Three for the price of one...
This post is going to take you back a few days - back to our last day at An Tigh Beag. Last two days? Or up to An Tigh Beag - I think that's it. Up to there and the three days that we spent there. An Tigh Beag is the cottage and not an area of Scotland, in case you were wondering.
We left the the Corsival House and were out before 10. We had a full day planned to head up to Loch Lomond and the new "hotel" as the boys like to call them. They are more excited by the places that we stay than they are about the fact that they are traipsing through the Scottish countryside, seeing shit most people will never see - getting to see awesome castles that are in some cases, almost a thousand years old (ok 900 - but it's close enough).
We drove through Galloway National Forest - Neil had to pee twice.
We had to stop on the way to get get socks because Neil was crying that his awesome smart wool socks were bothering him. Explain that one to me. Smartwool socks that do not fit right and are not comfortable. He asked for socks today right there and then in the forrest. Jess explained the process of catching a sheep, shearing it, turning the wool into yarn, weaving it into cloth and then making socks. We told him it would take a long time. He all agreed that there was no chance of her catching a sheep unless she ran it over with the car.
We got to tesco extra Jess spent 30 minutes buying socks and donuts while I was tortured in the car - there’s only so much they (or I) can take.
As Jess comes back Neil announced that he had to pee. That was another 15 minutes. 20 minutes later we arrived at Kilwinning Abbey. There wasn’t much left of it but it was pretty nice - I used to love abbeys. They were peaceful and quiet and you could sit in the cloister and relax. No more. The cloister is now for tag, wrestling, being loud and not listening. Anything but monastic - brotherly, yes, but not peaceful monastic living. The only thing you contemplate is why you had so many kids.
There was a lot of other funny shit that happened during the ride. I've been on a bit of a beef jerky kick and that's because the boys have had "meat sticks" in their lunch. They're probably some posh, all natural grass fed, wipe the cow's ass beef jerky, however, I am not that picky. We picked up some earlier in the trip and housed it. By we I mean Neil and I. Jess bought some different brand and Malcolm tried it and didn't like it. He will keep sjit in his mouth until he is ready to barf. He started getting antsy and dry heaving and I had to stick my hand back there and let him spit it out. I tossed it out the window.
Apparently not far enough.
Neil was horrified by this. We tried to keep track of that little piece of heaven but sadly didn't notice when she met her demise.
When we packed the fridge, there was one beer hiding. Call me a snob if you want, but you're not supposed to let a beer get cold, then warm and then get cold again. It's one way that they skunk. So, since this sneaky turd was hiding in the fridge, I decided to have it at lunch. Jess looked up if the passenger in the car can drink here and apparently you can. If the internet AND Jess say it's true then it must be. To be honest, she was driving so she would get the ticket, so.....
We got back in the car to head to Balloch Castle. We thought it would be a castle but it was only the park offices and they were under renovation There was a playground and the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Jess has been singing this song with them for years and now they are finally there.
Aug 9th
This day brought us to some of the coolest castles that we have seen. Kilchurn Castle, by the time we got there, and apparently it was my fault that I didn't have the exact location of the parking lot, was pretty awesome. It was situated in the middle of the glen with water on one side. It was a rainy hike, it started on the way in from the parking lot, and got heavier the more we walked. Jess turned around with Duncan who was being uncooperative and dipped into a store that was one the site. As we walked, it got colder (and it was cold) Malcolm complained about being cold and wet. I told him that if he would cut it out and just walk, that he would earn gummies. It worked. I think that this is one of those places where the pictures can do the talking better than I can.
When the hike was over and Neil and Malcolm both peed on the very public part of the public trails, we got into the car, soaking wet and headed to Inveraray Castle. It was going to be 32 pounds for us to get into, so we decided not to spend the cash but eat out instead, which we did. The bill later that evening was for 33 - so it ended up being an almost even exchange.
When we were done, we headed back to Dunstaffnage Castle which was on the route before the day’s highlight Castle Stalker. Dunstaffnage was in great shape, had an impressive front gate and entrance and was pretty imposing. It was built on a large rock. Honestly, I don't get to read a damn thing anymore, so I am not sure who owned it, what the history was, etc. I do know that it was connected to our next stop - and I didn't get to hear shit on that tour.
We had to get to Stalker for our 4:15 reservation. We expected rain to start at four but it was beautiful when we left Dunstaffnage. The closer we got we could see the clouds and it started getting darker. Of course, why wouldn't it piss on my parade?
