Rain was the dominant theme for the day. TV Scotland gave a dire forecast for anyone wishing decent weather. Undaunted we headed to Stirling Castle. Possibly the finest castle in all of Scotland, we spent the entire morning there taking a tour from a passionate guide and thus learning much more than we ever thought possible about Scotland, William Wallace (or as Scots now call him - Mel Gibson), Robert the Bruce and the James kings of Scotland in one morning. Heck the tour guide even touched on Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite Revolution. Gosh, are we now smart!

With the weather closing in we headed to the Trossachs. This is a mountain range and national park north and west of us beginning about 10 miles up our road. The beauty of the fresh water lochs and mountains would have been stunning. Instead, it was as it should be seen. Misty clouds, drizzle and cool weather making the afternoon a perfect Scottish day. We walked along the shore of Loch Katrine where mountains descend straight down into the water much like a small Norwegian fjord.

For lunch we found a pub on the shores of Loch Earn in the town of Lochearnhead. Four ales, bangers and mash, fish and chips, salmon, and chicken curry filled us each to the gills for half the price of the previous evening. When we arrived home, it was time for whisky and shortbread. Then another whisky. Then another piece of shortbread…

Our first day was a true success. A great time was had by all.