8-13-15

Fishing in the Loch!

Bobby had ordered a new fly rod and I had brought it with me. He got his first chance to try it out in Loch Fyne with Shep right at his heals. I was impressed with Bobby's willingness to satisfy his son's curiosity and desire to try out the rod. (especially since the fly rod was brand-new and definitely not a child's toy)

The view was breathtaking (typical of the view we were blessed to see in Scotland). And even though no fish were caught, no one goes away from a fishing experience empty handed when the view is so spectacular!

The Bramble and it's delights!

 Because we reserved a room, we could enjoy a free breakfast. And this my friends was no continental breakfast like you might be accustomed to in the States. Instead it was a full breakfast variety.  I ate from the set out choices and it's pictured here. This was only a small selection of what was available. Rich and delicious would be a good way to describe it. I drank cream in my hot tea and grew to prefer it! Oh, and by the way, when you order hot tea in Scotland don't bother specifying hot or cold. They only recognize hot tea. So tea is always hot. I never did try and order iced tea. I suppose I could have, but it was on the cool side there, and when it's cool (or cold) my drink of choice is always hot (be it coffee or tea)!

Bobby, on the other hand, ordered a full 

Scottish breakfast (prominent on any breakfast menu wherever we went)which included:                                                                                                                      

-half of a fresh tomatoe
-thinly sliced ham
-potatoe scone
-link sausage
-baked beans
-one egg
-black pudding (which is made of pig's blood, fat, oats, barley, and spices, all stuffed in a length of intestine)




(Note in the picture to the right that I, yes that's my hand, held a bite of black pudding. I could not return home without at least being able to say that I had tasted black pudding. And you know, it didn't taste bad, not at all. But I just couldn't get past the fact that it was made of blood!) 

Inveraray, the village

8/12/15

Overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is a tradition county town of Argyll. Founded in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell, the town is a classic example of an 18th century planned town...

 Photo of the street we first pulled into.

I'm sure this vessel is the subject of many a tourist's photos. It just quietly sits there on Loch Lyne begging for someone to take its picture. You know, I think we heard that it was for sale! Now wouldn't that be a buy!

Notice the sign in the upper right of this picture, The George. This is where we all had dinner. Having developed a taste for lamb, I happily consumed a plate of roast lamb, mashed potatoes, green peas there. Yum, yum! 

The Brambles was a bistro and bakery that accompanied several guest rooms in the back of it. This is where we spent the night (but longed to stay more) before touring the castle the next day.

Next time I'll show you some pictures of Bobby & Shep fly fishing in the loch!

Tea Room and Gift Shop of Inveraray Castle

8-12-15

Downton Abbey cast
displayed on the walls
of the tea room

We drove to the castle before going to our room. Of course they have a gift shop that contains everything you could imagine for a tourist to buy. I had decided before I came to Scotland that shortbread would be the perfect souvenir. There before my eyes were a variety of shortbreads in a variety of packaging. It was quite satisfying to take care of most of my souvenir shopping in one place. The gift shop and the tea room were all located in the basement. So after stocking up on souvenirs (mine were mostly shortbread) we visited the tea room. Why is it tea and scones taste better in Scotland and in a castle? These scones were soft (some are hard) and with clotted cream, and raspberry spread over them–well, let's just say I felt very Scottish as I munched.

                                                                                           

You have to walk down the steps
to get to the basement. You see it
under the walkway to the first floor.

 

A book signed by the current Duke of Argyll which is sold in the gift shop. I knew I  couldn't remember all the things I saw and heard about in the tour we were going to take the next day, so buying this book seemed the right thing to do.