June Beags and Doodle Beags

The Quest

Part 1 of McGonks' attempt to follow the 'Pilgrim Way'

 

Torhouse Stone Circle

As you'll perhaps have noticed on the McGonks Facebook page, we are now trying to find out much more about a place named Whithorn and it's many links with Scotland's past - Vikings, Romans, the arrival of Christianity to Scotland and royal visits by such famous people as Mary, Queen of Scots and Robert Bruce.

 

This is in no way a pilgrimage nor is it in any way religious, it is a simple exploration of a road that is said to join the Southern Upland Way (Britain's first official coast to coast long distance foot-path) near the famous Glenluce Abbey then run all the way down through the Machars of Galloway to the Isle of Whithorn, where the remains of St Ninian's Chapel still stand to this day.

 

The Machars of southwest Scotland are home to many, many interesting places of national historical note. We believe The Whithorn Trust is like the information hub for anyone wanting to find out more about this area, offering helpful advice and information relating to all of the following historic sites: 

• Barhobble
• Chapel Finian
• Cruggleton
• Drumtrodden
• Kirkmaiden
• Rispain
• St Ninian's Cave
• St Ninian's Chapel
• Torhouse Stone Circle

There's also Whithorn Priory, a place where no McGonk has yet to venture, so we are planning on visiting all of these locations this summer AND attempting to make it to Glenluce Abbey to complete all stretches of the original Pilgrim Way. In doing this, we hope to help raise awareness (and funds) to help save The Whithorn Trust. We've already set up a donations page and linked to a petition that we beseech you to sign and then spread the word to all your friends, relatives, colleagues and acquaintances to do likewise. Only by saving the Trust can we save the visitor centre and, in so doing, have somewhere of historical interest to meet and greet all the ex-pats who will be visiting Scotland during Homecoming 2014. Having some place to enjoy a cuppa whilst learning about their Scottish heritage has to be high on the list of priorities if we are bringing our long-lost relatives all the way across that big pond known as the Atlantic!

 

But let's get back to the case in hand bfore we become too distracted. Our route starts probably halfway between the start and finish of the original Pilgrim Way, from Thrift Cottage, home of Clan McGonk. We don't yet have a proper map of the road or pathway, nor do we even know if it is still in use - it is our quest to find out and to uncover the secrets of this ancient way that could have been walked, horse-driven or ridden over 1,000 years ago. We 'think' it's about 50 miles round trip, so needs splitting into manageable sections to allow plenty of time for exploring everything there is to see en route. There are also herds of cows to be avoided, as part of the track cuts over farmland that we already know is home to the big scary, hairy beasts, the Black Galloways.

 

Along the way, (pardon the pun) we will be seeking to help discover a means of saving the associated visitor centre and museum, which is located near the old Whithorn Priory. It apparently costs about £100,000 each year to run the centre (it now also has a cafe) and keep it open for business while holding on to the treasures contained within. The ruined nave of the Medieval Cathedral and crypts are now in the care of Historic Scotland, as is the museum, which is reported to house the finest collection of early Christian stones in Scotland. McGonks haven't yet travelled this far along the route but they have found an easy access point onto it and are planning to follow the road and visit all the sites that they can.

 

This is one of the Beag McGonks, a dandy little fellow who was part of the support group that ventured to the summit of Ben Nevis last weekend (a total of 4 McGonks succeeded in reaching the top - Bhreac + 3 supporting Beag McGonks). He has been out on the beach today, where he found himself a beautiful 'wizard stick' and a feather for his cap. He then went out to show off his new outfit and admire himself in the garden mirrors. He's fairly well travelled and should make an excellent scout for this challenge; if you look closely at the Torhouse Stone Circle photograph, you can just make him out when he and the grey Beag were hiding at the bottom of the huge boulders. He has been nicknamed Doodle Beag.

 

So, McGonk fans, let's set to work and try to help save the Whithorn Trust for a while longer and, in so doing, discover the Pilgrim Way so we can trek, ride or cycle the length of the Machars. It's another big adventure!

 

Check out www.mcgonks.com for links to donate or even just to sign the petition to help save the Whithorn Trust. We hope you will enjoy the summer adventures and our quest to uncover the original Pilgrim Way.

The Goth McGonks

The Goth McGonks

Last month was a very busy month, what with one thing and another, so we can only apologise for the delay in updating you all.

