Farewell To Skye
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Welshie Big Adventure in Scotland
Before our time in Skye came to a close, I wanted to go on one final adventure to the farthest point North on the Isle of Skye. Driving to the tip of the Trotternish peninsula, we sought out the ruins of Duntulm Castle, Rubha Hunish and a place not far from Portree where we could get up close with a Highland Coo.
Similar to the way our visit to Skye started, the clouds rolled in and a misting rain began to fall. I am no stranger to mist and rain after two weeks here. In fact, it rained every day we were here, with some days just a drizzle while others were more of a soaking.
Our Final Adventure on Skye
Today started as a mizzle of rain as we drove over the Skye Bridge, with pockets of blue sky off in the distance. Filled with hope we thought it might be possible to get in a hike or two with the dogs. The farther North we drove up the A87, the less hopeful I became on getting in a hike.
Passing Portree, the skies grew darker and the rain began to steadily hit the windshield. Rain did not deter two Fishers on a mission for an adventure. So, Brian drove on, avoiding potholes and oncoming cars as best he could.
In the distance, were dark and foreboding mountains with a curious pinnacle sticking up. Brian informed me it was Old Man Storr, one of Scotland's most iconic geological formations. With no place to easily stop, and the rain coming down steadily, I didn't get a photo of my own to share.
Old Man Storr was one of the hikes we had hoped to tackle while here. It is a long and rocky climb with supposedly narrow passages that are not suited to windy weather. Looking out the car's window at the trees bending at a visible angle, I wasn't disappointed to miss the hike.
There was a short break in the rain and the sun shone briefly. Brian pulled over so he could take a moment to look at the mountains and the coast. While we stood outside the car I saw a walking path sign and suggested we have a quick hike.
We didn't walk all the way to the water, but we did enjoy stretching our legs and looking for the resident bull, cows, and calf that were supposedly somewhere nearby.
When we arrived up at Duntulm Castle the rain had slowed to a mist, but the wind became very gusty. The sound of the wind rushing through the metal gate preventing people from falling over the edge made an eerie humming sound.
We brought the dogs with us and started a slow walk towards the castle at the edge of the cliff. Both Winston and Maisie were buffeted by the gusts and their ears flapped furiously. Neither dog was sure what to make of the assault on their noses and fur.
I am not a small person and it was difficult for me to maintain my balance with the winds almost howling. If you can picture a gale force wind that is what it felt like. I almost lost my camera from my hands while trying to take a picture of the view.
As we made our way back towards Portree I insisted that we stop at a small farm where they served coffee and allowed you to see their Highland Coos (cows) up close.
There is nothing more charming than a fluffy coo with those long horns. I wish I could bring one home with me to Virginia.
It is time to say farewell to Skye. Two weeks is a fairly long time to spend here and I am ready to have a bit more contact with civilization. We had no local pub to visit so we never had a chance to make any connections here. Connecting with people is part of the adventure of traveling to a new place, otherwise you are just a tourist in a foreign land.
There are many things I am thankful for about these last two weeks. Seeing the water each morning and evening was incredibly peaceful and soothing, and the chance encounter with a Pine Martin off the patio made me smile. The family of House Martins nesting in the eaves of the cottage made me look up each time I took the dogs outside to see if any babies were calling for food.
The miles and miles of heather and rocky outcroppings, the endless supply of towering mountains wherever I look were breathtaking. The sheep walking down the middle of the road was a sight I will never forget.
I will also remember our weekend with friends and the tire repair experience.
I think the dogs will remember their first muddy hike and their encounters with sheep and sheep poop.
Maisie wished she could sample just one piece of poop while Winston was obsessed with the wool that dotted the fields where we walked.
Next up, it's back to civilization and a cottage in a small town near Stirling. Our daughter Roberta will come to visit as will another friend who was in our wedding almost thirty years ago. Our time here in Great Britain is almost over but I know we have a number of adventures left in store.
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