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It's official: we are starting to blend in. We were walking through downtown Portree on the Isle of Skye and some guy on the street needed help and asked if we were locals. Plus, at dinner tonight we weren't engaging in conversations with our neighbors because we were surrounded by strange languages. But when the guy at the next table went to use the WC, I asked his girlfriend if they were on Holiday. They are on holiday and are from the Netherlands. She asked if we were from Skye! And that was after I opened my mouth! We have been gone over a week and we have become so European, and we still have almost a week left!
We started the day with a drive to a new hiking spot: The Fairy Pools Hike. I have totally acclimated to the 1 lane / 2-way traffic roads. Driving them like a pro. Plus, you don't give a full wave when you drive by someone that has pulled over for you. You don't take your hand off the steering wheel, but lift a couple of fingers in acknowledgement. That is what the cool kids do.
The Fairy Pools hike has
a large pay parking lot with a parking attendant. The Midges descended today. The parking attendants looked miserable. They were fully covered and had netting over the faces tucked into their collars. I could see why. They were surrounded by buzzing insects. Crap--we forgot to check the midge report. We covered up as best we could and put on some repellent. It's kind of creepy. You actually rub in on your face-gross me out.
The hike was all uphill of course, but it was amazing. Hike through the sheep fields to various waterfalls and pools. I posted quite a few videos on Facebook because it was so pretty and have a lot of pictures somewhere in the blog. We have always loved rocky running water - we love it in Colorado and it was very cool here. There was a lot of mist/fog lingering in the hills this morning so it seemed very mystical. One of the waterfalls/pools we hiked to was a little off the beaten path and we were the only ones there for a while. If Gary had been with us, I am sure he would have jumped in the water. It had the feeling of
an isolated grove. When we hiked higher to the main pools there was one couple that was swimming in one of the pools. Brrrr.
After the hike we tried to go to the local distillery for a tour, but it was packed. Couldn't even find a parking spot. So we moved on to Dunvegan Castle which was totally worth the drive. This has been the home of the Macleod Clan for 800 years. It's not a ruin, but a real castle that is still lived in. They let you go through about 10 rooms that are beautifully furnished with lots of artifacts and history on display. They also have an extensive garden to tour, but I wanted to get back to the B&B for a call at 2 pm, so we skipped the gardens and headed back. You guys know how much we love flowers. I took a couple of flower pictures for the flower fans. Don't ask me what they are.
Back to our favorite spot for dinner. This time I had the burger and Dot had the salmon again. She also tried the Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Dot: I think this is an Ash family favorite. I Top of one of the hikes
This the start of the waterfall, spilling into a beautifully secluded pool. There was no one else around. It was magical. ate it in their honor. Yummy. Pictures are below.
Tomorrow we leave the Isle of Skye and head back to the mainland. We will be traveling via the Car Ferry instead of driving over the bridge. Should be interesting. Heading for Fort William.
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Marilyn P Ash
non-member comment
dorks
You do look like dorks! It's hard to believe you were mistaken for locals! The scenery is gorgeous! This castle looks more normal than the last one with weapons and antlers.