Day 7: Ben Nevis
It was now time to head to the water. This first meant heading up - up a mountain that is.
Our first stop of the day was Ben Nevis. Luckily, we had great weather! We made a couple little stops on the drive, including at a WW2 memorial, where we got a glimpse of the Ben Nevis peak - Helen said it was a rare day that this happened. |
We then took a gondola up to Aonach Mor at the Nevis Range Experience to get some nice mountain views. Here we all shared a wee dram and then had a little free time for a hike and lunch at the cafe.
Day 7: Glencoe
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Following our trip up the mountain, we drove through Glencoe. This beautiful valley hides a painful past. In 1692, the British came to the valley and were put up for twelve days by the MacDonalds.
On February 13th, the soldiers were ordered to kill the hosts - killing thirty-eight men outright. Hundreds more escaped, fleeing into the valley. Unfortunately, about 40 additional villagers, mostly women and children perished in the flight as there was a blizzard. Despite the tragic history, the area is quite beautiful. |
Day 7: Staying in Oban
We made it to Oban. Our group was split between two B&B's. They were right next door to each other. We were free for the evening.
Sean and I went to check out the town. Most of the little village was closed by the time we arrived. We did visit the Oban Distillery and were able to make reservations for a tour the next day after we were scheduled to get back from Mull and Iona. We then had some whisky in their bar before heading to dinner.
You can click the pictures below to enlarge.
Sean and I went to check out the town. Most of the little village was closed by the time we arrived. We did visit the Oban Distillery and were able to make reservations for a tour the next day after we were scheduled to get back from Mull and Iona. We then had some whisky in their bar before heading to dinner.
You can click the pictures below to enlarge.
Favorite of the Day"United We Conquer"
The monument to the men of the commandos that died during World War II was lovely. I took this picture as the clouds moved across the sun with the soldiers standing, still ready for battle. I am grateful for all the men and women that have fought for freedom over the years and honor those that have given the ultimate sacrifice. |
Day 8: Mull
Oh, our day in the islands.
This day did not go according to plan. Even from the beginning - when we had to change plans before we even had plans. There were some issues with the ferries, so we had to leave on an earlier ferry. Thankfully, our B&B hosts made an early breakfast for us since this meant that we had more time on Mull in the morning. Our bus driver on Mull, came up with a suggestion that we visit a local weaver, where they make their own wool and have their own little shop. This was a very nice little detour. |
We then went on to Iona on the scheduled ferry from Mull. We enjoyed the Abbey at Iona where the Book of Kells was created. After the Abbey, we were free for lunch.
Here is where a bit of trouble began. Our ferry back from Iona to Mull was late. This caused us not to have time to stop and get some pictures of hairy coos. This was super disappointing for me, as I was trying to find a way to cownap a baby Highland Cow and take it home to my mother. |
Then, after just making our ferry from Mull to The Mainland, it was late to depart. This put us in a bit of danger of missing our reservation for the distillery. Of course, it wouldn't have been the worst thing - just annoying since the tickets were non-refundable. To top it all off, Helen decided to surprise us with some seafood platters from the Green Hut at the pier, but since we were thirty minutes late, Sean and I could not stay and enjoy them with the group and make our reservations. I was just disappointed, cause I love seafood! (Sean did not care, cause he does not unless it is fried.) At the end of the day, we made our reservations and had a good time.
The trip to Mull and Iona was wonderful, just a bit hectic of a day.
The trip to Mull and Iona was wonderful, just a bit hectic of a day.
Day 8: Iona
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Here are the pictures from Iona. When we arrived on the ferry, we did see some dolphins swimming in the harbor. I managed to get a picture of them...kinda.
We did also get to see two Highland bulls on the walk to the Abbey. You can tell males from females by their horns. Males typically have level horns that stick out sideways. Females have horns that curl up. Of course, there are other ways to tell too, but the horns don't require you to look too closely. The Abbey was one of my favorite visits from the trip. The Abbey marks where Christianity first arrived in Scotland with St Columba in 563. It is a very peaceful place. |
Day 7: Evening in Oban
Our tour of the Oban Distillery was my favorite of our Whisky related activities. Our guide was quite interesting and we were lucky to see a lot of the equipment in action.
All of the Oban Whiskies are made at this one distillery. We were able to sample three whiskies - the 14 year, the Little Bay, and the Distiller's Edition. |
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