K...so I've been a bit busy...

Alright. I was going to forego the Scotland post, as it has been now a month since I got back. But then I was looking at my pictures and remembering how fantastic Scotland is, and figured, maybe a few of you might like to see some more pics. I will pretty much just go in the order we drove around the country. For those of you like me, and my mother and father, now is the time to get the map and highlighter out. For the rest of you, just hope you enjoy the pics. Scotland is a truly beautifully diverse place where the scenery changed around each corner.

Edinburgh
I met Mark on the Sat. in the country's capital. It is a lovely city with many old buildings, lovely pubs, and tons to see. Bryan met up with us on the Sun and we picked up the car and headed out on our adventure.

Edinburgh from Edinburgh castle

Castle at night

The day we got there was a demonstration day for the Scottish government, protesting London's control over Scotland, and lobbying for Scottish independence.


Stirling
We left Edinburg and headed towards Stirling, by way of Linlithgow palace (birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots).

Although our campsite was beside beautiful hills, and had a great view of the William Wallace monument, we woke up to a thick layer of frost on our car, on the grass, and on the tent.

Our gourmet breakfast started early b/c it was too cold to sleep any longer. We got this great salami and ate it every day all day, and decided to add it to our scrambled eggs. Mmmm delicious salami.

Bryan and I pretending to be the Stuarts, who resided in the Stirling castle/palace for many years from the 14th to the 16th centuries.

The drive from Sirling towards Oban was one of the best bits of driving on the trip. We followed the South and West shores of Loch Lomond, reached Oban, and barely made the last ferry over to the Isle of Mull.

I have no clue where this picture was taken.

Rest and be Thankful.

No really, this place is called Rest and be Thankful. We did both.

Mull
Mull is one of the most beautilful places I've ever seen. A popular hiking destination, we met other backpackers, and hikers, along with one lane, narrow dirt roads.

On the ferry from Oban to Mull

The best campsite ever. Overlooking the water, the sunset, the mountains....

And a bit windy in the morning would be a bit of an understatement.

View of Duart castle while driving across Mull to Iona.

Mark and I at Duart castle.

Iona
Iona is a tiny island at the tip of the Isle of Mull. It is said that many of the Kings of Scotland were burried here, but we asked and noone knew where. It is where St. Columba landed from Ireland, in hopes of converting Scotland.
This man was there at about 11 in the morning and was still perfecting his work at about 2 in the afternoon.

Iona Abbey

St. Martin's Cross at the Abbey...dating back to the 8th century.

From Iona looking out at the nearby islands.

Iona as you step off the ferry from Mull.

On the ferry back to Mull. Bryan drinking out of his favourite cup.

From Mull we drove to and thru Fort William. Again, another beautiful drive. We stayed at a place called Laggan, near Loch Lochy.
A stranded castle somewhere between Oban and Ft. William.

A good view of Ben Nevis - Scotland's highest peak.

Stopping on our way to Laggan for a quick spaghetti dinner cooked on our trusty camp stove, a few games of cards, and watching the sun set over Ben Nevis.

After Laggan, we set out toward the isle of skye and went north-east in search of Eileen Donan castle. A worthwhile detour.
A perfectly still morning as we headed out.

My treat for the boys. A full Scottish.

Eileen Donan castle.

Looking out from the castle.


We continued on, that same day to reach Inverness in time for Bryan to catch a bus up to Orkney, and for us to crash in Inverness for the night. We took the scenic drive along Loch Ness. It was much less busy than the main route, but also meant dealing with potholes, narrow roads, and pullling over every half mile to let someone pass.

Looking towards Loch Ness which is hidden from view behind the hills.

After pretty much doing nothing in Inverness, Mark and I continued on east toward Port Soy, an old favourite place of our family. We decided to just see what showed up on the map and the road signs and managed to find an old ruined abbey, and old ruined castle, and a new distillery in Kieth.
Kinloss Abbey

Duffus Castle. That's right..Duffus.

Looking out from Port Soy.

Our lovely view from the campsite at Sandend, near Port Soy.

Bessie, the highland cow.


Old Deer
We made a point to stop and say hi to old friends in the only place that Mark and I actually had real memories of from Scotland. We visited Deer Abbey, and had lunch with the Thoms, then drove via Aberdeen to the Cairngorm Mountains where we stayed overnight in Braemar.
At Deer Abbey.


A few minutes from the Abbey, is the Thoms' house.


We carried on in the morning to St. Andrews where we once again met up with Bryan for a bit before we went to the airport to have one last Scottish meal, and then to say our good-byes. Wow, we did so much. It was crazy driving, seeing a crazy amount of places, but sooo worth it.

Thank you for sticking with what may be classified as one of the longest blog posts ever. Keep commenting and dropping me an email. I miss home tons, and can't wait to see everyone!
Rachel