 

First of all, we welcomed the arrival of the Goth McGonks, who came marching into Frugaldom on their way to 'Deathfinity', which lies within the lands of Lockerbie. It was a most exciting time!

 

Then, of course, we have the on-going search for Beag McGonk, who failed to return from his exploration of the ancient stone circle. It really does make me wonder if that strange alien landing strip

might still be in use and if poor Beag was actually abducted! I mean, from the air, you can easily see where they land, but from ground level it's almost invisible!

See what you think for yourself, courtesy of Google Maps imaging. The 'landing strip' is massive. In fact, it is many, many times the size of the nearby stone corcle and the stone circle measures about 20m across! More about Torhouse can be found here.

Hooter McGonk has been keeping very busy, spreading word of the disappearance and investigating all the other possibilities. He has been to the top of the highest trees and into the depths of the deepest forests. He has searched almost all corners of the Frugaldom Kingdom and still there is no sign of Beag!

With only four days remaining until we set off for the Scottish mountains, time is running out for Beag!

Let's hope he does eventually turn up, he is going to be so disappointed at missing his walk up Ben Nevis and his visit to Beag Cafe.

 

www.mcgonks.com

Hooter McGonk Goes in Search of the Trolls!

The Trolls!

Despite the many, many times the little mini-McGonks are told not to venture off out of site, alone, the disappearance of Beag has everyone mystified. Nobody saw him go, nobody alerted anyone else as to his disappearance and nobody has seen him since he vanished from the standing stones. It was really upsetting Hooter, as he was missing his best friend, so he decided to go off in search of the missing mini-McGonk all by himself.

He knew he wasn't supposed to go near the lochs, rivers or streams on his own... but he did!

Off he went, following the edge of the long, straight burn that ran alongside the lane. The water was deeper than usual, faster flowing than usual and colder than usual. All that melting snow had to go somewhere.

After what seemed like hours, Hooter eventually came to the dark and scary twin caves, home of the Trolls. How often had he been told NEVER to talk to Trolls, NEVER to get in their way and NEVER to go near the Twin Caves? He couldn't even count that high, let alone tell how often, but Hooter wasn't to be put off in the least. With the arrival of the Goth Clan, nobody would notice him missing for a few hours.

Along the riverbank he scrambled, across the rocky bridge and then he began his precarious descent, clinging for dear life to the rocks, grasses and mosses that surrounded the entrances to the terrifying twin caves. Almost there... now Hooter was able to lean forward a little, just enough to peer inside the first cave.

An awful and hideous noise could be heard - a gurgling, hissing, growling sound, but more terrifying than that,  TWO PAIRS OF EYES were staring straight back at him! It was the most horrible site that poor little Hooter had ever seen! The memory of those bright green and red eyes, glowing from the blackness beyond the mouth of the first tunnel would haunt him forever! How he wished he had done as he was told and kept away from such dangers.

Hooter was terrified! He froze to the spot, unable to climb a single step further for fear he would fall or, worse still, be captured by the terrible trolls! But worse was to come. The trolls were pulling the moss and grasses right from beneath his feet and his safe hiding place was crumbling around him!

Hooter felt himself falling, slipping and sliding, air whooshing past him as he tumbled faster and faster, plummeting downwards and finally splashing into the icy waters below. Darkness descended and he could remember no more.

 This was not good! Beag was never going to be found at this rate and now there's a second missing McGonk that nobody at Thrift Cottage even knows has gone missing!

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Meeting the Rock Man of Clays Hill

He's So Dependable!

It feels as though the McGonks have stolen away the days! I know they haven't, but I really haven't got a clue where all the time has gone. All that I do know is that the search continues for litte Beag McGonk and all hands are on deck to help with the search... no stone will be unturned, although try telling that to the Rock Man of Clays Hill

 

The prickly gorse is coming into bloom and giving the place a lovely yellow glow, despite there still being snow lying on the sheltered slopes. Luckily, McGonks seem oblivious to the sharp little thorns, but they do still get caught up now and again.

 

We were kind of hoping that perhaps Beag had become tangled in the gorse and that we'd find him there, munching his way through the flowers or fermenting them into sweet gorse wine, but it wasn't to be - he was nowhere to be seen.

 

Hooter McGonk climbed to the very top of the hill and could see for many miles, but he still couldn't see his brother. On he tramped, searching under rocks and calling from the tops of rocks, peering around rocks and looking over rocks... he could see right over the top of the forest, but he couldn't see the lost Beag! He could, however, see a face looking at him, watching his every move!

