Scotland

July 8th 2009 we set off for our annual jaunt to Scotland. Now for those who know me, I LIVE for this holiday! When I am in the depths of winter and possibly spiralling into depression I close my eyes and see the view from the caravan of the loch and the mountains beyond and I “escape”. This is my very favourite part of the world!!


This year was a little different from before because instead of using our friends’ van, they came as well and we hired a van for the two and a half weeks. I was apprehensive about going away with friends as I have heard so many horror stories of friendships being strained as a result of few weeks close proximity but from the get go this holiday was relaxed and full of fun and laughter.

The morning we sailed was beautiful...thankfully....and after a very smooth journey and pleasant drive we arrived at the caravan park. Now I’m not sure what I was expecting from a hire van but it certainly wasn’t what we got?!!! The van had a large living area, an amply equipped, modern kitchen, a good sized bathroom and three bedrooms, the master having its own ensuite and walk-in wardrobe area! The view of the loch and mountains, although not as good as that from Wilson and Jenny’s van, was spectacular!


Over the next two and a half weeks we had a great time touring about and shopping (the craft shops and pottery shops got well and truly hammered!!!). Amongst the places we visited were Oban, the Seal Sanctuary, Inverary (we stopped there for a picnic), the Hill House (Charles Rennie Macintosh’s house in Helensburgh) and Glasgow (good shopping!! LOL!!).

The Hill House


Yummies in Terrace On The Waterfront, Kilcreggan

The monumental event of the holiday was Amy and I learning to ski at Xscape in Glasgow. It has only one of three indoor real snow ski slopes in the UK. Needless to say I was TERRIFIED!! For the first ten minutes I cried, wondering what I was letting myself in for!! My shins were sore and when I tried to move I seemed to make no progress. Although I enjoyed it more at the end of the hour I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it again, but after seeing the video that Peter took of it I decided to try again. Amy and I took our second lessons together (she was really good!) and by the end we had almost finished our Level 2! I LOVED it and can’t wait to go back!

Amy ready to go!

Amy’s birthday also took place while we were there. The banner I made for her was put up and after receiving her presents we spent the day swimming, shopping, bowling and finally having tea in Tony Roma’s. It was a great day and she really enjoyed it.

Most evenings I spent crafting. The crochet is coming along nicely. I started a jumper for myself but I’m not sure when it will be finished?! LOL! I also did some knitting and although I bought sewing supplies I didn’t do any when I was away! Unusual for me!!

"Drum", formerly Simon Le Bon's boat used in the video "Rio". Arnold Clark (car person) now owns it and moors it in Rhu marina across the loch from the van. Wonder does he still have Simon's number?!! LOL!!

We came home on the 25th (a little depressed!) and quite surprisingly Peter said we could go back so the sailing is booked for next Sunday!!! We are going back for 8 days and staying in Wilson and Jenny’s van as they will be home again!! Roll on the 9th....back to my spiritual homeland!!!!!! Hopefully I'll get more photos or at least those Peter took moved to my computer!!