Loch Lomond

We nearly drowned on Loch Lomond!

Many years ago, my wife and I and another couple - friends of ours - were on holiday in Scotland. We decided it would be nice to hire a rowing boat to go on Loch Lomand, the biggest lake in Scotland.

When we were right in the middle of the Loch we observed a large day trip boat coming up at the side of us. We waved to them and were pleased when they waved back.

Unfortunately, we soon realised to our horror that the people on the other boat were waving to warn us to keep away from them!

The first wave hit us sideways on. It shook us up. The second wave nearly capsized us!

Fortunately, my wife Margaret - who was in charge of the steering - had the presence of mind to turn our boat to face the oncoming waves. Fortunately this saved the day!

We swore never to go in a rowing boat again!

Many years later, and despite our traumatic experience on Loch Lomand, we bought a superb 14 foot skipper sailing boat and became members of Bala Sailing Club. We spent many happy years tacking the wind in our new boat. We also bought a mercury outboard motor to clip on the stern of the boat to use on the canals. We had many happy years with the family on this boat. But as our children got older, there was only one of our five kids who was interested in carrying on sailing. That was our eldest son, Lindsay, and eventually he went to Leeds University to study his PhD so he had to sell the boat.

We are left with happy memories!