Day 369: Tour de Balloch

29/07/2022

We are starting to get some nice memories popping up each morning now. This was the big day a year ago when it all began.

Tuesday morning Liam was excited as this was the first day he was cycling to work. There was a bit of weaving at either end, but a fantastic section on the National Cycle Route 754 along the Forth and Clyde Canal. I always find the canal locks interesting, there were plenty along this section. The perfect way to start the day.

The Forth and Clyde Canal is a canal opened in 1790, crossing central Scotland; it provided a route for the seagoing vessels of the day between the Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde at the narrowest part of the Scottish Lowlands. This allowed navigation from Edinburgh on the east coast to the port of Glasgow on the west coast. The canal is 35 miles (56 km) long and it runs from the River Carron at Grangemouth to the River Clyde at Bowling, and had an important basin at Port Dundas in Glasgow.

Back at home, Lachlan whipped up some Scottish Empire Biscuits for tonight’s guests.

We then went for a well overdue catch-up with Jane, Molly and Juju at the Edenmill Farm Shop, Cafe and Soft Play. It was nice to hear about their summer holiday and get some travel tips. Lachlan was having the time of his life in his own car.

In the afternoon, something clicked and all of a sudden Eloise worked out how to steer and pedal. The backyard is getting too small for the kids.

We hosted the Aussie team for dinner which was nice to get to know them better. Sophie’s Yorkshire Puddings blew them away and the secret recipe was shared.

Wednesday was flat out, trying to keep up with the kids. We had another playdate scheduled but unfortunately due to another ScotRail strike we had to reschedule.

Thursday afternoon, Lachlan looked like he needed a nap, turns out he was just in the zone.

The trains were back in business, we hopped on one for a few stops to chill out with another secondee family and let the kids mingle.

Today the Commonwealth Games kicked off in the UK. “Over the next 12 days, Birmingham will welcome 72 teams and about 6,500 athletes and officials to compete in the biggest sporting programme in Commonwealth Games’ history”. Interestingly at the opening ceremony, “the secrets of the mechanical bull that wowed audiences during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games have been revealed by its Scottish creator”. Scotland was sporting a fresh new kilt. “Siobhan Mackenzie once created a kilt for Canadian pop star Justin Bieber to wear at a gig in Glasgow. Now the award-winning fashion designer is behind the tartan outfits worn by Team Scotland at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games”.

This morning the kids were up early. Eloise was ready to jump-start the day “MUM, where’s Emma? Me want EMMA NOW! Emma right now!”. Eloise gets so excited when she hears Emma is coming, she jumps on the spot and does not know what to do. Emma was even wearing the skirt Super Mum had made to match Eloise’s skirt.

At midday, Liam was back on the bike and cycled to Balloch Castle and Country Park, approximately 20 miles. This was the perfect cycle route with the majority along National Cycle Route 754 and National Cycle Route 7.

We were flying, we made our way back and rendezvoused with Super Mum and the kids in Dumbarton. The kids were excited to see CG again. Eloise had to show off her new skills.

After a quick cookie break, we chucked the Brompton into the boot and the family made our way back out to Balloch Castle and Country Park.

When Liam bought his beloved Brompton this is one of the beautiful country parks we had in mind. We did not expect Eloise to pick up cycling so quickly. She is doing an incredible job. After Eloise strapped in her chips, she started pumping those little legs.

Balloch Castle was fenced off today, we have never actually seen it open but it is in such a picturesque spot with views of Loch Lomond.

We thought it was nice sitting in the sun and relaxing on a beautiful day. Lachlan had different plans though, he did not come this far to sit so did a runner.

We made our way back to the carpark, which was a bit tricky, Lachlan would not let us sit down on the bike anymore. He thought he was very funny.

All this sun had fooled us again, it was getting late, past dinner time. We grabbed some well-deserved takeaway on the way home. The kids’ favourite.

We believe we have all made a full recovery from COVID-19, “Covid infections are on the way down in the UK, dropping by more than half a million in a week”.