To celebrate our anniversary in a more "romantic" fashion, rather than golfing — we take our long overdue trip to the Trossachs National Park, a mere half hour west of us. We drive through the quaint town of Callander and reach Loch Katrine, where we board the little steam ship "Sir Walter Scott" (who published his poem "The Lady of the Lake" in 1810, which was about this very body of water). The famous Rob Roy MacGregor was born on the banks of the loch in 1671, so this is considered "Rob Roy" country. About eight miles long, and one mile wide, it is the major water source of the city of Glasgow. It was a cloudy day, but the loch was a site to behold. Check out me bonnie video clip...
Me wee video of Loch Katrine
On the "Sir Walter Scott" steam boat
Loch Katrine
A wee tart enjoying the cruise
After our cruise, we hop in the car to venture to the west side of Loch Lomond (by the way—"loch" means "lake"), about a half hour south of Loch Katrine. We drive through the windy roads of the national park through "Dukes Pass" and happen upon a smaller loch called Loch Venachar, which is quite lovely, so I make me wee devil, Jonny pull the car over so I can snap a pic. Isn't it grand?
Loch Venachar
We finally get to the west side of Loch Lomond, and pass by many cars exiting the Loch Lomond Golf Club, where the Scottish Open is being played RIGHT NOW. I tell Jonny to please "look away" and keep driving (in the same way I must "look away" from chocolate and Scottish shortbread).
We finally arrive at our destination — the little town of "Luss" with a beautiful view of Loch Lomond (the largest lake in the Trossachs). We find a beautiful place to dine in the Lodge at Loch Lomond, facing the lake. I have lamb and a glass of cab, and Jonny has chicken....ahhh....a step up from my usual fish n' chips. It was yummy to say the least.
The wee town of "Luss"
View of Loch Lomond
The Lodge at Loch Lomond
Our "anniversary dinner" at the Lodge with a picture-perfect view of Loch Lomond
My dish -- lamb with spicy risotto (yummy)
A step above Scottish fare!
At the end of the meal, I notice some men at the bar in typical "Highland" dress -- kilts and all (very cute). So I go up to them and ask if I can take a pic with them, tart that I am. Of course, they don't mind -- and we all get-a-talkin'. Turns out they're attending a wedding at the Lodge, and they invite Jonny and I to sit down with them while they're taking a break from the reception. The guys talk golf, and before you know it -- we have an open invite to "Loch Ness" whenever we want -- and that includes being their guest at Royal Dornoch, one of the top rated golf courses in Scotland! (Jonny is thrilled). And since I was a wee bit sad at not making it up to see the monster, I am relieved that I will get a chance on our next visit to this beautiful land. The Scots are truly some of the nicest people in the world.
Again... me "tartness" comes in handy, and Jonny agrees. By the way, I asked the boys—and they confirmed it... Scots wear absolutely NO KNICKERS under their kilts!! (sly grin)
The wee tart with her "Highland" boys from Loch Ness
Back to the flat, as it's getting dark. We are melancholy on the way back, as we realize we must return to the U.S. in a couple of days, and our Scotland trip is soon coming to an end.
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