Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Its hard to imagine that this beautiful part of the world - the Trossachs National Park, with its high dramatic peaks and long, tranquil lochs around almost every bend in the road - could disappoint, but today it managed to do just that.
The sun still shone, so that was not the problem, for sure.
Paul had spent much time convincing us of the wonders of traversing Loch Katrine from end to end on the heritage steam ship Sir Walter Scott. Nicky was just going to drop us off, and collect us later at the other end of the Loch where she suggested we linger and indulge in icecream (recklessly hey? three days running) before going home again.
Well, we arrived, full of anticipation of a wonderful mornings outing, at the embarrassingly named Stronachlachar pier. Of course, expecting to see the steamer puffing away and ready for the journey through the dramatic scenery, but - no boat! It had broken down that very day, and wasn't running. Well, I suppose being a hundred years old, some parts just aren't as healthy as they once were.
Never mind, Nicky had an alternative ready, and took us on the short drive over to Loch Lomond, where we could take a scenic cruise too, although on a regularly powered launch. But we noticed that the age of the passengers disembarking indicated that even Karen - ancient as she is - was still at least 20 years too young to seemingly participate in this activity. Disappointment number 2.
On the way back, deflated, but still admiring the reflections in the water of the colours on the hillsides in the lovely sun, Nicky reassured us that the promised icecream at Trossachs Pier was still on the cards. That cheered us up a little. Though, as we drove around, we got sidetracked with another excursion - a walk around Lachan Spling to see its sculptures of creatures from the food chain - osprey, pike and dragonfly - most appropriate for Karen. Matt was very unhappy about this diversion from the icrecream destination, and refused to even leave the car! Disappointment number 3 for him. In defiance, Nick and Karen set off, Nicky coming a short way to the osprey sculpture, and set us on the right path, before returning to the car and Matt to drive around the roads and see who could make it to the other end the quickest.
Nick took this competition a little too seriously, and consequently raced ahead, to ensure he was not the reason for losing the race. Karen's desired quiet easy stroll past the metal dragonfly nearly came to a sad end, as she was trying to photograph a butterfly, which seemed intent on playing games. Staying still only just long enough for her to focus the camera, then before the shot could be taken, it would fly just a little away. This almost lead to disaster, as it flew closer and closer to the drop into the cold waters of the Lachan, nearly (just nearly) luring the focussed Karen to her possible death by drowning in the icy waters below…… luckily Karen realised this evil ploy and gave up the chase, though she never did get that photo!
The next disappointment was that when Karen reached the metal Pike sculpture, which in all images on the internet was shown reflected perfectly in the still waters, a group of young people were all gathered at the waters edge, busily engaged in their own competition as to who could skim a stone over the surface and through the sculpture itself. Fun, I am sure, but it meant no still water shots for Karen….
Next disappointment for Matt was that the speed at which Nick had almost jogged along the Lachan edge, meant he was guaranteed the win in the race, and arrived in good time to catch his breath before anyone else made it to the finish line. Matt sat sad in the front seat as Nicky drove him home for lunch.
Making our way back to town on foot, Nick and Karen did enjoy a nice country stroll. Then another disappointment in an abortive effort to buy pies or pasties or even a Bridie for lunch- everything was sold out!
Nicky thought maybe the best way to spend the afternoon was on the little island in the middle of the Lake of Menteith at the Inchmahome Priory, followed by drinks at the little pub as we watched the sunset over the water with Paul. The island is reached by a little passenger ferry, so our boating day would still have some success, too. Sounded a grand plan, and a good way to end a day which hadn't quite turned out the way we had expected.
Hurrying us out the door, she quickly called the company to find out when the last ferry would leave, so we could let Paul know when to meet us, but - our next disappointment - the Priory had just that afternoon been declared closed until further notice as some of the unstable walls had collapsed, and they were concerned for the safety of visitors!
Ready for an outing though, we reminded her of the promised icecream at Trossachs Pier, so off we set, over the Dukes Pass, and down to the deep dark waters of this end of Loch Katrine. Our next, sad disappointment - we had arrived just 10 minutes too late and the icecream shop was closed!!! Just as disappointing, was the Sir Walter Scott tied up forlornly at the jetty. We took photos of our sad faces near the sadly not running Sir Walter Scott, and icecream-less hands.
In the face of all these disasters we took our luck into our own hands and into Tescos and purchased our own litre tub of vanilla icecream and some frozen fruit and dejectedly went home and made our own! So there!!
At least we were buoyed by the thought of the awesome sunset reflected in the waters at the Lake of Menteith. So after warming ourselves in the still bright sunshine, off we went. The pub is located in a very scenic spot, fish were jumping from the still water, and we could see the unvisited Priory on the island through some trees. Our drinks though, were enjoyed with good conversation as we waited and waited for the sun to set. Then realisation that there would be no great reflections, as the sun set over the hills to the side, and all we got were "subtle changes in the light", which Paul tried to talk up, but it was sadly just another disappointment of the day.
- comments