2:27 pm
I’m writing this from the majestic shore of Loch an Eilan, a 13th century castle ruin just a stone’s throw away. Unfortunately, it’s not accessible. It was raining when I left Aviemore this morning, but now the sun is shining and the clouds are clearing. I can see the blue Highland sky. The hills around me are all awash with rain, and so brown. A few more days like this and they are bound to explode into fiery purpleness.
What a bonnie, wee castle it is! I’m so jealous of the birds that come and go from it as they please. It is overrun by trees and bushes; I have a view of the ‘front door’ into the courtyard, but it is blocked by foliage. The ground here is boggy, boot sucking, cranberry jelly slurping out of a can boggy. I’ll have to do more laundry tonight ! Well, it’s a long way back to Aviemore, so I’ll be going.
Oh, the Highlands are bonnie, bonnie indeed!
6:55
What a great day! I really felt up to par, not sickish at all. I had a refreshing 11-hour night (9-8 AM !) and then that delightful walk. Sure enough, Loch an Eilan means the island in the lake. Tomorrow, I’m on to Inverness. I’ve made an important decision. It’s obvious that I won’t see everything I want to see on this trip. So, I’ve decided to see only what I’d want to see if this was my only trip to Scotland, ever. The Orkneys (Skara Brae) and Skye aren’t on that list. I will spend 2 days in Skye, but the Wallacey and Brucey ‘stuff’ is more important. So? I’ll definitely get to Edinburgh for the 27th. Maybe earlier. After, I’ll see the W’y and B’y stuff I’ve missed. After I’ll see Aberdeen, St. Andrews, and Dundee. Then, the south. If, and only if, I’ve got a few days left (and cash) I’ll go back up to Orkney. This schedule saddens me a little, but it’s one I can definitely live with. I’ll regret missing Kildrummy more than Skara Brae, that’s for sure. Oh, and there’s Turnberry, too!
I can’t believe it’s already the 16th! I’m starting to feel the clock ticking. I’m getting to Inverness a little late tomorrow (around 3:00 pm), but Thursday I’ll try to get both CAWDOR CASTLE and CULLODEN in. Now this is what I came to Scotland for! I must admit I’m getting antsy for Stirling, Bannockburn, and even Falkirk. I might have missed the Stirling Battle anniversary, but I’m right on time (!) for the Falkirk one. Supposedly, there’s some ‘stuff’ going on to commemorate the battle. Personally, I’d rather forget it! No, that’s not true, and I find it extremely sad that Wallace was essentially disgraced after losing this battle. Hello? You win some, you lose some.
I’ll think I’ll ‘go out’ tonight. There’s a movie on at 8:15. Sure, it’s an American flick, but, as (my mother) suggests, it would be interesting to compare Canadian/American cinemas with British cinemas. Besides, it’s only £3.
I had a fine dinner tonight: soup with cheese, the chewiest and most delicious bagel I’ve ever eaten, milk and a Dutchie-like pastry that’s less greasy and more yummy! I’ll never be able to eat a Dutchie again and think it’s delicious! I’m tired, but not going to bed early tired. Yup, I’m going out. I’ll be back a little late, but I can’t imagine getting lost in Aviemore, there have to be more rabbits and slugs than people in this crummy joint. I agree totally with The Rough Guide (my slightly outdated, but still amazing guidebook). Aviemore isn’t great, but it’s surrounded by great walking country.
Speaking of which, I don’t think I could have made it to the lake without a map and compass. Coming back was easier, but I missed my turnoff and had to backtrack. I was walking through heather moorland, just like I’ve always dreamed, climbing over fences and jumping burns. I think this ‘flat level’ walk did me a ton of good. Yep, I think I’ll be ready for Ben Nevis! (at least I hope; in the papers yesterday there was an article about a man who fell off the mountain and died. Thanks for the encouragement!) That’s one thing I’d regret not doing.
… (more rambling about plans)
9:46 pm
I didn’t make it to the movie, finally. I found the building, it was run down, creepy, and empty. I wasn’t desperate enough to brave the ‘entrance’ and go towards the sound of 2 voices. Instead, I had a lovely walk to the edge of town. When I got back here, I settled down with a newspaper and a Kit Kat and tea I’d bought. Then, I planned my stay in Inverness. I’ll ‘wander’ around town tomorrow. I should be able to do both Culloden and Cawdor on Thursday, they’re on the same bus route.
‘My heart’s in the Highlands
My heart is not here
My heart’s in the Highlands
A chasing the deer
Chasing the deer
And following the roe
My heart’s in the Highlands
Wherever I go.
… (Burns)’