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Disappointment (EddieP)
Cashel campsite not available for our Scottish Meet
Oh dear - I am afraid that we have probably seen the last of staying at Cashel, and I am quite nostalgic for 'the old days' now. When trying to book for our August meet, I was first of all only getting an answer phone from Cashel, was directed on to a new central booking number, and then had some fruitless conversations with 'a young lass', who had no idea what I was talking about. It transpired that the former Forest Holidays part of the Forestry Commission had been hived off in to a new company in partnership with the Caravan and Camping Club, and all I got was "did we want to book one of the new premier waterfront pitches at Cashel, for £21 a night?"
Eventually, I just had to visit to see what was going on, and to my horror, on April 5th, drove up the side of Loch Lomond, to witness devastation, in that the whole site was visible from down the road - no trees left, well only a few along the burn. The part where we used to camp is one large flat space, laid out with new hard standings. You could put a tent there, but it is designed for caravans and camper vans. The other half of the site is not finished and the builders are many weeks late in completing the place. I was told that all the vegetation had been removed "because caravaners will not put up with midges", and when I queried where the trees had gone, "caravaners also don't like bats flying into their hair when they are taking an evening stroll"!! The place for tents (backpacker tents only) is a triangle near to the office (which was mud when I was there, there is no grass on the whole site); ok for £5 a night, but it is meant for people walking and cycling, no vehicles allowed, and no idea that canoeists might end up there looking for a pitch!
Yes, I am afraid that the whole enterprise is about making money - no groups wanted, boats only to be out in the daytime, otherwise in a 'boat pound', no boats on the beach, and definitely no canoe trailers. The beach has also been 'manicured', no ugly reeds left now. So, I hope it is obvious that we can't go there - we are also not wanted. I have taken up the various issues with the National Park Authority, who did not know of these developments. So, our memories of the lovely time with the Swedes and other guests the other year, our races, and the evening barbecue, will have to remain unrepeatable memories.
We are exploring other venues in Scotland. Hope still to see you in Scotland. The OCSG is actively looking into an alternative, still in Scotland, for part of the same week (probably 18-21 Aug), possibly Loch Tummel.
The Gossip Index Update (NigelC)
GrahamH has donated his old issues from number 28 onwards for the editor so now I would like some founder member to lend me issues one to 27 so that I can make disk copies for the club archive. I have contributions about the Handirack and about towing a canoe with a bicycle so far for the May edition. Do send in details of your portage devices.
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