"Having cheesy pasta for lunch." was the enthusiastic answer from 8 year old Aidan.
The question? What has been the best bit of our 2 day camping excursion to Loch Lomond?
Hmmmmmm! Sometimes I wonder if I am maybe getting a wee bit out of touch with my grandchildrens world.
The Caravan and Camping Club Loch Lomond Forest site at Cashell placed us right at the Loch's edge and conveniently within walking distance of 'Granny's Mountain' where the memorial Rowan tree and wooden seat mark the spot wherein Kate's ashes lie. Lovely views and a walk were enjoyed by all albeit it was a slow one which of course is always the case when Grandchildren accompany.
After a family celebration in Salisbury at the end of July my arrival in Scotland gave limited time for 'camping with grandchildren' before their return to school on August 14. Two trips with two grandchildren each time to the Loch Lomond site turned out to be a good compromise. Not too far to travel and something different for them all.
The weather was kinder to us on the first trip. Mia & Jenna demanded the camping chairs at one point so they could sit in the water at the Lochs edge just like the couple in the classic Volkswagon camper next door. Mia & Jenna however; did not have a rapidly emptying bottle of wine which seemed to be fuelling increasing hilarity for the young couple next door which was followed by increasing closeness followed by two empty chairs left sitting in the loch and a Volkswagon camper van with all blinds closed. This then developed an agitated rocking movement towards its rear end. Most strange!
Dad Chris came along on the second trip with Aidan & Rebecca. A full Sadie with 3 bikes on the back as well. The breezier and showery weather made the pebble skimming slightly more tricky but the bikes were a bonus as was the close proximity of the lovely toilet and hot shower block.
The highlight though, the cheesy pasta straight from the box cooked expertly by Chris, was wolfed down rapidly by Aidan and more sedately by Rebecca as Aidan, licking his lips, watched closely just in case she did not want it all.
The strange thing was the question I asked of Aidan was as we were all enjoying a Macdonalds special at 'Lomond Shores Retail Park'. This was just prior to us all racing erratically around a small lagoon, in a Pedallo. I guess that makes for a scoreline of Cheesy Pasta 1, Macdonalds Zero.
I'm afraid there has been a knock on affect too. Tanya Sadie and I are tonight once again on our own up in the hills. I think Tanya is quite pleased to have her home back again rather than having her bed shunted around to whatever small floor space is available. Usually under the table or in the drivers footwell space. We are in 'Wanlochead' after having enjoyed a pleasant afternoon visiting a lead mine, the miners cottages and the local lead mining and gold panning museum. Well worth a visit. The weather has now closed in and outside is misty and wet. Who cares! For I have just enjoyed a scrumptious meal of ....... yes you've guessed ........ Cheesy Pasta. Mine however; is not from a packet. Oh no no no! This unique and personal 'what have I got in the fridge menu' contained genuine cheddar cheese, ham, mushrooms and a hefty last minute addition of fresh Parsley. Deeelicious!
