Sleeping in MG4 [merged thread]

[Ian Key]

Always have to look after the camp manageress! She had a ball as well. Great 1 night adventure. ?

I hope you were both consenting adults ?

 

[Rolfe]

I'm thinking of giving this a try myself, starting Sunday. Although Saturday looks to be a great day, for various reasons I can't leave till Sunday morning, so I have a couple of days to prepare. I can't stay away for more than three nights for cat-related reasons - that's the longest time I can stretch the automatic cat feeders to run for (although I could phone a neighbour to take in emergency supplies, that has happened before!) The poor wee soul has been in the cattery for two separate weeks this month already, just out for the second time on Monday, and I can't bring myself to do it to him again. He's pretty happy left in the house with the cat flap open and a regular supply of Felix turning up (literally) by clockwork though.

I can get to Inverness in just over three hours from here. ABRP thinks I can do it on one charge but I'm slightly dubious and a top-up at Aviemore might be prudent. One way or another though I would aim to get close to 100% on the Inverness superchargers, then head west. I'm thinking the A832/A890 towards Kyle, then just mosey around between there and Fort William for a couple of days. As well as the Teslas at Aviemore, Inverness and Fort William there are plenty 50 kW units around.

I'm not sure whether to do the Bealach na Bà or not, this time, or leave it for a future shot at the North Coast 500. I know there are no chargers at Applecross, so anyone heading there in an EV needs to have taken plenty charge on board beforehand. Especially if they're considering sleeping there. (I have not yet had to plead with a householder to let me use my granny charger and I fervently hope I never do.) There is a walk I'd like to do north of Loch Arkaig, only a mile but a very steep track that climbs 1,000 feet in that stretch. I'll see what the weather is like and what I feel like. It's nice just pottering along the unclassified roads and stopping at the occasional landmark. It's ages since I did this, with my mother in the Peugeot or maybe it was even the XR2.

The beauty of this is that if it all goes pear-shaped there are two very obvious bottle-out options. One is that B&B accommodation shouldn't be too hard to find on the fly now the school holidays are over, and the other is that I'll never be so far from home that I can't simply go home any time I want to. I can do it on one charge from the Fort William Teslas if necessary. Even in the middle of the night.

It can't be as bad as the time my parents had the great idea of touring up towards Plockton in their Datsun 100A, and took my aunt as well, and we couldn't find any B&B accommodation at all and four of us ended up sleeping sitting up in that bloody car. Or even the time my mother and I went to Skye for a couple of nights, had a fantastic sunny day the first day, then all my plans for day 2 were ditched as torrential rain set in. Yes you can actually get from Kyle back to Lanarkshire in a remarkably short time in a 950 cc Polo. (Her car, but my driving.)

I once had dinner with a bunch of friends in Inverness, and stayed for dessert, then drove back to Lanarkshire. In that self-same 950 cc Polo, borrowed. Got home about 2 am. Why would it be any harder in an EV?

 

[Archev]

I'm thinking of giving this a try myself, starting Sunday. Although Saturday looks to be a great day, for various reasons I can't leave till Sunday morning, so I have a couple of days to prepare. I can't stay away for more than three nights for cat-related reasons - that's the longest time I can stretch the automatic cat feeders to run for (although I could phone a neighbour to take in emergency supplies, that has happened before!) The poor wee soul has been in the cattery for two separate weeks this month already, just out for the second time on Monday, and I can't bring myself to do it to him again. He's pretty happy left in the house with the cat flap open and a regular supply of Felix turning up (literally) by clockwork though.

I can get to Inverness in just over three hours from here. ABRP thinks I can do it on one charge but I'm slightly dubious and a top-up at Aviemore might be prudent. One way or another though I would aim to get close to 100% on the Inverness superchargers, then head west. I'm thinking the A832/A890 towards Kyle, then just mosey around between there and Fort William for a couple of days. As well as the Teslas at Aviemore, Inverness and Fort William there are plenty 50 kw units around.

