Tuesday Oct 6

The day started out rather overcast and rainy, more typical of Scottish weather than the clear sunny skies we have been experiencing for most of our trip. Today we're off to the Isle of Skye. Our route out took us down the road less travelled, much of it being single track and along a valley with quite high hills that was very remote and desolate but gave one a good sense of what life in the Highlands is really like.

The highlight of the day was a lengthy stop at Eilean Donan Castle. This castle belongs to the MacRae side of Deb's family and it was a real treat for her to visit it. They say it is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and unlike most castles that are ruins, this one is habitable, having undergone extensive restoration, and is still considered a family home. More time could have been spent to explore it more thoroughly. 

From the castle, our travels took us to the Skye bridge and onto the island. This bridge is relatively new, and when completed, there was a toll for using it. For a passenger car, the toll was in the neighbourhood of 40 pounds! Needless to say, there was almost another Highland battle, before the government rescinded the toll! We travelled as far north on Skye as Portree where we stopped for lunch and spent a leisurely hour or two exploring the town, the harbour, the shops, etc. The weather as we travelled north on Skye got progressively better, and while in Portree, the sun drove the clouds away and even Deb was able to shed her coat!

The return trip include a welcome stop for ice cream, just to prove how warm it was. Jaffa Cake ice cream is awesome (orange and chocolate). While I was self indulging, Deb wandered through a few shops and found a small print of the elusive highland cattle. We have seen one or two in fields, but always too distant to get a picture.

The rest of the trip was spent chasing a double rainbow, over Loch Ness, most of the way back to Inverness. Back at the hotel, supper was preceded by Scotch once again. Deb indulged and tried the 21 year old Balvenie this time, and although good, prefers the 12 yr., fortunately for us, it is the cheaper of the two.  Perhaps we have finally found a way to keep her warm!

Loch Lomond rainbow

Highlands