...no, it's more a case of shell shock, I think. News overload. Both big and small. As I continue to mull it all over and decide whether to share the thoughts, here's a plug-in post...
Last weekend, Mac1 and her chum Fee came to stay in Dunoon. Not at the Hutch. Fee had wanted to relive a childhood memory of staying in a particular hotel, right by the car ferry at the other end of town. We agreed to meet up on Friday evening, though. They brought in the meal and I dressed up my wee kitchen table and provided the condiments and salad and ample supplies of tea. We had a lovely evening with some proper grown-up chatter - and a smattering of girly giggles to mix it up.
They spent the rest of the weekend covering a fair few miles, as reported by Mac1 to me in an email:
We cycled Hunter's Quay to Blairmore pier with stops at the war memorial there and back; Kilmun Arboretum; Kilmun Kirk and showed Fiona the gorge with the river in spate; Strone for beachcombing and break at the coffee shop; then the pier for restful 20-30mins reading memorial plaques, taking in the views and seal and people watching, before return journey with diversion at Kilmun to cross the old iron bridge into the caravan park and stop for a beer at the Cothouse Inn.
Today we cycled the full length of the prom from Kirn to the first parking spot south of Dunoon and back. Ice-cream and coffee on return then slow road home with lots of lovely stops including Jubilee point where warden, Finbar, gave lots of info on Blue Algae. Sadly 4 dogs lost this year from ingestion. Latest just last week despite warnings.
That last was sad to read, for there are ample signs pinned up at all points of access, so no excuse to ignore... On a lighter note, here is a photo provided by Mac1 to fulfil a request from Bertie's Gail...
They were very lucky with the weather. Not brilliant, but the wet stuff stayed off for most of it. As the entire week leading up to it had been hosepipe conditions, I was quite relieved for them. The rain returned on the Monday, so well-planned, them!
Mac1 and I are plotting a week together in mid-September, so that's something to look forward to.
Shorter-term anticipation, though, is that next week is already FFF time!!! Yes folks, time to select one of your fave photos (one of your own remember!) and tell us all about it as creatively as you can.
We've that algae, too. We've lost dogs, as well. I'm so sorry. So much awfulness out there.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are having tea and friends!
What fun, Mac1's jaunt. Younger legs than ours!
ReplyDeleteenjoy this wonderful time... we have that algues here too... but no way to close the beaches, the tourists would jump in circles...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the photo and bike ride report from Mac1 and Fee! So pleased they had half-decent weather for their outings.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
PS Hoping to talk to the vet about Bertie today.
Hi Yam - that's great they enjoyed themselves ... and saw lots in your neck of the woods, yet were able to meet up with you for sustenance ... for both stomach and mind! Cheers - Hilary
ReplyDeleteOh to have been a fly on the Hutch wall listening to you 3 gals chat!!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a great meet up in September with Mac1
Hugs Cecilia
Algae issues in several lakes in our area, too. So glad you were able to spend an evening with your sis and friend. Looking forward to sister time next week. namaste, janice xx
ReplyDeleteHow sad about the poor pups but it sounds like the girls had lots of fun.
ReplyDeleteDo the dogs ingest it or swim in it? Does it damage humans too? F got all excited about the cycling stuff; I'm just curious about algae and K9s. F's friend had a dog that used to have dreadful skin problems AND used to crunch up dead crabs on their beach. F told D to stop the dog from eating crabs, she had heard something about dogs and toxic algae. The K9 was denied its crab snacks and its skin got better. Sensible animals like cats know what foods they need (and don't need). Fz & Pz Mr T
ReplyDeleteHari OM
DeleteThis page is as clear and plain as can be found regarding BGA. At Jubilee point, I observed a number of families playing around in the water - an in one case, fishing. Bloom and scum forming blue-green algae can produce toxins. Illnesses including skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain have occurred in people who've swallowed or swam through algal scum. The signs at the point all state clearly that humans ought also to be careful - although for them it is significantly less likely to be fatal. Stay sensible, Mr T!! H&W, Y-a xxx
Sounds like the two travelers had a fun time out and about. Too bad about the dogs. We have algae issues here too, but we mostly avoid any of the pond areas.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Mac1 and her friend had a great time visiting your corner of the world. How nice that you all were able to get together.
ReplyDelete