Scotland

[Brisketexan 105057]

Okay, feeling better (was actually feeling kind of crappy, jet-laggy, just "off" for a few days), so hopefully our next bout of driving will go better.  And...I'll be cautious as hell.

Wrapping up a full day in Glasgow.  We didn't go nuts.  Mostly just spent some time in the flat we bought that the boy lives in.  Hit the Kelvingrove museum for the first time, that was pretty cool.  Had some errands to run (had to run by the bank, and there were a coupla things my wife wanted to pick up), ended up bouncing around town with the boy.  He needed a snack/late lunch.  We were down by Buchanan Street, so we hit Jollibee.  I tried a piece of their spicy.  Not bad.  We also took a look at the new Popeye's a block down.  He waited overnight there for the opening a month ago or so...and ended up not just getting free Popeye's shoes and food, but was also interviewed for Scottish TV about the parliamentary elections (were the day before).  He's a Labor kid, so the interview went fine.  And yes, when we visit the boy, he takes us to his favorite fried chicken places.

We also walked down to the river, sat on the lawn, and just shot the shit.  Thought about the fact that my wife's people have been along that river for hundreds (thousands?) of years, and now the boy does.

Tonight, the plan is dinner at Shish Mahal, birthplace of Chicken Tikka Masala.  Then tomorrow, gonna take it easy and go to Dumbarton and Oban.

I'll post a few pics later.  If you're looking for pics of attractive Scottish women....I don't have any.  Sure, there are some here and there, but dear lord, their penchant for painting themselves orange is awful.  And for someone like the boy, who prefers natural looking, athletic women, this ain't paradise -- his description: "They're mostly short, round, and orange."  He's not wrong.  And y'all know I can appreciate a curvy/thicc woman.  Nope.  That's not really in play here.  If they are carrying any extra weight, they're carrying a LOT of it.  It's Vic Mackey territory.  It really is kind of jarring.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Was there an idiot protesting in front of the new Popeyes, resulting in an incomprehensible Glaswegian street argument? Duh. Some things are universal. And fights at a Popeyes are such a thing.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Wrapped up a good day in Glasgow yesterday with chicken tikka masala (and other items) at Shish Mahal, presumed to be where the dish was invented. Whatever the case, it was pretty damned good.



Then today, attempt #2 at a car. It went MUCH better. Started out in heavy rain, visited Dumbarton castle and almost got blown off the rock by the wind and rain.



Drove to Inverary, wet, cold, and hungry. Found a restaurant in a basement, had a kickass bowl of Cullen skink.




Headed up to Kilmartin Glen, because we dig Neolithic stuff. Standing stones, cairns, 5000+ years of human activity. Pretty cool.





And now, at our hotel in Oban. From our window:

[Brisketexan 105057]

Our first chippy of the trip (we shared the chips, and I got an extra side of haggis although to confess, black pudding is more of my jam):




Walked back to our hotel as the sun is setting.




Also, my gaelic is a bit rusty, but I’m pretty sure they means “come on back, and grease your ass.”

[Brisketexan 105057]

Disappointed we won’t be here for the shinty Macaulay Cup Final. I’m a HUGE shinty fan. Those bastard McKenzies think they’ll keep the cup, but their uppance shall come. Still, I’m not sure how they can schedule the post-match whiskey puke for EXACTLY 2:00 pm, but I guess they know what they’re doing.

[Brisketexan 105057]

“Hey you, motherfucker. Yeah you. I’ve got a fucking problem with you.”
Not sure what we did to piss this dude off, but he’s been knocking at our window for a bit now.



And, sunset looking out from Oban.

[landman 559]

6 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

“Hey you, motherfucker. Yeah you. I’ve got a fucking problem with you.”
Not sure what we did to piss this dude off, but he’s been knocking at our window for a bit now.




 

Put your clothes back on.  He thinks there's a worm and he's hungry.  😁

[Brisketexan 105057]

This fucking place. Holy shit.






Not ashamed to say it’s taken my breath away. Wind and water. The islands are stunning.

Then inside for warmth.

