Leaving Skye :(

 Left our beautiful Airbnb on Skye.  Really could have used a few more days on the island and in our place. Stopped at Lean To Cafe for toasties, pastries and cappuccino. So good. Super cute place with the seating in some ruins.  Headed towards Glencoe by way of a few things.  

First stop Eilean Donan Castle.  Really amazing. Rebuilt from ruins.  Originally from the 13th century and most recently rebuilt in the early 1900’s.  The docents were hilarious.  Not sure that’s what they are called.  One kind lady was stuck stemming the flow of traffic and Kirk said “what did you do to get this fine job?” and she said “I’ve been a bit wicked I suppose!”  Scottish wit is unparalleled!!!!  It’s also weird b/c castles and ruins are in spots where life happens like parking lots and a road not far from the castle but the castle itself is stunning. Kirk saw a sign that said “cctv” and said “don’t the kelpies and ghosts help monitor better than cctv?” LOL!!  Glad we stopped.  On the way out some very southern American ladies said “we have to stop at the water and dip our faces in it!”. Apparently you are young looking forever if you do this!!  

After a cool tour we headed towards the Harry Potter train, aka Glenfinnan Viaduct.  We realized the speed limits seem aspirational on the more open roads.  When it’s 60mph we rarely went over 50.  Not tha we would want to on a 2 lane road next to the water.  Anyway, while it would have been cool to see the train, we were late and it ended up being a bit more serene and peaceful.  There were thousands of people leaving and just a few of us heading up the trail.  Some wands and scarfs from different houses.  Cute.  Had plans for lunch but at 2:30 the place was full and had a 30 minute wait. We have run into this quite a bit.  Thinking this is more ‘shoulder season’ but it’s still quite busy.  Can’t imagine what it’s like in the summer.  Went to a local pub/restuarant and then walked up Neptune’s ladder.  A cool lock from the 1800’s that took 20+ years to build.  

Off to Glencoe!  Well we arrived a bit late for a major hike but I’m not sure our legs could have handled another big one.  Checked into our hotel.  It’s a bit, shall I say, sparse.  Full size bed, sink the size of a salad bowl and a 2x2 shower.  Not our usual digs.  🤪. Hikers inn.  

But we did a small hike in the surrounding woods.  Then beers/ wine and HAGGIS!  We tried the haggis!  Very good.  Can see why it’s loved here. Very hearty.  Also had some delicious soup, lentil and pea, and the most amazing hamburger.  Man the meat is just better here.  And the cheese!  We got some beers an a bottle of French Pinot ($28!).  A guy who looked a lot like Haley Joel Osmet asked us why we left California for this cold rainy weather!  But his beer recommendation was great.

Also there are so many pine trees. Douglas Firs.  I need to figure out the history of them on the island and Scotland itself.  

Not much rain today.  Kirk is missing the dogs.  The bar was fun and head great food  Kirk had a few beers and some whiskey and I got a bottle of wine. Did get a surprised look from a lady across from me who seemed to whisper to her husband about it  🙄

 Oh and the Haggis!!!