The Highlands!

Hello Friends!
I've had trouble finding internet lately. It's quite expensive! I'm only going to be able to give a brief update, and hopefully when I reach London I'll be able to give some more detail and pictures. I spent my second day in inverness on a random daytrip. It was raining so i decided to veto my hike which would have left me stranded for 8 hours till the next bus to take me back to town. Instead I decided to take a scenic train ride of the highlands. The country here is so beautiful. I spent the entire train ride staring out the window and didn't even notice as time flew by. The hills and mountains stand tall sometimes spotted with heather giving them a purple hue. The clouds hang low often concealing the peak of the mountains. There are lochs everywhere. Then spotting the countryside are sheep. I have never seen so many sheep in my entire life. And one thing I have discovered is that sheep are really cute. Seriously, i always assumed they were ugly, but no, sheep are quite fantastic. Another thing is they have long tails! I never knew this, and when the train goes by a pasture, about half of them will just run like crazy away from the tracks with their tails smacking them in the hindquarters in encouragement. I also love the highland cow. If you do not know what this is, it is the best looking cow ever. he has large horns on each side of his head, and is a shaggy creatures. His hair hangs long completely covering his face. I have no idea how they see anything. I want one.

I spontaneously decided to jump off at Dunrobin castle and it ended up being an enjoyable decision. The castle was not ruins like the others i have visited, but rather was a modern castle (Mer, Em, and B - There was a clock on it!!!). My favorite part was the garden in the back. There were hedges shaped in mazes, several fountains, and all sorts of flowers and greenery. I stayed and watched a falconry show which was pretty cool. I also want a falcon. I may come home with all sorts of wildlife. (You don't mind, right mom? :) )

My next destination was Isle of Skye, which I knew nothing about. I got there and found my hostel was in the tiniest town ever, Kyleakin. Exploring the town consisted of walking 5 minutes in one direction, and then back. But my hostel was fantastic. It really was a 200 year old cottage with three bunk beds crammed into a little room. Downstairs was a kitchen and a living room that reminded me of the tacky cottages that have embroidered pillows blankets and trinkets all over. it was very comfortable and homey, and being as everything closed down early, i found myself curled up on the couch with a good book for the evening.

The next day I went north on Skye to do a hike. In order to get there, I actually took a school bus with all the kiddies of skye. I transfered buses, and ended up meeting two guys on the way to the same destination so the three of us tackled the hike together. It was only about three hours and the views were amazing. The hike centered on these magnificent rock structures that were created by landslides of volcanic rock.

I felt bad that I had to leave Skye so soon, as there are so many beautiful areas I didn't even get to see. The Bus ride from my hostel took me by waterfalls, tall mountains peaking into clouds, and of course, the highland cow. I wanted to see more, but alas my journey is nearing and end and I had to check out this morning.

So I had to make a little change to my itinerary and have now found myself in Fort Williams, Scotland, only about 2 hours south of Skye. I just got here a little while ago and am just beginning to orient myself. My hostel is another nice cottage type hostel, and I may have my own room. There is a kitchen and living room downstairs for the other people in my hostel. I will be able to post again when I get to London. Miss you all! Be in touch soon!