Wait a second… FISH POND? I thought the boys were off to Senegal!
Apparently not. They were all set to go, but as they headed down the coast, they were won over to the idea of a quiet day at the seaside. Then…
“Hey, what’s that weird-looking building in among the rocks?”
Once again, the Beasties’ curious natures get the better of them and they have to at least go a little closer! Fortunately, the next thing they stumble upon is this sign, which tells them everything they need to know.
Sold! As we know, the boys can’t resist an aquarium… And how often do you get to visit a famous fish pond?
Especially if it also looks like a castle…
Let’s go inside!
Aha! Nice one, Plunkett… You’ve found the fish pond!
This pool started as a natural inlet from the sea, but it was enlarged by the local laird (landowner) between 1788-1800, with the help of a few French prisoners of war. Look, the date of completion is right here on the rocks!
What did he want a pool for? Well, in the dark days before the fridge-freezer, a “fish larder” like this one meant that the family could keep sea fish handy and fresh all year round!
These days, it’s enjoying a new role as a marine life centre. Paddy can’t wait to make more fishy friends! But wait, what lies at the end of this rather spooky tunnel?
“Smugglers! It has to be smugglers!”
“Not quite, Paddy. It’s a nursery!”
In here, fish are raised from teeny fry to adult size… Then they can move to the main pool.
Back outside, it’s time to get up close and personal with the grownups!
Wow, they’re friendly! They must love the camera… Or could it be that they know when John the guide is coming around with his bucket of fish food?
After the fish have had their lunch, the boys explore a little further afield. Just around the corner, Paddy sees this.
Is it the perfect Beastie-sized house? Not quite.
“Plunkett, look! It’s the old bathing hut!”
“What’s that?”
“It’s where people used to change before going in for a swim!”
Plunkett takes a moment to read the signpost.
“Um, Paddy? It says this was for women only, so maybe we should…”
Too late!
Luckily, the days of segregated sea bathing here are long gone, and Paddy can enjoy a view of the shallow pool without outraging anyone’s delicate sensibilities. He almost looks like he’d like to go for a dip himself!
Look! There’s even a fireplace inside, so getting dried off afterwards wouldn’t be a problem!
Plunkett likes it too, despite his initial reservations.
“Maybe we should stay here for the winter. I reckon they’d like a pair of resident Beasties!”
What’s this? Are the intrepid twosome considering a retirement from the adventuring life? You’ll have to wait a couple of weeks to find out, because there’s a new Beastie waiting in the wings to meet you next Tuesday!
See you then!
What a wicked little diversion of a field trip. So glad the Beasties got to play with the fish! And what an interesting story–I’ve not heard of a natural acquarium-type space.
Ohhh yes, the boys always find the best and most interesting places to visit on their travels! I’m not sure how big the pool was in its natural state, but the British and Irish coasts are dotted with all kinds of natural swimming spots and rock pools. Thanks for swinging by, Melissa! 😊
These two won’t give up the adventurous life. Nice place there 🙂
Isn’t it? I can see why they’re at least tempted to stick around 😁 Cheers as always for travelling with us, Simon!
I enjoy the travels 😀
Travels from the comfort of your sofa, too! What could be better? 😁
I don’t know but I would rather be there.
I was thinking… You said they were going to Senegal? Did they get confused with Donne-gal? 😀
Hahaha! Jeeeeez, I didn’t even pick up on that one 😆 I hope the boys didn’t make the same mistake, those are two very different destinations!
I know it just came to me lol. I’m sure those two know the difference 😀
As well travelled as they are, you’d like to hope so!
Yeah… But let’s not rule it out 😂
True! 🤣
Trust P&P to find what must be the most fascinating fishpond in the world.
I was relieved that Paddy didn’t have that swim. Sea water and wet wool, ugh. Shh — don’t tell him I thought that
Hahaha! Yes, damp wool does have a rather unique fragrance, doesn’t it? 😆 Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. Cheers for popping by, Mariss!
Have you ever considered making a children’s book with Beastie adventures? It was just a thought I had when reading these posts that something like that could work very well for children.
Aww, thanks Emmely! It is something I’d love to do someday, there just never seem to be enough hours in the day for everything I’d like to turn my hand to! If I ever get around to it, I’ll save you a copy ☺️ Thanks for dropping in!
Gads, it would nice if they had bathing huts like that on the Oregon Coast. A nice toasty fire might make stepping into the frigid water a bit more inviting. And, if P&P ever need snorkeling lessons to get a better look at those fishies, you know who to call :))
Ohhhh yes! I’ve stuck my toes into the waters on one of your Oregonian beaches, and I nearly lost them to frostbite! Now, are you telling me that Finn is trying to set himself up as a Beastie scuba instructor? This is either the greatest idea ever, or the beginning of the biggest maritime catastrophe since the sinking of the Titanic 😆 Cheers for swinging by, Tammie!
Hi, Logan Fish Pond here, we are so glad you enjoyed your visit to our unique aquarium. Should any Beasties wish to take up residence here I can assure you they would be very welcome and well cared for. Best wishes with your future adventures.
Hi there Sue, thanks for dropping in to say hello! The boys had a great time exploring the Fish Pond, and even if they haven’t taken up permanent residence with you, I’m sure you’ll see them back sometime! Keep up the good work 😀
Spooky tunnel! I loved reading about and seeing photos from this cool Beastie adventure!
Thanks, Tierney! I don’t know how the guys find these places, but I’m glad they do! Aaaand isn’t the spooky tunnel perfectly timed for (almost) Hallowe’en? 🎃 Cheers for joining us on this latest adventure 😁