Ben Nevis and other mountains

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Started off the day with lots of fog in Kyleakin. Apparently, the Isle of Skye is nicknamed the Misty Island. This was the first fog we had seen and man, you couldn't even see the boats 10 feet away. So, we headed off for our second run up the nearby hills (Nigel had two fewer heart-attacks, an improvement over the first hill climb!) and sadly, the view was nothing but fog. Too bad cuz we didn't have the camera the first time we were up there and discovered the fantastic views! Anyways.....after another lovely breakfast served up by Gillian, we signed her guest book, said our goodbyes and headed off. We were in no hurry to get back so we made lots of stops for photo ops, short hikes, and a quick stop for sandwiches for lunch.

Early on we drove by the Eilean Donan castle and got some pics. Continuing on, we were really impressed by the five sisters which is a string of five peaks in the Kintail Park region. Had to stop to take photos and soak up the scenery. There were sone guys mowing the roadside flowers (buttercups maybe?) and the air was filled with what smelled like perfume. It was quite special. We did travel very briefly along a short stretch of road along Loch Lochy (which we had traveled on Monday morning on our way up north). Besides that short stretch, we drove all new roads which gave us lots to look at. We stopped for lunch in Fort William which is famous for being right at the base of Ben Nevis which I believe is the highest peak in Scotland. For very large things in Scotland, like mountains, they call it a "ben." So after all the haggis, scotch, and fried fish Nigel's been eating, we might start calling him Ben Nigel.

Fort William was bustling so we ate and then walked the high street (main street) looking in the shops. By the way, yet another sunny day, and in fact we all wished we had shorts to wear as it actually got quite warm. We continued on through the Ben Nevis an Glen Coe park mountains which was spectacular. We eventually came to Loch Lomond and drove along the western side of the loch. We didn't stop though as we will be back this way later on for some highland games. At the bottom of Loch Lomond, we headed east again, towards Stirling and back to Balerno. We were really lucky to have all the sunshine today as it really made the mountains shine.

I won't post a lot of photos today since they are mostly scenery....Don't forget to send a comment or a message!!! It's always nice to hear from our friends back home!

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Photos

Eilean Donan Castle
In the fog, it looks cool!

Five sisters
I almost don't like to post this picture since a photo will never capture how beautiful it was....

Comments

[Ben Nigel]

Nobody comments
Seeing Loch Lochy was lucky!

[Mom Coleman]

FUN !!!!!!
I guess you probably know this is my Art Show week but even if I don\'t reply I still do read you blog every day and have a good laugh with your great sense of humour and enjoy all the pictures . I think you do a great job of seeing all these interesting places when you take your trips and I know a lot of work goes into it but you are all having such a good time it has paid off ......Have Fun !!!!!!!

[Jason]

I'm so jealous
Wow - I love the pictures of the scenery. It sounds like you guys are having a super trip. Your descriptions are wonderful, keep them coming! Jason

[Dad "C"]

We're Trackin' Ya
Hi Sweet People....................I'm so happy that you're having a wonderful trip and that the weather, although cool, has been generally favourable.............the Blogs from Rachie are treasures ! .....I've tracked in Google Earth every location that you have visited to date...........street views everywhere !!..............I've covered virtually everywhere in Scotland and most of the outer islands (driving the roads)..............one can easily get addicted to this Google Earth...................the boat trip sounded like a wonderful, memorable excursion................the stage is all set here for Rachie & Russell's Highland Fling wearing their kilts........apart from the Street Views in Google Earth, the aerial views are spectacular...........viewing castles, bridges and everything else from above.........I have noted very few if any trees on the hills (like in California).......very interesting geography........quite different to our Almaguin Highlands where trees grow right out of the rock everywhere........the location details that you have provided us are very much appreciated in the context of Google Earth tracking................Love Dad

[mother]

Hi
So here I am getting back to you so you do not feel so lonely out there in the wilds of Scotland on a wonderful holiday. We surely love to read your blog each day. And Nigel, you will not be able to have your surgery if your name becomes Ben Nigel.

[Wendy Nieuwendyk]

Hi Lori and family - I enjoy reading your blog everyday - it sounds like a beautiful country and you guys are having a great time. I think everyone here would enjoy the fog and drizzle in Scotland as it has been scortching hot at home. Enjoy the rest of your vacation - looking forward to reading all the bogs when I return from mine.

[Jane]

Ben Nevis
Ben will be thrilled to know the meaning of his name! But then would he be "Ben Ben"?