Fly Fishing and a day in Arran. 8/18/15

August 30, 2016

   Today was another serenely beautiful day on Scotland's Isle of Arran. Bobby, having recently discovered the allurement of fly fishing, set out to practice his newly formed skills on some unsuspecting trout in Loch Garbad. (pictured below)

   And catch it, he did! A sleek and shiny 13" Rainbow trout. He had spotted it when he first got to the loch and determined he was going to catch it.  But he fished and fished,yet, caught nothing. Then right before he left he saw it again and made a final attempt–with success!

Since our Scotland trip, I have been privileged to accompany Bobby on some of his fly fishing excursions and wow, the allurement is obvious.  I've read some catchy sayings about fly fishing and I think that the scenery of places that draw the fly fishermen, has a lot to do with their enjoyment of it.  This quote from Herbert Hoover proves my point:

"To go fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration from the decency of nature, charity toward tackle-makers, patience toward fish, a mockery of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of men - for all men are equal before fish."

 Well, back to Croc Cottage.

   It had been decided that when Bobby returned we would go down to a little park we had spotted earlier for a picnic. But until then, we three enjoyed a leisurely morning. Maridith and Sheperd strolled down to the village for some mother and son time. Bob caught up on his sleep, and I got caught up on my journaling. About mid-morning, I put Roscoe down for his morning nap and began straightening up the cottage and preparing for our picnic. Bob, in the meantime, had stirred and appeased me by building up the fire. Peace reigned supreme!


   Around 11:30 am, Bobby returned with a story to tell about his fishing trophy. After the fishing story was shared, along with the beautiful pictures he took, we packed up the van with our picnic supplies and set out to find Maridith and Sheperd. We found them admiring the boats in Lamlesh Bay.
 
   For some reason that remained elusive, Sheperd became somewhat agitated and we never were able to settle him down. I suspect that with all the preparation, Mommy and Daddy were in an out of Sheperd's sight and since he wasnt quite use to his new found grandparents, it was hard for him to feel settled and secure. We attempted our picnic, which was supplied with items from the nearby grocery store. We switched to another playground in the hopes Sheperd would feel better but it didn't really make much of a difference. Since it was so close to nap time, we felt the cure for his dilemma would be a good rest. So, Bob and I finished our picnic while Bobby & Maridith (with Roscoe in tow) took Sheperd back to the cottage.

   Bobby returned and we went on a drive to Broderick where we did some souvenir shopping while enjoying beauty at every turn.

Goatfell - Arran's Highest Peak (2866')

   When we returned, Bobby, Shep, (his nap had done wonders for him) Roscoe & I set out for a walk down by the stream near our cottage. The idea was for me to carry Roscoe but soon he fell asleep. So I carried him back and put him to bed.

 

 
                                                                                                                                                                   
   I grabbed two lawn chairs (not sure why 2 because I was the only one who used them) With his fishing rod in hand, our little band walked down to the stream. Bobby's adventuresome streak flavors his parenting, I think! For he allows Shep to do things that make me a little nervous. Like allowing Shep to walk with his dad a little too close to the edge of the bank (which dropped off about 3'). But I'm sure Shep will benefit in more ways than not by a looser rein in matters such as these.

   The last part of the trek was downriver and under a bridge. At that point wading became the focus and eventually Bobby stripped Shep of his shirt and holding Shep by his hands dipped him into the water. He squealed with delight, saying, "I jump Nammy".


   I got my own wading in, for I can't ever resist a clear running stream,(Just a head picture, but trust me my feet were in the water) then we strolled on back to the cottage.  Maridith had a delicious pasta dish for dinner waiting for us. (bless this woman)                                                                  
   Afterwards, while the others watched a Sean Connery documentary on tv (rather fitting, don't you think, to be watching this famous Scotsman on tv while in Scotland), I took my pleasantly tired body to bed. (Perhaps I dreamed of Sean Connery? It could happen in such a setting!)

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!