Castle Stalker is one of the most picturesque places in Scotland in my opinion. The castle is out on a rock an island in the water. The place evokes dreams of getting the absolute and most amazing photos possible. In addition, the castle has a cool history, so I was looking forward to the tour and hearing all about it. We arrive to the spot in time and get over to where we need to go. The weather is holding out, and I am looking forward to getting over there and on the tour which I didn't know was a proper tour.
The dream of getting amazing photos - shattered. When we got to the castle, the owner, started to give us the clan history of the castle. They are not sure when it was built or by whom. Missed the bulk of everything that was said on the tour inside and out. But the owner, Alasdair Allward's dad bought the castle in the 50's or 60's I think. He spent much of his youth with his family rebuilding the castle - yes, that's right, they bought it as a ruin and they rebuilt the castle. I'm not sure how much money they had before but but they charge a pretty penny for the tour now. They come to the castle and their family uses it during the summers. It really is amazing - I would love to have a castle that I could go to for a few weeks in the summer.
If you know Monty Python's the Holy Grail, you would know this castle from the end of the movie. The owner said that when he was about 20, his dad called him while he was in college and asked him to show people the castle. People were looking to film there. The film company had lost their permission to film at another location that was owner by the government. When he saw that it was Python Films, he knew who it was and immediately went up to show them the castle since he was a huge fan. Well, if you've seen the movie, he is one of the French guys who taunt King Arthur. He went on to tell a bunch of other stories about the filming of the movie as well -it was really cool. I heard bits and pieces of it.
I would have loved to have heard more but didn't have the luck. While we went through the castle, we ended up back in the great hall where his family was making dinner. They were really nice and gave Duncan a cookie and some watermelon. Malcolm also got in there to get some because, well, it's Malcolm. It's a good thing Duncs was charming them.
We had a bit of a drive back and decided to eat at the same place again since it was so late. It was a good day, filled with amazing places - I just wished that I had the opportunity to be able to get some of the shots that I was hoping to get - I guess it is a reason to come back.
August 10th
I woke up at 6:30 with the boys. Started to get things together to get on our way. It was cold and rainy. We got out around 10 started our drive to Ft. William. The plan was to hike from Ft. William to Old Inverlochy Castle.
By the time we parked and got through the gates of the castle (we did the walk backwards) it was like 30 minutes. Then they climbed on the walls. We finally made our way into the pasture and dodged sheep shit...this also took forever. Duncan wanted to walk which makes a 45 minute walk three hours. Neil was tripping Malcolm and Malcolm was whining and crying. The hike sounded a lot nice than the trails actually were - don’t get me wrong, there was beautiful scenery and all that but o was expecting more of an outdoor experience than a suburban one with cement paths.
As we got close to the end they spotted McDonald’s garbage and got excited that there was one - as we got to the end, I looked up and - there they were the fucking golden arches shining like a beacon of cholesterol after your short walk. I didn't want McDonald's on this trip but I lose - this is the second time we got it. Got in the car and as we dipped to avoid traffic things got very deja vu. I knew we had been to these spots before - and sure enough, we found a geocache right were we came out of the road from the castle, when we got back on to the road we found the place that we stayed in in 2013 and then headed to the Morrison’s to go get food for the next place in Arisaig.
We then made our way up to the new spot in Arisaig or is it Back of Keppoch. We had a but of a drive. The boys were, apparently horrible in Morrison's for Jess. Had some trouble finding the place. This was my fault because I missed something that said to turn at the bus shelter. Finally got there and we played soccer while jess got dinner ready. Hung the laundry that we couldn't get the laundromat to dry for us. Dinner was good and cozy. We had "Jersey Vegetables" and have no idea what the fuck they were. In the peas and green beans there was shredded lettuce. Who eats fucking hot lettuce?
We capped off the evening with a drive down to the beach and let the boys climb on the rocks.
We left the the Corsival House and were out before 10. We had a full day planned to head up to Loch Lomond and the new "hotel" as the boys like to call them. They are more excited by the places that we stay than they are about the fact that they are traipsing through the Scottish countryside, seeing shit most people will never see - getting to see awesome castles that are in some cases, almost a thousand years old (ok 900 - but it's close enough).
We drove through Galloway National Forest - Neil had to pee twice.
We had to stop on the way to get get socks because Neil was crying that his awesome smart wool socks were bothering him. Explain that one to me. Smartwool socks that do not fit right and are not comfortable. He asked for socks today right there and then in the forrest. Jess explained the process of catching a sheep, shearing it, turning the wool into yarn, weaving it into cloth and then making socks. We told him it would take a long time. He all agreed that there was no chance of her catching a sheep unless she ran it over with the car.
