Today was truly magical. I decided to play hookey from the conference and go touring with the family. The four of us piled in the Clio (no vandalism this morning!) and headed out. We went to the tiny happy village of Balmaha, situated on Loch Lomond. We grabbed some sandwiches at one of the 2 stores, and went on an hour + hike up the mountain. We crossed creeks, walked with sheep, and enjoyed 360 degrees of breathtaking beauty - purple heather, lush green grass and moss, twisty trees, white jagged rocks, and sheep clinging to crags and crevices. It was spectacular. See the video of the summit. After taking in the view and having our lunch, the wind died down and we were attacked by a swarm of midges (little Scottish flies). By "we", I mean Rachelle.
We skipped, bounced, and slid down the mountain and then headed to the local pub for scones and fish soup. Off to the lake, boarded a boat, and we were deposited on a small island preserve. We hiked around the island, finding an ancient graveyard, and climbed a tree at the summit of the small mountain on the island (see the picture of Liv in the tree). The island had lush jungle with beautiful ferns, gnarly trees, and soft moss and grasses.
A parent highlight not to be forgotten: Each of the kids each spontaneously and separately thanked us for "forcing" them go on the hikes (I didn't mention the complaints and whines we endured when we announced that we were going on a family hike) and they acknowledged having a great time.
It was sunny the entire day until our drive back to Glasgow. The trip back was thrilling because it was Rachelle's second time behind the wheel, and she navigated many round-abouts and only suffered 1 honk the entire 40-minute drive!
After relaxing back in Glasgow in our apartment, Amy and Lindsey headed off to a fancy dinner with Christina Spellman from the Mayday Fund (who is financing a project Amy and Lindsey are running) and Rachelle watched some Austin Powers with the kids and put them to bed.
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