GLASGOW & GLENGOYNE

HE really tried to find a tune as sweet as the sound of Fine Scotch Whiskey being poured into a fluted glass, but Alas… you'll just have to use your imagination.

We were scheduled to dock at 7AM  in Greenock, the port for Glasgow, and for some reason, Chucky’s eyes popped open a 6:30 AM. Perhaps he was anticipating the knock of room service, but then he remembered he was forbidden to fill out another door hanger should it be delivered to the wrong cabin.

Actually it was the vibration from the stabilizing thrusters coaxing the ship into the dock, so he lurched to his phone to turn off the alarm to let DL sleep in a bit more [how anyone could sleep through that racket… oh yeah… she could] and he took advantage of the “quiet time” to knock out a few business emails and get the whole bathroom to himself.  Not that it’s big enough for two.

As mentioned, today’s excursion is to Glengoyne distillery and for all the right reasons we chose the 1:30 trip after lunch, a full belly should help, which pretty much shot the opportunity to visit Glasgow before having to be back on the ship. 

All the more reason to come this way again, probably on a land tour as we usually do.  Albeit with a driver and guide… HE may be brave but driving on the wrong side {Yes Mr. Westmaas-the bloody wrong side] of the road in Bangkok many years ago cured him of considering that folly ever again.

Sooooo… around 8:30 HE roused her to prepare for the trip upstairs for breakfast in the Park Café with the Templeshifs at 9:30 and was properly chastised for waiting so long to wake her. Ya just can’t win…

A leisurely breakfast and walk about was refreshing and before you know it, time for lunch with TE10 {comments on quality are reserved...Nuf Sed} before finding our bus to Glengoyne.  

Billed on the Excursion list as "A Taste of Scotland"  it was all Chucky could do to contain himself.

The bus ride was pleasant and we arrived a tad early, which was fine for those who needed the “Comfort” break time before we started the tour.

Ushered upstairs to a lovely room for a wee taste and short video introducing the history of the distillery, We4 savored the delicate nectar that took 12 years to perfect.  Then we're off in 2 groups to tour the place in stages.   The link to their website yesterday should have given you a glimpse but here it is again, Glengoyne, along with some pics of the grounds, tanks etc.

Reserve Your part of a barrel

Chucky tried but the cost was prohibitive

Where the Magic is Made

The Lads that guard the stash

These Lassies invited us to the party 

"Great place, great people, great whisky!" 

Once the tour concluded, we were brought to the obligatory gift shop for one last sample of the 25 yr old - O.M.G.!!! - and a chance to use our discount coupons to secure Chucky’s very own Flute for the trophy case and by now, appreciating Chucky's relish of this sublime fruit of the Gods, a gift from our guide of a smaller one for his nightly “wee Nightcap”. {sitting next to me as I type}.

The ride back was delightful... if not a bit mellow with a trip through and once aboard the ship and a quick freshening up, it was the usual "Battle Stations"... er Uhhhh... time to convene the nightly Happy Hour Meeting to discuss... of all things, "Oh Look... Peanuts."

Dinner was another Hit and Miss of Chilled Berry soup followed by Beef and Veal Tortellacci {seriously not Tortellini, or Tortelloni - can you get more pretentious?} in Zucchini Cream, again slightly under cooked, but Lenny's Grilled NY Strip actually came out just right as did DL's Pan Seared Sea Bass and Donna's Grilled Shrip and Bolognaise.  We WILL NOT discuss desserts. Chucky stuck to a Sour Dough Roll with his coffee.

Another night of after dinner toddies in the Casino, followed by a lovely night with Enselmo for nightcaps in the Schooner and it was soon time to head up for Nonny-Nonny and way too late for a NOWAT so Chucky crashed early [if you call 1:30am early] well for him it is.

Tomorrow is Dublin and Malahide Castle [link to be added tomorrow.]

Ciao 4 Now

Uncle Chuck & The just a tad tipsy from the wee taste,

Dragon Lady