I'm not sure whether to do the Bealach na Bà or not, this time, or leave it for a future shot at the North Coast 500. I know there are no chargers at Applecross, so anyone heading there in an EV needs to have taken plenty charge on board beforehand. Especially if they're considering sleeping there. (I have not yet had to plead with a householder to let me use my granny charger and I fervently hope I never do.) There is a walk I'd like to do north of Loch Arkaig, only a mile but a very steep track that climbs 1,000 feet in that stretch. I'll see what the weather is like and what I feel like. It's nice just pottering along the unclassified roads and stopping at the occasional landmark. It's ages since I did this, with my mother in the Peugeot or maybe it was even the XR2.

The beauty of this is that if it all goes pear-shaped there are two very obvious bottle-out options. One is that B&B accommodation shouldn't be too hard to find on the fly now the school holidays are over, and the other is that I'll never be so far from home that I can't simply go home any time I want to. I can do it on one charge from the Fort William Teslas if necessary. Even in the middle of the night.

It can't be as bad as the time my parents had the great idea of touring up towards Plockton in their Datsun 100A, and took my aunt as well, and we couldn't find any B&B accommodation at all and four of us ended up sleeping sitting up in that bloody car. Or even the time my mother and I went to Skye for a couple of nights, had a fantastic sunny day the first day, then all my plans for day 2 were ditched as torrential rain set in. Yes you can actually get from Kyle back to Lanarkshire in a remarkably short time in a 950 cc Polo. (Her car, but my driving.)

I once had dinner with a bunch of friends in Inverness, and stayed for dessert, then drove back to Lanarkshire. In that self-same 950 cc Polo, borrowed. Got home about 2 am. Why would it be any harder in an EV?

Sounds like great trips past and planned.
My daughter and her dog are off on Sunday in her diesel Whyundai heading to Ullapool and Stornoway. Then she’s going south with the causeways and ferries for a couple of weeks ending with the ferry to Oban. She’s meeting up with a pal with her wee camper van most of the way.
I’m on the point of buying a roof tent so might catch up with her somewhere. Just need to check with the insurance to be certain.

 

[Rolfe]

The Long Island is for another day. If this relatively safe experiment works then I'll plan some more excursions next year.

It's a pity I couldn't have left tomorrow morning, because that's the best weather, but I have a committment on Saturday evening. The car is due in for its software update on Thursday morning, so I have to be back Wednesday at the latest anyway. And I don't need to stay away that long if it's not going well.

Monday's weather doesn't look the best in Applecross, so doing the Bealach na Bà on Monday probably isn't the best plan. I might leave that till another day unless the forecast improves. If this is a success then I can pretty much take off whenever a nice spell is forecast, and it might happen again in September. Sticking with the coastal roads and not going too high should be fine though, and I'm in a car. It's not as if I'm on a cycling trip.

 

[Archev]

The Long Island is for another day. If this relatively safe experiment works then I'll plan some more excursions next year.

It's a pity I couldn't have left tomorrow morning, because that's the best weather, but I have a committment on Saturday evening. The car is due in for its software update on Thursday morning, so I have to be back Wednesday at the latest anyway. And I don't need to stay away that long if it's not going well.

Monday's weather doesn't look the best in Applecross, so doing the Bealach na Bà on Monday probably isn't the best plan. I might leave that till another day unless the forecast improves. If this is a success then I can pretty much take off whenever a nice spell is forecast, and it might happen again in September. Sticking with the coastal roads and not going too high should be fine though, and I'm in a car. It's not as if I'm on a cycling trip.

Perfect ?

Perfect ?

There’s a weather window or two coming up if you’re flexible with days and directions.

 

[Rolfe]

Fingers crossed! I've just been out and inflated the tyres (started getting tyre pressure warnings 30 miles into last week's 1,000 mile road trip, that's three now, always some time into a journey when the temperature dropped) and raised the driver's seat to make it easier to see over the bonnet on tricksy roads. Just need to work through the shopping list and then the checklist tomorrow.

Do keep us posted about the roof tent. It's not something I would consider myself but I'd love to know how it works. The first time I saw one of these, on a car parked in the ferry car park at Kripp (near Remagen) I couldn't believe my eyes. I don't think Prospero (my Golf) could either.

 

[Archev]

Fingers crossed! I've just been out and inflated the tyres (started getting tyre pressure warnings 30 miles into last week's 1,000 mile road trip, that's three now, always some time into a journey when the temperature dropped) and raised the driver's seat to make it easier to see over the bonnet on tricksy roads. Just need to work through the shopping list and then the checklist tomorrow.

