I’m going to do things a bit differently. Here’s my abbreviated driver’s diary, a day in the life on the Oban and Western Highlands Tour:
Morning
0530 – wake up with a fright. Why can I never wake up gently?
0600 – Leave the house without waking anybody else. Fail. Again.
0603 – Then return to house to pick up mobile phone.
0630 – Arrive at depot, subsequently request large cup of tea. Make it myself.
0635 – Start safety checks. All in order as usual, this is certainly one of the most modern fleets around.
0700 – Depart for hotel pick ups x2
0845 – Use natural charm to ensure our guests receive a warm welcome
0900 – On the road.
0930 – Realise I’m in for a good day. Above all, my guests all seem to be getting along well and there’s a great atmosphere on board.
0945 – Arrive at Dumbarton Rock. Great view of a supply ship and Navy vessel heading up the Clyde. Flat calm, looking beautiful. Consequently, a great chance to tell some stories about this area’s heritage.
1030 – Up past Loch Lomond. Stop for a quick swim. I’m joking, the water is likely still freezing and no one is brave enough to check!
1100 – Up the Rest and Be Thankful. Guests are intrigued by the name as they don’t feel it was that steep or dangerous. Therefore, I stop and point out the old road. Now they understand.
1145 – To Inveraray – one of my favourite towns. Some head off to Inveraray Castle. Meanwhile, others go to the Jail; a living museum and a great way to spend our time here.
Afternoon
1230 – a quick stop to take some photos of the Highland cows. I can see Facebook’s servers struggling to cope as my whole group post pictures of themselves with these new furry friends. Someone manages to get a great shot of this Bird of Prey – can anyone identify it?
1300 – Similarly, Facebook’s servers again go into meltdown as we get to Loch Awe and Kichurn Castle – one of the most photographed in Scotland. Short delay to allow farmer to move what seemed like 250,000 sheep across the road.
1330 – Lunch time in Oban. Warn guests to keep their Fish and Chips well protected – these seagulls are brave. Then, I watch the ferry from Mull coming in after what must have been a choppy crossing.
1430 – lose a guest however I quickly find him again. Pack souvenirs for his entire family into the coach. Can certainly see a large excess luggage bill coming.
1500 – As always, enjoying the rugged West Coast. Amazing today in the sunshine.
1515 – Music request – granted. Music request – rescinded due to near mutiny by remainder of guest’s party.
1530 – Castle Stalker and Loch Laich – a favourite photo opportunity. I recommend everyone takes it, that is to say , it’s not often you see them looking quite this spectacular.
1600 – Glencoe. What some have been waiting for. Love their reactions to this place. Everyone enjoying the atmosphere.
1615 – Quiz time! Try to stump my guests but they’re too smart and ends in victory for my new friends from the US; I think their note taking skills helped.
1645 – The Drovers Inn. 310 years it’s been here and it’ll probably be here for another 310. Evening refreshments by the fire. Meanwhile, there’s a band playing tonight and as they warm up I almost have to drag my guests from the bar!
1800 – Glasgow. Overall, a great day. Bring on tomorrow.
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