Inverness and Loch Ness

Just got back from our overnight to Inverness, and now that I'm at a computer I can post the pictures from the trip. It was a really great trip, especially considering the fact that it was pretty freaking cold and some of the major sites were closed. Both culloden field and the "imag-inverness" museum were closed, which made me very sad. However, we got to Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness to go Nessie-hunting yesterday, and the boat ride (while a tiny bit chilly) was really beautiful. Today we walked around a lot, saw Inverness Castle (though not the inside, apparently on the inside its a functioning courthouse- we discovered this the hard way) St. Andrews Cathedral, and did the "island walk" on the river beside Inverness.

The "island walk" is comprised of a series of islands in the middle of the river, connected by bridges. Even though I was so cold that I was struggling to speak at a normal speed by the end of it (did you know that could happen?? Factoid: it can) it was really picturesque and totally worth it. We spent about 3 hours in various cafes throughout the day. I may have had two large mugs of coffee today. One was decaf, though! So ha. Doesn't qualify as caffeine addiction. Just coffee addiction.

Pictures!

Looking down to the river in Inverness.

The river. And sun!

There are three or four of these footbridges that cross the river. Disconcertingly shaky when you walk on them, though.

Just in case?

The bridge with a church in the background.

On the bus to Loch Ness.

We found Nessie! (That's Emma, Me, Valerie, and Bekcy). Friendly gal, as it turns out. Came right up onto land to say hi.

Aw, what a cutie.

Just kidding, THAT'S the real Nessie.

Our boat. You could get coffee, tea, or whisky on board.

Perfect home for a sea monster, no?

I took off my hat for about 30 seconds, and my ears froze.

Sunset!

Urquhart Castle. Once was a rival to Edinburgh Castle, but destroyed in the 1600s to prevent the Jacobites from using it.

That's me holding up the roof. Yeah, that's right. Disregard the giant stone pillars on either side of me.

Kip got a bird's eye view from the ramparts.

Me and Becky.

Becky and Emma and Valerie, doing the royal wave.

The fantastically wonderful place we ate dinner. Gluten free pizza! And it was goooood.

Morning walk. Look at that sun!

Inverness Castle. Aka home of the Inverness legal system. No, you can't go inside to look around.

St. Andrew's Cathedral.

The island walk.

Check the dog out! Are the ducks REALLY worth it? That water was FRIGID.

Pooh quote: "Nearly eleven o'clock is time for a little smackerel of something."

Much love,
Erin