A Highland Trip

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Lock Lomond

Oban

I entered the hotel dining room and sat at my table for an early breakfast, watching the rain pelting against the windows, overlooking the River Clyde. Conversation was limited; more audible the clinking of crockery and cutlery. The tour leader walked in and his booming voice cut through the gloomy atmosphere as he assured us that the trip was still on; the weather forecast was encouraging.

     a senior lady
     takes second helpings...
     her bag bulges

When some time later we went out to board the coach, the rain had just about stopped. Outside the air was cold. Being people of little faith, we had donned jumpers or cardigans over our light clothes and carried raincoats over our arms. It was unwise to be caught unprepared. The tour leader was no exception!

     crossing a bridge...
     two honeymooners
     sit on separate seats

The trip from Glasgow to Oban was calculated to take about two and a half hours, but with planned stops along the way it was going to take longer. We took our first break at Loch Lomond. The rain had stopped completely, but the clouds still hovered ominously overhead. More stops at Crianlarich and Kilchurn Castle followed. In the meantime the sun was making feeble attempts at making its presence felt, and sure enough the cold air became warmer. 

     the sky, reflected 
     in large puddles...
     harebells and toadflax

When we finally arrived in Oban the clouds had dispersed, the heat increased, and thick clothing was discarded completely. A meal and a boat trip to Seal Island saw us all in high spirits. 
On the return journey our luck ran out again. Clouds and rain accompanied us to the hotel, but it did not really matter. A nice warm shower and a decent meal was something to look forward to. 
 
     unpredictable
     four seasons in one day
     I juggle saijiki

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
A Haibun Contest sponsored
by Debbie Guzzi
Placed 4th
© 17th August 2017

