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Wednesday 14 2014.
Loch Lomond, Scotland.
After leaving Ireland on Friday 9th May, we arrived at Manchester after an hours flight and picked up another car, same make and model, but as usual called something else. Can’t have the same thing in Ireland and the UK, god forbid. Anyway we hit peak hour traffic on the M60, same has Sydney, so it took us 90 minutes to get to Rochdale and my Cousin Joanne’s house. We spent the next three days with Joanne, Nathan and their children, Jess, Oliver and Sophia. As usual, time went to quick along with the amount of beer and wine they had stocked up. After Ireland we needed the rest again, so Nathan and Joanne’s was a great chance to recharge the batteries and catch up the newest members of the family. When Cath and I were here in 2011, Joanne was pregnant with Oliver, so there was very little drinking then. Since that time they have had Sophia, who is now eight months old. Before arriving I threatened Joanne with a pregnancy test on arrival, so she wasn’t going to miss out on the fun this time. It worked as this time we
all got on the piss, or maybe it was the fact that they had just had Sophia……I’m going with my threat.
Considering we had never met Oliver and Sophia before, we soon all became good friends and we feel very much part of the family. Cath and I spent most of your time, trying to convince Joanne and Nathan to visit Australia in the near future. Only time will tell. Again thanks to Joanne and Nathan for the hospitality and we will get even with you in Australia when you finally visit, and that’s a promise.
We left Rochdale on Monday and headed to Settle, further north, to pick up my other cousin, Julie and my Aunty Shelia. We then set off for Loch Lomond in Scotland, where we met up with my cousin Stuart and his wife Helen, along with another new member of the family, Isla. Again the last time we were here in 2011, Helen was pregnant. We were also joined by Julie’s sons, Duncan and Kristopher.
The purpose for us all getting together in Loch Lomond was to spread my Uncle Alex’s ashes who passed away late last year. This was also one
of the main reasons for travelling to the UK. The plan was to find “Buchanan Castle” where Alex’s family was placed during the Second World War. Alex’s father was a medic and Buchanan Castle was converted into a rehabilitation hospital for the war wounded, so Alex grew up in the grounds. Unfortunately the castle has gone into rack and ruin and Shelia was not comfortable with leaving Alex there. We had a quick look around the town and then headed to the nearby pub for lunch before making our way back to Loch Lomond.
Loch Lomond is in an ideal setting, the loch is surrounded by mountains with spectacular views and after a family discussion, Shelia thought it was fitting place to spread the ashes of Alex. After a few drinks for courage we all headed to the lake side and found a little spot near the water covered in blue bells. A few short words were said and then all the family members placed Alex’s ashes among the blue bells under a large oak tree. After a verse of “Auld Lang Syne” and a glass of champagne we strolled back to the house and continued the celebration of
Alex’s life. For the records, this all happened on Tuesday 13th May 2014.
Today, after breakfast we headed to a few local towns for a look-see and then back to the local pub for lunch and then the two boys, Duncan and Kristopher headed back to Settle. After a full belly and beers the rest of us made our way to the accommodation and a wee sleep for me. As Stuart and Helen hadn’t had much time together, the girls and I volunteered to baby sit tonight while they went out for the night. Isla is such an easy going child; who wouldn’t look after her. After a quick bedtime story from Aunty Julie, Isla was off to sleep in no time. Too easy.
Tomorrow we leave Loch Lomond and head back to Settle for the night, before heading to Haworth for a night and then London and then Singapore for three nights, before returning home. Maybe one more blog before we get home?
Cath and Chris.
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Jan
non-member comment
jealous much!
I've loved following your journey guys! Sounds like you've had an amazing adventure. .. kept me entertained during the nighttime feeds! You'll have to plan another trip soon so I've got something to read! ! Enjoy Singapore!