[Incredulity 11647]

14 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

Then inside for warmth

In mid-August.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Long day, started with a trip to Staffa. Alas, the birds have mostly departed. But the geology and Fingal’s Cave is still there.

[rage-a-holic 4373]

Are you hanging out with SkipperJ? He's there with one of his kids.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Then on to Iona, where we’re spending the night. Iona is a really significant site in early Christian history, and my wife runs in circles that involve the “Iona Community,” an ecumenical and progressive organization. Iona has been a focal point for pilgrimages for 1400 years, and while she is far from Jesus-y, this was an important stop. And it is definitely a spiritual place.




The main chapel of the abbey dates the the 15th century, but an abbey was there starting in 563. The smaller chapel shown above dates to the 12th century.

I went inside, and as I always do, I lit a candle in memory of my grandparents and now, my mother.



The graveyard purportedly contains the remains of numerous ancient Scottish kings, including Macbeth.

[Brisketexan 105057]

We hiked all over the island today. I’ll post some pics of that, it’s a beautiful place.

Earlier today, we stood on the spot where the writers hut was - this was where the actual Book of Kells was written (it ended up in Ireland for safekeeping from Viking raids).




Tonight, we participated in a service at the restored Abbey.

[YoungCounty 165]

My wife’s favorite place on Earth is Iona. It is so beautiful.  

[Brisketexan 105057]

Some of the hiking around Iona.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Waiting on ferry to Lochalime. Finally started a day with a full Scottish, but told em to hold the beans and tomatoes and shit like that.

[Hagbard Celine 10848]

pm sent

[Hagbard Celine 10848]

it's kinda funny (if round is funny) that this was announced while team brisket is in dalriata

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/stonehenge-altar-stone-from-scotland?utm_source=pocket-newtab-en-us

[Hagbard Celine 10848]

On 8/13/2024 at 11:19 AM, sidis said:

what i imagine hagbard looking like reading the last two posts.

absolutely not

scotland has hidden (AND I MEAN REALLY HIDDEN) special things, wonderful things, things that should only be seen by TOP MEN (and their tribes)

but the only way to get there is to drive yourself and DPS DMV doesn't teach 1 lane mountain roads with with 1:5 gradients on hairpin switchbacks

[Hagbard Celine 10848]

On 8/13/2024 at 1:24 PM, gsoda3 said:

the best spot is a secret travelodge parking lot that charges 24 pounds per 24 hours on cowgate near st mary's.

sheet neeegro, you got one i didn't have

well done

it's easier to park in central london than it is anywhere near the royal mile, much less with a sprinter

[Brisketexan 105057]

We’re on Skye. Our accommodations and view from same.





It’s raining today. Like…a lot. But we’re here. And our Texas rain gear is not fully up to the task. But fuck it, we didn’t come to sit around.



The fairy pools are not so fairy…the fairies are angry today, like an old man sending back soup at the deli.

And I’ve now been driving on single track roads enough that I get annoyed at the tourists doing the “passing place” maneuver wrong. Of course, we won’t speak of my first day behind the wheel here.

[locodos 5387]

3 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

The fairy pools are not so fairy…the fairies are angry today, like an old man sending back soup at the deli.

And I’ve now been driving on single track roads enough that I get annoyed at the tourists doing the “passing place” maneuver wrong. Of course, we won’t speak of my first day behind the wheel here.

It never happened...  just a whiskey induced fever dream 

 

Also further down from the Ferry Pools there is a nice hike up to the Black Cullins

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/coirelagan.shtml

Also jealous AF, enjoy!

[Brisketexan 105057]

1 hour ago, locodos said:

It never happened...  just a whiskey induced fever dream 

 

Also further down from the Ferry Pools there is a nice hike up to the Black Cullins

https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/skye/coirelagan.shtml

Also jealous AF, enjoy!

