(In which the long-awaited Delta Force Reunion, augmented by Cloughs and Bloxhams, commenced, and followed the customary pattern of hedonistic behaviour).
Packed for the weekend at the Caledonian Hotel (Cate only 6 dresses and 5 tops, with 4 pairs of shoes, Benj with completely inadequate waterporrofs for the ghastly weather).  The Oban Caledonian Hotel is most kindly described as 'tired' though there could be and were many harsher epithets applied over the weekend.  However, the Dows were the first to arrive, and Susan had secured a table outside (the last time this would be possible for the whole weekend) and ordered tea for four.  Benj met Iain at the bar and commuted part of the order into the excellent 'tea' made by the Belhaven Brewery, which set the pattern for the later arrivals.  Wille and Laurie Fountain were next, and the Loudons (with the shortest journey to make, from Stirling) were predictably last.  At about that point the heavens opened and we retreated to the hotel lounge.
With no prior plans for the evening, the boys went to recce the Waterfront eateries, and made a reservation at The Fish House, where we reassembled at 1900, with wet umbrellas.  The meal was excellent, with seafood of various species and cuisine styles, and well up to the standard expected of DF reunions.  We retired to the hotel bar, anticipating nightcaps (Gaelic coffee was a popular choice) to be informed that the coffee machine is shut down at 9pm, allegedly on orders from Head Office.  Iain could not even get a Black Label whisky.  There was a prolonged argument with the barmen, threats to write to management (Benj looked up the Mission Stetement of the hotel group) and a bunch of very disgruntled DeltaForcers.  Benj smuggled down from our room some tooth glasses and a bottle of Glen Moray, which had been his birthday present from Mel and Graham before we left, and the birthday (and Alek John Moroz and Thomas, the new Fiona Dow/Bishop baby who arrived the same day) was duly toasted before we retired for the night.

Cate & Benj Round UK 2012 Follow our progress at http://blog.mailasail.com/vega