The Isle of Skye's the Limit
Trip Start
Jun 20, 2008
1
21
24
Trip End
Jul 13, 2008
Plockton, Scotland, United Kingdom
Thursday, July 10, 2008
I reached Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich at about 11 AM. It truly is a photographer's wet dream and worthy of its popularity with tourists. The light wasn't optimal, but I shot like a stereotypical Japanese tourist, but on amphetamines. Snap crackle pop! Soon after the castle, I crossed the Skye Bridge in Kyle of Lochalsh onto the Isle of Skye. I took the coastal road all the way up to the northernmost part of the island, around the Trotternish peninsula,driving through Broadside and Portree along the way. Portree, in particular, had a quaint, colourful harbour. The row of pastel cottages along its harbour road reminded me of a pack of fruit Mentos. Picturesque and practically edible!
The road that took me north of Portree passed the famous pinnacles, called the "The Old Man of Storr", as seen in many postcards. Further north, I stopped and walked out to the ruins of the Duntulm Castle (James V visited this castle in 1540) and also stopped and photographed some intimidating cliffs, particularly noteworthy of these was "Kilt Rock". The sheer drops I encountered along the coast made me dizzy and even a little queasy. It seems the older I get, the more I fear heights. Why is that??
I picked up a couple of French hitchhikers just outside of Uigg - this was the first time I've ever done that. They were pleasant young men, not at all Rutger Hauerish a la "The Hitcher", but not particularly interesting to talk to either. Still, I enjoyed playing the role of good Samaritan. I dropped them off in Portree and then had a wander in the shops there. I sat down for a scrumptious Mediterranean-inspired meal in the Cafe Arriba after that. I definitely recommend it to any vegetarians passing through Portree or to travelers just plum sick of consuming fish.
I carried on driving and left the island in search of a B&B. I thought I'd try Plockton, but every establishment was full. I finally found a place that was basically somebody's home (no *stars*; not recognized by the Scottish Tourism Board). It was an uninspiring room with two single beds and the proprietress charged me 25 pounds for it. Furthermore,there was no TV in the room, no tea/coffee making facilities and the worst part of all was having to share a bathroom with 5 other people staying there that night. Oh well, I guess it pays to book ahead even if I prefer a little spontaneity in my travels once in a while.
Before bed, I drank a couple of bottles of Sheepshagger beer (Are you starting to wonder about my fixation on this particular type of beer?) that I had picked up in Invermoriston in the morning and the soothing taste of lager settled me down good and properly. Zzzz...
