Friday 10 September 2010

Thursday 9 September - Tongue - Dornie

Today we arrived at Dornie where the Castle Eilean Donan is. It is reputed to be the most photographed castle in Scotland and I have wanted to see it for ages. Not only did we see it but we are in a B&B across the road from it and we can see it our of our bedroom window. We arrived in time for me to take a picture (Many!!!!) as the tide came in and allowed the reflections to be seen. Also took some at night with the castle light up but the midges attacked!!!! We fled to the comfort of our room.

Today’s journey took us over some amazing terrain and each bend we went around, seemed more fantastic than the one before. We can’t decide which part of Scotland we like the best as each area has some unique features. The vistas that appear at each bend in the road seem better than before and it is difficult to describe them. If I were a geologist lecturer, then I would be bringing my students here to look at the effect of the glacial weathering on the environment. Keep trying to remember my geography teacher’s lessons on the effects of glaciers on the environment but how long ago was that????

Loch Eriboll was so beautiful. Apparently the allied ship collected here to make a convoy to cross the Atlantic and they called it “Loch ‘orrible”. The road, one lane only goes around the Loch. In fact most of the road from Tongue to Scourie was one lane and Jo scored the drive!!!! We met cars, trucks, buses and sheep!!!! The thing that stands out here is the courtesy of the drivers. Think we have a lot to learn.

At Scourie, we drove down to the jetty and I was taking a picture of a small jet boat with people in it all done up in bright blue and yellow wet gear. Jo said “I would love to do that!” Next thing we too were in the boat – had absolutely no idea where were going except that it was an hour’s ride. Well! It was fantastic. We went out to some islands with these towering cliffs where thousands of sea bids nest. The driver also took us into some sea caves where the cliff closed over our heads and the colours were pinks, greens, browns and the water crystal clear. The driver said that he is only able to do this a couple of times a year as the sea has to be absolutely calm for him to do it. The guy who ran the tour told us that it was the best day they had experienced this summer. We have had good luck again.

From Ullapool we drove to Garve and then down to Kyle of Lochalash and on to Dornie.

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