Saturday, June 7, 2008

Scottish Highlands


What a beautiful part of the world, the Scottish Highlands. Massive, rugged cliffs spotted with sheep, some snow on the higher peaks, beautiful green foliage, and wonderful people. We have had a wonderful time touring the Western sections of Scotland.



Friday, we left Larbert on our way to Oban and Glencoe. On the way we past Loch Lomond "our first stop." I use "first" very loosely, because I tend to "stop" quite often to take some photos. From there we traveled on to Oban. Oban is a fishing village that has a beautiful harbor. The weather was a little chilly, but bearable. Emilee, Aimee and I sat on the harbor wall and had our fish and chips. Very good. After Oban was onto Glencoe. We did a walking tour around the vistor's center with a park guide who was very informative about the area.


Friday evening we stayed at the Loch Leven Hotel, peaceful and picturesque. Loch Leven Hotel is located in the town of Ballachulish. As you would imagine, located on the banks of Lock Leven, a gorgious walking path follows the lock back into the coves. Lucious foilage is everywhere. At dinner, we had a difficult time understanding the menu and what we could order. The Hungarian staff were not very helpful either. Not that they didn't want to be helpful, but it almost appeared they didn't know anymore than we did about the menu. Lovely meal though, once it was received. Most of the students walked part of the trail that evening. Saturday, we woke to a great breakfast and then began our second leg of the journey.


Saturday we made our way through the Highlands seeing some magnificant scenery. The mountains are rugged and steep. It's as though if you hiked to the summit, you would be able to see the whole world at your feet. Quite amazing and awesome. One of our stops was to see the Inveraray Castle. Nesteled in the woods, the current home to the Prince and Dutchess of Wales appears to be a castle one might see at Disney World.


From the castle, we traveled past the Kilchurn Castle. A mighty fortress located about 400 yards from the road. We were unable to stop, but had a great viewpoint for photographs.

One of my favorite Kirks in Scotland is the St. Conan's Kirk. Hidden just off of the road sits an old stately building that beckons reverence upon entrance. Quiet, dimly lit, one can sense the presence of God. I don't know why, but the building encourages you to take a seat in one of the wooden pews and pause to worship God.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Let's see now. I have known Mike for nearly 20 years. He is the brother I never had and I love him dearly. However, did he give me so much as a sorry text message that he was leaving the country, have I received a single email...NO I say, no not one! My advice is to stay clear of this individual as he is quite the shady character and if you must, approach with great caution.

Mike and Emilee said...

Well, my brother, I did tell you I was leaving the country. And I also sent you an email while here or you would not have known about this blog. So I believe it is you, my brother, who is the "shady" character. By the way, how are the wife and the kids?