Back in Scotland

January 12, 2014

Back in Scotland

Arty bit. Its the lights across from our house. But l move the camera as l take the long exposure. The truth behind the photo. Tried to hold the camera steady, but 15/20 seconds is just too long

Cloud overhead, but the sun is trying its hardest to come through

Headed down the coastal road towards Dunoon from Innellan. According to our neighbour, the road had been closed earlier in the week due to high tides breeching the defences. Seaweed on the road was a tell tale sign.

Stayed a few days in Innellan before driving up to Oban for the weekend walking. But whilst looking out the window the other morning we had the following sail out to sea.
Some form of Royal Navy submarine going off for exercises. The sub is being guarded and protected from other shipping as it leaves the Clyde. More for safety of the other vessels. Supposedly, they drag a wire about 200 metres long behind them which could easily attach itself to any unsuspecting boat.

On Friday we drive by a circuitous route up to Oban.

Will add the content soon.

Initially just adding the photos.

We had been informed that there where some glorious views from the tip of the peninsula looking back towards Innellan and Toward. So we drove on the single track from Colintraive. And we drove and drove. It was never ending, through small hamlets of a couple of houses, past a few fishing cottages. It seemed that we would never get to the point, but we eventually did, after about twenty minutes driving. But we couldn't turn round, there was ant any turning place. We could see Toward in the distance and a military supply ship moored in Loch Striven, often used for submarine training. The loch not the ship.
There was also a salmon farm being worked on, but the overall impression of our location was that of a barren, gorse filled terrain interspersed with both farm and fishing detritus.
Eventually we emerged at a rather dilapidated farm and were able to make a swift U turn.

On the ride back we were fortunate enough yo see a seal popping his head up and down Most probably on the lookout for a free meal from the Salmon farm.

The head of Loch Riddon looking down towards the Ferry that takes you over to Bute from a little one horse town call Colintraive.

You can just see the small ferry that takes cars and foot passengers over to the Island of Bute

At this point we decide to head for the ferry at Portavadie Marina along the side of loch Fyne. We hoped to catch a ferry over to Tarbert. We were in for a big surprise.

Its a road that goes only to one place, Portavadie and the port. Initially you come down to an area that just looks as if its falling to bits.

You follow the signs to Portavadie Marina - and low an behold you come to a mirage. Out of the ashes there is a plush marina with million dollar boats lined up, luxury apartments, cottages and a smart restaurant.

Lunch of soup and a sandwich with a good glass of wine was tremendous and excellent value.

The Apartments also looked superb in the brochure and there seemed so much to do, walking, cycling, sea fishing, boat hire, boat trips, beauty therapies, shopping. All in a great place to come for a weekend with a group.
I was so impressed, l visited the reception to ask for prices and further information. The luxury self catering apartments sleep three couples in en suite bedrooms.
Explained that l was looking for perhaps two or three apartments for two or three days to bring a group.
They were untrained, telephonists who couldn't provide me with any information other than to say that prices vary dependent on the date. It was obvious that they tried to get the best price, but deals where to be had.
Asked about add ons for the male and females in the party and they were lost.
They are missing a real trick. They need a professional coordinator who sees the opportunity of group bookings and sells the benefits.
What a pity.

Anway, we find out that the next Ferry isnt until 3.50pm and its now 1.45pm, so we decide to drive back to the crossroads and then take the long drive round Loch Fyne to Inverary. From there to Oban.