Inverness

Our first stop after leaving Fort William was a visit to the Commando Monument.  Similar to our war monuments this was a special moment as our current driver serviced for a number of years as a ranger.

Continuing on we had a chance to see the locks connecting the canals in action as we stopped along the road a couple of times to let boats pass.  In Fort Augustus we saw them up close as they passed by.  You can see in the picture below that one fellow was thoroughly enjoying his morning refreshment.

And then it was time for monster hunting as we cruised the Loch Ness.  Our 2 hour cruise took us down the lake until we reached Urquart Castle with fine views from the water.  The weather was cloudy, sunny, cloudy, sunny but never any real rain.  Great commentary on the boat gave everyone lots of information.

And of course when we got back to shore there was one more gift shop and 3 hairy coos.  These poor guys were resting but looked pretty sad with masses of black flies around their eyes.

From there it was a short drive into Inverness, a pretty little city along the River Ness.  Lots of time for a great River walk and a dinner at the Blackfriar.  It was nice to have a slower pace and must admit an early night, all in preparation for the next few days.  We are half way through our Scotland journey.

Some of us opted for an optional day trip a bit further north.  I was uncertain but so glad I did go. The scenery on the way up was different again and we passed many farming fields and of course saw the sea many times. The weather was strange again - rain, sunny, rain, rain, rain and sun together.  Despite that the temperature was great. 

We visited Dunrobin Castle, home to the Sutherland family and were dumb founded by the beautiful rooms.  A real wood fire place greeted us on arrival.  No some one said there are 87 rooms and 17 are open, it is sprawling.  The grounds are equally as beautiful, and modelled after Versailles in France.

On the way up many of us had noticed a sign that said Whiskey Chocolates.  Thanks to our driver we found the little hole in the wall and purchased many chocolates from Gunther.  Certainly made their day!

Then it was time to visit the charming little town of Dornoch.  Quaint, quiet and very lovely.  There was even time to at least look at the golf course.  One of our group had to show membership to a golf course just to eat lunch there.  Me, I just took a picture.  I did buy some lovely wool cloth mitts to use on those walks in Dec when I will still be walking off the pounds from the food, wine, whiskey and chocolate.

One final stop at a little town called Tain.  We were told it is 900 years old.  More charm, lovely people and a rainbow to end the day there.  From there it was back to Inverness where we had to say good by to Stuart, driver number 2.  We’re not sure if it’s us but we start the day with driver number 3 tomorrow.  

A bit of relaxation time before making the short stroll over to a beautiful hotel ( 😥the one that was on our original itinerary) to hear a Scottish storyteller.  Lizzie MacDougall was great and a fun bit of entertainment.