The Highlands: Part Two

..... after seeing Loch Earn, we stopped in a little town called Killin.  (there was a store named "Killin Time".... apparently they are fully aware of the peculiarity of their town's name)

Then we headed to Stirling.

On the way we glimpsed the Monty Python castle....(kind of behind the reflection of my camera...)  Apparently they provide coconuts to tourists.

... and the Stirling Bridge, where William Wallace defeated the English (in the Battle of Stirling Bridge...)

and finally to the National Wallace Monument.

On the way to the monument, the tour guide told us the story of the real William Wallace.  I wish he could be my history professor.  So much more interesting, and with a Scottish accent!  He also informed us of how one flays or hangs, draws, and quarters a man.... but I digress.  After that lovely, bloody story, he told us of the real Braveheart... apparently a different guy.  But since I forgot his name, I can't tell you the story.  Something about some, uh... brave... guy.  And his heart being cut out and carried into battle.  On a string?  Or something... yeah, can't remember.  Oh well.

He also expressed his earnest desire for the English to gain their independence from Scotland in the near future.

As Wallace would say.... freeeeeeedoooooooooom!!!!!!!

The Highlands: Part One

So, finally I'm posting about my trip to the highlands!!  Be excited.

ahem.

It was a coldish, darkish, way-too-early Scottish morning in St Andrews....

We attempted to wake up.  We ate breakfast and stuffed our pockets with apples and cheese for the road.  Then, we headed to town!

...where this was waiting for us:

Doesn't it look kind of like a bug?  Maybe a bumble bee... or a caterpillar.  Or something else equally wild and sexy, as the side of the bus suggests.

Any road (as the Scottish would say)....

First we went to the Famous Grouse whisky distillery (we were supposed to go there last, in the evening, but the tour guide decided to change the schedule around for some reason).  It was all very interesting.  Apparently it is the oldest (legal) whisky distillery in Scotland still in operation.

The Grouse...

Then we drove through the countryside for a while...

... and came to the beautiful Loch Earn:

and.....

Highlands: Part Two will be coming soon. :)

an afternoon at the cathedral

Wednesday afternoon we went to see the ruined cathedral and the graveyard...

Lade Braes

Saturday was quite lovely -- it was in the 40's and sunny all day -- and perfect for a walk in the countryside.  Veronika and I wanted to see sheep (and shaggy cows?), so we began our quest after lunch. (apparently the hairy cows are further north... hence the name "Highland cattle", I suppose).

First we went through a park type of area, with a playground and people playing football.  Then, gradually, it became more like a nature trail... and finally turned into little-traveled country path, which was absolutely lovely.

Pictures:

A shortcut to mushrooms?

We encountered an obstacle...

... but soon overcame it.

Needless to say, there were lots of birds in this area.

Possibly the strangest tree I've ever seen.

An old water mill?

<3 <3 <3

We had to look up what a doocot was...

Apparently it's a structure for housing pigeons and doves.

We didn't find any sheep.