It was the grinning face of the Rock Man of Clays Hill!

 

"Follow the Sneach," he cried, "they'll uncover the missing Beag!"

 

Excitedly, the little McGonk clambered down the rocky hill and went off in search of Bhreac, for it was he who was in charge of investigating the dangerous snowly slopes - they are simply too dangerous for the mini McGonks. Far off, in the distance, he could see the tell tale signs... the trampled snow leading to what looked like the gateway to the home of the Sneach!

I wonder what he'll find?

 

The Snowy Home of the Sneach

It's an Icy Wonderland!

After coming face to face with the Rock Man of Clays Hill, little Hooter McGonk got very excited about his mission and was in a huge rush to report back to Bhreac. He was also ever hopeful that he'd be asked to accompany the scouting party that would, inevitably, be sent out to investigate what looked like the frozen gateway to the underground home of the Sneach.

 

Racing all the way home, Hooter bounced around, chattering and pointing back towards the hillside, trying to recount his tale of rock climbing, coming face to face with the Rock Man and recalling his exact words, telling him to seek out the Sneach so that they could uncover the missing Beag. It's all very complicated for a little McGonk! Best just follow him and see for yourself.

 

Back along the long, windswept road they went, Hooter pointing and shouting all the way, sometimes tumbling over in his hurry. Then it was up the hill, following a strange and winding trail through deep, deep snow... whatever had made the trail had done so most carefully, but it was most certainly a trail!

Onwards and upwards, further and further they climbed and then, suddenly, they were plunging downwards, slipping and sliding, twisting and turning, faster and faster until they arrived at... a snowy doorway!

 

Bhreac was amazed by what they found! Little Hooter was instructed to stay well clear of the entrance for fear he fell in and would never be seen again!

 

The entrance to the doorway was well-worn and stepped in a gentle slope that allowed for easy climbing, protected from the driving winds by snowy walls. Bhreac called through the doorway, afraid to enter for fear of scaring the Sneach. He could hear whispers and rustling sounds coming from deep within the snowy cave, but couldn't see a single Sneach! But wait... is that one I can see now, just peeking out from the doorway? Or am I mistaken?

 

Neither Bhreac nor Hooter could see the Sneach, his white fur was so well camouflaged agaist the snowy background. But they could clearly hear him as he suggested they enrol the help of the Hoolet, who should be having dinner on the angular rock at the top of the hill right about.... now!

 

Looking upwards, the McGonks just caught a glimpse of the Hoolet as he took off, but they were sure he'd seen them.

 

Off they went on their travels, once again, ever hopeful of unearthing a clue as to the whereabouts of the missing Beag.

The Return of the Wee Muddy Man

The Wee Muddy Man is Back!

It's been some time since we have seen or heard from the wee muddy man. Indeed, we thought he had moved on and forgotten about us, completely! But, just as the alpacas had promised, word was spreading fast and wide of the missing Beag and, as sure as a sure thing, creatures from far and near had begun joining in the search for our little missing McGonk.

 

Along the banks of the burn, whispers had been exchanged between the amphibians, the rodents and the feathered friends, each passing on the word until, somehow, somewhere, the news must have spread all the way to the wee muddy man.

 

Hoolet had returned from the 'Doon of May' forest to join Clan McGonk's search for the missing Beag. Afterall, it had been Beag who had accompanied the Hoolet McGonk when he first ventured forth to explore that particular forest - a task that could take many months. For now, it has been postponed until summer.

 

We were scouring the forest, looking for footprints in the snow and listening for the faintest sound of Beag when, out of the icy water, his little head popped up, had a quick look around and then the briefest nod of acknowledgement before exiting the chilly water and bounding off into the deep undergrowth of the forest! It was so good to see him back!

 

It will still take some time for all this snow to melt but, with the help of 'The Romp' (the wee muddy man's otter gang) the search has been widened and the waterways will now be patrolled daily until the missing Beag has been found.

 

Here's hoping that the sun shines brightly and the warmth melts the snow soon.

I Spy Beag McGonk!

Could it Really be True? Has Beag Been Found?

Beag McGonk

Today we took Bhreac McGonk out for a trip to see if we could spot the missing Beag, but there are still no signs of him.

Several miles along the road, the tiny speckled McGonk had an idea!

Off he wobbled, onwards and upwards, struggling to climb the many, many steps to reach the top of an ancient fort.

