the nature of time

Pitlochry hosts a hydroelectric dam, a familiar sight from New Zealand. This one sports Salmon steps, that enable the spawning fish to make their way gradually from the river below up to the dam to continue into the river beyond. Due to the recent storm and floods, all that could be seen through the viewing platform appeared to be swirling silt. However, a chance close encounter with a fish that swam nearer the glass erminded me of the need for patience in observing nature. In the 20 minutes I stood watching the windows I saw one further fish. In that time, quite a few other people came to look, but they never stayed longer than 20-30 seconds. “You'd be here all year to see a fish", one commented to another. Nope, just 10 minutes. But who has the time?

The recent storms had caused a landslip on the A9 that continued to disrupt traffic today, and as we arrived at the Ballinluig turnoff we hit the start of the logjam. A scan through radio stations found a local channel that reported the delays were further complicated by a car that had broken down. An alternate route was needed. As the queue crept forward and opportunity presented itself to take an alternate route, which started with a U-turn. And the alternate route worked out fine. Now, throughout this trip I've been doing most of the driving. This has gone pretty smoothly, but there have been a number of “critical” incidents where a sudden decision required navigation input. On unfamiliar roads split-second decisions feel pressured and overly important. (Would it really matter if I took the wrong road?) So I'd like to say a quiet sorry to my passengers. I think I need to learn to chill out about split-second driving decisions. (But who has the time?)

Our detour enabled us to take in Stirling Castle. This impressive fortress stands on the top of an imposing hill from which you can quite literally see for miles. Much of the castle is in good condition, and it was sufficiently interesting to visit even when we've been to a few castles before. They say, apparently, “Control Stirling and you control the country", so presumably the “Historic Scotland Trust party” could clean up in the next election, should they wish to exert a stranglehold on the fledgling Scottish parliament. But who has the time...

We arrived in Edinburgh to our only B&B we're staying in more than one night. Mrs Aitken is, fortunately, nice as pie, although perhaps at times has five kind words where four would do. Ironically, though we're here three nights, Bronwyn and I are to be moved tomorrow night to a larger room, so we can't get too settled just yet. Perhaps we'll get ourselves more organised tomorrow.

(But who has the time!)