Do keep us posted about the roof tent. It's not something I would consider myself but I'd love to know how it works. The first time I saw one of these, on a car parked in the ferry car park at Kripp (near Remagen) I couldn't believe my eyes. I don't think Prospero (my Golf) could either.

At last I’ve heard from my insurance company. They don’t look on a roof tent as a modification on the car as it can be removed and refitted at will. They have noted it on my policy documents.
I suppose I’ll go and get one then ? They had two plus a demo unit in Airdrie Go Outside yesterday and their roof crossbars were cheaper than Halfords.
I’ve had to go to a laundrette to get a large enough washing machine to take my sleeping bag. Of course their drier was out of commission so I’m at another where the drier is nearly finished. Berghaus, who make the bag, advise putting a couple of tennis balls in with the bag to pummel the insulation material so Granddog will have fine fresh balls to chase.
Note - no squeaks were harmed in these balls in the cleansing of this sleeping bag ??

At last I’ve heard from my insurance company. They don’t look on a roof tent as a modification on the car as it can be removed and refitted at will. They have noted it on my policy documents.
I suppose I’ll go and get one then ? They had two plus a demo unit in Airdrie Go Outside yesterday and their roof crossbars were cheaper than Halfords.
I’ve had to go to a laundrette to get a large enough washing machine to take my sleeping bag. Of course their drier was out of commission so I’m at another where the drier is nearly finished. Berghaus, who make the bag, advise putting a couple of tennis balls in with the bag to pummel the insulation material so Granddog will have fine fresh balls to chase.
Note - no squeaks were harmed in these balls in the cleansing of this sleeping bag ??

 

[Rolfe]

I'm wondering about putting this off now, as the weather forecast is worsening, but unfortunately I'm constrained by this car appointment on Thursday, and then a dentist's appointment on Tuesday 10th. I might just go anyway. I don't have to make up my mind till tomorrow, or even Sunday morning.

 

[Archev]

Yeah base camp anywhere ?

 

[Rolfe]

Wow. Moar pics!

 

[Rolfe]

I'm not going to go tomorrow. What was a nice-looking few days has pretty much disappeared off the weather map and I wouldn't enjoy it. There's a much better window coming up next weekend.

I was watching this video last night and this looks like a really nice drive. East to west across Scotland.



But he wasn't intending to sleep in the car. He just drove to the lighthouse to say he'd been there, then went to visit friends on holiday in (I think) Kilchoan. The weather wasn't the greatest but if you're barely getting out of the car it doesn't matter. Different if you're there all evening, then trying to set up camp and it's raining.

 

[Archev]

I'm not going to go tomorrow. What was a nice-looking few days has pretty much disappeared off the weather map and I wouldn't enjoy it. There's a much better window coming up next weekend.

I was watching this video last night and this looks like a really nice drive. East to west across Scotland.



But he wasn't intending to sleep in the car. He just drove to the lighthouse to say he'd been there, then went to visit friends on holiday in (I think) Kilchoan. The weather wasn't the greatest but if you're barely getting out of the car it doesn't matter. Different if you're there all evening, then trying to set up camp and it's raining.

Fabulous roads. Fabulous Ardnamurchan. Love it - too long since I was there.

 

[Rolfe]

I've never been as far as the lighthouse. It's definitely a thought.

I had thought about heading for Inverness first then going west, but I could get to the chargers at An Gearasdan in one go and the roads on the west are more interesting.

 

[Rolfe]

Lookie here. This weekend is looking up. (Touch wood, don't jinx it and all that.)

I can leave Edinburgh maybe one o'clock on Friday, although I'll have to find lunch somewhere. (I have a music lesson there in the morning.) I can leave the cat with enough food for three nights, and he's perfectly capable of going out and killing something if he gets peckish. (The sounds coming from under his hidey-hole tree in the garden while I was sunning myself on Saturday were postively spine-chilling. The gardener says it's like Game of Thrones under there.)

I could go straight to the Fort William Tesla supercharger, or I could go to Inverness (with a stop-off at Perth) then make my way west. I don't want to drive the entire time, but I want to see some scenery. Dunadd, climb to Loch Blair, and maybe the Ardnamurchan lighthouse are all pencilled in.