From so high up, Bhreac could see for many, many miles, including all the way across the water to the Isle of Man! (There's still snow on the hills over there, too.)

But there were no clues as to the whereabouts of the missing Beag.

A little further along, we came to a lane leading to yet another fort - everyone knows Beag loved to climb - trees, hills, fells,  rocks, ruins, rubble, motehills and, of course, forts. So, off we went, along the lumpy, bumpy farm track until we could get no further - the path leading up to the once fortified fell summit was blocked by snow! About turn, retrace steps and resume our journey to wherever we were going.

Suddenly, Bhreac, who was peering through his tiny binoculars, searching the horizon, let out an almost inaudible, squeaky screech and became very animated, bouncing around in a most excited manner - he had spotted Beag McGonk in the far off distance!

He could just make him out and no more... along the road,  across two fields, beyond a car park and over a wall! It looked as though Beag had lost his Tam O'Shanter but Bhreac was convinced it was him, for sure!

Being so excited to see his little friend, Bhreac just took off - almost falling down a ditch as he scurried closer and closer.

On and on he ran, scrambling through snow drifts, under wire fences, between the slats of farm gates, across the car park and clambering up and over the huge stone wall that separated him for his long lost friend... and then he stopped in stunned disbelief!

No longer could he see his dear little buddy, Beag, instead, he could see... an alpaca, lying snoozing just behind the wall!

As Mr Alpaca turned to look at him, he couldn't help but giggle at the absurdity of it all. But that really did look like Beag McGonk sitting between the ears of this particular creature, especially from such a distance and with the benefit of wishful thinking.

Bhreac quickly explained to the still sleepy, wooly, furry beast about the loss of his friend and was reassured that all the animals in the park would keep an eye out for the missing Beag while spreading word to the other creatures, including the birds in the trees and the fowl on the ground.

With a cheeky little grin, the alpaca promised to have a search party combing the length and breadth of the parish in no time.

And so ended Bhreac's big adventure of the day... I wonder if we'll be any close to solving the mystery toorrow?

McGonk Meets the Easter Bunny

In Search of the Missing 'Beag' McGonk



Beag McGonk



As you all know, my favourite little 'Beag' McGonk went missing in action a few weeks ago, completely vanishing without trace. A search party was deployed on several occasions without success and now, with the onslaught of this Siberian Spring, heavy snowfall has brought the searching to a temporary halt.

 

McGonks love nothing more than to explore, so we're hoping that Beag simply wandered off and forgot he was supposed to return home to Thrift Cottage. They can be very, very forgetful little creatures but they can also be very naughty, especially the diminutive micro-McGonks! Beag disappeared after a trip to Torhouse Stone Cirlce, when he was last seen heading towards Wigtown, Scotland's national book town.

Hooter McGonk

Earlier today, a little visitor arrived in the shape of Hooter McGonk,  a nosy wee character who was adamant that he go in search of his wayward cousin as soon as possible, despite the weather conditions. Much debating went on until we could debate no more and off he scampered, out into the snowy lands of Frugaldom to begin his own investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Beag. What he hopes to achieve in this weather is anyone's guess, as he's barely visible himself when wading through the chilly white carpet provided by Mother Nature. He doesn't care how high or how low he has to search, but search he will until he discovers the whereabouts of his cousin, 'Beag'.

 

 

Following the invisible Sneach

Through the snowy fields he clambered, climbing drifts and exploring icy tunnels and igloos made by the Sneach - a clan of seemingly invisible, white Mcgonks of the north who over-winter in Galloway. They're normally quite easy to spot, as we don't usually have this amount of snow, but to our human eyes these snow McGonks are undetectable during times such as these. It was amazing to watch Hooter communicating with them, chattering away, following in their footsteps. We could see their tracks, but it is impossible to spot a Sneach even on such a glorious day as today.

Climbing the tree

The Sneach McGonks led us all a merry dance, poor Hooter was exhausted by the time he got back to Thrift Cottage. First they suggested he climb as high as he could to survey the snowly landscape. Up he climbed, higher and higher, his little nose getting redder and redder. Several times he had to scuttle for cover under gnarled branches, as passing blackbirds kept mistaking his nose for a juicy red berry they'd overlooked on the Hawthorn! What a to do that would have been, losing Hooter to a scavenging blackbird!

