Guest blogger
Well, we are 5 days in to our glorious tour of Scotland. Arriving in Edinburgh under overcast skies, we made our way to our hotel, which was approximately the size of a closet, but perfectly situated for walking into the city center. Our bus tour of Edinburgh was perfect for jet lagged travelers, as Tracey took advantage of the tour guide's lovely brogue which lulled her to sleep- sitting up! She remembers a few key historical concepts, and how to avoid being hit by a fast moving bus by looking to the right. Museums, cemeteries, and castles were the featured events.
After picking up our car at the airport, we gingerly eased our way on to the M9. I drove, trying to keep Tracey from having a nervous breakdown by avoiding the curbs, parked cars, and the center line. After striking fear into the hearts of 2 pedestrians, getting lost in Stirling, and driving for what seemed like hours into the countryside, we arrived at Ford House, an 1849 guesthouse, which was in process of renovation.
It was so quiet after the busy city. The one lane roads were a bit daunting, but we managed to make it to Kilmartin, and the large stone cairns dating back 5000 years. Tracey was in heaven, learning about the earliest settlers of the area.
Leaving the fields and cairns, we embarked towards the Isle of Skye. From Loch Lomond to Oban to Fort William, through the incredible scenery of the mountains, across the Skye Bridge, and on into Portree and the Balloch Bed and Breakfast.
This little town is full of buses of tourists, but we decided to take a small tour with someone else driving. Kathleen, a former nurse and school bus driver now owns her own tour company.
Expertly navigating over single track roads, around sheep and other vehicles, it was much easier to take photos out the windows and at certain spots. Waterfalls, green fields, rocks. Blue, blue water. White sheep and lots of cows. The roses and honeysuckle smell heavenly. A fresh sea breeze is keeping us cool and comfortable. Tonight to a castle and a picnic dinner...
Tracey is greatly enjoying her trip abroad. Soaking in all the sights, making new friends, and laughing til her stomach hurts. No standing stones yet but history galore. Ice cream daily and shopping in the small stores is a requirement. More updates to come from both of us!!
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