24th April The one horse town where the horse is missing


After a lovely drive north we arrived at the Hydro Hotel in Pitlochry just before 4pm to discover that it had not been overtaken by geriatric coach parties all away on a swingers weekend. As a result we were one of only 6 tables occupied for the 6pm evening meal, after which feeling rather tired after a day on the road we decided to give the 'entertainment' laid on by the hotel a miss. 

Having encountered Eamon Holmes serving meals in Wetherspoons back in Glasgow, our early night meant we will never know whether or not it was Jane McDonald belting out a few bangers trying to earn a few quid now her cruising days are over.

Another glorious day, and after a bacon bonanza breakfast, (TOM opted for death by fried tomato) we hit the metropolis that is Pitlochy, deciding that two hours on the pay and display might be enough. In the end it turned out to be a good 60 minutes too long. And that included a coffee stop.  Perhaps the man in the garage was right after all, when he ventured to ask why we were coming here. Pitlochry appeared to be a one horse town, where the horse had up and left to be replaced by adventure clothing outfitters. Still if there is nothing to do or see it was good to not do / see it under a canopy of blue and in temperatures approaching 17 degrees. And given that TOM's knee was playing up we couldn't have gone far on foot anyway.

All of which gave us the excuse for a little jolly out in the car to Blair Athol where having balked at the admission price to visit the historic stately home and gardens we opted for visiting the working water mill that turned out to be not working because there was no water. Then along a twisting road that climbed high up through a section of the Tay Forest Park, to the Queen's View point that offered stunning views along Loch Tummel and the soaring peaks in the distance.

Seeing as TOM's life threatening knee had put pay to proposed triathalon in the hotels leisure complex we spent the rest of the day just relaxing back at the hotel. After all we will need all our strength and endurance for the Presyterian church service in the morning. We have already been practising not smiling.



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