A long day, but we’re getting closer!

 

Up this morning around 6 am, and down for breakfast about 7.  R had some work to do, so we didn’t get on the road until about 9.  Theoretically, today we didn’t have as far to drive as yesterday, but as I wasn’t sure about the roads.  And, I was right!  Where yesterday, we were on the motorway almost the entire time, today, we were off the motorways almost all day.  It took about 6½ hours to get from Glasgow to Thurso, but we made it – we’re now poised on the north tip of Scotland to catch our Northlink ferry tomorrow morning to Stromness, Orkney.  

 

Our route today went north through Inverness, crossed a bridge, and north again.  We had beautiful sunny skies until we crossed into the Highlands at which point we picked up coastal clouds and fog.  We had traveled as far as Inverness years before, but I had forgotten how bleak and beautiful the mountains could be.  Robert took some beautiful photos, which I hope will show them off – but this part of Scotland – which most people never see or visit – truly does warrant a visit.  Unfortunately, at this point, I’m more than a bit exhausted from two heavy days of driving, so I thought I would let the photos do the talking, and I’d post and get off to bed!  So!

 

R's breakfast

My breakfast

Side road near Glasgow

Lots of sheep and lambs in the fields


Heading into the Highlands





The roads were desserted and stunning!

R got to see his daff's again!

In several languages

Rapeseed across the firth


Gorse, which I misidentified last night!



Our lovely hotel room

R's scallops

My prawn tempura

R's salmon

My Moby whale Haddock





Arrived in Castletown and the Greenland House B&B about 3:15 pm.  We weren’t scheduled for check-in until 4:30, but Victoria, the lovely hostess took pity on us, and invited us in early, for which we are profoundly thankful!  We have a lovely, spacious room on the first floor (#4).  Brought our things up, settled in, and I walked down the street to the Castletown Hotel to make a reservation for dinner.  They are full up tonight with a coach party, (translation:  bus tour) but they open at 5, and we were there first for dinner, so they were able to squeeze us in! 

 

So glad they did, as dinner was delicious!  R had their scallops on black pudding for starters, and I had their wonderful prawns tempura.  For mains, I ordered their fresh haddock (caught today in Scrabster) with chips, cooked two ways – half breaded and the other half battered.  Truly, I think they brought me Moby whale!  Rordered their fresh salmon with sauteed veggies and potatoes.  He loved it!  For sweets, I had their lemon meringue pie, and R a bowl of strawberries and vanilla ice cream.  Wow!  We also had a lovely bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.  All in all, a lovely meal!  Back to the hotel about 7 and now to post for the day!

 

Much love,

m

xxx

 

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