Girl On a Suitcase

You don't often see civic sculpture as cute as this!

She's the "Girl On A Suitcase" by Scots sculptor Angela Hunter.  I think that she is so sweet!

The little bronze girl belongs to Gourock, a town just down the road from Greenock.

In its heyday, Gourock was a popular holiday town in its own right, but was also where the trains from Glasgow dropped off holidaymakers who then got ferries to Dunoon, Helensburgh and many other popular holiday destinations on the Clyde coast.  In those days, going abroad was not an option for ordinary working people.

So she sits on her suitcase, her bucket and spade by her side, gazing out across the Clyde, dreaming of sunny days, beaches and ice creams, as she waits for the ferry that will take her and her family on their annual holiday.

The sculpture was chosen by public vote - brilliant choice, in my opinion.

Love, Liz

Tides and Birds

Its another day of wild weather here in Greenock - pouring rain and high winds - glad I don't have to go out.

Yesterday wasn't too bad, so I went out for a walk to Cardwell Bay, a nice little place in Gourock.  I took these photographs there yesterday.

 

Compare this one to the same scene on 13 December - exceptionally high tide, heavy rain and gusting winds brought the river right up to street level!

Plenty of birds around yesterday.

Love, Liz

Sailing to Dunoon

Every now and again I like to take a wee trip across the Clyde from Gourock to Dunoon.  My favourite part of the outing was always the sail across.  This is a picture of the CalMac ferry "Saturn" which used to make the 20 minute crossing.

I loved boarding the ferry, I suppose it reminded me of trips I used to take with my parents and grandparents when I was young - a real treat in those days. 

The ferry always felt solid and even in quite rough seas, I always felt quite safe.

At the end of June, just a few weeks ago, the service changed - and now this is the vessel which makes the crossing.

Not quite the same, is it?  Didn't feel special, or in any way the start of a day out!

The gangway to get on board was narrow and difficult for those with buggies and/or luggage, although the staff were very helpful.  The crossing was not very smooth and it wasn't even a particularly bad day!  Don't think I'll be returning to Dunoon any time soon!

Progress - don't you just love it?!?!

Love, Liz

Gourock

Went for a walk along the prom at Gourock today, just for a breath of fresh air.  There was still a fair bit of snow around.  Took some photos, it was possible to see the weather closing in from the north west.  Despite the weather, there were quite a few people out and about.  It was good to get some exercise - burn off some of those extra calories!