Monday 10 September 2007

Callander



Got back yesterday from a surprise get away from it all weekend. It was my birthday on Sunday and Alan had booked for us to stay here in a lovely spot by the river in Callander which is just a couple of hours drive from where I live. Its the first time I had been here and it turned out to be a lovely little town set on the edge of the http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/

The view from the bedroom window and views of the river running alongside




Strolling through the town on Saturday afternoon, we came across these young lads who set up and began to play blues/jazz, just loved their music and could have stayed there all day just listening, foot tapping I adore listening to music in the streets and according to some literature I saw at the hotel, they hold a jazz/folk festival on a yearly basis in Callander, we had just missed it by a week or so.


The rest of the day was spent driving in the hills and round lochs, listening to relaxing c.d's that Alan had brought along..
WISHING I HAD BROUGHT A TENT....Thoughts of singing ging gang gooly gooly goooly round the campfire, faces lit by the glow off a log fire, cooking sausages and beans...Mel Brookes style.. It surprised me just how many people were camping round the edges of Loch Earn..this campfire was still alight...nothing quite like the smell of wood burning in the open air, it makes me feel all nostalgic, autumn days and all that..




A stark reminder that sometimes,just sometimes it pays to slow down,when we step out of lifes fast lane, some forget to remember that. Luckily no young drivers were hurt whilst gathering pictures for this post...He passed us minutes before in a police car..Oh dear!!!



I really fell in love with Joni Mitchells version of Both Sides Now whilst driving round the Trossachs,brings back memories of driving alongside lush green forests,soaring hills and cool sparkling waters catching the last rays of sun... Alan may well just scream if he hears this version again or have I converted him I wonder????




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17 comments:

RUTH said...

That's a date for my diary next year!!!! Belated birthday wishes Auds and glad you had such a fabulous weekend.
Rx

Audrey said...

Thanks Ruth, it was so good to get away from it all for a while and such a lovely area, need to explore my own country I think..lol

Tatyanna (and Dorian too) said...

Hey, happy birthday!! I didn't know! That looks like an AMAZING trip. Your description and accompanying photos really bring it home to us. That's a talent :)

Peaceful/Paisible said...

oh now, I missed your birthday, I really must not forget next time !!!I wish you love and light and peace and many many many happy returns to the day...Callander loooks great...you really live in a beautiful country...wish i was camping with you, Ruth, come on, we'll go...
much love from Peaceful Mousie

Bob said...

We used to live near Callander and often visited, I wonder if you took the drive over the hills to Aberfoyle? Its a really beautiful place and I miss it very much. Thanks for showing the pics. Bob.

Dan said...

Great photos and words. I felt like I was there. And I'm angry that I wasn't! :)

Is that you sitting on the rock Audrey?

Audrey said...

Aintneverscared, thanks it was good to get away, Im on annual leave so no work for 16 days...bliss

Audrey said...

Mousie, yes lets go!!! Ive never been camping before a joy Ive yet to experience.. It really struck me on this trip just how beautiful my own country is and so much yet to explore and thanks for the birthday wishes xxx Auds

Audrey said...

Uk Bob, yes we did take the drive over the hills to Aberfoyle, beautiful...I hadnt been to the Trossachs before and know we just touched on what this area has to offer. Im not surprised you miss it. We are definitely paying a return visit and will spend more time there next time..Thanks for your visit

Audrey said...

Dan, yes thats me sitting on the rock, thinking how simple life can be at times and savouring the moment. Your post this week struck a chord...Sigh... keep smiling x Auds

In Ink said...

This brings back so many memories. I love Scotland more than my native England in many ways. Thanks for the pics.

Gledwood said...

isn't that a lovely Tudor building... the black beams have an especially funky pattern on front ...

Gledwood said...

that lake reminds me of Loch Lomond. I went swimming in there in August. It was FREEZING. So cold in fact that I felt positively HOT upon getting out!

Anonymous said...

It was like going down memory on your trip - thanks for posting all the photos.

Have spent many wonderful weeks touring Scotland - Happy memories.

I have really enjoyed reading your posts

B.T.Bear (esq.) said...

Oooo this all lookt grayte! It remindid me a littol bit ov wen I waz up in Yorkshire in Orgust. I like the grayte owtdoors.

Did yu hav a Bear wiv yu?

:@}

Gledwood said...

How ARE you... long time no hear hope all's good!
Lots of love

G
xx

Tatyanna (and Dorian too) said...

MISS YOU!!! Hope all is well...