Our plans today were somewhat stymied by a stye. Grandpa's red eye had gone from a minor irritant to a potential problem and needed Chlorsig. They had tried to get some in England previously, but had failed without a script. Subsequently we spent the whole morning trying to navigate the British health system and finally utilised a telehealth appointment just to get a prescription. 30 pounds and 2 hours later we finally arrived a the pharmacist only to be old that it can be bought over-the-counter in Scotland! On the plus side, we got to see some of Glasglow!
It was then off to the Lochs! Aberfoyle Delicatessen was our lunch stop where we had to decide on a pie from a wide selection. The steak roll was popular as was the venison pasty looking thing. This kept the troops happy as we jounrneyed on to Loch Katrine. The Loch was a base for a Steamboat Company, visitor centre and the like. There was also a bike hire company from which we hired bikes for an hour whilst the parentals readied the fishing gear. The ride gave the kids a chance to burn off a bit of energy and was very enjoyable.
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| Black pudding and Haggis, no doubting where we are |
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| Essentially a pie specialist |
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| Didn't disappoint! |
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| Cycling around Lock Katrine |
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| Selfies on bikes somewhat tricky. Someone had to get off... |
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| Quiet and mostly flat path around the loch |
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| Flora all around |
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| Intense colour everywhere |
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| Some afternoon entertainment |
A trip to Scotland has to include Whiskey at some point. We stopped by the the oldest licensed pub in Scotland in Drymen to sample the local version. While there, a thickly accented local suggested a fishing spot which we pretended to understand after the second "excuse me?" It was something about a bridge and a gate and a guy called Jimmy who wouldn't have a problem with us fishing on his land. "Just knock on his door!". We think we found the magical river spot that was teeming with fish, but after a quick catch and release we decided that we'd better move on to somewhere a little more official.. Jimmy was nowhere to be seen and we didn't want to get in trouble.
We moved on to Balmaha to try fishing on the lake. Getting a permit was easy from the corner shop and this time we were given much more understandable instructions to a site within walking distance. Here we chanced upon a most kind young man, who not only allowed Jonah to reel in his fish, but also then proceeded to teach him how to fish. It was really sweet.
Once again, we made it back to the Hilton just in time to get some canapes but this time around before they finished at 8pm! Once again we were to tired to walk around town so Glasgow will have to remain largely unexplored. Oh well. Perhaps, it is a reason to return.
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| Oldest licensed pub in Scotland |
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| Whisky time! |
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| Loch Lomond near Balmaha |
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| The kind young man helping Jonah fish |
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| New fishing buddies |
