We dined last night in the village close by - we found ourselves in the company of the local trades community - I visualized Chris and David Parker entertaining the bar at Hillston in the old days!
As we departed for our accommodation, I could not resist a photograph of this tree. I am very pleased to advise you that this particular specimen was the subject of a final identification test for admission to the Royal Scottish Society of Foresters passed with flying colours and with great dignity and aplomb by the recently endorsed Brian Royal MRSSF. Brian's answer, deemed correct by the admissions board, was a Pedunculate Oak.
We rise at a sane hour and depart the Highland Lodge - we shudder just a little at the 20 english pounds charged for the bottle of average white wine that we indulged in during our stay - we again remember John Lowenstein - "it is not much in the scheme of things!"
We agree with Google Maps that we should bypass Inverness on our way north - through Beauly - towards the A9
As we head towards Cromarty we encounter a long steep run downhill - we follow a road biker - we check the speedo - "not too bad - 50 kph" thinks I - hold on! - that is 50MPH! - bloody hell! - think of Knud - think of Tom - think of many others!
As we head towards Cromarty we encounter a long steep run downhill - we follow a road biker - we check the speedo - "not too bad - 50 kph" thinks I - hold on! - that is 50MPH! - bloody hell! - think of Knud - think of Tom - think of many others!
I eventually sum up enough courage to pass the speeding cyclist assisted in part by the reality that he was now obtaining less assistance from the terrain and had slowed to some extent!
After our early morning entertainment, the initial part of the journey on our visitation of the north was largely uninspiring changing only once we passed the Firth of Cromarty into the country of the Sutherland Clan.
First in to Dornoch - pictureque - lovely tourist town - home of the Sutherland's - we visit the church
We wander the town:
Onwards - Dunrobin Castle - home of the Sutherland's - impressive!
Impressive paintings
Impressive silver ware
Scary rugs - I wonder where all our wildlife disappeared to!
An unbelievable child's playroom! - I am now officially convinced I had a deprived childhood!
That Stag that was eyeing me off at the Highland Lodge has a brother in residence!
Stunning gardens.
Onwards - we pass white sheep with white lambs - white sheep with black lambs - white sheep with black faces - black sheep with white faces and black sheep with black faces - they share the short, green, treeless, windswept, gorse lined, stonewalled pastures
.
Stop for lunch at a tea house - nice - nice place!
Arrive in Wick - this part of Scotland is making attempts at going green - plenty of solar - plenty of wind - but the market for coal remains.
We are now approaching the north of the north of Scotland - some of the dwellings might not achieve the classification of broch but they are nevertheless of considerable age!
We skirt John O'Groats and reach Mey House!
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