April 21.2024
Winter has returned! The locals will tell you that Scotland has two seasons, winter and summer (any day the sun comes out) and they can happen any day of the year and sometimes in the same day. Today I am headed out to spend a day experiencing the natural beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
On our way we had a quick photo stop to view the oversized Kelpies. The Kelpies mystical creatures that come out of the lochs and try to entice people into the water. The sculptures are spectacular and not a bit scary and can be seen from the highway. I was really excited when my picture included a dog in the foreground. He was happily playing catch!!!
It was cold and rainy where we traveled through The Trossachs National Park (one of only two national parks in Scotland) but the beauty of the park was spectacular. When we reach Loch Lomond the wind was blowing and it was raining but I chose to go on the Wallaby to see the shores of the Loch and I am so happy I did. Loch Lomond is the largest fresh water Loch in Scotland. The bonnie banks are dotted with castles and home. There are lots of little islands including one habituated by wallabies and even a nudist island. I can’t imagine being a nudist in Scotland!!!! By the end of the voyage the rain had eased!
Back in the van we are headed to Aberfoyle a quaint village that included a wool center that not only sold everything wool but had wee sheep and their moms plus some incredible rams. Yes, I spent my time with the sheep rather than shopping or eating!!!
At this point we are nearing the edge of the highlands and one must view a Highland Coo in the highlands so we made a quick stop to feed carrots to the Coo’s. I am in love with the ginger coo’s. By the way coo is the Scottish word for cow and is so fun to say!!!
Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles, sitting high on volcanic rock and offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historical figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots. As you know from the blog I have been to many castles over the last 5 days and was thinking I was castled out but I am so happy that I decided to do one more. They have done a great job of recreating what life was like in the 1500’s. I even channeled Mary Queen of Scots as I overlooked the proceedings in the banquet hall.
What a fun day exploring Scotland!!
My days in Edinburgh are coming to an end as I join a tour group tomorrow that will use a series of 5 trains to go from the Highlands of Scotland to Dublin.
Bill was fascinated by the long-haired cows (coos) when he was posted there briefly with the Navy. From the sound of your adventures, they need all that hair for warmth.