HIGHLAND THOUGHTS

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Some final thoughts on our trip. While the scenery might have been better in the sun, still the drizzle and mists are what I think of when I think of Scotland. Since it was lambing season, we say lots of black faced babies gamboling in the meadow, the ewes grazing or both just taking a little lie down. We say highland cattle, horses with blankets on and some without, gulls and oyster catchers and ring-necked pheasant and a group of bunnies nibbling the grass.



All the hotels were fine except for the one at Oban. Although Mike tried to lower our expectations, still even he was distressed at how far down it had gone. It is a old hotel on the historic registry which means that repairs and upgrades have to be approved and that is a long process. I'm thinking that it is on the brink of bankruptcy. The overhead light in our room was out, the toilet was temperamental and flushing was a process, and the view was a dump, literally. It was mating time for the pigeons that roosted in the abandoned buildings and one male insisted on using our window sill as his mating perch. The worst was our breakfast. Laura's coffee cup had lipstick on it, mine had the coffee ring from the previous user and when I went to switch with another table, that cup had lipstick on it too. The staff was unfriendly. Maybe they know there days of employment are ending.



The daffodils were in bloom and there was some gorse to see but the heather will not be out until mid summer.



It was a challenge at time to understand the burr but our guides and Alistair were fine most of the time. Alistair in particular was patient with our questions and worked with Mike to add attractions that rounded out our understanding of the county.



For those who care, a firth is an estuary with access to the sea while a loch is a lake, though some lochs are tidal lochs and also have access to the sea. Huh?



Haggis is a traditional all in one meal that once used all parts of the animal. And I mean all parts, ground up and mixed with oatmeal and stored in the stomach of the sheep. It could be carried out on a journey for a meal on the road. Today, it consists of ground lamb with oatmeal and herbs and spices. Usually it is served with turnips and potatoes, neeps and tatties and its really not bad.



The highlands are just that and to see the snow covered peaks reminded me of pictures of Switzerland. I never knew Scotland had a ski resort.



This is an interesting and beautiful country, rich in tradition and history. I probably would have enjoyed it more if my knee was in better shape, if I were in better shape. I would have liked more time to explore Edinburgh and see the museum. Maybe someday!

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