Horse Trekking

I met the nicest people today. We all stopped at N Sannox by bus for horse trekking and I started talking to one lady when we got off and she said she was traveling with the people she worked with. They are in a design company. 7 or 8 people went riding first. Then as we were all waiting, a blond-haired Scot asked if I’d like a sandwich, beer or wine as they were all having lunch. Then the guys started playing with horseshoes and just as I decided to start reading and got called to be fitted to a very rancid smelly riding hat, a dark brown haired bloke asked if I’d like to play. They introduced themselves as Greg (blond), Gregor (dark brown), and Harry (older blond haired guy). I had a really good throw on my 2nd practice. They had stuck a piece of wood to the ground vertically and so the point of the game is to get the horseshoe around it. They were all really nice, cheering me on. And they’d say my name a lot. I wish I had spoken more. Could have said those Scottish jokes when Gregor asked if anyone had one, but I wasn’t sure if they would be offended.

After half an hour, when the other returned, we got saddled. I got a 15 year old horse named Murphy. The trekking was slow but peaceful. I was right behind the guide. I wish I had been nearer the guys. Gregor’s Monty had gone off the track into these bushes. Gregor seemed disconcerted, then said his horse knew where the good stuff was.

Afterwards, Greg offered me a lift with them with their private hire van. I wish I had the nerve to take a picture with them. I don’t’ know why I was so nervous. I got dropped off at Brodick Castle and just jumped off with an abrupt thanks and good-bye.

The Castle is made of 3 sections, a modern one, 13th, and 18th I think. The country walk would have been lovely but I was too scared to venture out on my own. There were Highland Coos penned up.

The gardens would have been good too. As I was walking down the path, I saw the bay below and a seal lying on a rock! I only got down to the Summer House and the Walled Garden. Then I took the bus back. Actually the driver said my All-Day bus pass didn’t work on the Castle bus but let me on without paying extra anyway.

Well then I had a nap and shower and went to Brockick Bar again. I wanted to see that bartender but he was waiting tables tonight. I was hoping for a conversation. I had to wait a bit then was led into the restaurant part. I don’t know why I felt so shaky. I got the Cod something. It was listed as Lobster Risotto and Cod but they changed it to something else and I was given chips too. It was OK except for this annoying fly. The chips were really good actually, not greasy at all. So that was my day.