Scotland

A fairly early departure this morning to catch the 7.20 ferry off the Isle of Mull to catch a second ferry to eventually get to Ft. William. However, we were a little ahead of schedule so we headed back in toward Glencoe for a bit.

Ft. William sits below Ben Nevis, the highest spot in the UK at 4,413 ft. The old fort is from around 1690 and was built to keep the "turbulent highland clans in check and to stop local Jacobites helping the Stuart Royal Family".

Ft William is more recently known for the Jacobite Steam train -- or as most know it -- the Hogwarts Express. We hoped to see the train but it was only running using a diesel engine rather than steam due to extreme fire danger.

Spent some time in the Highlands Museum. A surprising large collection for a fairly small museum.

We saw one of the oldest sets of bagpipes in existence They were played at the Battle of Bannockburn (see Day 2). The canter, blow pipe and top half of the drone are original while the rest has been replaced at some point in time. (photo)

Check out the pic of the "hard tartan trews". Historical Origins:
Tartan trews emerged in the 15th and 16th centuries as a solution to the cold Highland climate, where kilts alone didn't offer sufficient coverage below the knee. They were essentially breeches and stockings combined into a single garment, often described as being "very fine woven, like stockings of those made of cloth," according to a 17th-century source from Skye.

Stopped at a memorial for the MacDonald's who were massacred on 13 Feb 1692.
Richard is paying respects to his possible ancestors. No actual proof but lots of signs pointing to an ancestry from this area of the world.

We did see the Glenfinnan Viaduct tho not the famous view...it was not important enough to us to make that hike! This stop included the Glenfinnan Monument on Loch Shiel. This was built as a tribute to those who died fighting for the Jacobite cause -- to return the Stuarts to the throne of Scotland.

Made a short stop along Loch Nan Umah to take in the views. Next, a red 🦌 deer crossed our path on our way to Traigh Beach. The movie "Local Hero" filmed here. It is a stunning beach off the beaten path.

Why is the water so beautiful!?! Several things: the clarity of the water (and man is it clear!!), the depth of the water and, from Google, "some lochs, especially those fed by rivers carrying glacial flour (fine, powdery sediment), can have a milky, pale green or even turquoise appearance. This is because the sediment scatters light, causing the water to appear lighter in color."

We arrived in Mallaig for our next ferry with enough time to go into town for a ".99" (see pics!). Then "over the sea to to Skye"!

The last 2 pics were taken at 9PM and then 10PM! There is still a Song Thrush singing away!Читать далее