A historical misunderstanding

En route yesterday to visit a very special friend in Dunoon, Gail and I stopped for a break in the wee town of Aberfeldy. We went for a stroll down to the handsome old bridge, where Gail asked me to "pose nicely please Bertie" (in exchange for a venison nibble) and said something about a wade.

It was a horribly hot day. At least I think 26°C is hot, even if my more southerly located friends would disagree. So I needed no second invitation to wade into the clean and cooling waters of the River Tay.

Can you believe that when I clambered back onto the bank I was berated for being a "historical ignoramus"?

Apparently Gail had been trying to tell me that the bridge was built by General Wade, and had not at all intended that I go for a paddle.

If any of my readers want to know a bit more about this Wade chappie and his bridge and road building exploits  in the 1700's, you can click here.

Meanwhile, I am looking forward to a few days of being spoiled by my favourite Aunty.

The Luib Hotel: my kind of place!

I don't know if you noticed, but I was not around very much last week.

Don't worry, nothing is amiss, in fact I was having the most splendiferous time.

I admit that at first I was a bit concerned when Gail told me we were going down to Stirlingshire to meet up with Aunty Yam for a couple of days.

No don't be silly, I was of course thrilled to hear we would be seeing Aunty Yam again. It was just that, well, one has low expectations of the weather in Scotland in mid-December.

I only hope the accommodation is up to snuff, I thought.

Well I am delighted to report that the Luib Hotel, near Killin, is simply the most brilliantly dog friendly establishment I have yet encountered in my extensive travels.

Gosh, where to begin?

It's promising isn't it, when the resident pup - a Patterdale terrier called Tilly -  is, shall we say, 'nicely rounded'.

It suggests the presence of a human who is generous with the treats. And so it proved.

And I found Jim the proprietor remarkably easy to train. If the treat supply failed, I only had to bark once or twice and he came running back bearing another handful of yummy biscuits. In fact, by the second day I wasn't even having to bark.

That's Jim and Mary, leaning by the bar

Jim's wife Mary was equally generous with the shoulder massages.

I was given the run of the lovely big bar and restaurant area. It was always a tough choice whether to settle beside the crackling log fire or over by Jim (and his treat supply) at the bar.

The bed was super-comfortable too, with plenty of room for Gail as well as myself.

Of course having Aunty Yam there made it even more special. She has the warmest of smiles, don't you think? And she bought me a brand new toy, something Gail scarcely ever does.

We did get out and about a bit but one has to say, the weather lived down to expectations...

Loch Tay, near Killin

General Wade's bridge, Aberfeldy (built in 1733)

The Watermill, Aberfeldy

And as you can see below, my paw problem flared up again, so I was not able properly to appreciate the interesting history associated with this ancient dwelling on Loch Tay.

 
All the more excuse to linger indoors enjoying the Luib Hotel's outstanding hospitality.

For some reason, now we are back in Aberdeen, I have been put on a diet (as well as medication to calm my sore and itchy paw).

PS You will want to click here to read what Aunty Yam has to say about the trip!