 

Poor wee Hooter - he climbed as high up the tree as he could possibly go and then the mischievous Sneach McGonks closed their eyes and disappeared from sight, camouflaged to perfection against the glistening snow! Even Hooter was having trouble spotting them, but he could still hear them chattering away, calling out instructions to him and making tracks in the snow for him to follow.

 

From his viewpoint, far up the tree, Hooter could see so many tracks in the snow that he didn't know which to follow. The Sneach were everywhere and nowhere to be seen, but there seemed to be a great deal of trampling and stamping coming from the direction of the burn, very close to the home of the Trolls!

 

Carefully, Hooter picked his way back down the tree and headed towards the deep, dark, watery cave, convinced that the Sneach wouldn't lead him into danger. They may be cheeky and impish, but they certainly weren't evil or cruel.

The Trolls' Cave

The mouth of the cave looked spooky, the banks were slippery and cloaked in deep snow and there was a whispering, gurgling echo coming from deep within the tunnel.

 

Hooter crawled over the bridge and gingerly stuck his head inside to call out to the Trolls, asking for their help in finding his lost cousin. The echoing whisper that rushed from the cave mouth was unmistakable, audible to all around, incuding the multitude of Sneach that had surrounded the area - if the footprints were anything to go by, that is!

 

"Speak to the Easter Bunny!" the voices murmured, repeating the same command over and over again...



Avalanche alert!

Great commotion broke on the embankment, with a flurry of snow as the Sneach scurried to help Hooter back from the water's edge, leading him along the lane at top speed, back along the path they had previously come. It was tough going for Hooter, he was slipping and sliding all ways, trying to balance precariously between snow drifts, ruts and ridges.

 

Suddenly, he felt the ground move beneath him! In a panic, he became rooted to the spot, feeling the tremors rippling underfoot. He expected to feel himself plunge through chasms of icy darkness at any minute, disappearing throught the deep snow, never to be seen again.

 

What a predicament to be in, out on his first major search and rescue mission only to find himself in need of rescuing! That's when he suddenly realised that the Sneach Clan members were rolling about the ground like tiny snowballs, giggling and laughing uncontrollaby.

 

How curious!

 

"Look down," they yelled in glee, "look down, now!"

 

Peering carefully downwards, Hooter soon saw the reason for such myrth - he wasn't clinging for dear life to an icy peak waiting to be swept into  the snowy abyss by some ground-shaking avalanche...

 

Hooter had woken the Easter bunny, who had been sitting by the wall, like hare waiting for tortoise, enjoying a little nap before his very, very busy weekend arrived!

 

Shrieking with delight, Hooter slid to safety and apologised profusely to Easter Bunny. He quickly explained his predicament and told the bunny how the Sneach had led him to the Trolls and how the Trolls had sent him in search of the Easter Bunny.

 

To all of this, the bunny responded with one word ...

 

"PATIENCE!"

 

Whatever could he mean?

Beag McGonk Missing in Action

Hello from the McGonks of Thrift Cottage

I'd like to begin this blog with an apology for the lengthy absence. Sadly, there have been several pieces of bad news received in Frugalom, none less so than the loss of poor little Beag McGonk.

Beag was our mini-mascot, our micro McGonk hero who was in serious training in an effort to guarantee his place on the expedition to Ben Nevis in May.

His last expedition took him rock climbing to an ancient stone circle known as Torhouse. This is the last place he was seen, when leaving the stone circle en route to investigate some nearby standing stones before supposedly heading home. Sadly, when we arrived home and rallied the troops, the ting 'Beag' was missing nd has never been seen again. We all hope that by some lucky chance, he met a new family and was able to go home with them to enjoy life some place new. We'll always he searching for him, regardless, so if you ever happen pon a small grey gonk with pink nose and feet and a little blue tartan Tam o'Shanter hat, please let us know that he is safe and well in your care.

It has taken a few weeks to recover from a rather busy (and sad) spell but we hope that now, this being the vernal equinox, will be a fine time to begin again and the first thing needing done is to make a suitable replacement Beag McGonk.

There's also news of McGonk troops being rallied for a special event in April, but more on that soon.

Until next time,
Clan McGonk.
www.mcgonks.com
 

McGonks and Fabulous February

FURBULOUSLY FRUGAL!

What an exciting start to the new year we  have had - it threw all sorts of weather our way, from bright sunshine to rain, hail, sleat and even snow in this little corner of southwest Scotland where it seldom usually ventures. But mostly it has been raining... gallons and gallons of the stuff falling incessantly, to the extent that the surrounding land has been flooded on numerous occasions, to date. Getting out and about hasn't been easy, but McGonks are resilient little critturs and soon find a way.

