Hard Day, Rainy Day

As I sit here with Noortje in our room at the Milivaig Bed and Breakfast in the Isle of Skye, I try to think up all the interesting, beautiful and fun things we've done and seen since last we've left you. With this task in mind I realize that no matter what I put up here I am pre-destined to fail miserably, because words simply won't do justice. But I reckon I'll try any ways, so here it goes.

I think I'll begin with two evening prior, where Noortje and I were watching the Dutch take 3rd in the world cup in a wonderful B&B with an absolutely amazing lakeside view. The next morning brought yet another savory Scottish breakfast, and a little chat with the Bed and Breakfast owners, whom seems to always have the best tips and most friendly personalities. Bed and Breakfasts are growing on us fast, where they all seem to be in a respectful competition to be the nicest, friendliest, and most helpful people possible, not a bad way to travel in the least. 

Once we got our helpful tips for our hikes we were off on our most strenuous day yet. The first hike was supposed to be an easy little waterfall hike that should have lasted around an hour, but somehow I was able to convince Noortje to veer off onto the West Highland Way (a 96 mile long hike) just to get up a certain distance to get what I knew would be some excellent pictures. It was well worth it. After our hike we were tipped to go check out what is the worlds largest indoor ice climbing wall, which wasn't as big as you'd think when hearing world's largest, but it was still impressive nonetheless.

From there we went and had a quick bite to eat and went to a man made lake. There we were able to help some of Noortje's Dutchmen with some English translations. They were searching for a one of many hidden presents from a fun interactive website named GeoClache, give it a search it's a very neat concept. But other than that the little 1 mile stroll was a bit of a let down since Noortje wasn't able to find/see any of her otter friends that she is so desperately fond of, haha.  

Once back in the car we had a quick 10 minute drive to our next Bed and Breakfast with yet another lakeside view. Since we had a bit of energy left in us we decided to go for another hike called Lost Valey, which was rated strenuous. Although there was some steep climbs that had Nootje with sweaty clamy hands, she still managed to crush it like a boss. We had some pretty cloudy grey weather for the beginning of the hike but this didn't make the views any less scenic, but on our decent down from the hike the sun decided to peak out finally and the Lost Valley hike all of a sudden looked like we were in a completely different place. It was quite a nice and tough day, and of course we were famished so off we went to dinner in the only place opened for serving food in the village. The restaurant not only had great food, but it was also filled with friendly outdoors people, and families; the atmosphere was just what we needed to put a bit of pep in our step again. The rest of our evening was enjoyed with watching the World Series with an impressive German win. 

Again the this morning followed with a great Scottish breakfast, I'm getting very spoiled here, and some fun with the owners puppies before we started on our long drive to our next 3 day destination, the Isle of Skye. Since it was a fairly rainy day all day, Noortje and I decided to make the most out of the drive, so we took the longest and most scenic route we could. The highlight of today though would have to be Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in the world. You may recognize it from the films such and Highlander and the James Bond film Dr. No (if I remember right). 

After our visit at the castle we continued our drive to the Isle of Skye, which pretty much brings us to now. Looking forward to filling you in on what we get in to next and hope you enjoyed this. Thanks.