Driver Diary Part Eight – A Day in the Life

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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