Tuesday, September 16, 2014 - The Scotland Saga

Rousting about the room at 7:00. The shower in this room is easily the least useful so far.  Barely any water pressure. The toilet needs at least 7 minutes after a flush to refill the tank, due to the water pressure.  But all is accomplished and we are down to breakfast at 8:30.  Glenda and Jeff had already been out for a morning walk and Jeff was in the dining room and claimed a table for four.  This may not have been the greatest idea, as the wait staff then ignored us until well after 9:00.  Our order was finally noted, and more coffee requested. The food was good, but slow to arrive. We were the last out of the dining room at close to 10:15.

Into the chariot and off on another wonderful day. We traveled down the coast of Isle of Skye to the small village of Armadale where we caught the ferry back to the mainland.  The ferry ride was £42.50 and lasted about 30 minutes.  The pottery store adjacent to the ferry landing provided a last opportunity to boost the economy of Skye.  The pottery here was pure art, and the artist in residence was proud of her work (£££.) As it was a cash only store, we were constrained in our purchases.

Upon arrival back at the mainland, we traveled through some of the most stunning country yet encountered.  Our first stop was at the sight of the beginning and end of the Jacobite revolution - the point at which Bonnie Prince Charlie set foot back on Scotland's shore in his attempt to reclaim the crown, and the point at which he escaped following his army's defeat.

We stopped at Glenfinnan heritage center for a hike up the hill and a viewing of the monuments and the elevated railway bridge over the valley.  This bridge was used in the Harry Potter films depicting the train to the Wizards school crossing a wooded valley.

On then to Ft. Williams, at the southern end of the lochs canals.  This port city was larger than expected.  We parked and walked High Street in search of a lunch and settled in Cafe 115, a Rick Steve's recommendation.  Rick was wrong! Over priced sandwiches, a skink soup that was acceptable, but good wine.

After lunch we walked the street to the Tesco Grocery store and stocked up on provisions for the next few days.  Then on to our final resting spot of the day, Oban. This charming city is a walkers and shoppers delight.  We took a short stroll after our evening glass of wine in our rooms.  Then on to dinner at a recommended sea food restaurant on the pier.  We had a wonderful dinner of mussels, scallops and a seafood penne.  Dessert and a cheese plate to finish.

Back to our rooms around 9:15 and settled in after another day of stunning weather (a few sprinkles in the morning then  partly clouded for the balance of the day.)