I had contacted the Plockton Inn to book for a week or so noting that I realized they were closed for Christmas and Boxing Day and would therefore arrive Dec. 27 but I was informed they would have a room for me whenever I arrived. They placed me in the annex across the street for a few days which didn’t require comprising the main building with restaurant, rooms and pub. So I targeted the 22nd but then realized there would be no bus service on Sunday from Oban to Fort William. I either had to eat the room in Oban or stay another day but when I explained that to the manager at the Claredon Hotel, she gave me the cash for the room I didn’t need upon leaving. I will obviously be considering using this hotel next time in Oban.
I see that Doug has continued to improve the war memorial. I’m told poppies are planted by the street. An amazing effort he made unprompted. As a NZ vet of the conflicts in the Middle East I think he was offended it had been allowed to be run over with brush.
I’m guessing I’ve stayed at the Plockton Inn over a dozen times by now since 2007.
And the first night I like to have the best, freshest fish & chips I’ve ever had. The coo is a silkscreen and used to stand in the breakfast room window. Looks even better when the light is behind it.
One of the best seafood restaurants in all of Scotland, the first morning I start with kippers since those are hardly ever on any menu. I had asked my friend, Ali G if he could pick out a few books for me to read during my stay. I expected the weather to preempt any wandering around the area and I was right so, Positive Thinking, Wilder, 2 by Bohumil Hrabal and The Scottish Clearances, a Christmas present from Mary Gollan, filled my time. Between the cold I had from Crianlarich and the travel, I needed a rest.
During a break in the weather I wandered about the village past the main (& only) brewery in town.
I keep taking photos of this wreck expecting each one to be the last
From the train to Kyle where I had gone for supplies whilst the Inn would be closed
Mom used to call smoked haddock at breakfast Finnin Haddie. She heated it in milk. It’s pretty good on toast with a poached egg too!
A few of the locals who comprise the 5 o’clock club. Back in CT I can’t go to a pub/bar without getting in a car so I don’t. Here the craic is always good and a couple times a year I like to sit like I’m one of the boys even if I have to travel 1000’s of miles to do so. I always feel welcomed which is why I return
Even when the band came in for the Dec. 28th Holiday Music session I was greeted by name and with a handshake.
I created a YouTube channel under Bill Blackwell, not William, because that is the only way, due to storage space, one can add video to a WordPress post and I now have have over 160 videos of music and other things (usually water) if you ever want more. Whilst recording this evening I ran out of storage on my phone so I immediately deleted the 3000 songs in iTune to free up space.
New Years Eve Day was grand and so after breakfast I headed up to the Brae to see Plockton from above
Bonfire looks promising
Peter MacKenzie had stopped by my room Christmas Eve day and invited me to join his family for Christmas dinner. A fine meal that Maggie prepared, good wine and friends made the day special. Peter had mentioned a viewpoint behind his house so from the Brae I headed for it. The path is closer to a gully-wash and I was glad of good boots. At the top there is a bench and this marker showing what you’re looking at in each direction. It was so mild I was able to take the coat off and sit and just enjoy.
I think that is an oil rig support station
Another load for tonights bonfire.
The mast above Duncraig castle is where I took the opening photo on the home page of this website. It looks like a tougher hike than it is, but it’s still a pretty good workout to get there.
The bonfire is soaked in accelerants and firework rockets are suspended from HD fishing line and at midnight race across the harbour and light the pyre with a bang.
Chatting with Ewan MacKenna at the Inn he contacted his dad Peter, who I’ve met many times and invited me to join them and his mom Joy for NY dinner where we finished with a clootie cake, before the bonfire & fireworks.
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