Things you take forgranted

I've been having a recurring daydream lately. It involves our piece of croft across the road. Its a beautiful spot with gorgeous views in both directions and I've always thought it would make a great spot for a campsite.

Ignore the wrecked cars and scrubland, and think holiday view

Seaview - think summer...

There are no services on site at the moment, but mains water is nearby and its easy enough to put in a septic tank for a shower-block when you have a digger <daydream item1>. Despite the irony that the powerlines for the whole of south Lochs run accross the land, and it is next to 2 community wind turbines, connecting to the grid would costs in excess of £6k.  So maybe it could be an off grid campsite?

My idea was tested this week when our own house was rendered off-grid by a particularly ferocious storm.

This was once our shed, squashed flat by a westerly gale

It has made me realise the things that I would miss if electricity wasnt always there.
The light in the bathroom when you're just nipping in.
The kettle for the first cup of tea in the morning.
The bedside lamp when you're scared. 

Wind power, from making a mess, to making electricity

The big things I could get used to not having, or of only having at certain times of the day - like the TV or internet, or the washing machine.
But its the little things that I don't notice that get taken forgranted.

Its also noticeable how taking away all those distractions has an effect on your perception of time. Suddenly there is time to think, not just to react or digest.  Perhaps visitors to our campsite would put up with the lack of power, in exchange for the long light summer days.  Perhaps they won't mind lighting their own fire to boil the kettle, when they have a good hour to plan a cuppa. 

 I wonder if there is a market for a return to old fashioned ways. How about some wooden cabins, made comfortable and cozy with oil lamps, a mini-stove and the peace and quiet. 

Nowhere to charge your devices so you become unavailable.... just reading old fashioned books and hanging out like kids do.  Or going for a walk and becoming part of the beautiful countryside.

Nearby the campsite, there are a collection of freshwater lochs. Perfect for paddling or swimming on bright hot days.

Peaty brown water makes everything underneath seem golden

Just along the road there are the ruins of an old Norse Mill which was used for grinding corn over a thousand years ago.

There is plenty of places to walk and stunning views everywhere.  When you pass through the countryside in a car, you are disconnected from the environment, it is easily taken forgranted.  But there is nothing like the Hebrides to bring you face to face with nature.  When its sunny it's beaches are comparable to the Caribean.

Luskentyre beach, just an hour away, with Taransay island across the water

But when its stormy, the hebrides shows you the full force of nature. Perhaps those log cabins, should be stone cains instead... even so, I think this daydream has a lot of potential.....