Loch Awe

I recieved a phone call from the intrepid travellers and I called them right back with Skype to save phone costs. At that time, they had been to Loch Awe which is where McArthur ancestry is rooted. During the day, Dad went trolling with a guide and caught a 10 lb. Northern Pike. I didnt realize they had those things up there.


Loch Awe


Both Mom and Dad explored an island in Loch Awe which contains the ruins of Innis Chonnel Castle, a castle which was in The McArthur Clan for a period of time. Strickly speaking, the castle was in the hands of the clan Campbell, but a McArthur was the captain of the castle in its earliest history.

Edinburgh part 2

Here is the latest communication from the parents.

"Hi:
WE JUST HAD AN EXCELLENT MEAL AT THE CHARIOTS OF GOD ROYAL OYSTER BAR. WE HAD A HUGH AMOUNT OF OYSTERS FROM LOCHE FINE AND MUSSELS FROM THERE ALSO. I HAD SCOTCH SMOKED SALMON AND YOUR MOTHER HAD DOVER SOLE. WE ARE FULL AND ARE READY FOR BED. YOUR MOTHER HAS OD-ED ON DOVER SOLE FOUR NIGHTS IN A ROW. THIS IS SCOTLANDS ANSWER TO DUNGENESS CRAB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE TO MEET OUR GUIDE IN THE AM AND GOING FISHING FOR BROWNIES.
LOVE Y`ALL
MOM AND DAD "

I think he was reffering to the movie "Chariots of Fire" that was filmed at this Oyster Bar....Charoits of God sounds vaguely familer though....what is that???

The Cafe Royal Oyster Bar

Quite a few years ago I visited this Oyster Bar with my parents while I traveled with them to Scotland. I have fond memories of the smoked salmon at the Royal Oyster Bar.

mmmmm

Ill update futher once they have gone fishing.

Still moving

The pink path is on a ferry

Since the last post they have made it to Scotland. I believe they did this by way of Belfast-Galway ferry and a train to Edinburgh. Anyways here is the latest email update.


We have finally gotten to the big E of Scotland. I can`t believe how long and rigorous a trip from Dublin that this would turn out to be. No complaints however `cause we are here at the wonderful Balmoral. We just had a great meal and are sleepy, that`s what happens when you get as old as we. We are going to chill out here for a couple of days then go fish`en for the big Brownies.We`ll let you know if we catch the EU record.
Love Y`all
Mom and Dad

Well I looked it up and the record Brownie caught in the Scotland was pretty damn big!

New record fish caught trolling north end of Loch Awe by Brian Rutland

15th March 2002
Weight 31lb 12oz
length 39"; girth 25 1/4"; tail 11"

Good luck Dad!!

Here are some pics of the Balmoral Hotel and some of Edinburgh (the big E)

The Balmoral Hotel

Another view of the Balmoral

Two johns!!

Edinburgh city street

Edinburgh Castle

P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!!

Arrival

I spoke with mom at 6:00 this evening and they have made it to Dublin! They are no doubt tired since they are five hours ahead (from CST) and have been travelling for about a day.

I was told that they tried to get online at an internet cafe to check their mail, but mom pressed some button that turned all their emails into Turkish!! Later, they retired to their hotel for some room service and possibly a pint or two.

The Long Haul

They have (hopefully) left Atlanta Airport and begun their long flight to Dublin, Ireland. They will stay in Dublin for 2 nights in order to recover from the flight over (hangover).

I talked with mom today at Atlanta and she said they were relaxing in the Business Class Executive Room sipping tea and wine. The rest of the coach cretins ate McDonald's and picked their noses at the gate.

Slàn leat! (Goodbye! in Gaelic)

The voyage has begun!

At approximately 11:00am CST my parents lifted off for their 15 day pilgrimage to the motherland.....Scotland!

This first leg of the journey is from Bay County International Airport to Hartsfield International in Atlanta. Unfortunately they must remain in Atlanta for 5+ hours (....my God) afterwhich they will fly to Glasgow, Scotland. Updates to follow.