We really got chilled today.  Went up all the way to lealt falls and kilt rock (all falls were flowing like crazy from all the rain), but that was about all the wife had in the tank.  Our pants and shoes were still soaked, and that takes it out of you.  Back to the room to dry off and warm up.  Now doing a bit of work, and then a nice dinner.  We're going to try Old Man of Storr tomorrow -- supposed to be a bit drier, although the hike is reportedly muddy after a rain and....we had some RAIN.  Whatever, we're here, we're gonna give it a shot.  Then, on to Lewis and Harris.

[locodos 5387]

1 hour ago, Brisketexan said:

We really got chilled today.  Went up all the way to lealt falls and kilt rock (all falls were flowing like crazy from all the rain), but that was about all the wife had in the tank.  Our pants and shoes were still soaked, and that takes it out of you.  Back to the room to dry off and warm up.  Now doing a bit of work, and then a nice dinner.  We're going to try Old Man of Storr tomorrow -- supposed to be a bit drier, although the hike is reportedly muddy after a rain and....we had some RAIN.  Whatever, we're here, we're gonna give it a shot.  Then, on to Lewis and Harris.

Get warmed up with a wee dram whilst sat next to peat fire...

My favorite stat about Skye is that they get 20 units of rain annually.   Those units are feet!

For other's benefit, if there's one thing you should splurge on when hiking in Scotland...  it's rain gear.

I made sure the wife and I had GorTex everything and waterproof boots.   Also brought a boot dryer.

Sounds like you're having an amazing visit.

Edited August 19 by locodos

[Armybrat 40821]

On 8/18/2024 at 4:40 AM, Brisketexan said:

Waiting on ferry to Lochalime. Finally started a day with a full Scottish, but told em to hold the beans and tomatoes and shit like that.

Their version of bacon on that island was not to my liking. 
Smart move to delete the breakfast beans.

Edited August 20 by Armybrat

[Brisketexan 105057]

Get warmed up with a wee dram whilst sat next to peat fire...
My favorite stat about Skye is that they get 20 units of rain annually.   Those units are feet!
For other's benefit, if there's one thing you should splurge on when hiking in Scotland...  it's rain gear.
I made sure the wife and I had GorTex everything and waterproof boots.   Also brought a boot dryer.
Sounds like you're having an amazing visit.

Yeah…our rain gear is merely…ok. We under-judged. And we didn’t get to do Storr - it was genuinely too crowded, and between the chaos at the trailhead/parking lot and on the roads around it, the wife had a small panic attack. I bailed and went south, then east. We hiked the fairy glen, had a relaxing lunch on the road outside Uig, and are now waiting on the ferry to Lewis and Harris.








Hey aggies…DON’T WORRY THE SHEEP.

Also, I’m having too much hot tea. Way over caffeinating myself. C’est la vie.

[RDCanecutter 26379]

On 8/15/2024 at 2:10 PM, Brisketexan said:

Also, my gaelic is a bit rusty, but I’m pretty sure they means “come on back, and grease your ass.”

"Greasaibh" can either be "Y'all grease your ass" or "You, dear sir, do grease your ass, now please," to give you the illusion that your ass-greasing is optional.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Also, as our ferry headed away from Skye, I caught a pic of a rock that looks kinda like a dick. Because I am a mature and serious individual.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Another day of flat-out gale. We at least broke down and bought good ponchos, although we now look like walking traffic cones.

We headed in to Stornoway to see the museum, which is damned cool. And yes, ended up buying Harris tweed scarves for wife and daughter. Some other tweed stuff was nice, but makes no sense for our climate at home.

The queen of the Lewis chessmen cannot….fucking…believe…that you just did what you did.



And the king…sitting there wondering “was that JUST a fart?”



They really are incredible to see in person. An amazing piece of history.

Now, we’re back towards the various Neolithic and other ancient sites. In the rain.

I’m supposed to fish tomorrow. We’ll see. The weather today is so bad that they cancelled both ferries to the mainland. So…that could be fun.

[Hagbard Celine 10848]

see my pm reply

bbc says you break clear at 7am tomorrow it's going to be a glorious day, possibly up to 3 days

[Brisketexan 105057]

see my pm reply
bbc says you break clear at 7am tomorrow it's going to be a glorious day, possibly up to 3 days

We shall see. Still supposed to be pretty breezy. I was supposed to go fishing, but we’ll see…rivers are pretty blown out, and will be…challenging conditions for fly casting.