Copyright © | Year Posted 2017



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Date: 1/10/2018 3:56:00 PM
I really enjoyed this conversational style And the haiku were like the icing on a cupcake. Congratulations on you placement. Hugs, SuZ
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Paul Callus
Date: 1/11/2018 9:30:00 AM
Thank you for the lovely comments, Suzanne. So pleased to have you stopping by...and to see that your pen is flowing again:) Hugs & smiles // paul
Date: 12/9/2017 3:32:00 PM
Paul, what a spectacular trip that is, the four seasons in the Highlands 'in one day'. So glad you took me along :) Your write is awesome and the imagery amazing. I love your Haiku, simply superb and your narrative is as smooth a silk. Belated congrats on your placement with this excellent travel adventure. Warmest wishes ~Susan
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Paul Callus
Date: 12/11/2017 11:20:00 AM
It was a pleasure taking you along on this trip, Susan:) and your awesome comments are music to my ears! I did go on such an excursion about 5 years ago. The Scottish Highlands are beautiful; hopefully I will return. ~ Warm regards // paul
Date: 11/25/2017 8:11:00 AM
Great story, thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Poetry was nicely weaved into the story. Love it!
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Rhoda Tripp
Date: 11/26/2017 8:22:00 AM
Seriously, Paul, I'm new at this poetry stuff. I have an overactive imagination and a knack for counting syllables, but I appreciate your faith in me.
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Paul Callus
Date: 11/25/2017 2:03:00 PM
Thank you for stopping by with lovely comments, Rhoda. I've just been reading some of your poems, and I'm positively impressed; definitely no newcomer! Regards // paul
Date: 8/28/2017 7:25:00 AM
Your piece blends so nicely with the narration of your haibun! I could actually see myself in that spectacular geography! Congrats Paul, for your WIN in the contest!! ;-)
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/28/2017 1:24:00 PM
I'm so pleased that you found this to your liking, Teddy...thank you! Best regards // paul
Date: 8/26/2017 4:54:00 PM
Paul, I want you to know I adored this haibun! I too love Scotland. Your verse was polished to perfection and if it wasn't a premium contest the top few would have all got a 1. Light & Love
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/28/2017 1:23:00 PM
Thank you, Debbie; the fact that you liked this haibun is more satisfying than any placing. Hope you are keeping well, and keeping your travelling shoes busy:) Regards // paul
Date: 8/25/2017 4:38:00 PM
Nice Haibun, Paul, enjoyed reading your write congratulations on your win : ) ~*
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/26/2017 2:27:00 PM
Muchas gracias, Eve:) I'm pleased you found it to your liking. Warm regards // paul
Date: 8/25/2017 3:31:00 PM
Detailed and interesting write, Paul! Congrats!!
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/26/2017 2:25:00 PM
Thank you, Kim. Once again congrats on your fine win. Regards // paul
Date: 8/24/2017 3:10:00 AM
You see... the way in which you penned this gem brings it imagery more vividly to the sense. Thanks for sharing. Good luck....
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/25/2017 2:06:00 PM
Thank you, Afolabi. Best regards // paul
Date: 8/22/2017 8:54:00 PM
Had to check this out while tripping through the soup tonight :)...I would love to visit the Highlands, thanks for sharing your trip! :) I loved the part about senior bag lady HA! Although I must tell you living in Michigan, I see four seasons in one day as predictable HA!...maybe I'd be right at home in the Highlands :) This is a winner to me Paul!...Have great day :)
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/23/2017 3:02:00 PM
So pleased to have you back, Chris, and thank you for stopping by to read and comment:) Malta is not so bad...at the most we get two seasons in one day:) Regards // paul
Date: 8/22/2017 2:45:00 AM
It is beautiful country Paul and a joy no matter the weather. Your haibun took us along with you. Very well done Paul! : )
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/22/2017 8:16:00 AM
Thank you, Connie; your encouragement is truly appreciated:) Warm regards // paul
Date: 8/19/2017 10:59:00 PM
I feel like I was on this trip. How wonderful. One of my many things to do, to visit the Scotland. Beautiful story and good luck in the contest... hugs :)
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/20/2017 4:29:00 AM
Thank you for reading and enjoying the trip, Akkina. Have a lovely day....hugs // paul
Date: 8/19/2017 3:03:00 AM
What a delightful story with vivid imagery depicting the wonderful truth of living in the moment...despite the weather! A fun read with the 'Highlands', playing a starring role in all its damp lushness:)
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/19/2017 8:52:00 AM
Thank you, Lynn; your lovely comments are appreciated. Been keeping a look-out for you...such a pleasure to see you back @ Soup! Warm regards // paul
Date: 8/18/2017 1:03:00 PM
This is beautiful!! I love the description you give; the journey being pleasant despite the weather. Hope this does very well in the contest :) I am halfway through writing a Haibun, it's a lovely form and I understand has so much to it!
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/19/2017 8:50:00 AM
Thank you for the lovely feedback, Sneha:) Looking forward to reading your first Haibun...I have only written about 3 poems in this form, and still learning! Regards // paul
Date: 8/18/2017 7:47:00 AM
This trip was excellent, I came along with you, I read a winner, Paul:)
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/18/2017 12:12:00 PM
Thank you, Jo. Next time I'll organize a Soup trip and we can all go together:) Regards // paul
Date: 8/18/2017 4:38:00 AM
- Thanks for a great trip, Paul ... even though the sun was not shiny - Luck in the contest - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/18/2017 12:11:00 PM
The weather can't always be on our side, Anne-Lise! I always make the best out of any situation. Glad you enjoyed the trip...hugs and have a lovely weekend. // paul
Date: 8/17/2017 6:03:00 PM
wow Paul this sounds like a wonderful journey and I too have experienced 4 seasons in a day in Scotland!:-) hugs jan xx
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Paul Callus
Date: 8/18/2017 11:41:00 AM
When we went we stayed in Glasgow and branched out from there on several excursions. The one to Oban was a lovely experience. On the whole we had very nice weather. Hugs // paul
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