With a half eaten breakfast, too many layers on, and a new friend I was off to the North of Scotland. Traveling through the highlands, around the lochs (lakes), and into small towns we occupied our time with many glorious sites.
Loch Lomond
A beautiful lake situated among the highlands is a site viewed best through rain drops. My layers paid off here!
Oban
The "little bay" is a quaint town, reminded me a bit of Chester, and is the only way through to the islands. The fishing and tourist town contains many shops and restaurants as well as McCaig's Tower and remains of Donnulie Castle. The tower is the only completed section of the envisioned museum/memorial by John Stuart McCaig. This hilltop tower is best used now as a viewing point of the town and bay.
The views from the castle, or what remains of it, was much the same. The castle was home to the MacDougal clan until the battle with Robert the Bruce. On the way from the castle ruins is the Dogstone (a conglomerate sea-stack! formed by volcanic activity), a mythical explanation for the grove at the base of the stone.
Isle of Seil
The Atlantic Bridge was our way to the island after a short drive from Oban. This bridge is very picturesque, situated over the Atlantic ocean and surrounded by highlands of the mainland and the island. A quick photo stop was in order to make our travels.
It was on Isle of Seil that I was able to go in the Atlantic Ocean (hand only...too cold and stormy for a swim) on this side of the world. I also collected a few free souvenirs that are spectacular and show the complex geology of Scotland: metamorphosed sedimentary rocks containing pyrite crystals. (I also ended up getting soaked in a hail storm while on the beach).
Wow! This trip was amazing, so much to see, do and feel. We (members of the international student society) enjoyed many natural and historical sites that are renowned and/or significant in some way.