So, we thought we went through a wee gale the other day on Skye. Oh…silly us. Today on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland said “hold my whisky and watch this.” Heavy rain all day. Blowing sideways in winds up to 50 mph. Ferry traffic to the mainland was shut down all day, and may be for much of tomorrow as well (we don’t leave till Friday morning…but hoping that our ferry will have gotten here the night before…fingers crossed). But did we go out to see things? Oh hell yes. Upgraded our rain gear, which….helped, but not entirely. And made us look like traffic cones. But honestly, seeing some of these ancient sites in pure Scottish conditions was impressive in its own way. Nature lashing against 4,000 year old monoliths, which provided us brief shelter from the wind. Stepping inside a Blackhouse, and feeling the warmth of a peat fire (rapidly becoming one of our favorite smells). And doing it bravely, foolishly, together.

[orange dream 1246]

2 hours ago, Brisketexan said:

On the bright side, at least you don't have to worry about getting sunburned.  Glad y'all are making the most of it.

[Brisketexan 105057]

Okay, we’re back, so I’ll update with some pics and narrative.

The day above was rainy and windy as hell, probably our toughest day. Until the next day, when I went fishing.

See the heather? Yes, it’s so pretty, but….HEATHER IS A LIE. IT WANTS TO HURT YOU. IF SOMEONE INVITES YOU FOR A LOVELY WALK IN THE MOORS AMONG THE HEATHER, THEY WANT YOU TO SUFFER. I say this because I went fly fishing in that. Casting into a 30mph wind was tough. Hooked several browns, landed only one, small enough to lose a fight to a sardine. Beautiful place, and beautiful water, and truly enjoyed fishing, but…moors are mud pits that will make you get struck and/or stumble and fall. And heather grows in stubborn, rigid clumps that want to trip you. Ask my very muddy pants how I know.







Before that, waiting for the rivers to go down from all the rain, our guide drove us over to Uig, to see the coast there.

[Brisketexan 105057]

That evening, we visited the Calloway Broch - an approx 2000 yr old structure (somewhat restored over the years) right around the corner from where we stayed (sorry, pics are a bit out of order below).




The next morning, an EARLY wake-up to catch the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool. We were worried about that just 36 hours before - the gale was strong enough that they cancelled the ferries for the day, stranding a bunch of people. Lucky for us, the sea was dead calm when our time came.

And…breakfast on the ferry was a thing of fucking beauty.

[Brisketexan 105057]

We arrived in Ullapool, and walked the town (didn’t take long). We then headed north into the highlands.







We checked out Ardvreck castle, reminded me of the castle in Highlander where the Spaniard met his match. I tried out my favorite line from the movie - “DO AS I SAY, WOMAN!” My wife was unamused.




Stopped for lunch in Lochinver at the Lochinver Larder, famous for its pies. It did not disappoint.




Had an apricot peach pie too, also amazing.

Then, took a long single-track road trip to achnahaird beach.





Wrapped up the day back at our bnb along loch broom. Views from our place (note the small rainbow dead center of the first pic).




The next day, we had a drive to Edinburgh, but plenty of time to do things along the way. Will follow up with those.

[orange dream 1246]

Ok, finally getting around to posting a recap… LONG POST IS LONG

Started by flying into Glasgow after our week in Ireland and doing a walking tour…

Internationally famous celebrity is rumored to live above this bingo hall.

  

 

 

A pic from inside the Inveraray Jail, the sky was angry that day.

 

 

Stayed on the southern shore of Loch Ness in this old monastery / boarding school. Definite Hogwarts vibe

 

 

Did a day tour of Isle of Skye

Saw a small herd of Shaggy friends on the way toward Isle of Skye

 

Old Man of Storr

 

 

 

the Midges were a nuisance

 

 

 

Went to the Highland Games in Aberfeldy.  Absolute blast.  If you ever have the opportunity to go see a Highland Games definitely make it happen.

