31 July 2011

Millport Isle Of Cumbrae On Yer Bike

Many times whilst in Largs I've watched the ferries go to and fro across to the Isle of Cumbrae pondering whats on the island...with warm weather during the past week it was time to explore this island with my partner Evlar.


After driving some 30 miles up the coast to Largs the bikes were removed from the rack and we cycled to the ferry terminal on the seafront... tickets purchased we queued for the ferries arrival and duely departed on the 10 minute crossing...


On docking the only two options were left or right...so choosing right we headed to the north of the island with views to Greenock and across the Firth Of Clyde to Helensburgh and the Isle of Bute...

The roads on the Isle Of Cumbrae are narrow and the initial absence of motor vehicles is very noticeable although this absence is intermittently broken with tourists who seem to have an embarrassed look for disturbing such tranquility...Push bikes are in abundance and dictate the speed on the roads...you can even hire them in Millport...




Its not long before you come across Fintry Bay and strategically located across the road from the sea are Fintry Bay tearooms the ideal pit stop for those using a push bike...





Looking seaward from Fintry Bay the bottom peninsula of the Isle Of Bute seems within grasp with Goat Fell on the Isle Of Arran as a backdrop in the distance...





Millport the centre of activity on Cumbrae brings you back gently to the car and modern life although it has not succumbed to full blown commercialism thank goodness...




Cycling down the appropriately named Stuart Street I'm thinking I'm liking this place with its views and pace of life...eventually the road returns to previous calmness...looking back the eileans shelter the boats anchored in the bay from the elements...




Rounding the bay the road turns away from Millport...a roadsign informs you its just four miles to go out of the total ten mile circumference of this island...





After passing the Scottish National Water Sports Centre the return ferry comes into view...We wait to board and head back to Largs...






When in Largs there's one thing you just have to do...thats to sample the ice cream at Nardini's to round off the day...I would like to personally thank whoever or whatever created the weather during my time on Cumbrae it was awesome...



20 July 2011

Toronto I Like


In Toronto last week I felt a warmth from this city which lies on the northern shores of Lake Ontario...Its young vibrant and has a buzz..its a place where something is always going on event wise...


I was supposed to have attended the 2011Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition the previous weekend at Nathan Philips Square but a stag night and subsequent wedding and reception left me unable to make the 80 mile trip from St.Catharines...


Situated in the university district is the Ontario College of Art and Design which has a building that is a little different from the norm...underneath is the aboveground art store...



Getting around the city is no problem either with the streetcars that go over and underground...

11 July 2011

Niagara River Jetboating


Why is it when your away from home technology lets ya down..So here in Canada for a wedding my laptop charger/adaptor failed..Fortunately Ian the brides brother came to my rescue and helped me get a replacement...thanks Ian...Close by to St.Catharines is Niagara On The Lake so several of us from the wedding party decided on some additional adventure was needed...needless to say we had a blast...