Days with Jane and Jules....
After our first evening in Corvisel House, we woke up the next morning to some pretty heavy and steady rain. Jess went to get groceries because none of the stores had any locations that would deliver to us. It was working well until this point - and it is a little worrisome because once we get to the west and north it might be even more difficult due to the remote nature of the stops.
It was cold as hell in the cottage. It was the kind of day that makes you just want to stay in bed. Apparently, in Scotland this is called Monday. Or Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday....
We finally got in the car at 11:16. It was drizzly and supposed to stop soon. Our family friend Jane and her son Jules were on their way to meet up with us for the evening and day’s festivities tomorrow. Jess' mom met Jane on the internet. I know, sounds like this might be going in some other direction. It's not. They both teach violin and a specific method called Suzuki. Anyway, long story short, in 2011, Jess and her mom went to Germany for a Suzuki workshop - they met Jane and Jules there as well and the rest is history. Jane has been to Florida a few time (most recently this last time at the beach and violin camp). Jess' parents visited Jane in Manchester (blech) and Chris recently met up with Jane and they hung out for a week in Denmark. The boys were excited because there was going to be another boy and that means more fun (poor Jules).
First, though, we headed first to Threave Castle. I believe that we arrived without any fanfare (this is what happens when you wait too long to write the blog). Neil asked Jess 7200 questions about Jane's son's (all five), names, ages, are they married? What are their ages again? Well, if they were all named in alphabetical order, she could have started with A and then gone down to E and then Jules could have been in order too. This is what their names should be... How old are they? Where do they live? What order are they in? This grilling literally went on for like 20 minutes.
When you get to the parking location you have a short hike to the boat which then takes you across the river to the castle. He castle was cool. Not as large as it used to be. Apparently, back then it was easier to travel by boat and the castle had a harbor for boats to arrive. If you were in the know, there was a secret route and bridge that could get you close to the castle. The boat driver (the second one) said that the river used to be wider, but they reclaimed some of it for farmland and rerouted the water. So, when the castle was operational, it would have been much more difficult to attack. Our first driver was also named Malcolm. He didn’t make me put on the lifejacket since I had Duncs back there in the baby carrier.
While there we texted with Jane and suggested that they meet us at Caerlavelock Castle - one that I have been waiting to see. Though it isn't the first that we have been to with a moat, it has a moat and that is always awesome.
The castle was pretty large and we spent some time walking around. The boys were busy climbing on some things that they probably shouldn't and they got in trouble. The more I think about it, this stuff has been around for hundreds of years, I'm pretty sure that their 40, 30, and 30 pound bodies aren't going to do anything to it.
We went down to the playground that was on site and hung out for a bit. The boys were working on some agility and strength activities - Duncs keeping up with his brothers.
We then decided to hit two other castles on the way back. Cardonness was closed - the fucker was kicking people out and closing the door when we arrived. We arrived right at five. We probably could have hopped a fence and went in - but I figure, I won't do that kind of stuff while the boys are with me. I did grab a pic:
and Carlsliuth - this one had 24/7 access, so I am not sure why the other, which wasn't so big didn't have it as well. I am guessing since it was up high on a hill.
The Inn where Jane and Jules we’re staying was closed for food because it was a bank holiday - we found this place: Creebridge House Hotel they were accommodating- especially with three boys making lots of noise in the bar - they offered us the drawing room to keep them sane. and even threw out a bunch of toys. We had dinner and the boys were pretty good, because they had Jules to play games with. We went back to Corvisel and they convinced hime to go out into the garden to play football. The grass was soaked and everyone's feet got a little wet despite our waterproof boots. Jules was not prepared for football in the wet garden - his feet and socks got really wet. He got a good workout and after this day, who knows if he'll ever decide to have kids! We had a few beers from the brewery in Ayr and then they headed back to their place for the the evening.
Day 2:
We left the place around 10:30. Jane and Jules met up with us at Corvisel. They boys had a good morning until Neil slammed Malcolm’s head with the car door. On purpose. He says no - but I wasn't there so I have to take Jess' word for it.
