Misc shots

Classic roadside scene



Oban sunset


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Friday: More at McCaig Tower

When we were done exploring the tower, we noticed a bustle of activity.
The Lion's Club was sponsoring a performance of the local high school pipe band as a fund raiser.

We found a place to sit, and watched the performance come together. Here we see pipers waiting for the other pipers.



I hadn't realized that one tunes pipes.



This was a warm-up piece. Drummers were still preparing in the background. And some tuning continues.



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Friday: McCaig's Tower in Oban

One of the strangest landmarks in Oban is a circular Colosseum-looking structure that looms above the town. Built in 1902, partly to employ stonemasons, it was never completed.

We walked to the top of hill to explore. Here's a view of Oban.



And a view from the outside looking in.




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Monday 1: More Islay, and scotch

Islay the island is home to, I think I heard, nineteen distilleries. We tasted the Bowmore scotch while visiting Ann on Sunday on Kentyre. And we passed two or three distilleries on the road to Bowmore.

But it was a striking ride past the fields where the peat is cut for making scotch:



Here's a view of the small pub where we sat before dinner.



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Location:Scotland

Friday: cycling from Oban to Taynuilt

We managed to have a biking day without a drop of rain! We biked from Oban to the small town of Taynuilt, twelve miles away. Most local traffic was routed along the coast, so this single track road was through a series of sheep pastures, with cattle guards separating where the fences met the road.

Harriet with the road rolling away behind her.



Rough coated Highland 'coos'.



A couple of sheep tolerating my close proximity. Camera click scared them away.



This sign warns drivers that at the top of the hill, oncoming traffic can't be seen until you're over the top.


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Thursday: travel to Oban

Just the two of us took a quick trip to Oban by train. Brought our bikes so we could spend a day cycling near Oban.

Here's what our bikes look like after being correctly placed in their carefully reserved cycle slots.



A view of Oban's main, ocean-facing street from the train station.



And the Oban distillery, our first stop.



Instead of a tour, we tried a couple of single malts in the Oban tasting room.



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Wednesday 2: Rest in Glasgow, Burrell Collection

A few more highlights from the Burrell Collection:

A portable shrine:






A snapshot of an intricately carved chair. Furnishing from Sir William's castle.



And a cup from Lady Constance's favorite tea set. Note bug glazed in the bottom of the cup.


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