The Greatest Gift

If the weather is really good, I can stand at the living room window and see the Isle of Arran shimmering tantalisingly in the distance. I went there a couple of years ago with mom and dad. I felt a little melancholy going this time. Mom wouldn't come. It's too soon yet for her although I have my doubts mom will ever visit again. I'll keep asking anyway...

It was a beautiful day. The bright sunshine and a scrambled egg roll at Kilwinning Station where I had to change trains soon raised my spirits. One more short train journey later and then after a little walk onto the boat in Ardrossan harbour, I was seated comfortably on the top deck of the ferry gazing out to sea enjoying the antics of the seagulls soaring and diving ahead. One cheeky chap landed on the boat and was quite happy to eat crisps from another passenger! I've put a few pictures here (Arran Blipfolio) but there really was far too much to see in a few hours. I must visit again soon. By the way, the crossing only takes 55 minutes.

Coming back four hours later was very funny! Tuesday is the alarm bell testing day. There were plenty of warnings over the loudspeakers so no one was panicking and hurling themselves off the deck. Everyone was indoors in the bar anyway as it had started pouring with rain. Unfortunately, the bar staff were involved in the emergency practice so the bar was closed. Oh well... Everyone laughed when the announcement came warning that the 'Abandon Ship' alarm would be sounded next! I kept an eye out through the window behind me to make sure the lifeboats weren't being lowered..

I think the track I've picked for this is really appropriate; from my favourite Robert Plant album 'Fate of Nations'. The whole theme of the album is the beauty of the earth and how man is destroying it. I'm not preaching to anyone but a day on the Isle of Arran is a good reminder of how beautiful some parts of the world still are.

The Greatest Gift - Robert Plant