As you already know, some of the McGonks are going to be heading to Fort Willliam, where they will be attempting to climb Ben Nevis. But let's not forget that there are many more McGonks who won't be making that trip.

Indeed, several others have already set off on their great adventures, including Duncan McGonk, who seems to be spending his time lapping up the sunshine while climbing olive trees in Egypt - what a lucky McGonk he is! I'm told his Arabic is coming along slowly, albeit with a Scottish accent.


Never mind, back here in Frugaldom we have plenty going on and there's always someone or some place new to see.

The arrival of the snow for a few days brought great excitement to Clan McGonk, as this was the first they had ever experienced it, since settling into Thrift Cottage. A few fluttering flakes had passed in the pas,t but none had stuck around long enough to cover the ground, far less enough of the stuff for building a snowman! Beag McGonk was the first to venture out - I knew he was an adventurous wee chappie as soon as I laid eyes on him! Here he is, proudly showing off his first attempt at building a snowman.

Now we need to fit in some serious training for the climb up Ben Nevis in May, so some of the McGonks decided that they would try a bit of snowy hill climbing.

This corner of Scotland isn't renowned for its hills, although we do live within 25 miles of the Galloway Hills. Here in the Machars area we have a few fells and the occasional 'trig' point.

Trig points are triangulation points, usually marked by pillars of some description, set at the top of hills and used in the Ordnance Survey. Did you know that the "roots of Ordnance Survey go back to 1747, when Lieutenant-Colonel David Watson proposed the compilation of a map of the Scottish Highlands to facilitate the subjugation of the clans following the Jacobite rising of 1745"? (You can read more about it here.) Our photo shows Ruaidhri McGonk along with Beag and one of the hairy Haggis McGonks sitting atop their first ever trig point, surveying the white surroundings that are seldom seen in these parts. What an exciting day that was!

On 25th January each year, many of us celebrate Robert Burns' birthday here in Scotland. In fact, it's celebrated by Scots the world over - he as quite a famous poet by anyone's standards!

Traditionally, we eat haggis with tatties and neeps - a frugal dish if ever there was one, as the haggis is 'offal' bulked out with oatmeal and served with potatoes and swede. To celebrate the event this year, we invited the Haggis McGonks to join our happy clan by taking up residence in Thrift Cottage while preparing for future travels.

This is one of the Haggis McGonks, the self-same one spotted atop the trig point on top of East Barr, in Wigtownshire. He's a happy wee haggis chappie who'll be staying with us for a while, as he has volunteered his services to go up the mountain in May.

Today, the Haggis McGonks have won a runners up prize in a competition! They can't decide if it's a good thing (winning) or a bad thing (the competition). You might ask why this could possibly be? Surely it has to be fun receiving free gifts through the post? Well, I'll leave it for you to decide!

The accompanying letter requested that we upload a photo onto a website to enter into a prize draw, so here is our entry... in case you can't see what the label or the wording on their prize badges say, it's 'Eat Haggis'.

You'll have to find them and catch them first!

Don't forget that if you spot a McGonk anywhere, get a photograph and add it to the gallery on our McGonks page at www.facebook.com/McGonks Share your McGonk tales with the world as our Scottish furry friends multiply and spread out throughout the world.

Mad March isn't so far away and that's when we shall see off our first high flying McGonk, as he takes off with the skydivers! More on that, soon. In the meantime, you can help McGonks support their local charity, the Port William Lifeboat, by visiting www.mcgonks.com and following the progress of their Port to Fort Challenge to get to the top of Ben Nevis. Likewise, you can gift donations through Paypal by emailing it directly to nykmedia@aol.com where funds can be transferred to the charity. Event details are included on Facebook and on website.

www.mcgonks.com




Beag McGonk's Port to Fort Challenge

Beag's Big World

Isn't it funny that 'Beag', which is pronounced in similar way to 'bug', is Gaelic for small?

 

I love the name, it's so apt for the tiny Beag McGonk! He's only about 6cm tall, so there's no problem in taking him anywhere he wants to go...

 

The trouble is, he wants to go here - Cafe Beag . It's a very long way for a very small McGonk, as Port William is over 200 miles from Fort William. In fact, I'm sure he's mixed up his ports with his forts, hence the reason he discovered it in the first place. So, to satisfy his tiny need for huge adventure, we have promised Beag the trip of his lifetime - a trip to Cafe Beag for the holiday weekend in May.

