodge team is a cnc router.

I have been reliably informed that it needs neither tea breaks or has woman problems, so it should be an invaluable member of staff.

The only problem now, is what I know about CAD drawing and G-Coding can be written on a Post-it sticker.

Still, if I can learn HTML, I should be able to draft in someone to help teach me the coding.

If anyone is in the market for a cnc machine, keep an eye on this page as we may fall out with it after a month if it doesn't behave.

Robert is down at the caravan show in Manchester this week, so hopefully he has a successful time there.

Halfway there

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Tomorrow should with luck see Noahs Ark Microlodge deckings finished and all back to the workshop soon. Drafting in extra hands to get it all completed ahead of this weekends caravan rally.

New Locations

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Busy day again at Noahs Ark and got the framing completed for the 6 woodland Microlodges.

Decking tomorrow.

Gary and Rab are away up to Loch Ness to carry out a site survey for the 10 units that will be sent up there over the coming month.

Preparing a new 'location map' as well, for the website.

No rest for the wicked.....

glasgow herald pic

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Photo by Gordon Ferris, (Glasgow Herald)

At last, sort of a day off. Heading out this afternoon to look at a choice of 3 new premises to use as an assembly workshop in addition to the existing premises which will be used as the cutting and prep shop.
Yesterday we managed to install 3 of the decking bases in the woods for the Noahs Ark Microlodges, complete with trees growing through the decking boards. Once the woodland walkway is done, the effect will be stunning.

Noahs Ark

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After the rigours of the SECC, I thought it would be a nice quiet day, but was proved wrong after a call from Perth to help out and site their new Microlodges.

A day was spent in the woods, wielding the chainsaws to clear beds for the lodges, then hooking them up to the JCB and siting them.

Looking good so far with 4 in and 2 to go tomorrow.

Then lay out the 'woodland pathways' for access.

SECC at an end

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Well, 4 days at Glasgow finished at last. We all agreed that it was less tiring being in the workshop. We can't thank the organisers of the show, QD Events enough for the way they handled everything, plus special thanks to Natalie aka Frodo, for being brave enough to pose for the News of the World photograher, Luke, who was also superb.

We estimate more than 7,000 people passed through the Microlodge doors, and it put many smiles on faces. On a more serious note, the demand for the Microlodge has outstripped all expectations.

Many people have worked to help make this a success for us, so thanks to Jill who owns Headline PR, Gordon Ferris for his wonderful photo in the Glasgow Herald, Marrianne from the Herald, who listened to my rambles...and managed to produce a coherent article from the drivel, Graham and the Staff from Noahs Ark in Perth for greeting many thousands of people over the course of the show, and Steve (the wonder driver) from Williamson Haulage.

SECC update

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What a hectic day at SECC. Sales are beyond expectations and interest in the Microlodges far greater than we could have expected.

Had a surprise visit from the News of the World in the morning to take some pics.

What with that and the Glasgow Herald feature due out tomorrow, we are more than pleased.

I just wish we could 'magic away' the traffic jams on the M8 now.

SECC Feb

What a rotten start to the day. All ready to head to Glasgow, and Gary calls to say his missus has pranged the car on her way to work.

Luckily, although the car is a write-off, Suzie seems to be ok.

With that, just me and Dougie to get the Show Microlodge out of the workshop and on its way to Glasgow.

As usual, I got lost again.....

Still, after an unplanned tour of Clydebank, we made it.

Getting the truck in was a heck of a squeeze, but thanks to the amazing skill of Steve, our Hi-ab driver, we got the unit offloaded.

Day of rest tomorrow, whilst the sales lads are back in Glasgow getting the 'decor' done.

Little log cabin

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Well, almost ready to fit the roof on the shower block. The Somme mudbath at least froze over for a while allowing us to remain fairly dry.. for a change.

Also doing the new Noahs Ark caravan park website at present, so with luck, that will be on line by the weekend. No rest for the wicked.

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At last the snow has gone, so we've started work again at Noahs Ark in Perth, laying out the deckings for the Hobbit and their office.

On the downside, the ground is doing a good impersonation of the Somme after a heavy barrage.

We are also turning a couple of old portacabins into a des-res shower block. Need to get finished soon and back into the workshop as my old bones are feeling the strain of the bitter cold.