I have to be back on Monday anyway, because I have to have a back tooth out on Tuesday. I'm not sure whether having the tooth out or paying for the necessary implant afterwards will be worse.

And get this, Caliban may be sporting R33 and a flat undertray by then.

 

[Rolfe]

I can't quite believe I'm packing to do this. It's cold, I have the central heating on, its deeply overcast, and it's raining. Obviously on for the night. Except here is the forecast.

I need to take sunscreen and lightweight clothes!

It's all a bit complicated. Caliban has been kept in overnight to finish the stuff the dealer has to do - not just the R33 installation but the undertray fix, the charging port light revival, and possibly the new LKA lion-tamer. I have a Kia Soul courtesy car. I had intended to load up tonight, go to my music lesson tomorrow morning, which is in south Edinburgh and nearly on my route north, and carry on. But now the plan is to load the Kia (in the morning, not going out in that tonight), go to the music lesson, then head for the dealer's place to pick up Caliban at about one, transfer the luggage, and get going.

So I should still have two very nice days, and drive back on Monday sometime. If the cat doesn't have enough food, he can go outside and kill something. He does that anyway.

It may be a disaster. I may be hunting for a B&B for Saturday night. I may throw the towel in and simply come home. But I want to try this. And I still have to have that back tooth out on Tuesday.

 

[Rolfe]

[Post written at 10.15 pm yesterday.]

Currently sitting in Caliban, reading and listening to the stereo, in a secluded car park at the near end of Loch Arkaig. Weak, intermittent phone signal. An Gearasdan was absolutely heaving. All the way up Glen Coe the laybys were full and there were tourists everywhere. Obviously I'm not the only person who looked at the weather forecast. Moral of the story. Forget Google maps, use the OS. The Streetview van hasn't been along this road, ever. You can't even see it on Google maps unless you zoom right in. But 2 minutes on the OS site showed me this spot. A van has been parked here since I arrived, but there's nobody with it. Two campervans stopped at the entrance but then drove on. I only need the blackout curtains to keep the dawn light out.

Maybe the campervan occupants correctly sussed that the place is midgie hell. Another moral. Don't just keep your extra strong Jungle Formula to hand, also keep the treatment to hand because you WILL be bitten. Fortunately I have a very good treatment and it's all sorted now. Going to bed soon. Pictures in the morning.

(Huh, the phone signal has gone. I won't be able to post this till morning.)

 

[Rolfe]

This has been a spectacular success, apart from the midges, and the fact that I couldn't sleep!

The VtL worked perfectly to inflate the air mattress. It fitted along the load bed perfectly. My sleeping bag was comfortable and even with just my toes touching the tailgate there were still several inches between my head and the back of the seat. (5' 7", 170 cm.)

The HVAC stayed on all night, no fuss. It must be the locking from inside that's the key. Thank you Bjorn. Temperature perfect, and I could feel the gentle stream of fresh air wafting over me. Easy to change the temperature or fan just by leaning forward to use the touch screen. No condensation at all inside the car.

The magnetic curtains on windows and DRLs worked a treat, although since I was completely alone they were optional. I didn't bother with the windscreen as the car was parked nose in to the trees, and in the end I put that curtain over the screens and the central console. They weren't that bright but it was better. I did notice the wee green light but it's tiny and you could put tape over it if need be.

Sleeping arrangements.

The air mattress wasn't at nearly the sort of slope it seems to be in the picture. I did have a tendency to slide a bit towards the tail gate but I think that was more to do with the backs of the seats not being entirely flat than the foot end of the mattress not being high enough. (SE, no false floor.) Having the table and chair under there seemed to be enough. It wasn't an issue.

I think I couldn't sleep just because it was so strange. Also, I feel quite chipper now so I suspect I slept more than I realised. I had a lie in till just after nine, partly to get a bit more sleep and partly in the hope the dawn midges would go. Some hope.

So there I was, fortunately having done the really personal bits but actually in the middle of putting my bra on when a cyclist, male of course, pedalled into the car park. The owner of the white van. Goodness knows where he had been all night. I should have got up ten minutes sooner. But by the time he had fiddled around and got his bike into his van I was dressed and washed and decent and having breakfast, and we exchanged cheery waves as he drove off.