 

BUT there are conditions to be met!

 

Can you guess what they might be?

 

1. Beag must be fit enough to make the trip
2. The trip must be frugal - there's a budget of only £150
3. Once there, Beag must make it to the top of the hill behind Cafe Beag, and it's a big one!






Ben Nevis

Foter / CC BY-SA

This is what towers above the tiny Cafe Beag... it's not only the highest mountain in Scotland, but the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. If Beag wants his cuppa in Cafe Beag, he's going to have to climb that mountain and fly the flag for Frugaldom!

It's going to be a huge adventure, so the Challenge began yesterday, on January 7th 2013 - 140 days to the day that Beag should be homeward bound after his enormous challenge.

Meanwhile, we're eagerly awaiting news of his fellow clan member who took off from Gatwick Airport (London) yesterday and was making his way to Egypt.

2013 is shaping up to be a rather exciting year for McGonks, so there may be quite a few tales to tell as Beag and his buddies prepare for their adventures. I hope you will join us and follow their exploits.

If you happen to be lucky enough to adopt a McGonk that you'll share your photos on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ClanMcGonk and join us on Twitter www.twitter.com/McGonks.

The website is being developed at www.mcgonks.com where you will find links to all of the above along with any important updates.

We'll be back soon to bring you more news of McGonks' 'Port William to Fort Wiliam' preparations challenge, now dubbed our 'Port to Fort Challenge'.

McHaggis McGonk's ADVENT-ures

A Gingerbread ADVENTure for McHaggis McGonk

As Christmas approaches, the McGonks have all been getting more and more excited! They couldn't wait to get the tree decorated and then all crowded around to have their photograph taken.

Excitement is probably too tame a word to use at this festive time, as there have been so many things happening, some of them HUGE!

Several McGonks have now left on their Christmas travels and we've sent one to Aberdeenshire, where one of the relatives seems to be partying just a bit too much!

Shortly after the above photo was taken, little 'Beag' disappeared! He is such a naughty micro-McGonk! We searched high and low, until we finally found him in the most obvious of places... Beag loves to climb trees!

The biggest international McGonk news is that 'Duncan McGonk' (#I) has set off on his exciting adventure that will lead him to EGYPT!

The name 'Duncan' derives from the gaelic word meaning 'brown warrior', so I do hope he behaves himself and doesn't get into any confrontations with camels or the like.

Duncan McGonk

Duncan McGonk is going to live in Egypt, so watch out for future tales of his trips along the Nile or visits to the Pyramids, Imagine that! A little piece of Scotland all the way out there in Egypt, by way of a Galloway McGonk. How exciting!

But that wasn't the only excitement of the past week or so, oh no, not by a long chalk!

We also saw the arrival and departure of McHaggis McGonk, a rather dashing chap who received news of his mission earlier this week.

The gingerbread Nativity

McHaggis McGonk has, since, been whisked away to Wigtown, Scotland's national book town. This is him standing guard over the beautiful gingerbread Nativity, during his big ADVENTure. McHaggis has gone to live in the Manse and will be helping *Renita* with her storytelling and entertaining the local childen. Hopefully, he'll be introducing them to 'Frugal Fun' in Febrary 2013...

Well, that was the simple plan, but then we were alerted to a rather alarming misshap that had occured while McHaggis was watching all the delicious gingerbread making and decorating! He decided to go for a swim in the frosting and has had to have a bath and a blow dry! Oh dear! I am so glad we opted to fill him with lovely fluffy stuffing rather than shredded paper, otherwise he could have been trying to play papier mache McGonks, especially if he'd been near flour! We hope he recovers very soon - perhaps he thought it was snow and wanted to go sledging!

Chilli McGonk

As if all of the above wasn't exciting enough, Clan McGonk decided to put their heads together to come up with something unusual for someone local who has a passion for chillies! She kindly brought us a jar of her luxury *Galloway Chilli Jam* ... and we absolutely love it - with absolutely anything and everything!

However, being inhabitants of Thrift Cottage, living within the lands of Frugaldom, the purchase of such luxury items doesn't fall within the reaches of a thrifty spender, so we called upon the help of one firey, Scottish red head - Chilli McGonk! Hopefully, he will be attending the Wigtown Christmas Fair as an ambassador for Frugaldom. Of course, you can guess what this all means! Can't you?

