Out in the countryside northwest of us in Lochmond Loch area. We joined together with Elder and Sister Rasmussen and Elder and Sister Graham for our days adventure. Elder & Sister Graham are the office couple and have use of the mission van so we were all able to go together.
Picture - crossing the Erskin River, Glasgow, Scotland.
The day started out sunny and it was predicted to be that way in Edinburgh but as we headed towards Glasgow and then north the rain clouds drifted in and so our sky soon turned into liquid sunshine, but we didn't mind.
We visited the Loch (lake) which is often crowded with visitors, but not that day and enjoyed a peaceful walk around Ballock Castle (not open to the public, it looked like they were doing some renovations on it) but the grounds were massive and well kept.
We came across a real strange tree that looked to me like a cross between a palm tree and a pine tree.
We stopped for lunch at the lake side village of Luss. There was a charming cafe which served delicious soup accompanied by large chunks of bread.
For dessert we had a serving of raspberry ice cream that was packed with 8 or more small scoops in the large bowl, which we shared.
The village was quaint with street lined cottages decorated with flowers and vines on the outside and more homes and cottages along the lake shore. The rainy day added to its atmosphere. The shop had its own plaid dinnerware, made in the area, which I was sorely tempted to purchase but the dinner plate alone was 20£ (about $32) so I passed.
As we left Lomond Loch we came across this artistic structure showing the flight of birds.
The drive throughout the countryside reminded me of the pictures I had seen on Scotland, green rolling hills with farms and cottages. We were told that there were tall mountains that could be seen, especially when we were at the loch but because of the cloud cover we barely saw hills beyond the farms and the loch. Another time we'll go back, probably in the summer. But I rather like the quiet, tranquil feel of Scotland.
Our next spot to stop was Doune Castle.
As we crossed over the bridge into the village I was surprised to see the castle and exclaimed, oh there it is! Unfortunately, I missed that picture moment, except in my mind. It was framed so beautifully between trees as I looked down the river.
The castle was used in the show, Monte Python and the Holy Grail, a favorite of our boys when they were growing up.
The stairs up the castle were steep and circular and because the day was winding down it was also dark.
My camera lighted up the spot so you could get a feel for the steepness. This castle was built in the 14th century. They had 2 large grand halls with a place for a band and a fireplace that almost took the entire wall. We discovered little out coves that were used for latrines - nothing below the 2-3 stories seat.
Sometimes I forget that these were ordinary people like us living in the 12th-15th centuries and doing a lot of what we do: eat, sleep, work, and enjoy being with their family and friends.
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