Wonderful sunshine greeted our day. We had a leisurely start as our excursion was scheduled for mid-morning. Knowing what false hope we had in Edinburgh with a clear start and then pouring rain, we put our light rain jackets and umbrellas in our totes and set off for the Marina Lounge to check in. This would a long excursion for us. Anything over four hours is long and this was to be at least four and a half but it would be a beautiful ride through the Scottish countryside.
Our guide for this adventure to Lock Ness was quite entertaining. She had a laugh that is impossible to describe and she used it often. There was no way we were not going to smile this whole trip. She was also quite full of information and she barely took a breath describing the countryside the bus was taking us through, including the glimpses we got of the highland cows. She was quick to point out that they were more like pets and not bred for food.
In about forty-five minutes or so we were making our way along the shor of the Loch Ness. Loch in the Scottish vernacular means lake. The loch is almost 23 miles long and at its widest point is 1.7 miles across. The depth is what holds the mystery. It reaches almost 8oo feet down into a crevice created by a fault line. Is that where Nessie lives?
Our stop was the Uruquhart Castle. My fear was that we would have hundreds of steps up and down again as my calves were still sore from the climb the day before at Dunnator. My fears were relieved when we say a nicely paved way to the castle that was a gentle up and down with few steps unless we wanted to climb the tower or other lookout points.
In over 500 years of Scottish midieval history, the castle has been subject to boulders catapulted at its walls, fires set to destroy it and eventually barrels of gunpowder lit to blow it up. It's amazing anything at all is still left.
As we explored and enjoyed the views of Loch Ness, eyes always searching for the elusive monster, I wondered if the inhabitants back in the day had appreciated the spot on the beautiful lake.
We trekked up to a couple of lookouts to see the views but passed on the narrow spiral staircase (not from midieval times I believe) to the top of the tower.
Now, the report of a monster in the loch dates back to 565AD. The modern legend however began in 1933 by a sighting reported by Aldie Mackay, a hotel manager who reported along with her husband of seeing a large whale like creature. The local newspaper published the news.
Now for our guide's take on the legend. The most recent sighting she said was in March, the common time of year to "see" the monster. It happens to coincide with the beginning of the tourist season. The statement was followed by her hearty laugh.
Our ride home took us through Inverness, the capital of the area we were in. Lots of information was given to those of us on the bus, many of whom were already nodding off from the long day and I'm sure the day before. It was late in the afternoon before we reached the pier again.
The sun had shone brightly all day long. What a blessing! Great to be out in it with a cool breeze and wonderful pictures and memories to carry with us.
