We are back in Grenada after our 3 months sojourn in the UK, Antwerp and Amsterdam. We owe a big thanks to our pals Charlotte and James for letting us base out of their lovely riverside flat in Inverness while in Scotland.  

Gorgeous view of the River Ness from the apartment in Inverness

We really have to pay it forward with the cruising community after Charlotte and James’ generosity and Julie and Ken introducing us to the housesitting service that let us stay abroad for so long without breaking the bank (and letting Mary get her dog fix – and cat and chicken fix). 

Fresh eggs each morning was an added bonus from our house sit at a lovely farm in Scotland.

Murphy the Newfoundland. There is a lot of love under all that fur.

Jelly Cat

Mole the Lurcher was adorable.

Darling Lucie and Harry

We left England to spend a considerable amount of time in Scotland, starting off with a bang in Edinburgh.  Arriving just in time for the Fringe Festival, lauded as the world’s largest arts festival.  Everyone should head there for it at least once.  You can walk around the historic city and drop into a comedy show, theatrical, music, film, or any number of other performances whenever they strike your fancy.  

Show posters for the Fringe Festival

With over 3,000 performances, some spill out onto the streets.

Yep, nothing more punk rock than a spinning wheel.

Performers have to self promote to get you to their shows.

Interior of the post modern Scottish Parliament buidling

Greyfriars Bobby was a terrier who for 14 years guarded his master’s grave.

Arthur’s Seat’s with great view over Edinburgh

Next up was a trip to the highland capital city of Inverness.  The Scotland highlands reminds us of Tahoe with conifer-covered hills and mountains and open countryside.  Except here there is the odd abandoned castle off in the distance.  We’ve seen enough old castles and manors to last a lifetime, but we love learning about the history and occupants of each one.  The Scotland National Trust does a great job of preserving the history as well as the buildings.  And to Pete’s delight the Whisky trail led him to single malt Scotch heaven.

Talisker distillery

Glenlivet’s Distillery

Whisky Flavor Map

Old Putney

Oban

Single Malt madness

When we finished with our house sits, we set off to explore the western shore of northern Scotland.  Driving the North Coast 500 was a trip on the beautiful open roads.  Just be sure to bring your cojones because the roads are narrow, often even single track, and twisty with blind corners.  Oh, and with sheep roaming free.  The roads and weather were so gorgeous Pete wished he was back on the Ducati.  We made it all way round from Loch Ness up to John O’Groats (we had to go there just because of that name) and then back to Inverness to catch our breath.

Another old castle by the roadside.

Highland Dancers

Nairn Highland Games

Scottish Highland Cow knows how to wear bangs.

Ardvreck Castle

… and another castle

superpowers weren’t working

Sheep Everywhere

more sheep

Knockan Crag was windy, cold and desolate

Knockan Crag hike

No Nessie sightings but a lovely view of Urquhart Castle during our boat ride on Loch Ness

Fields of heather everywhere

seaside village of Ullapool

A rainy day didn’t stop us, amazingly when only had a few.

“Go ask Alice, when she’s ten feet tall “

Old tombstones

Smoo Cave

John O’Groats at the top of Scotland

Our trip didn’t end here, but our camera did.  Sadly hundreds of photos were lost to the technology gods.  So you’ll have to imagine and hopefully see for yourself one day the exciting city of Glasgow, Northern England, Wales, Antwerp and Amsterdam.  Here are a few snaps from the phone. 

Mussels and beer in Belgium what more do you need.

Bikes everywhere in Amsterdam

Canals of Amsterdam

Conwy Castle in the walled city of Conwy in Wales

Conwy Wales

Canal boat

Charming village of Marbury, England

Delightful visit from Susan & Andoni in London

It was the perfect break from 3 years on the boat and definitely a much needed change of scenery, proving to us that one can even get tired of tropical islands and variety is indeed the spice of life.  Bring on Season #4…