There's some good fishing to be had we're told (if you like that sort of thing) so Geoffy will be out in his rubber pants early tomorrow hoping for a big haul of snapper and flathead.
This pic of the river really doesn't do it justice
On arrival we were greeted by our hosts who live somewhere in the village - I almost swooned when they said there's a Neolithic standing stone circle about a mile down the lane. Never get between me and a stone circle! I love them.
On route here we passed the turn-off to Stirling Castle and would have visited except there was a marathon on and the traffic was diverted. Do hope we get another opportunity.
We also saw a sign to Rob Roy's grave so I expect we'll give that a run too. Plus Doune Castle which is of historic interest to me but was also used as a set for Game of Thrones, Monty Python's Life of Brian and Outlander.
Here's a couple of woolly ovines we saw on our trek to the local supermarket.
I'll leave it to Mr Pants to tell you about our bingle with a boulder and the non-intuitive locking mechanism for a 2019 Volvo SUV. But before doing so, two things: 1. Geoffy's planning for our trip has been exceptional. Our digs in Edinburgh, within walking distance of all old town attractions, were perfect. And beautiful Barn Cottage where we are now is simply fabulous and even our hosts commented that as a spot from which to explore the Scottish highlands, there is none better. Good work, Snorks! xx
2. British free-to-air television is simply dreadful. There may be some sort of current affairs program on the BBC but if so we have yet to view it. This morning (Sunday at 9am) on BBC1 (the equivalent of the main ABC station) we watched Carry on Henry VIII, starring Sid James, Barbara Windsor and all the gang. On BBC2 at the same time there was yet another snooker tournament, as there has been all week.. Not sure what was on elsewhere, probably the Jeremy "Biffo" Kyle Show and Coronation Street. There is no 24 hour news channel, and for all its faults, I have a new respect for ABC News 24. One more thing. Newspoll: 51/49. What nonsense. Labor will romp in in a 56/44 landslide. You read it here.
****
All I can say about the Volvo and the experience of collecting it is that we've done it and we're here now. From arrival at the Hertz depot until we drove away was at least an hour. But the car itself seems fine and has a built in satnav. We have our own portable model but so far the in-car version seems excellent so I reckon we'll stick with it. When I say the car is fine, we had no clue at all as to how to lock it using the remote control. At our first attempt we were at the Killin supermarket and after about 10 minutes of fruitless attempts, we gave up and Anne sat in the car while I did the shopping. Don't laugh; it didn't seem funny at the time. Oh alright, perhaps just a little chuckle would be permissible. When we got to the house we googled it (what else?) and after about another 15 minutes eventually worked it out. No point in describing how, but just believe me; it was in no sense intuitive. I defy anyone to work it out without looking it up. And no hard copy instructions in the glove box of course; how totally 20th century.
A view of the river Dochart we took on our walk to the village after we got our bearings. Just beautiful. Apparently it flows into Loch Tay, which seems to be in all the tourist guides. Further info to follow in coming days.
Anyway, I haven't seen any reds yet, and if I don't I want me money back.
Further adventures will start bright and early tomorrow. Stay tuned.
The thing with the car is symptomatic of all things 21st century. If you were born after 2000 it is simple, born after 1980 its hard but achievable, and born before 1980 - forget it. You may as well put a sign on the car saying "Steal Me".
ReplyDeleteYou're a wag, Ian. You had us convinced you were my Melbourne friend whose initials are actually 'EB'. Wondered why she was talking about Pat and golf courses. I'm dobbing to Barney.
Delete