The next time we read about our cyclists and motorists complaining about sharing the road it will bring a chuckle. We encountered a cycling competition about 10 miles out of Fort William. The cyclists, mud spattered and struggling with the hills, were riding on the highway route, the only road available. If it had not been raining so hard I would have snapped a photo. The highway lanes are not wide enough to pass a cyclist safely so the motorist behind must reduce from the 60 mph speed and wait patiently for a brief straight stretch with no oncoming traffic. Add slow traveling "caravans" (campers, trailers) and it makes for considerable traffic backlogs. Patience and alertness are essential! Below, the famed Loch Lomand, near the end of the journey and the very worst part of the road.
Driver and navigator arrived in Glasgow, as planned, on time but somewhat frazzled. It was reminiscent of our trip on the Road To The Sun in Montana with the Sutherlands a few years ago and RP's icy winter drives to along the West Coast Road to Renfrew School some 2 decades ago. There was no ice but the road is still treacherous. We were early for check in at The Georgian House in the upscale, trendy west end of Glasgow.
Our charming and delightful host enthusiastically welcomed us and expertly guided RP into one of the limited spaces down the back lane and into the carpark. Gordon then cheerfully helped lug our bags to the 2 floor. There are 5 levels to this; we are thrilled with our street level cozy room. The parking was such a tight squeeze but we are not planning to drive in Glasgow so little black Vauxhall will stay put. Below is host, Gordon and his cuddly rescue cat who loves all guests, especially RP.
We quickly deposited our bags,were picked up by Nicole's cousin, Scott, and off we went to meet the family for dinner at an Indian restaurant on nearby Bishopton, where Scott and his brother, Chris grew up. Below - Group photo of the family at this excellent restaurant owned by none other than RP's countrymen from the neighbouring village, Malpur. Again, we were reminded of how small the world is.
Thank you to Scott, Clare, Christopher, Maureen, Laura and Connor for such a warm welcome to Scotland. We were especially happy to meet the youngest member of the family, wee Connor, so sweet and adorable.
The meal was a 3 course fabulous feast of traditional Indian food - freshly prepared, perfectly spiced and served with grace. We indulged and asked for more. Meal complete and bill paid we were then provided with a complimentary after dinner aperitif of Drambuie and/or Baileys.
After dinner Scott, Clare and Chris took us to the town of Greenock. It was from this town that some of my Scottish ancestors sailed to Nova Scotia about 1800. It was here, too, where my Dad arrived on his 21st birthday in 1943, 69 years ago this month . His ship the HMCS Prince Robert docked in this harbor on the Clyde to be further armed so it could serve as a destroyer and convoy escort vessel during the Battle of the Atlantic for the duration of WWII.
Greenock honours WWII sailors with this monument high on a hill overlooking the beautiful harbor.
Dad, in his war diary, often mentions the enjoyable time he had on leave during the several times his ship came to Greenock. He and his buddies often caught the train from this station (photo below) to nearby Paisley to go ice skating. Maureen tells me the old rink in Paisley was demolished just a few years ago.
I will sign off with a special thank you to Scott for organizing the family dinner and for graciously being a chauffeur.
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