VtL heated water to wash with then for a nice cup of tea with breakfast. This is such a great spot I might just brave the midges and come back tonight.

View from my window. (Actually the stars were amazing in the middle of the night. Beautiful view of the Milky Way.)

En suite facilities.

Breakfast room.

This was the view about 100 yards further along the road.

I was in the car park for over fifteen hours with the car on virtually the entire time, and used 16% charge, from 91% down to 75%. Currently driving the Loch Arkaig road at about the speed of a good cyclist, so I have plenty charge.

 

[Archev]

This has been a spectacular success, apart from the midges, and the fact that I couldn't sleep!

The VtL worked perfectly to inflate the air mattress. It fitted along the load bed perfectly. My sleeping bag was comfortable and even with just my toes touching the tailgate there were still several inches between my head and the back of the seat. (5' 7", 170 cm.)

The HVAC stayed on all night, no fuss. It must be the locking from inside that's the key. Thank you Bjorn. Temperature perfect, and I could feel the gentle stream of fresh air wafting over me. Easy to change the temperature or fan just by leaning forward to use the touch screen. No condensation at all inside the car.

The magnetic curtains on windows and DRLs worked a treat, although since I was completely alone they were optional. I didn't bother with the windscreen as the car was parked nose in to the trees, and in the end I put that curtain over the screens and the central console. They weren't that bright but it was better. I did notice the wee green light but it's tiny and you could put tape over it if need be.

Sleeping arrangements.

View attachment 30025

The air mattress wasn't at nearly the sort of slope it seems to be in the picture. I did have a tendency to slide a bit towards the tail gate but I think that was more to do with the backs of the seats not being entirely flat than the foot end of the mattress not being high enough. (SE, no false floor.) Having the table and chair under there seemed to be enough. It wasn't an issue.

I think I couldn't sleep just because it was so strange. Also, I feel quite chipper now so I suspect I slept more than I realised. I had a lie in till just after nine, partly to get a bit more sleep and partly in the hope the dawn midges would go. Some hope.

So there I was, fortunately having done the really personal bits but actually in the middle of putting my bra on when a cyclist, male of course, pedalled into the car park. The owner of the white van. Goodness knows where he had been all night. I should have got up ten minutes sooner. But by the time he had fiddled around and got his bike into his van I was dressed and washed and decent and having breakfast, and we exchanged cheery waves as he drove off.

VtL heated water to wash with then for a nice cup of tea with breakfast. This is such a great spot I might just brave the midges and come back tonight.

View from my window. (Actually the stars were amazing in the middle of the night. Beautiful view of the Milky Way.)

View attachment 30028

En suite facilities.

View attachment 30026

Breakfast room.

View attachment 30027

This was the view about 100 yards further along the road.

View attachment 30029

I was in the car park for over fifteen hours with the car on virtually the entire time, and used 16% charge, from 91% down to 75%. Currently driving the Loch Arkaig road at about the speed of a good cyclist, so I have plenty charge.

Really jealous of that mains supply on Caliban’s flank. Especially as my meticulous planning bypassed matches to light the gas ?
I had intended to be all electric but both induction hobs Amazon delivered were broken and fitted with foreign plugs. So I didn’t get to the inverter / power supply stage.
I agree about the weather, it’s fabulous. I’m over at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse with coffee, ham roll, fruit scone, jam and cream - the works.
Roof tent brilliant- warm quiet and very comfortable.
I was sure I had gathered up every midge in Scotland- how dare you commandeer a few ?
Just heard there’s a motorcycle rally ending today in Kilchoan just along the road. I might head there and if I miss the bikes I'll possibly catch the ferry to Mull ??

 

[Rolfe]

I'm sitting beside a wee hydroelectric installation at the foot of the Allt Arcabhi, going to climb the steep track to Loch Blàir. Sun splitting the sky. Looks like the haar might be clearing at home, don't think it cleared at all yesterday. I have Ardnamurchan lighthouse pencilled in for tomorrow. Maybe as well to miss the motorbikes.

I reckon finding a place without midges is like finding a place without grass. Best just to cope.

 

[Seaton91]

Can confirm that Edinburgh is as grey as it has been the last two days. Not jealous at all!