I’d said “right – we’ll set off nice and early – thinking the inevitable delays and procrastinations would render our progress muted, however we got on the road by 06:30!
(I’m putting at least some of that down to my recent ‘Get Things Done’ life hacking adjustments.) After a brief foray into Glasgow where we found the biggest sweetshops I’d ever seen a quick flick through the Lonely Planet I’d picked up at ‘Free Amazon’ (or “The Library” as some people call it) revealed an activity that I’d actually been meaning to have a look at for some time – The Glasgow Science Centre.

The was a fantastic place. They have really designed it specifically with the for not just the enquiring minds, but also their poking fingers counterparts. Several floors of fascinating things to do – they have taken interactive to a new level and perhaps due to its location, the time of day and its comparatively expensive entrance fee, it was quiet. We (and a handful of other people who seemed to be outnumbered by the staff) had the run of the place. Themed areas allowing all of our little ones to have a head full of fascinating inspiring info. Would really recommend it (yes, even from Harrogate – the drive was quite a joy – empty roads all the way!)

Our first abode was up in the Highlands ‘proper’ in a cosy wood lodge on the bank of Loch Oich. From where I typed the first draft of this blog I could glance up over the loch and snow capped mountains beyond. Absolutely stunning scenery.

A spectacular drive down from the highlands early on the Tuesday morning took us to pad #2.

Our second abode was in ‘Big Tree Country’ – Perthshire – just outside Dunkeld. We were staying in a beautiful Hilton Lodge on the banks of the River Tay. Lovely blue sky weather. Distillery visits, walks by the river, Beatrix Potter museum and a Sauna with a window looking out over the valley was the icing on the cake.

The only let down with the curry house in Dunkeld – Darjeeling Creative Cuisine. A cold reception from the surly waiter who asked if we would like to order 3 times in the time it took eirene to go to the toilet as soon as we got there.
No draft beers. Seemingly high priced bottles. Big grr when we asked for a jug of water and were told no. No tap water. I asked him to confirm and he said they didn’t have any taps. Just (£3 PER BOTTLE) water.

Eirene ordered pakora for starter, baji was what was served. Waiter called them pakora!

Anyway – seeing red squirrel and osprey in the wild made up for trivialities like that.