Menootanaboot; Toward

A little south and a tiny touch west of Dunoon is the point where a lighthouse sits, as well as a large estate and a sailing club. Toward (pronounced TAUurd) is little more than a hamlet and spreads out along the narrow coastline of this part of the Cowal peninsula. There is a church, a junior school and a 'castle' - which is really a Victorian country house and privately owned, though, in theory, one can go walking there.

Last Friday, despite slightly grizzly weather - for the sun did not show up until much later - I suggested we go to the sailing club car park so that Nobby could have a jolly good run off-leash. I had not been there myself for something like five years. The clubhouse has little to commend it, being not much more than a wooden hut. However, there is a very active membership and in the time since my last park up there, several items have been added for the interest of picnickers and other visitors. Notably, a variety of information boards, quite detailed and containing all that one may need to know about wildlife to be found thereabouts, the landscape, the history, and the activities that can be enjoyed - particularly sailing and kayaking. 

While Nobby and Gail explored the shoreline, I guddled about taking in the various info-bytes and enjoying the bracing breeze, taking some 'artyshots', as well as admiring the efforts of the club to be inclusive of those who may not also be members of that establishment. Picnic tables with fireproof plates (to place those shop-bought tinfoil affairs that Brits consider BBQing...), disposal units, and a polite request to use the provided spray disinfectant to clean down after use. Benches for taking in the air and the views. Plus those boards already mentioned. On each of those was also the request that if one has enjoyed the facilities, to please consider texting a donation of £2 - which I thought very good value and took note of the number to attend to that when back at the Hutch. (I don't carry my phone by habit...) The history board was particularly interesting and I have done my best to sharpen these images, taken from the main picture... I didn't think to photograph them individually, which might have saved your eyes a bit...sigh. I hope that you can glean something from them.

By the time Nobby and Gail returned there was a distinct smell of the sea floating on the bracing breeze. Nobby had engaged with some seaweed which may or may not have contained something else. After letting him romp around with a new-found stick for a while, it took two of us to rinse him off as best we could before re-entering the vehicle... and then it was bathtime back at the Hutch!

That's the Isle of Bute on the other side of the water, the town of Rothsay and the rise
to the side is known as Canada Hill...
so named as historically families rushed to this point to watch the boats carrying their
departing relatives to new lives overseas.

That afternoon, Gail took Nobby out for familiarisation with the streets of the town and visit to the Burgh Hall and cafe, so he was at least 'well presented' for that! We celebrated with a pizza delivery from our local, excellent outlet. To Nobby's disgust and despite his best efforts, there were no pizza 'bones' to gnaw on! So it was back to the stick and Hedgehog. 

Saturday saw us exploring Kilmum and Blairmore but for that, I hand over to Nobby, as it was Gail who took photos. On Sunday morning, it was breakfast, a walk along the promenade for Nobby, and then farewells (not goodbyes!!!) What a wonderful time we had...