Yesterday: from Stirling to Loch Ness

Stirling Castle is wonderful, with its' really good exhibits, people in costume and character (only a few folks) and educational displays. The day was gorgeous- again! And it was a thrill to be able to wear clean shorts, since we did some hand washing out of our worst stuff. Side note: We are clean smelling, but our hiking pants, shirts and socks are NOT. We've been washing out every few days, but it doesn't take the place of my washer and dryer. The views from the castle in Stirling are great, and we spent quite a lot of time there, enjoying the history. Then off to the William Wallace Monument. It is a colossal spire across the valley and village from the castle and involves climbing 246 steps to get to the top. William Wallace is an inspirational figure who fought for the freedom of Scotland. He officially became an outlaw after he retaliated for the murder of his wife and her family. He retaliated by assassinating a sheriff, and thus became a wanted man. He led many successful battles and won some against all odds- the usual hero in history stuff. He so thoroughly pissed off the Brits that his execution was a gruesome, horrible affair, ending in his 4 limbs being sent seperately to Newcastle, Stirling, Berwick-upon-Tweed, and Aberdeen. His head was on display on a pike at the Tower of London. That's how they punished traitors back then. However, I was really moved by his monument and what he symbolizes to the people of Scotland. Nate was really impressed by his sword. It's almost as long as Nathan is. Wallace carried it over his shoulder in a sling. They figure he must have been about 6'6" to wield such a sword.

The trip to Loch Ness took about 3 hours. It was all through the mountains of Cairngorm National Park. Beautiful. Things got really exciting though when we got off the major highway to find our B and B. We were on winding single lane roads through utter wilderness. Some of it was barren highlands, some of it was deep thick forest. Our directions were a little sketchy, but eventually we got here. Great place. Had our dinner here at Craigbarroch House. The view is of Loch Ness and the mountains across the lake. (No sightings of Nessie yet, but we've been looking!) It was stunning to see the sun set behind the hills and we couldn't take our eyes off the peaks across the way. I think that's when Nathan started scheming.