Our plan was to see St. Ninian’s cave. He was responsible for introducing/spreading Christianity to Scotland.
Our first stopped was at Whithorn Priory. Malcolm and Duncan were asleep in the car and Neil and I walked around the place with Jane and Jules. Unfortunately the mausoleum doors were open but the gates to get in were locked. It was pretty nice - quiet and peaceful.
We then headed out to find a geocache near the site - the trails were covered with cow shit - a ton of it. I'm so glad Duncan woke up and Jess sent him with us. There were big giant diarrhea pies - they were nasty. It took a long time to navigate to the spot and when we got there the cache was nowhere in sight - which could mean we just didn't see it.
With no luck we headed to St. Ninian’s chapel. It was on the water in a great location. We spent some time looking around and enjoying the views. There was a big "remembrance" cairn where people dropped off rocks to remember their loved ones. We added to the pile.
When we were done, we headed out to the hike to the cave. It was a mile walk and there was a bunch of cow shit on that one too. Neil was complaining at the start but eventually settled in to the walk. At one point the trail split - one side was really muddy and lower than the other part - this led to numerous renditions of Loch Lomond and the high and low road. If we could just get them to get the lyrics correct, I would be happy.
We made it down and the beach was all rocks - the boys found a spot to play on and directly across from it was the Isle of Man. We headed to the cave - there wasn’t much and it was quite small. They collected some rocks. Neil had a bunch and a giant one - he had so many in his pockets that he had to hold his pants by the belt. On the hike back, I finally convinced him to leave the big one.
We walked the mile back to the car and Jane and Jules headed home. It was great to see them - it's not often that you get to see people when you are overseas or twice in the same year in two different countries.
We went on to Glenluce Abbey. By now Neil and Malcolm were having at it. Jess had to pee and I just wanted to see the abbey - which I did. Abbey’s are the best - they’re so peaceful.
We headed home after the visit to the abbey. Neil napped in the car, while Malcolm and Duncs played in the garden.
I probably didn't do these days justice - there are a lot of things they said that I didn't get in here. The internet is difficult at best where we are now and will probably only get worse over the next few days in Mallaig and Thurso.
Jane sent this from the gin distillery across the street - Corvisel House and property:
It was cold as hell in the cottage. It was the kind of day that makes you just want to stay in bed. Apparently, in Scotland this is called Monday. Or Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday....
We finally got in the car at 11:16. It was drizzly and supposed to stop soon. Our family friend Jane and her son Jules were on their way to meet up with us for the evening and day’s festivities tomorrow. Jess' mom met Jane on the internet. I know, sounds like this might be going in some other direction. It's not. They both teach violin and a specific method called Suzuki. Anyway, long story short, in 2011, Jess and her mom went to Germany for a Suzuki workshop - they met Jane and Jules there as well and the rest is history. Jane has been to Florida a few time (most recently this last time at the beach and violin camp). Jess' parents visited Jane in Manchester (blech) and Chris recently met up with Jane and they hung out for a week in Denmark. The boys were excited because there was going to be another boy and that means more fun (poor Jules).
First, though, we headed first to Threave Castle. I believe that we arrived without any fanfare (this is what happens when you wait too long to write the blog). Neil asked Jess 7200 questions about Jane's son's (all five), names, ages, are they married? What are their ages again? Well, if they were all named in alphabetical order, she could have started with A and then gone down to E and then Jules could have been in order too. This is what their names should be... How old are they? Where do they live? What order are they in? This grilling literally went on for like 20 minutes.
When you get to the parking location you have a short hike to the boat which then takes you across the river to the castle. He castle was cool. Not as large as it used to be. Apparently, back then it was easier to travel by boat and the castle had a harbor for boats to arrive. If you were in the know, there was a secret route and bridge that could get you close to the castle. The boat driver (the second one) said that the river used to be wider, but they reclaimed some of it for farmland and rerouted the water. So, when the castle was operational, it would have been much more difficult to attack. Our first driver was also named Malcolm. He didn’t make me put on the lifejacket since I had Duncs back there in the baby carrier.
 |
| World's coolest prisoner |
While there we texted with Jane and suggested that they meet us at Caerlavelock Castle - one that I have been waiting to see. Though it isn't the first that we have been to with a moat, it has a moat and that is always awesome.