It means that this Saturday, there will be both (Mc)Haggis and Chilli McGonks in Wigtown and that could make for a very interesting combination if the two should happen to meet. Perhaps we'll leave that one for closer to Burn's Night!
(Edited in: Chilli McGonk stayed with us for Christmas, so didn't make it to Wigtown.)

That's it for now but stay tuned for all the latest McGonk news and updates. We've now introduced the new 'About' page along with a 'Contact' page. These should provide any information you require.

Until next time,
Ruaidhri 'the red king' McGonk
www.mcgonks.com

*You can find out how the children and Renita made the gingerbread Nativity by visiting www.facebook.com/RenitaBoyleBibleTalesAndTunes

** You can see the actual Galloway Chilli Jam logo by visiting www.facebook.com/GallowayChillies

Beag's Sunny, Sunday Mini Adventure



MEET BEAG!

In the Gaelic language, the word 'beag' means small. As expected, the way we say the word depends on our dialects and accents, so to make things easy, it sounds quite like 'BUG'. Personally, I think it's a fantastic name for any of the micro McGonks!

This is Beag (Bug). He's grey, measures about 6cm high, has a pink button nose, pink felt 'shoes' and wears a blue tartan Tam o' Shanter with a tiny white pompom on top. Beag McGonks are great, they can be clipped onto almost anything and go anywhere without causing too much of a fuss - handbags, keys, zippers, bicycles...

 

But first, a little bit about Tam o' Shanter:

Tam o' Shanter is the character in a very famous poem of the same name written by Robert Burns. (You can find the poem in its entirety HERE.) Rabbie Burns, as he's commonly referred to, is possibly Scotland's most famous and influential poet. His birthday is celebrated every year on 25th January on "Burns' Night", when all good McGonks eat the customary haggis, neaps and tatties (haggis, turnip and potatoes) for dinner. Official Burns' Supper events are held all around the country and wherever else you find McGonks - I mean Scots! The Tam o'Shanter hat is the flat tartan cap that was often worn by Scotsmen of that time and so-named after the poem's main character, Tam.

 

Today the sun shone and the outdoors beckoned. Beag McGonk couldn't really go for a gallop on his trusty steed, Black Bess, so he donned his Tam o'Shanter, wrapped up against the blustering wind, hitched up the bike and had a wander along the local lanes. The views on such days can literally blow you away, but there really wasn't much to see by way of life - no cows, no sheep, no birds flying overhead, no herons by the stream. In fact, not a soul in sight - so nobody to spy Beag as went secretly exploring.

First stop was a signpost. There was still nobody about, so Beag climbed right to the top to see if he could see any signs of life further afield. Scrambling up, blown all ways by the blustery winds, he almost lost his balance more than once! He finally made it to the top and scrutinised the panoramic views for signs of life. Unbelievably, on such a glorious day, there still wasn't a soul in site, not even the hare that's usually bouncing around the adjacent field! But then he spotted a fabulous, huge tree, leaf-less and begging to be climbed!

 

Back on the bikes, we cycled a little further along the lane until Beag stopped by a prickly looking clump of winter-bare hedging. Off the bike, stumbling through the grass he went, scaling the gnarled, twisting branches with a definite mission in mind. Once he'd reached a particular spot in his chosen 'tree', Beag stopped, looked all around and then peered anxiously downwards. Following his gaze, I spotted the long, slender, pointed looking branch he was eyeing.

Just at that exact minute, I heard a yell and watched as Beag leapt clean off his resting place and then hooked the branch below in one death-defying action. Off he went, swinging along, shouting with glee as he flew through the air, almost as though on a magic zip-wire, sliding his way in a flash to the base of the branch. What a naughty little McGonk he is! If this is the kind of exploits the micro-McGonks are going to get up to then I really don't know how the red king Rory or any of the others are going to cope!

Still, Beag seemed as proud as Punch with his flying trapeze act and was quite happy to settle back onto the bike and come home afterwards. Phew! First mini-adventure over without mishap and we all got some fresh air and exercise into the bargain.

 

Back home, there was a lovely bowl of hot, steaming lentil soup waiting and a room full of McGonks wanting to see the photos of the day's mini-adventure. Sending the littlest member of the clan out as a scout seemed like a good idea at the time, but he didn't quite grasp the concept of surveying the lie of the land. Perhaps next time he'll concentrate more on his mission than playing at swinging from trees.

 

McGonk.