May 9 - The Trossachs

Ron fixed fried eggs and streaky bacon (more similar to American bacon), and we had a hearty breakfast. Afterward, we set out to drive to the village of Callandar, one of the "gateways" to The Trossachs, considered one of the most scenic areas of Scotland. This meant retracing the drive we had taken to Stirling. In fact, it seems all roads lead to and through Perth. The Trossachs first rose to popularity with tourists in the early 1800's when Sir Walter Scott wrote numerous poems, ballads, and books featuring locations in the Trossachs. One of his most famous works was the book Rob Roy about the famous outlaw, often referred to as Scotland's Robin Hood.


We stopped in a roadside shop to have a look around, and planned to have a tea and coffee. However, after looking at the merchandise, prices, and ambiance of the café, Ron decided to move on. We next stopped at a lovely, small restaurant on the shore of Loch Vernacher. It was glass from floor to ceiling with light, pinewood floors. Ron had a cappuccino, and since it was almost noon, he asked if I would like a wine. He told the lady at the bar that it was my birthday and we were celebrating (a couple days early).

It was a lovely spot, and would have been even better had the weather been a tad warmer and allowed us to sit on the terrace, directly on the Loch.

We next headed to the Trossachs Pier. The GPS initially sent us off toward the Duke's Pass, which I had read you did not want to drive unless you had a strong stomach. I asked Ron to turn around, and follow the signs for Sir Walter Scott steamer. We quickly arrived at the pier, purchased tickets, and joined the queue for the ship.

Sir Walter Scott steamship on Loch Katrine

It was a wee bit chilly and quite windy, so upon boarding we went into the forward cabin where there happened to be a little pub, and comfy seating along the sides.

Mary and English lady

It was good we boarded early, as the cabin soon filled up. A large part of it was taken up with a group of senior citizens with several younger folks. We thought it was a family reunion of sorts, but we learned differently. We ended up chatting (at length) with a fellow from Glasgow (a Glaswegian), who was probably mid-forties and quite covered with tattoos (which we could see many of because he was wearing short pants). He was very gregarious, and explained that his wife headed a place with folks with dementia and was taking them on an outing. There was one tiny, bird-like woman who he and the wife addressed at "Mum". (We never determined if it was really the lady's mother.) He was so attentive and kind to her, moving her to another seat when she said she was cold, getting a blanket for her, joking with her, etc. Surprised me, and reminded me not to judge one by their appearance.  Their group seemed to be enjoying themselves, and most of them chatting and interacting amongst themselves. One of the people in charge served up platters of sandwiches and bags of chips for them. The lady next to me and I were discussing it and she commented what a terribly cruel disease it is.

We couldn't understand most of the narrative on the PA system, and I told the lady next to me we couldn't understand the Scot accent. She said they couldn't either. Turns out she and her husband were staying in a caravan park nearby. Caravan is equivalent to the term RV in the US. But, caravans are not nearly as large or extravagant. She said they had been caravanning for 20-years.

It was about an hour cruise on Loch Katrine, which is pristine. There is no development (condos, hotels, etc.) along the shore. Most of the land is held by the government or sheep ranchers. The fellow from Glasgow commented that it looked like this 50-years ago and would look the same 50-years from now.

After the "cruise", we drove back to the Loch Venacher. They were still serving (many places have strict hours and close at 2:30 or 3 PM before reopening for dinner). Ron, again, ordered Cullen skink (becoming his favorite).

Yet another Cullen Skink (good stuff)

McQueens of Callandan gin & citrus cured salmon with crème fraiche, horseradish, chevril

Foraged Mushrooms & Chestnut Pate with pear & shallot chutney

Driving back into the city, I read that there was a casino, so we programmed the GPS to take us there, It was very  difficult parking - beyond a "boom gate" and once in, no way out. Not all that pleasant an experience. Less than 60 slots, and none of them our favorites. As usual, Ron did OK and I didn't do well. The lady next to me had won 75 free games, and later another 15, but I had no such luck! Overall, it was not interesting enough to keep us there very long. We had a wine in the lounge, watching some of the Andy Murray tennis match. Leaving the parking lot, the boom gate wouldn't open. Ron had to go back (a long walk) to the casino to get a "code" to open the gate.

Exterior of Casino

Ron, pondering how to exit casino parking lot

We returned to our cozy abode, and settled in to watch a very interesting British travelogue about Spain ("Fabulous Spain with Alex Polizzi").