Week Thirty Two - One Thing All Scots Must Agree On

As the weeks roll by the independence debate, canvassing, polling, commentating etc ramps up. I don't intend discussing any of it however would comment on two things

1.  No matter which side of the debate you fall you must must must register to vote and then vote. I'm not teaching people to suck eggs but there are an astounding number of people who have yet to register to vote.  Added to that the fact that turn out rates of registered voters on polling day can often fall short then we all need to make sure we follow through and make our vote count.  In a voting population of c. 4.2m each vote is worth more than it ever has been in the UK context (incidentally the very premise of the vote in the first instance).  Regardless which way it falls we all have the obligation to say Yes or No.

2.  Whether you are a Yes or a No we must all be agreed on one thing...we live in one of the most stunning countries on earth...

...this weekend saw the annual First Thursday Club camping trip roll around again.  A highlight of our social calendar, this is our annual outdoor glamping excursion which is focused on walking a leg of the West Highland Way.  The plan being we'll take ten years to do it all.  As an aside we completely miss the point that doing the easy legs first only stores the hard ones til we're another year older and given the aches,pains, grunts, groans and panting (breathlessness on hills) that escalates each year it could mean the locals will wonder what has hit them in the year 2017 when we finally finish the walk - mind you as we keep saying the loss of memory may have kicked in by then and we may be on an endless trek across Scotland (hence we mark off the map each year so here's hoping we don't forget where the map is stored from one year to the next).

This year saw us walking from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven so last Friday we headed to the hills to marvel at the stunning mountains, lochs and glens which are the North of Scotland.  The scenery is just mindblowing and every year we have regular running commentary throughout the weekend about our amazement that this is our country (and these are our people!?!?).  When you take the time to travel a couple of hours north of Glasgow you can but stare in amazement at the natural beauty that is the place we live.  And it doesn't even matter what the weather is like - sun splitting or rain lashing the personality of the country and it's mood changes but is no less attractive or astounding either way.

Often you hear of people talking of emigrating to Aus or NZ for the outdoor life - I would challenge that we can have that life here as anyone who truly loves the outdoors is not put off by a bit of rain or cold.  In fact the extremities and changing nature of our weather is a further excuse for the outdoor enthusiast to buy even more kit and stylish outdoor clothing.

So no matter what debates and divides take place over the next three weeks let's all agree on the point that we live in one of Mother Natures most astoundingly beautiful countries and lest we forget I would encourage you to jump in the car for a day trip or an overnight or a long weekend and remind yourself of it.

Oh and then there are those astoundingly beautiful things which are of human form (I won't share the first thing in the morning look)

And how do we look so gorgeous on a camping trip? Well I shall treat this as a confessional and admit that this year we took the upgrading easy option and stayed in a pod - there was even a kettle and fridge as well as beds but we did stay true to the Aussie / NZ breakfast...BBQ fry up with a beer accompaniment to cleanse the palate. If you haven't tried it you must - the beer is great for cleansing away the grease honest.

And lastly there is the annual stop off at the world famous Drovers Inn on the way home...

Thanks for yet another fun filled adventure ladies - here's to next year (which is already booked - get us).

Whilst contemplating the wonder of our country I...

...HUNG OUT at...various places but have to mention the top off to our weekend - Potter Towers for our ice bucket challenge and for a Come Dine With me style cook off by Potters Jnrs...

...GINNED ON....many many many gins at a wonderful Gin Masterclass in the Alston Bar and Beef in Central Station.  Before I get into the Masterclass I should comment again about what a great location this is (a single doorway on your left when you enter Central Station from Gordon Street).  If you haven't been then get down there - everyone I've taken has loved it for it's gin, wine, food, amazingly friendly and service oriented staff and stunning surrounds. Trust me it's a winner.  And if you'd like a gin Masterclass then speak with Chris or the other members of staff about when they are next holding one.  I won't tell you too much as it gives it away but you are met with a perfect serve (a gin and tonic served with an accompaniment which brings out the botanicals - my favourite is the citadel served with cinnamon stick and orange rind).  You then move on to learning the unexpected history of gin whilst sampling eight premium gins and finishing with a Rioja barrel fermented Martinez - a super premium gin.  A great night (even if Friday wasn't so great) hosted by an extremely knowledgable and enthusiastic gin master Chris supported by the wider team...

...DINED ON...two exceptional three course meals presented by Sammy and Tom Potter in competition for the Come Dine with Me challenge.  Sammys meal consisted of Thai fish cake starter, beef rendang and finished with mango and coconut dessert.  Toms was Italian antipasta, pizza with Parma ham (braver than the rest of us Tom made his own dough and passata which were very rustic and authentic looking and tasting) then limoncello trifle.  Both were very different and tasted great.  And the winner was...

...well that would be telling.

Until next time have a good week.

G x