Academy Aviemore

Finally back at home. It's been 15 weeks and 12 countries (14 technically, but a stopover in Sydney and stepping on Zimbabwean soil whilst Bungy jumping don't count). There's been highs and low's throughout, but on the whole, the experience has been fantastic and completely and ...

... large slabs of styrofoam with wooden slats.... they really got into the spirit of it all - lots of theatrical dress as well - it was a hoot! We didn't see the duck race, but people bought tickets for a numbered plastic duck at one pound each, then they "raced" them somehow. I don't think they were remote-controlled like the one Chris is creating for the race in Brisbane this weekend. All the best for your little duck, Chrissa!

... to Invermoriston.  I'm sure it was worth it really!

Invermoriston sits on the junction of the main turn off for the Isle of Skye, and the road between Inverness and Fort William.  It's clearly got a bit of an issue on the food front as it's got plenty of good places to stay (and my B&B is no exception) but only one place (The Glenmoriston Arms Hotel) that serves food in the evenings! I have to go ...

... path would be a let down after the delights of the lochs and canals but actually as a start from Inverness it's quite a good introduction to the Great Glen and this section of The Highlands.  The outskirts of Inverness are quickly left behind and the path winds it way up through forests and moorland.  True, Loch Ness does remain hidden tantalisingly behind the forest for quite a bit of walk but from the several viewpoints along the way the views are stunning.
Drumnadrochit, Scotland, United Kingdom charlief

Spent yesterday walking through Scottish terrain. Unfortunately the weather wasn't sunny but it wasn't raining so since coming to the UK I have come to know that as 'a good day'. I have to admit it, but any day that doesn't rain I consider a good day of weather too. How quickly standards change..

Time has flown by here in Scotland. Back down to London tomorrow and off to India Wednesday. This is quite possibly the most boring blog entry ever, but the photos should at least be ok

... I come across some huge bilberries (blaeberries in Scotland) and collect a large bagful to enjoy later.  The sun is out in full strength this afternoon and it turns into a stunning day.  

The North Kessock stretch of the A9 into Inverness is long and the traffic relentless but at least the cycle path provides a safe distance from the road and eventually I reach Inverness Youth Hostel - source of washing machines ...

Well apparently time does wait for one man, and he's the train driver from London Kings Cross to Inverness. After our million hour train journey, we finally arrived into Inverness late last night.

I've not got a week of doing sweet f&ck all.... Can't say I'm disappointed. In fact it is a joy to know that your only actions are to eat, sleep and shower ...

Today we encountered a Heiland Coo Bull and his wife and baby. We approached cautiously to take photo's and immediately the bull moved towards us letting us know he was protecting his investments. Here are a couple photo's of this family.

We went to the top of the Caringorm Mountains (the 6th highest mountain in Britain). We took a funicular to the top and it was quite something, about 50 degrees at the top and quite windy.

Grantown-on-Spey, Scotland, United Kingdom zumwalt

... drive here was very beautiful. The Scottish countryside is amazing especially with all the heather. I am already getting mothered-missed breakfast as wasn't feeling that great and a lot of the older woman insisted the Tour Guide ring me to make sure I am OK. hehe. Very sweet. And the guys hassle me heaps. One is trying to set me up with his single son who is my age and I get teased endlessly. But they are all very sweet and fatherly. I get well looked after! :)

... it *nd there w*s * group of Germ*n tourists *t * t*ble. One of the guys we were with, M, (I won't s*y n*mes so to protect the innocent, or guilty, depending on how you look *t it) st*rted singing * Scottish folk song *nd then took * ch*ir *nd turned it upside down *nd pretended it w*s the b*gpipes! It w*s hil*rious! He w*s *lso m*king Armpit noises *nd clinking spoons together. He then proceeded to *nnounce th*t Suzi *nd I were from Americ* to the Germ*n ...