Isle of Skye

Just before the Skye Bridge

Scotland in September was very rainy.  It actually rained nearly everyday, some days it rained the entire day.  Sadly, the sky was gray and overcast - not good for pictures.  Nonetheless, we were on a quest to see as much the highlands as possible.  The Isle of Skye is the largest island of the Inner Hebrides and is connected to the mainland via the Skye Bridge.  To see the other islands you must take a ferry (or private boat).  We had actually booked a boat trip to visit a few of the other islands but unfortunately the weather did not cooperate.  The boat tour company ended up cancelling all boat trips for our scheduled day.  It also was too muddy and slippery to do much hiking -darn the luck.

One of many waterfalls

On the drive to Skye we were amazed at the number of waterfalls.  Some small, some majestic.  Everywhere it seems water was flowing down the mountains.  The largest town on the Island is Portree, a port town.  The tides there are 15 feet or more!  So... most boats are on a mooring ball in the harbor.  Boats tied to the pier or the land, on the other hand, just ride up and down with the tide. 

Low tide

The town itself is quaint yet touristy.  Portree is where most visitors find accommodation when visiting the highlands.  It makes sense to stay there but without a car your sightseeing is limited.  Even though driving was a nightmare we were glad we had the car.  Did I mention the "single track roads"?  Many of the roads are only large enough for one car (single track) so if you meet another car coming the other direction someone has to get over.  They have little spots at intervals where that is possible.  But it is only possible at those spots - everywhere else there are just large ruts off the side of the road.  Very rugged.  Needless to say the tow trucks do a lively business.  As well as the folks that sell tires!  You would think that folks would slow down knowing that there could be a car coming toward them right around the bend.  They don't... scary:(

Portree

 Our plan was to drive the Trotternish Loop - a loop road around the north end of the Island.  But again due to weather, all the hiking we had planned was out.  Too wet and treacherous.  At best we were able to drive by and catch the sights from the road.  

Portree

 In my mind that just means we will have to return and visit all the places we missed!

Old Man of Storr

We did drive at least part of the Trotternish Loop.  The Old Man of Storr is a Scottish icon.  Legend has it that it is the gravesite of a giant that lived on the Trotternish Ridge - the pinnacle rock is his thumb. Nice legend but the truth is the land formation is the result of a landslip.  Again, gray, rainy day leads to bad pictures.

Another Waterfall

One day on the drive to Skye from Strathcarron we picked up a lady that was hitchhiking.  Turns out she was Dutch and 65 years old.  Just out traveling by herself.  It was the weekend so she was unable to use public transportation.  We had a cup of coffee with her and then drove her to Skye.  I love the way Europeans just live their lives - they don't seem to suffer from all the angst and chronic anxiety that we Americans do.  Its so nice.  

Kilt Rock

Another Scottish icon is Kilt rock - named for the resemblance to the pleats on a Kilt.  Once upon a time this was dinosaur land.  I found that surprising given the climate and latitude.  But Scotland was not always where it is now - it drifted north from way down south.  Crazy how land masses moved around eons ago.  

Trotternish Loop

Another interesting fact is that Scotland, and particularly Skye, is the scenery of choice for many movies.  Who knew?  As a matter of fact they were filming yet another version of "Fast and Furious" while we were in Edinburgh.  We loved visiting but I don't know that I could live there.  So rugged and just maybe I am not that tough.  But beautiful beyond belief.  Really, you just have to get out and see the beauty of this planet we all live on.  Its stunning.  Hopefully, future generations will be better caretakers than our generation has been!  Scotland also is home to many, many castles.  From the highlands we are headed to Aberdeen.  That will be our "base" for touring castles.  So next up - Castles!