Menollfurit; A Winning Spot

As I left Aberdeen and turned towards The Hutch, I took a few days for the drive. This was, in part, because I needed to rest and process even as I was on a timetable to return to base. My driving license was up for renewal, and the updated one would only be sent to the home address, so Dec 8th was the cutoff. (It was waiting for me among a heap of junk mail so I could continue to drive legally!) The other part was the weather.

It turned out to be not difficult to space my time because, on the morning after hearing of Gail's demise, the sky turned on the taps, so I stayed that first full day in Friokheim - a place you've seen mentioned a few times recently. It's a friendly wee village with a healthy supply of EV chargers. In the car park where I stay overnight, there are two - but they are of the more costly type. By The Hub, in the village centre, there are two more, cheaper, and a grand place to spend the time. I have become quite enamoured of it. So much so that on the previous visit to this one, I even left a comment on Google. It's not something I've ever done before. However, it was appreciated because the manager, Charlotte, responded to the comment. Therefore, meeting Charlotte in person on this most recent visit was a delight.

The Hub is a true community space. It uses the old school building and has a wide variety of spaces and facilities. The gym appears to be very well used, and I have seen a very well-attended session of exercise for elders each Wednesday, committee and guild meetings in one or other of the rooms available for such, and many of the locals dropping off and collecting parcels from the reception desk.

I am most interested in the toilet facilities and cafeteria. The food is homemade and delicious. Usually, I get soup and a toastie, but on my last visit, I opted for a baked potato with egg mayo and salad. The Grey would take a while to charge, as he was quite low on energy, and I wanted to give the full 100%. The ladies in the place are cheerful and chatty, and I never feel like I am taking space. Later in the afternoon, I had a cuppa and a chocolate and honeycomb slice. That was when Charlotte appeared. Seeing her name badge, I introduced myself and complimented her directly once again for the wonderful warm welcome I have always received there. As we discussed the facilities, she said I could use the shower room if I wanted. No charge! Honestly, it had not occurred to me to think that this village (800 residents at last count) would have such a thriving and well-serviced centre like this. It's a real credit to them, and I will always visit there whenever The Grey's wheels turn to the north-east.

From Friokheim, I followed the now familiar route via Aberfeldy, along Tayside to Killin, where I had a lunch break and quick shop at the Coop. Then, I went on to Inveruglas by Loch Lomond.

I got in there ahead of Storm Darragh. I was able to hunker down there through to the 8th, by which time the worst of the storm was over. Still a bit blustery, but the clouds were gone, as was the rain, and the drive back to Dunoon was as lovely as ever I've seen it. Despite near freezing temps, the air was clear, and the snow-capped hills were as bonny as could be. Then, the water a-glistened with the winter sun. 

Piccies tomorrow!!!