I slept quite long and well. We packed up our things and headed to the Isle of Skye.
Some of the most perfect views outside of our Airbnb.
We saw a sign for a dairy stand so we turned around. They had a vending machine for yogurt and drinks; and an honor system for bread, ice cream, and other goods.
Mom’s dream of seeing heather in bloom was real first thing in the morning.
I thought Glen Affric was on our route to the top of the Isle but in fact we had to backtrack a piece. We stopped at a few of the car parks to enjoy the view. When we got to Glen Affric, there was service so I mapped out all of our future destinations.
Bog Cotton Cafe served us traditional Scottish breakfast.
There was a room with handmade goods but only cash was accepted. Dad asked if the owner takes American cash and he lit up. He ran to his home to grab the other US dollars that he had for change. He was so pleased with the one hundred dollar bill, so he can use it when he goes to America.
His father was there while we waited. Mom asked him if we could buy the cute honey pitcher and he told us that his son is the boss. He just works part time and is a postie year round. (Also, he in fact didn’t have enough honey pitchers to spare).
Honestly, before breakfast I was getting impatient and cranky. Hanger is real, pal.
After lunch we turned onto a different road that actually had two lanes.
Dad needed a power nap so another cafe got our business. This Welsh soda was peak but the Posh Chocolate was very unsweet in a bitter way.
I keep forgetting to be thankful for the sunshine because we haven’t had a full day of rain yet. I’m wearing my wellies because the trails are quite muddy.
Scotland is known for its highland cows and rain, but both are rare where we are.
There are so many spots to stop and just stare at the majestic mountains. It is true what they say about them being way bigger in real life.
We stopped in Broadford to find a toilet. The charity shop’s was broken, but a lady directed me to another. I found a plate that will be perfect to serve sticky toffee.
By now it was 15:00 and we hadn’t made it to our destination. I agree with Caroline, the best part about the trip is the journey.
We’re a bit cheap at the Fairy Glen; dad just drove slowly down the road while we ran up and down the hills.
Quairing is quite possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. We walked up the trail enough to get flushed cheeks.
The narrow road isn’t all bad, it allows for stops at passing places & photos.
While it didn’t rain on us much, the mud exists.
I had Kilt Rock as one of our destinations, but I forgot about it when we decided to hike the Storr. Mom saw the sign and I’m so glad we stopped.
We decided to commit at the Storr and see everything we could before 7:00.
I want to spend a lifetime here, not just a day.
I just decided to take the easier trail of the hike. Grant and my parents took other routes.
Every time I needed motivation, I just looked down and saw how far I came. It was quite windy and rained when we started out, so I only have phone photos.
At one point I thought I was gonna give up and then I saw a sheep grazing, and it made me smile so I kept going. Whether it was being inside a car most of the day, the clear air, or the beauty; I began to think I like hiking. I suppose being alone let me enjoy the moments or take rests whenever I wanted.
I was sad to not experience the beauty with someone, so I FaceTimed Michelle. She was mostly frozen but I hope she saw a little.
The moon rising took my breath away. Or was it the steep climb?
I wonder if little sustenance is a bad as little sleep, because I had probably had 20 grams of protein up to this point. I only felt a little faint. Lots of breathing in through my nose and out my mouth 😂. I think I would’ve died without my giant water bottle.
I tried to pet this sheep, with no success. I just must hug one before I leave.
As I neared what I thought was the peak, Grant called me and he was already at the car. It was 6:55. My error was absorbing the view instead of the time. I loaded Google Maps and realized I was indeed not on a loop. At some point I saw an older gentleman in a newsboy and trench coat. He said, “Miracle around every bend, right?” I was rushing but slowed down when I got to him. He asked if I’d walk with him so if one falls another is there. I thought it may be a good idea because it was darker each second, and I’d slipped a few times. We discussed people these days, Scottish slang, family, authors, travel, art, and our Creator. He has traveled a lot and even through Bangor on one of his visits to California.
He had driven (and used ferries) from his home in Denmark, just enjoying Europe. He left his car lights on accidentally, and was a bit worried about it losing battery. When we reached our car he said, “I hope you don’t a scolding for your late arrival.” (It was 7:35, or 19:35). I showed him pictures of Idaho and he told me I should be so grateful to live in such a beautiful place. He’s not wrong ❤️
I introduced him to my family and he talked a little more. Of course I got him to sign my journal. And as far as I know he’s on his way to lodging.
In the car I made a formal apology for my tardiness and carelessness. Deep down I’m so glad I met Soren, and made it to the Old Man of Storr.
We drove to Portree to find supper and ended up at The Lower Deck. Everything I thought a pub on the harbor would be. When I ordered tea and water, our funny waiter said that he’d never heard those being ordered together.
They served a delicious sea bass and exemplary potatoes.
He caught on that I was obsessed with Sticky Toffee (said my tail was wagging!) and asked how I liked it. I gave him a “good.” Because yesterday it was stickier and just better.
I fear as amateur travel planner, I over planned today. But we saw a lot and I’d like to think we took in the moments and breathed.
Tonight’s Airbnb is by the sea and decorated in shades of green. Perfection.
May we never lose the wonder of His presence ❤️
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