From Mountains to Shining Sea

August 17, 2015

Before we had exhausted our enjoyment of the highlands of Arran, suddenly this vast expanse of water loomed up before us. What they say about Arran being Scotland in miniature, we found to be true in every respect.  (Notice the purple thistle in the foreground of the above photo. This history of this Scottish emblem is fascinating. Just click on the link under the picture below.)

http://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofScotland/The-Thistle-National-Emblem-of-Scotland/

As we drove along the coastal road, we stopped at a lovely restaurant called, The Coast. If you like good food, lovely surroundings, and a view to die for, then like us, this restaurant would be your choice! I ordered a spicy bean sandwich, (umm, very tasty) and couldn't resist the chocolate fudge cake (moist, oh my goodness)! And you know, I wasn't going to get away from sharing it once our server placed it in front of me.

After finishing our meal, we browsed through the nearby shops for souvenirs.  I bought some more shortbread (Scotland is famous for this), and found some lovely calendars (get to enjoy scenes from Scotland all year round with this gift). Bobby found some mint seeds in a hardware store nearby that he had been wanting. Rummaging  around in this all to familiar type of store made me feel quite at home. (A very comfortable feeling)

On the way back to the cottage, we stopped at the grocery store. I watched the boys at the playground situated across the street while Maridith shopped for ingredients for a pasta dish she was planning on making when we got back to the cottage. However, since Bob was feeling better (remember he had stayed behind earlier) he wanted to go out for dinner. As it turned out Maridith stayed home with the boys so she could put Shep to bed.

So Bob, Bobby, and I went to the Drift Inn. There we set outside (in spite of the fact that the afternoon was wanning and the temps were dropping). I noticed there were candles sitting on the tables and upon sitting down we soon found out why when we began to be attacked by the midges (the smallest of the flies that bite humans in Scotland). We lit our insect repellant candles but couldn't say it helped much. But I can say I came away from that with a first hand experience about what all the fuss is about concerning these not so pleasant tiny creatures of Scotland.

After my battle with the midges, I left the guys to walk to the grocery store to buy some chocolate ice cream and cokes to take back to the cottage. The distance to the store was a bit lengthy for a stroll (although, it was pleasant enough) so after the boys finished looking around the restaurant area, they drove towards the grocery store, picked me up and carried me to the store. 

Arriving back the the cottage, we spent the rest of the evening relaxing by the fireplace while enjoying pleasant conversation as we consumed our ice cream.

Another day on Arran comes to a delightful close!