Blogs from Inverness-shire, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe - page 57

Some welcome relief from the heat last night. I actually had to sleep under the covers. It was wonderfully cool for a change. A bonnie quiet wee towne is this Newtonmore. We treated ourselves to another hearty, traditional English breakfast in the hotel dining area. I'l never understand the baked beans and fried tomatoes the English and Scots have for breakfast but like Pavlov's dog, I realize that their smells mean bacon and eggs will also be served. As we got on the bus for the day's sightseeing (we would return to the same hotel at night), we actually had to wear jackets and sweatshirts in the early morning cool and dew. Once again the conversation in the front of the bus revolved around a bunch of PBS shows I never heard of, let alone actually ... read more

A nice hot shower before bed helped me cool off a bit so I slept well through the night. We enjoyed a rather sumptuous buffet breakfast at the hotel. We had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, broiled tomatos, cereals, oatmeal, orange and tomato juices and the ever-popular baked beans. In Italy and France I found most of the breakfasts pretty lacking while I've never gone wrong in Germany and Austria. It seems that in the UK it's hit or miss. One morning you'll have a huge buffet and the next you might get a stale roll and some Cheerios. But for the most part on this trip we got pretty decent breakfasts. Once again James was very willing to offer Gail a myriad of possible diversions from our appointed tour route. I swear if we did all ... read more

Rannoch Moor. The vast expanse of Britian's largest uninhabited wilderness surrounds me. I am all alone save for the peaks of the magnificent Scottish Highlands that can be seen in every direction. Its 4pm Saturday 24th June, I have been going since 1am this morning and am now walking, my legs rebelling against the brains command to run, my energy levels seem to have hit rock bottom despite forcing bananas, gels and sports drink down my throat. I stop and sit on a rock and contemplate the magnificent surroundings, at least I can enjoy that. It's more than 10km till the next checkpoint and after that another 45km to the finish. I recall the course map and remember that the biggest climbs are in the last 40km. It seems a long, long way away. Help is ... read more

Day 17 The reality that the adventure was nearly over was beginning to sink in and that after breakfast the work party would begin to fragment, as we were to take our different ways back to our homes on the mainland.Some of us were to tavel to Stornoway by bus to catch flights from the airport,whilst others picked up cars to take them on to the ferrys.The local feeder bus arrived at the youth hostel and farewells were said to those going by car.In Tarbert it became clear that the bus timetable at the hostel was "telling lies",as the bus to Stornoway would not arrive in time for me to catch the flight to Edinburgh.The ever resourceful Terry had a "cunning plan",hire a taxi ! a phone call and 5 minutes later Terry, Sue, Steve and ... read more

Day 15 This was to be our last full day on the island and with all work duties wrapped up, the day was to be used as we wished.I took off after breakfast ascending the road and on to Craig Mor,my intention was to walk over Mullach Bi and make tracks towards The Cambir.However this plan had to be revised when being attacked by very aggresive Bonxies, I beat a hasty retreat,on this occasion discretion being the better part of valour!! I then spent a very leisurely few hours making my way to Ruiaval frequently stopping to admire the birds in flight and watch the pounding sea below.On this walk I noticed in some of the cleits had nesting boxes placed in them.These had been put out by Sarah the seabird and marine ranger in hope ... read more