Me-Now-Views; (Slightly) Less Speak More Peek

Last week I shared the first outing with Mlle CG, visiting from France. The next day, there was just enough brightness in the sky to encourage us to think of a slightly longer drive... this time over to the Isle of Bute. (You know I love the place - just see the label at left!).  We were on the road by 10am.

First stop was hardly outside of town, to photograph some farm animals, then another ten minutes along and it was the obligatory stop by Little Echaig Water - which wasn't so little after the deluge of the previous few days.

The drive over the 'spine' of the Cowals takes one round the end of Loch Striven and through Troll country, until, 50 minutes(ish) later, one arrives at Colintraive (Col-in-trIve) where there is a wait for the ferry.

The ferry crossing of 500 metres. Yup. Hiss, spit and one end's barely up when the other end's getting lowered.

Mlle CG thought I had jested... She actually choked on laughter when seeing it in the metal. Can't get to the island without it though.

We cruised with a few photo stops down towards Rothesay. I have so many photographs already (see that label!) it was a little difficult to add to the collection.

Here you have them though!

There were major renos underway at Rothesay castle, but when the ladders were cleared away (just before the hail and sleet hit - yes again...), there was time for me to shoot off a panoramic of the interior walls.

Perhaps ought to have engaged the flash for this one of Mlle CG on the spiral steps...

At Rothesay, we enjoyed our lunch at The Musicker. I mentioned it last Thursday.  Pure vego and every soup I have eaten there has been very original and fresh.

On this visit the soup was.....

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND PEANUT BUTTER!!! Served, as always, with a most rustic and delicious bread roll and butter.

This stick at Scalpsie Bay made me think of Goose (and his mom)...

By the time we got to Ettrick Bay, where it would have been wonderful just to linger, the wind was flinging icicles at us at a rate of 50kph and head-on. We found the bird hide and nursed some hot tea from the flask before deciding it was as well to just keep driving.  We took the long road home. No matter the weather, this is a most scenic place and Mlle CG truly enjoyed it - noting that there was a lot unseen and therefore a longer, more focused visit will need to be planned!

NOW - on a different note; today is the day of the 'welcome to Blogville' dance, organised by Sarge.

I introduced Mara and her cat Miss Oswin and travelling companion Brom. Here we are, all dressed up and ready to rock!

We sure know how to party in Blogville!!!  (Just an aside to my Indian readers - no I didn't get fizzy and forget how to dress - there was a little confusion at the photoshop end is all...)

No sooner will all this be done and dusted, than we will be pawparing for the next big event - THE BLOGVILLE RODEO. Go back one post to read a little more about what will be happening here and keep your eyes peeled for updates on activities here and over at the Mayorz place!