Going with the Flow

My final ferry crossing was just as lovely as my first. From Stornoway to Ullapool with mirror-like waters and mountains to marvel at. 

The sun stayed with me for the evening so I drove north to hike Stac Pollaidh. Gorgeous views from the top as well as meeting two wonderful couples - one from Hong Kong, who were visiting before heading off to a wedding in Venice and the other with a beautiful dog called Fergie, who was definitely enjoying his holidays!

I stayed in the car parking area for the night, but was kept awake until the early hours by a handsome, young stag, who had decided the grass around my van was the tastiest! Incredible to see him so close, so I didn’t mind the late night.

A few folk had told me about ‘The Black Isle,’ as it is the best place to observe bottle-nosed dolphins. So it was here that I headed for a few days and yes, I saw the dolphins and they came so close to the shore! I also spent time walking on the beaches and through the woodland in Fairy Glen on a very wet day as the rain caught up with me.

Travel can often be about the unexpected and after my van failed her MOT, I am now stuck near Inverness for a few days until she can be fixed. Unplanned visits to Culloden Battlefield, Brodie Castle and the small village of Findhorn filled the time, as well as finishing reading a couple of books and having a good sing to Glastonbury highlights courtesy of BBC iPlayer! 

When on the road, I have found it best to go with the flow and have no fixed plans. At first I was annoyed at myself for not sorting the MOT sooner (it failed on the day it ran out, which then meant I had no tax on the van either!) I definitely know my dad would NOT be surprised at my lack of planning. 

The wildflower meadows and sweet peas in the garden at Brodie Castle, a wedding complete with bagpipes and kilts and a lift into town with a kind stranger were enough to restore my calm and make me smile again though. Small things matter.  I also had the pleasure of listening to the band at the wedding playing from my hidden woodland park-up spot, which was a bonus. Being woken by a lot of horse boxes the following morning, as there was clearly some event going on was not quite so much fun!

I hope the next time I update you I shall be safely (and legally) on the road again, heading south for the first time since the beginning of May.