Value for money...

**auld argonian** · 17th March 10, 09:32 AM

I don't know how many of you get the emails from Scottish Tourism announcing their various activities and promotions but I got one today title "Value For Money".

It points out that the exchange rate between the American and Canadian Dollars and the GBP is very much in the favor of the Dollars and that makes a trip to the "old country" a great deal right now. Been to the UK twice before but it was mostly business and never got out of London. I remember that the exchange rate was pretty good at that time and that certainly took a bit of the edge off the trip.

Lord knows, I would drop everything and go but it just isn't in the cards right now and I just thought that I'd look for a little commiseration here on the forum.

This being the Season of St. Patrick's, they're running every TV special about Ireland that they have on PBS this week and they must have run out of shows about Ireland yesterday evening because they ran the Rick Steves show on Scotland. I very carefully sat my wife down to watch it in hopes that it would inspire her to want to do a trip...she got an eyeful watching Monarch Of The Glen, so that planted the seed...this was just my trying to fan the flames a bit.

So I'm tryin', guys...I'll get over there sooner or later no matter what the exchange rate is. Keep a good thought. I'm willing to bet that there are a lot of North American Xmarksers who are in the same boat.

Best

AA

**pdcorlis** · 17th March 10, 10:08 AM

Chin up AA - just think how sweet that trip will be when you finally touch down. My first trip across the pond the exchange was 2 $ to 1 £ - but it was STILL worth every penny. You'll never forget the time you spend there!

**Redshank** · 17th March 10, 10:13 AM

just to add fuel to the fire, here is what your missing now

Chris

**pdcorlis** · 17th March 10, 10:20 AM

C'mon Chris - that's just not fair!

**CameronCat** · 17th March 10, 10:34 AM

It points out that the exchange rate between the American and Canadian Dollars and the GBP is very much in the favor of the Dollars and that makes a trip to the "old country" a great deal right now.

Hmmm. Not sure about that "very much in favour" bit. At this writing, it will take 1.53 US dollars to buy a GB Pound. When we were over in Aug 09, it was ~ 1.62 per. So the price has dropped a dime, but the ratio is still one-and-a-half to one...

So the traveler needs to remember that that bag of candy for the 1 GBP (the coin in your pocket) is really $1.50 U.S.

But I surely agree with the others; if you can find ANY way to get over there, do it.
I won't say it can be done "on the cheap", but there are many ways to keep costs down and make it "cheaper."

And Chris, tell us about that wonderful picture...your work? and where?

**Jock Scot** · 17th March 10, 10:37 AM

I was thinking the same thing, Chris.

**auld argonian** · 17th March 10, 11:15 AM

Thanks...rub it in!

By the way...just how much is an "out of state" fishing license over there? I'm used to paying the premium prices for the Minnesota license just to catch a couple of native Browns and several hatchery Rainbows every year (don't get me started on hatchery trout....guess it beats nothing at all). Should I cash in my stocks now and just bring the fee in Krugerands?

Best

AA

**Redshank** · 17th March 10, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Thanks...rub it in!

By the way...just how much is an "out of state" fishing license over there? I'm used to paying the premium prices for the Minnesota license just to catch a couple of native Browns and several hatchery Rainbows every year (don't get me started on hatchery trout....guess it beats nothing at all). Should I cash in my stocks now and just bring the fee in Krugerands?

Best

AA

http://www.loch-awe.com/fish/Default.htm

Hope this helps to wet your appetite

**Jock Scot** · 17th March 10, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by auld argonian

Thanks...rub it in!

By the way...just how much is an "out of state" fishing license over there? I'm used to paying the premium prices for the Minnesota license just to catch a couple of native Browns and several hatchery Rainbows every year (don't get me started on hatchery trout....guess it beats nothing at all). Should I cash in my stocks now and just bring the fee in Krugerands?

Best

AA

Wild brown trout fishing need not cost a kings ransom and no state licence is required for wild brown trout fishing in Scotland. Many lochs in the highlands with good fishing will cost you a few pounds. What can cost the money is a ghillie(guide) and a boat. They often come together. But for all sorts of reasons, safety for one,the money in my view is well spent. I know that £100 a day will get a ghillie, boat, safety, help with tackle, and a wonderful days fishing for some fish of a lifetime. Not all lochs have monsters and for a good stroll with a map and compass, midgie repellent, good wild brown trout fishing can be had for a round figure, if you know where to go. Most hotels North of the Great Glen will have fishing available and they would be worth looking at. Or, of course if "old Jock" keeps going a wee while longer, I could be on hand to "oil the wheels" locally.

**pdcorlis** · 17th March 10, 12:14 PM

Hey now Jock!

This was all well and good when you were just giving AA a hard time - but now that you are talking about stalking browns you're tugging on mine as well. Oh how I would love to cast a few drys at some rising highland trout!