Split three ways

Sunday morning arrived fast and accompanied with robins singing by the window. some of us were out of the lodge before the dew had even risen from the grass in search the wonderful wildlife that inhabited the shores and forests in which we found ourselves surrounded. The colours were monotone due to the heavy cloud that settled upon our dwelling. we set out with a new hope and newfound determination to see what only few had the day before. our luck, which had been looking down in our desperate search for otters had taken a turn for the better as we uncovered the a squirrel hide cozied away in a quaint and isolated part of the forrest. Upon arriving we awestruck with the immense variety of birds enjoying their morning feed a mere 5 feet from where we were nestled in the hut concealed by nature itself. the intensity the moment was increased further and dramatically upon the arrival of the cheeky red squirrels. Their vibrant red colour made stark contrast with the earthy browns of the undergrowth. To soon came breakfast time and we trooped reluctantly back to the lodge.

After a hearty breakfast, the plans for the day were finally revealed. we were to be split, our group divided into three, each going their separate ways to discover a new territory in which we could indulge in everything it had to offer. Our mission? to bring back tales and stories of the adventures we had undergone and the rich history that enveloped the areas we were to uncover. Blackwaterfoot. Lamlash. Lochranza. Who knows the trouble we would find?

Our journey began with a trek through our very own eden in search of a new bus stop that remained unknown to us until then. And of course, the buses were late.

Blackwaterfoot:
Off we embarked on our epic journey,
we were unsure of where we may venture.
We passed new rocks and glistening water,
we could only hope to encounter an otter.

we first saw 3 little boats,
their only asset was their ability to float.
The vessels were small but the town seemed smaller,
At least it made us feel a little bit taler.

The gulls were screaming and the wind was fierce,
Through your boots the jagged rocks would pierce.
We walked the golf course and a man yelled,
Even though his terrible golfing was unparalelled.

We entered the dark and ate our scrumptious food,
it finally put the group in an uplifted mood.
It started to rain and so we tuned back,
little did we know there was more to the track.

Among the Bruceteres it became highly debated,
this could not be the cave that was so highly rated.
We turned on heel and squeezed through a crack,
the infamous cave was well worth the turn back.

The sea was disrupted by the tormenting rain,
We sought shelter to avoid further pain.
we were soaked to the bone, but the coffee was hot,
none of us wanted to be aboard a yacht.

It was with conviction that we returned home,
the ride was invited, no longer did we want to roam.
We shared the memories without the beating sun,
our bond was formed, it could never be undone.

Lochranza

Upon our arrival we decided to venture away from the village centre to go in search of the 'sailor's grave'.  the long and winding road led us straight to a cairn, dedicated to James McLean. A lost soul still in the sea. we headed back towards the infamous sandwhich station where we were greeted by a cheery woman. She explained the colourful history of the shop and the many uses that influenced the village greatly. After indulging in various beverages and snacks, we zig zagged towards the main pier, which housed the ferry terminal. We discovered a monument in honour of the many victims of the shipwreck the great storm of 1943. Turning the corner, we were presented with a magnificent view of an old ruined castle. the blackened walls told many a story as we ventured inside we discovered many different plants. travelling along the main road again, our sight drawn to the grand building that we now know as the youth hostel. As curious creatures, we decided to investigate and encountered a multitude of posters advertising the preservation of the island. Our last stop was the distillery and we were enlightened about the stages and processes of whisky tasting to create the well known taste.

This was a day to remember and we will never forget.