I almost daren't say it, but we have been very lucky with the weather (so far) this winter. Whilst seemingly everywhere else in the UK has had some snow, we have had virtually none. Only the hills have seen any
real snow, unfortunately, this had led to several deaths and injuries due to avalanches, particularly in the Cairngorms.
Meanwhile, we get to enjoy the tremendous views, enhanced by the snow-capped peaks, whilst not being troubled by any white stuff on the roads. In fact, the last couple of days, the weather has been so perfect, so clear, that is almost like looking through a magnifying glass. Overlooking the Moray Firth, we can clearly see hills and mountains way up towards the farthest north, almost as far as John O'Groats.
Yesterday afternoon, I had a long drive home.... a very long drive home. My last lesson was 116 miles from home (although I took a more scenic route, which added 10 miles) and, although it took me nearly two and a half hours, I could see the coast near my house before I had even reached halfway. Nearly the whole drive was breathtaking, especially in the late afternoon sun, and I was torn between wanting to get home at the end of a long weekend, or taking more time to enjoy the journey (especially along the mirror-like Loch Shin).
126 miles is a long commute for a driving instructor. Too long. But it was worth it.
A couple of weeks ago I received a call from a young lad asking if I covered Kinlochbervie. I have taught several people from Kinlochbervie (or Klb as they say), but they have always travelled the 60 miles south to Ullapool for their lessons. So I explained that, seeing as I have to travel some way just to get to Ullapool, Klb was just a wee bit too far - For those of you not familiar with Scottish geography, I have added a map. Kinlochbervie is about 335 miles, nearly 7 hours, north of the England/Scotland border. Glasgow and Edinburgh are
way down south.
A short while later, he called back to say that he had 6 - 8 friends who would be interested in starting driving lessons in Klb. 'Ok', I replied, 'if everone is happy to have lessons on the same day, I could come up.'
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| Picture courtesy of www.come2klb.com |
And so it was that this weekend, after a day of lessons in Ullapool, I travelled up to Kinlochbervie yesterday morning, and spent a very enjoyable day meeting lots of new pupils and exploring an area I have only briefly passed through before.
Admittedly, it is only a wee village, with maybe six junctions (and certainly no pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, or roundabouts), and there will only be so much I can teach them there. They all understand the limitations and all agree that, before too long, they will have to make their own way into the comparative metropolis that is Ullapool to further their driving. But, for now, we will crack on with as much as we can in Klb...... I am already looking forward to next weekend.