This guy was the emcee.  He was easily tree fiddy and spoke unintelligibly for 2 straight hours. Perfect way to spend the day.

 

This old man has lived more life than 5 of us combined

 

some of the strongman competitors before competing

 

 

 

I didn’t sign up but I contemplated it. Ha ha

 

 

 

 

Drove to Balmoral to tour the castle, this stuff was beautiful and everywhere

 

Cornerstone set by Queen Victoria

 

Our hotel in that area, an old country home for some early tycoon. 

 

 

A tree stump on the grounds.  Diameter 7-8 feet.

 

 

Pano from the top of the Wallace National Monument

 

  

St. Andrews was our pentultimate stop.  Stayed at the Old Course Hotel.  Our room looked out over the Road Hole...

My youngest and I are the only golfers in the family so we didn't plan to play but we stayed on Saturday night so we could walk the course on Sunday morning. Finished by playing the Himalayas putting course.  Overall very fun and spent way too much $$$ at the pro shop.  Definitely want to go back to play a round at some point.

 

On the Himalayas putting course

 

Final stop was Edinburgh, did a tour of the castle and strolled the Royal Mile.  Tattoo (we didn’t go) and Fringe Festival was going on.  The Fringe Festival was interesting people watching.

 

 

We developed a taste for IRN BRU while in Scotland

 

Overall a fun trip.  Several things we would have loved to have had more time for, but we knew it was going to be a whirlwind. 

No wrecks, or flat tires, but a couple of near misses. 

Thanks to everyone who provided guidance and insight.

 

Edited October 24 by orange dream

[Brisketexan 105057]

Ok, finally getting around to posting a recap… LONG POST IS LONG
Started by flying into Glasgow after our week in Ireland and doing a walking tour…
Internationally famous celebrity is rumored to live above this bingo hall.
  
 

 
A pic from inside the Inveraray Jail, the sky was angry that day.
 

 
Stayed on the southern shore of Loch Ness in this old monastery / boarding school. Definite Hogwarts vibe


 


 

Did a day tour of Isle of Skye
Saw a small herd of Shaggy friends on the way toward Isle of Skye
 

Old Man of Storr

 
 


 
the Midges were a nuisance



 
 




 
Went to the Highland Games in Aberfeldy.  Absolute blast.  If you ever have the opportunity to go see a Highland Games definitely make it happen.
This guy was the emcee.  He was easily tree fiddy and spoke unintelligibly for 2 straight hours. Perfect way to spend the day.
 

This old man has lived more life than 5 of us combined



 
some of the strongman competitors before competing
 

 
 
I didn’t sign up but I contemplated it. Ha ha
 
 

 
 
Drove to Balmoral to tour the castle, this stuff was beautiful and everywhere
 


Cornerstone set by Queen Victoria


 
Our hotel in that area, an old country home for some early tycoon. 
 

 
A tree stump on the grounds.  Diameter 7-8 feet.
 

 
Pano from the top of the Wallace National Monument
 

  
St. Andrews was our pentultimate stop.  Stayed at the Old Course Hotel.  Our room looked out over the Road Hole...

My youngest and I are the only golfers in the family so we didn't plan to play but we stayed on Saturday night so we could walk the course on Sunday morning. Finished by playing the Himalayas putting course.  Overall very fun and spent way too much $$$ at the pro shop.  Definitely want to go back to play a round at some point.
 


On the Himalayas putting course

 
Final stop was Edinburgh, did a tour of the castle and strolled the Royal Mile.  Tattoo (we didn’t go) and Fringe Festival was going on.  The Fringe Festival was interesting people watching.



 
 
We developed a taste for IRN BRU while in Scotland

 
Overall a fun trip.  Several things we would have loved to have had more time for, but we knew it was going to be a whirlwind. 
No wrecks, or flat tires, but a couple of near misses. 
Thanks to everyone who provided guidance and insight.
 

Love that you got the see the family manse in Glasgow.
And saw that picture of all the heather. FUCK HEATHER, IT IS AN EVIL WEED.