More from the first week

We visited Loch Lomond and the village of Luss. Climbed up one of the mountains overlooking the loch. They looked like hills to us being from the mountains of North Carolina until we started climbing...we thought we were getting close and we would come to another rise with more to go. We didn't make it to the top--our parking meter time was up--but we did make it to some great views both over the village and up the loch.

That afternoon we went to watch the Badminton World Championships! 5 courts all going at the same time, games ending and starting as they go...always something to watch. It doesn't seem to matter about body type in this game though a long reach is helpful, the birdie (shuttle cock) slows enough on the way down...at least I think that is what happens.

On Sunday I (we) got to meet Rhona's parents! (I lived with Rhona my first year in Malawi.) Alan and Allison came to pick us up and took us for coffee and then to their home for lunch- a wonderful prawn paella (thanks Alan!) Then we went for a great walk around Helensburgh. So much fun to meet them!

Other highlights of the week:
  the hedge maze at Scone Place in Perth (the scones were OK)

  a demo of hunting birds such as falcons and owls at Scone Palace

  a visit to the Auchentoshan Distillery where we had a very enthusiastic tour guide and a tasty sample of one of their whiskeys.