Family Vacation: Scotland Part 7: The Final Chapter

"Nothing good can ever come from staying with normal people."  -Harry MacDougal {Outlaw Star}

 

Finally, the end of the tale.

We didn't reach the mainland until after 10pm and it was dark.  We docked in Oban and headed for our B&B.  The only problem was, the GPS was getting a very limited signal and kept cutting out.  We had no idea where we were going.  It didn't matter that we were driving on the wrong side of the road.  This area was built up on the side of the hill with all these old stone buildings packed in with what must have been foot paths at one time separating them.  There was no "wrong side" there was only one side...with parked cars.  

Driving around and driving around, we finally got a signal and made it to our "destination."  No B&B.  My Mom is trying to "help" from the back seat which, tired and frustrated and cranky as I was, was no help at all.  Called the B&B and got voicemail.  I didn't even know the number to the British sim card so I couldn't leave a message.

When I finally did get in touch with the B&B it turns out that most GPS aps don't map their place correctly and we were at the wrong end of the street.  The narrow, single lane with parked cars street.  That dead ended.  After a 15 point turn, was finally facing the proper direction and got us to the place.  The proprietor was kind enough to go stand in the middle of the road.  I would have missed it yet again if he hadn't.

It was a fantastic old building made of stone perched on a hill and beautifully decorated.  Unfortunately I was so wiped out I couldn't possibly appreciated it.  I was still wired on adrenalin and frustration so I took a sleeping pill and went to bed.

Luckily, the next morning, we had a leisurely schedule.  We lingered over a fantastic (full Scottish) breakfast then took the landlady's recommendation of an area downtown to shop for a few gifts for people back home.  (and a token or two for ourselves)

Then we tooled up the coast a bit to visit the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary and coo at the adorable  otters and seals.

Then back to Glasgow.  We backtracked over much of the same route we took out and I have to say, after days of driving through Scotland, I was able to enjoy the scenery much better this time around.  Argyle and Loch Lomond I think have some of the most beautiful countryside I've seen in Scotland.

After that, it was all travel.  We dropped our rental car off with only one tire damaged from the (few) times I "brushed" the curb trying to orient myself.  I consider it a success not to have removed half the left side of the car!  Overnight in Glasgow, plane to London, Overnight there and on a plane back to the States.

I don't know why I avoided writing about this trip so much for so long, but it is done.  It was a fantastic journey and I love being able to spend the time with my parents.  We used to do family vacations when I was small and I appreciate the opportunity to revive the activity.  My parents are great travelers in their retirement and I love that I can occasionally join them on their journey.