We got to tesco extra Jess spent 30 minutes buying socks and donuts while I was tortured in the car - there’s only so much they (or I) can take.
As Jess comes back Neil announced that he had to pee. That was another 15 minutes. 20 minutes later we arrived at Kilwinning Abbey. There wasn’t much left of it but it was pretty nice - I used to love abbeys. They were peaceful and quiet and you could sit in the cloister and relax. No more. The cloister is now for tag, wrestling, being loud and not listening. Anything but monastic - brotherly, yes, but not peaceful monastic living. The only thing you contemplate is why you had so many kids.
There was a lot of other funny shit that happened during the ride. I've been on a bit of a beef jerky kick and that's because the boys have had "meat sticks" in their lunch. They're probably some posh, all natural grass fed, wipe the cow's ass beef jerky, however, I am not that picky. We picked up some earlier in the trip and housed it. By we I mean Neil and I. Jess bought some different brand and Malcolm tried it and didn't like it. He will keep sjit in his mouth until he is ready to barf. He started getting antsy and dry heaving and I had to stick my hand back there and let him spit it out. I tossed it out the window.
Apparently not far enough.
Neil was horrified by this. We tried to keep track of that little piece of heaven but sadly didn't notice when she met her demise.
When we packed the fridge, there was one beer hiding. Call me a snob if you want, but you're not supposed to let a beer get cold, then warm and then get cold again. It's one way that they skunk. So, since this sneaky turd was hiding in the fridge, I decided to have it at lunch. Jess looked up if the passenger in the car can drink here and apparently you can. If the internet AND Jess say it's true then it must be. To be honest, she was driving so she would get the ticket, so.....
We got back in the car to head to Balloch Castle. We thought it would be a castle but it was only the park offices and they were under renovation There was a playground and the bonny bonny banks of Loch Lomond. Jess has been singing this song with them for years and now they are finally there.
After that we got back in the car and headed to one of my must sees, Inchmahome Abbey. It's in the middle of a loch and you have to take a boat to get there. Add to it, Mary Queen of Scots hid there when she was younger. It's awesome. I had high hopes for this place.
We got to the dock and it was starting to rain or maybe just getting cloudy and was going to rain. Either way, we took the boat to the island that they abbey was on and, it started to rain. I was really looking forward to spending time here and walking around the entire island - but, it was raining. Now, this doesn't deter me, but it does Jess who had had enough of following certain boys and pulling them off of walls and shit. So, we decided to get back on the boat to head back. I think we spent about twenty fucking minutes on the island at the abbey. That was not part of my plan. There are a lot of things that are part of the plan and then seem to be scrapped more regularly. I remember Al Bundy talking about his hopes and dreams being squashed - now I understand. Fully.
We headed to our new place - An Tigh Beag which was a pretty rustic spot and suited our needs quite well. We ordered some food from a local place (and then ordered again the next day - more on that later). We ate and then chilled and got the boys ready for bed.
Aug 9th
This day brought us to some of the coolest castles that we have seen. Kilchurn Castle, by the time we got there, and apparently it was my fault that I didn't have the exact location of the parking lot, was pretty awesome. It was situated in the middle of the glen with water on one side. It was a rainy hike, it started on the way in from the parking lot, and got heavier the more we walked. Jess turned around with Duncan who was being uncooperative and dipped into a store that was one the site. As we walked, it got colder (and it was cold) Malcolm complained about being cold and wet. I told him that if he would cut it out and just walk, that he would earn gummies. It worked. I think that this is one of those places where the pictures can do the talking better than I can.
When the hike was over and Neil and Malcolm both peed on the very public part of the public trails, we got into the car, soaking wet and headed to Inveraray Castle. It was going to be 32 pounds for us to get into, so we decided not to spend the cash but eat out instead, which we did. The bill later that evening was for 33 - so it ended up being an almost even exchange.
When we were done, we headed back to Dunstaffnage Castle which was on the route before the day’s highlight Castle Stalker. Dunstaffnage was in great shape, had an impressive front gate and entrance and was pretty imposing. It was built on a large rock. Honestly, I don't get to read a damn thing anymore, so I am not sure who owned it, what the history was, etc. I do know that it was connected to our next stop - and I didn't get to hear shit on that tour.
We had to get to Stalker for our 4:15 reservation. We expected rain to start at four but it was beautiful when we left Dunstaffnage. The closer we got we could see the clouds and it started getting darker. Of course, why wouldn't it piss on my parade?
