June 9 To Skye (via Great Glen Drive and Fort Augustus)

It's a wee bit rainy as we head from Inverness toward Fort William, via the Great Glen Drive.  Along the way we stopped at Loch Ness to see if we could see the monster but no luck.  Urquart Castle is one of the most popular ruins on Loch Ness maybe because of the Legend of Nessie.  But we felt it was too expensive to go for a tour and just peeked through the fence for a look from afar.  Gorgeous yellow flowers that we thought were gorse are actually broom flower.  They are closely related but gorse has huge thorns.  Both pretty when in full bloom. 

Getting used to the weather which has been typically Scottish.  Doesn't stop us and it usually doesn't rain all day.  

Broom Flower (looks like Gorse but no thorns) 

Famous Urquart Castle ruins where people claim they have seen Nessie.  

We stopped at Fort Augustus and saw the locks in action.  What a bonus to see a pair of white swans swimming along with their cygnets on board!  

Fort Augustus Locks 

How cute!! 

They hopped off once near shore and safety and began to feed.  

This trip was very scenic and when we passed this lovely little hotel/pub at Invergarry we couldn't resist.  As usual we had a pub lunch, soup and a pint.  The sun was out now making the trip even more idyllic.  Even when the skies are cloudy the scenery is beautiful and colours look even more intense against stone.  Lovely! 

Very quaint hotel and pub seemingly in the middle of nowhere but the locals wouldn't agree I am sure. 

This is a bit creepy!  He's made out of seaweed?

When we reached the higher elevations there were pullouts where could stop and enjoy amazing views for miles around.  An entrepreneurial piper filled the air with....well...I won't say.  Must have been a beginner but he looks good eh?

Plug your ears! 

The scenery just doesn't stop! 

Eileen Donan (Island of Dornie) is located near the picturesque village of Dornie on the way to the Isle of Skye.  It was quite overcast again making it difficult to get great pictures but all you have to do is google this and you will see thousands of them.  It is the most photographed castle in Scotland!  Many films featured Eilean Donan 
 including "Entrapment", "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" and "Highlander."  Most castles we visit have a list of movies that were filmed there but I think often only a scene or two.  I know "Entrapment" was also filmed at Castle Stuart.  There is lots to feed the imagination here.  

Waving like royalty. 

From here it was just a hop skip to the Isle of Skye where we were immediately treated to stunning coastal views.  We found our B and B's at the town of Portree and checked in, each to a different one since they were hard to come by.  No matter, we were only a couple of miles apart.  With the help of our hosts we chose a coastal drive to enjoy the famous views and set out. 

Approaching the Isle of Skye, a much anticipated destination.  Everyone gushes about the views and we were not disappointed. 

The clouds were spectacular today. 

Ken and Ann stayed at this B and B, a three star but very friendly hosts and clean rooms.  

John and I stayed here and it was also quaint and comfortable.  Both were similar to motels.  

Now we are on the coastal drive.  

In remote areas farmers share their land so mark their sheep with colourful splotches for identification.  

On the edge!

All homes have to painted white or off white to maintain the integrity of the crofter homes historically.  Most of Scotland has strict heritage rules.  

Even the phone booths are preserved although they may not contain a real phone. 

The gaelic language seems to be alive and well. 

Flora McDonald  is buried here on Skye at Kilmuir Cemetery.  She was a Jacobite heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape from the Hebrides (of which Skye is one Island) where he had taken refuge after the Battle of Culloden. 

Around each hairpin cliff turn is another stunning view! 

Good thing for long daylight hours!  We still had full light when we went for dinner in town at the Isles Pub.  What a fun atmosphere and John and Ken enjoyed langoustines, sometimes called Norway Lobster or Dublin Bay Prawn.  Not for me but I loved watching them work away at this huge plate of ugly critters! 

Crazy decor. 

yummy?