Scotland Holiday part 3 and home

The last part of the holiday.

Steam driven and walking.

Atlantis was of course a ship. A wonderful little trip and the chance to see the loch floor again though not in a wet suit like years before.

The steam driven part of all this was a wonderful train. An old amazing piece of technology that was so ahead of its time. The black tar coloured train had power, such power in fire, water and steam that could explode if not handled correctly.

It was as many people saw an amazing way to travel. Of ages past, steam driven and yet modern. First class was a little different than the trains of today. It was almost as if they found a whole set of armchairs and made sure they could stick them together. Not packed in. Not uncomfortable. Not anything but ageless.

So the engine was made ready and the journey began. Again something that hardly happens now save for real trains. We were waved at every point of the journey. Stunning scenes raced by as the smoke drifted along. The main stopping point was by a sea loch.

After a short visit , some lunch of course, it was time to get back on the train and that all important photograph.

The train pulled gently towards the now even more so famous bridge and the driver gave us all the chance to take that shot. The bridge, the train, the scene.

Not as good as some take but who cares, it was my shot.

So Scotland, more scenery, more driving after the train journey to the last hotel of the holiday. Now we planned a good two day stay in Inverary and with good weather a good walk.

The hotel room had a power bath which was fun and so needed to give the old body a good refresh and relax.

The following morning and wonderful blue skies and good weather meant the walk around the castle and the grounds was certainly on. Again such scenery that you only get in Scotland, the colours so real, the air just so clean.

At the top of a very long walk up a hill through a forest (almost magical) you could see for miles. And once more not let down as I saw two Eagles soaring along the air currents. As if to complete the scene below us (dont forget we were on a hill very high up) swept through the valley past the castle a single metal eagle - Tornado actually.

The walk down ended a little painfully as my right knee slowly started to remember injuries of the past. (Running ones at that take note).

Then off for the last good meal of the holiday and homeward bound the next day.

As blogs go this is more a journal (read old blogs on my thoughts about blogs and names) and its less punched more wandering through my thoughts.

The holiday was good, the memories are renewed, photographs all there (so heading to the web site soon) and now the blogy journals.

Took a time to write the end of this but its been worth doing for me. Back now to 'normal' days, back to archery weekends, (going to see I'm Sorry I haven't a clue soon) and back to work.

By now folks know how that went.

So to end, Scotland it really is as good as I remembered and still has much much to discover. Including lots of whiskey.

Scotland Holiday part 1

Newcastle to Newcastle and onwards to Scotland

Holiday mood started to settle in late Friday night. Long drives, meeting old friends and re-visiting old places was in order. Newcastle up north was the first stop and to see some friends. Having arrived and settled, the Wii was the order of the evening and much game playing was undertaken. So much so, that I almost missed a meal.
Newcastle is a town that is changing once more and like its counterpart it faces issues within those changes.
Safe to say this blogy/journal wont go into the issues. This for once is a holiday blogy. Or Jog. Or wjnal. Anyway it’s something.
Bright and breezy Sunday led into Monday morning and heading off to Scotland complete with good wishes and good advice on whisky.

The drive back towards the motorway was fine, as was the M6 leading to the Scots border (yes border but without the need of a passport- editors note Pages works well).
Crossed the Scottish line without any incident - almost sound Trek like - and started to scan for life-signs, I mean started to scan for the roads to Loch Lomond.
All went well. Well, ok so the navigation went a wee bit pear-shaped. Instead of Glasgow we hit the road for Sterling, not all bad, and it was holiday mood so no damage. Finally landing at the first stop, almost no thanks to an old driver, we found the first hotel. What a wonderful place to find, right at one end of the Loch and a great view of Scottish landscape. See photo.

That evening I had my first taste of that little known haggis. It’s sad to think so many are taken so young and eaten as part of another dish. My haggis was stuffed into a chicken and then cooked. Well it made a tasty dish at least.

The evening was rounded off with a small jot of whisky bought the day before. It takes time to enjoy such a treat, taste is not a word you can use here, for whisky is a treat. Looking out over the Loch I finally started to relax and think of the train trip and consider my blog.

The Scottish landscape gave me a thought about what would be a
good soundtrack to listen to as I drove. A few came to mind as the car was readied for its run.
Soundtracks are something I have always considered to be (a few anyway) on a par with classical tracks. Take for example John Barry and his Beyondness album.
Its rich depth, the stunning landscape, he himself paints with music, is a joy and it fitted Scotland. So did music from Highlander and that was well, a fix, but who cared.
I did once send in to Classic FM about film soundtracks and how many would not guess a track came from something like Star Wars. Well one Saturday morning we awoke from a light sleep - it was 9am ish- and heard Simon Bates say our names and the reason for writing in. Typically played was the March from The Empire Strikes Back, so well known it almost could not be missed, but at least we had our moment.

So to Scotland, the second day, driving, driving rain and wind. Add to that various soundtracks and heading further up north towards Skye. On the way I could not help but stop and take photos. You have to. The landscape is delightful, a dream, magic, stunning and much more. Lord of the Rings played in the background as the Saab enjoyed itself it seemed, taking the effort away.

So neared the second day’s final stopping point, close to Skye and next to the Highlander castle. And so ends my first post. I am sure I will write much more later, but now I must rest and let my reader consider all so far.