Castle Stalker is one of the most picturesque places in Scotland in my opinion. The castle is out on a rock an island in the water. The place evokes dreams of getting the absolute and most amazing photos possible. In addition, the castle has a cool history, so I was looking forward to the tour and hearing all about it. We arrive to the spot in time and get over to where we need to go. The weather is holding out, and I am looking forward to getting over there and on the tour which I didn't know was a proper tour.
The dream of getting amazing photos - shattered. When we got to the castle, the owner, started to give us the clan history of the castle. They are not sure when it was built or by whom. Missed the bulk of everything that was said on the tour inside and out. But the owner, Alasdair Allward's dad bought the castle in the 50's or 60's I think. He spent much of his youth with his family rebuilding the castle - yes, that's right, they bought it as a ruin and they rebuilt the castle. I'm not sure how much money they had before but but they charge a pretty penny for the tour now. They come to the castle and their family uses it during the summers. It really is amazing - I would love to have a castle that I could go to for a few weeks in the summer.
If you know Monty Python's the Holy Grail, you would know this castle from the end of the movie. The owner said that when he was about 20, his dad called him while he was in college and asked him to show people the castle. People were looking to film there. The film company had lost their permission to film at another location that was owner by the government. When he saw that it was Python Films, he knew who it was and immediately went up to show them the castle since he was a huge fan. Well, if you've seen the movie, he is one of the French guys who taunt King Arthur. He went on to tell a bunch of other stories about the filming of the movie as well -it was really cool. I heard bits and pieces of it.
I would have loved to have heard more but didn't have the luck. While we went through the castle, we ended up back in the great hall where his family was making dinner. They were really nice and gave Duncan a cookie and some watermelon. Malcolm also got in there to get some because, well, it's Malcolm. It's a good thing Duncs was charming them.
We had a bit of a drive back and decided to eat at the same place again since it was so late. It was a good day, filled with amazing places - I just wished that I had the opportunity to be able to get some of the shots that I was hoping to get - I guess it is a reason to come back.
August 10th
I woke up at 6:30 with the boys. Started to get things together to get on our way. It was cold and rainy. We got out around 10 started our drive to Ft. William. The plan was to hike from Ft. William to Old Inverlochy Castle.
By the time we parked and got through the gates of the castle (we did the walk backwards) it was like 30 minutes. Then they climbed on the walls. We finally made our way into the pasture and dodged sheep shit...this also took forever. Duncan wanted to walk which makes a 45 minute walk three hours. Neil was tripping Malcolm and Malcolm was whining and crying. The hike sounded a lot nice than the trails actually were - don’t get me wrong, there was beautiful scenery and all that but o was expecting more of an outdoor experience than a suburban one with cement paths.
As we got close to the end they spotted McDonald’s garbage and got excited that there was one - as we got to the end, I looked up and - there they were the fucking golden arches shining like a beacon of cholesterol after your short walk. I didn't want McDonald's on this trip but I lose - this is the second time we got it. Got in the car and as we dipped to avoid traffic things got very deja vu. I knew we had been to these spots before - and sure enough, we found a geocache right were we came out of the road from the castle, when we got back on to the road we found the place that we stayed in in 2013 and then headed to the Morrison’s to go get food for the next place in Arisaig.
We then made our way up to the new spot in Arisaig or is it Back of Keppoch. We had a but of a drive. The boys were, apparently horrible in Morrison's for Jess. Had some trouble finding the place. This was my fault because I missed something that said to turn at the bus shelter. Finally got there and we played soccer while jess got dinner ready. Hung the laundry that we couldn't get the laundromat to dry for us. Dinner was good and cozy. We had "Jersey Vegetables" and have no idea what the fuck they were. In the peas and green beans there was shredded lettuce. Who eats fucking hot lettuce?
We capped off the evening with a drive down to the beach and let the boys climb on the rocks.
It is absolutely beautiful here. Yes, it is a bit secluded, but it is amazing. The cabin and the beaches look out on to western isles of Eigg, Rhum and Skye. It's absolutely stunning. The colors change constantly. I love the sunsets in Florida and they seem to be deeper colors. Here you get the deeper sunsets but they can turn into a pastel as well. They are often (I say often - but the past two evenings), they have a lot of purple. When we win the lotto, we will be purchasing a house here.
Awesomeness. Thank you for sharing your stories. I look forward to your adventures. Beautiful family. The pictures probably do not give it justice. What an adventure!
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