The castle was pretty large and we spent some time walking around. The boys were busy climbing on some things that they probably shouldn't and they got in trouble. The more I think about it, this stuff has been around for hundreds of years, I'm pretty sure that their 40, 30, and 30 pound bodies aren't going to do anything to it.
We went down to the playground that was on site and hung out for a bit. The boys were working on some agility and strength activities - Duncs keeping up with his brothers.
We then decided to hit two other castles on the way back. Cardonness was closed - the fucker was kicking people out and closing the door when we arrived. We arrived right at five. We probably could have hopped a fence and went in - but I figure, I won't do that kind of stuff while the boys are with me. I did grab a pic:
and Carlsliuth - this one had 24/7 access, so I am not sure why the other, which wasn't so big didn't have it as well. I am guessing since it was up high on a hill.
 |
| No, I didn't put him over the railing on the top part of the castle. |
The Inn where Jane and Jules we’re staying was closed for food because it was a bank holiday - we found this place: Creebridge House Hotel they were accommodating- especially with three boys making lots of noise in the bar - they offered us the drawing room to keep them sane. and even threw out a bunch of toys. We had dinner and the boys were pretty good, because they had Jules to play games with. We went back to Corvisel and they convinced hime to go out into the garden to play football. The grass was soaked and everyone's feet got a little wet despite our waterproof boots. Jules was not prepared for football in the wet garden - his feet and socks got really wet. He got a good workout and after this day, who knows if he'll ever decide to have kids! We had a few beers from the brewery in Ayr and then they headed back to their place for the the evening.
Day 2:
We left the place around 10:30. Jane and Jules met up with us at Corvisel. They boys had a good morning until Neil slammed Malcolm’s head with the car door. On purpose. He says no - but I wasn't there so I have to take Jess' word for it.
Our plan was to see St. Ninian’s cave. He was responsible for introducing/spreading Christianity to Scotland.
Our first stopped was at Whithorn Priory. Malcolm and Duncan were asleep in the car and Neil and I walked around the place with Jane and Jules. Unfortunately the mausoleum doors were open but the gates to get in were locked. It was pretty nice - quiet and peaceful.
We then headed out to find a geocache near the site - the trails were covered with cow shit - a ton of it. I'm so glad Duncan woke up and Jess sent him with us. There were big giant diarrhea pies - they were nasty. It took a long time to navigate to the spot and when we got there the cache was nowhere in sight - which could mean we just didn't see it.
With no luck we headed to St. Ninian’s chapel. It was on the water in a great location. We spent some time looking around and enjoying the views. There was a big "remembrance" cairn where people dropped off rocks to remember their loved ones. We added to the pile.
When we were done, we headed out to the hike to the cave. It was a mile walk and there was a bunch of cow shit on that one too. Neil was complaining at the start but eventually settled in to the walk. At one point the trail split - one side was really muddy and lower than the other part - this led to numerous renditions of Loch Lomond and the high and low road. If we could just get them to get the lyrics correct, I would be happy.
We made it down and the beach was all rocks - the boys found a spot to play on and directly across from it was the Isle of Man. We headed to the cave - there wasn’t much and it was quite small. They collected some rocks. Neil had a bunch and a giant one - he had so many in his pockets that he had to hold his pants by the belt. On the hike back, I finally convinced him to leave the big one.
 |
| This is how you have to walk when your pockets are full of rocks. |
We walked the mile back to the car and Jane and Jules headed home. It was great to see them - it's not often that you get to see people when you are overseas or twice in the same year in two different countries.
We went on to Glenluce Abbey. By now Neil and Malcolm were having at it. Jess had to pee and I just wanted to see the abbey - which I did. Abbey’s are the best - they’re so peaceful.
I probably didn't do these days justice - there are a lot of things they said that I didn't get in here. The internet is difficult at best where we are now and will probably only get worse over the next few days in Mallaig and Thurso.
Jane sent this from the gin distillery across the street - Corvisel House and property:
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