BEST BAR EVER!!!

We were up and out the door before 8:00. Some would say we were on time, others would say the Humphreys were late. It all worked out though, as we arrived at Eileen Donna Castle right at opening time.

The history of the castle dated back to 800 and was first built in the 1300’s. The display in the interior was relatively modern. It was rebuilt in the 1920’s from the ruins after the Jacobites destroyed the original structure.

The exterior is very pretty and from the car park you can take a great picture of the bridge, castle, lake, and hills.

We realized when we left an hour later that we had arrived at the right time before the tour buses and loads of other cars rolled in.

We had to stop for a couple of minutes to wait for a swing bridge to open and close to allow a boat to pass through.

Sheila drove us to Fort William and Bill took over after we stopped for snack and pee break.

We arrived at the Whisky Vaults Hotel after another scenic drive along the lochs (lakes). Bill selected Lorne Bar for lunch and it is just a block away from our hotel. We finally got into a nearby carpark (apparently the navigator needs to say “park here” more than three times for the driver to listen).

Lunch options were limited at Lorne Bar but I did enjoy my sausages. Sheila enjoyed her Mac & Cheese (almost as good as Mom’s) and the guys enjoyed the beef chilli linguine.

Bill had done some research during lunch and discovered that there were limited options for dinner. Since we had lunch after 2:00, we did not want to book our next meal at 5:00. The only option was to book a table at Lorne Bar for 8:30.

We checked in and John (we found out later that he is the owner of the hotel and bar/beer garden) helped us to carry our bags up to the first and second floors. The rooms were quite small, but comfortable. Bill went down to check out the whisky offerings at the Whisky Vaults Bar and promptly ordered a drink. I wanted to do some shopping, so Sheila, Doug and I did not join him.

We checked out the shops along the Main street and I was lucky enough to find a white pair of Josef Siebel sneakers that I had liked in Edinburg but did not have my size. I was also able to get two nice bottles of wine and a new hoop earring.

We found the Oban distillery and were able to grab a flight of their offerings. Good whisky! The distillery exclusive was very good. We went to a whisky and wine shop kitty corner to the distillery that advertised worldwide shipping. Apparently Canada is not part of the world as they do not ship there. After browsing Doug rejoined Theresa and Sheila for more shopping.

Before heading back to our hotel we stopped at the Oban Inn Pub for a drink (or three if you are Doug).

Bill was able to sort through some photos and posted our first blog post! He was really enjoying the whisky selection, so Doug joined him while Sheila and I headed to our rooms for a nap and shower. I had a great sleep, a decent shower (don’t recommend shaving your legs in this size of shower).

By the time I rejoined the guys, Doug and Bill were saying that the Whisky Vault Bar is the best bar that they have been to for the trip so far. I think they may have slurred when they said that… I think many new whiskys have been added to the list this afternoon and some of them are new favourites.

Before heading to dinner Bill and I went to the harbour to see the sunset. I am so glad we did because the view was amazing. The sun was not visible but bright orange light was peaking through the clouds and reflecting off the calm water. Absolutely breath taking!

Dinner at Lorne Bar was great! Bill and I really enjoyed the seafood platter with scallops, pan fried sea bass, smoked salmon, mussels, mackerel pate, and langoustines. Doug enjoyed his haggis bites with a tomato and onion chutney. Sheila said it was the best seafood chowder she had ever had. She was so excited that she kicked her table and caused a full glass of water to tip over and douse Bill’s pants!

I don’t know what was funnier, watching Bill just sit there in a puddle of water or watching Doug drunk texting in our trip group chat!

After dinner the guys were able to have one last drink at the Whisky Vault Bar and thank John and Kyle one last time before heading off to bed.