Scotland: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

As we were driving to Loch Ness, we saw a sign for a public toilet on the side of the road. At that stop we saw a beautiful river and two stone bridges. I wish we had planned more time for just hiking through these mountains and along these rivers...

When we arrived at Urquhart Castle, (no surprise) it began raining again. Also, I wasn't feeling well. I took a few photos - all posted here - then I went and sat down in the cafe while the kids and Erick explored the castle ruins more in depth.

With the clouds and fog, I felt that the ruins and the lake felt much more mysterious than they had when I visited before. It seemed much more likely that the Loch Ness Monster might make an appearance. The kids looked fervently, but didn't see anything unusual.

After exploring outside, we all ate lunch in the cafe. The kids and Erick tried Irn Bru soda for the first time (not pictured). I still don't really like it, but the kids thought it was alright.

Quick history: Urquhart Castle was the center of much excitement during the middle ages. The Scottish Clans and the English battled over it repeatedly, and ownership of the castle changed hands multiple times. In the 1300s, Urquhart was the only Highland castle able to hold out against the English.

The main tower, called Grant Tower, was built in the 1500s.

In the late 1600s during the first of the Jacobite Risings, Urquhart became a garrison. In 1692 soldiers blew up the castle. It then fell into disrepair.

It is now one of the most visited castles in Scotland. (info from www.historicenvironment.scot)

Scotland: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

As we were driving to the Scottish Highlands, we saw these ruins and pulled the car over to take a picture. Annette was our amazing driver. She kept us alive on the left side of the road and only almost killed us once. Love you Annie! I'm so glad you came:

We went searching for "Nessie" around Urquhart Castle. Loch Ness was beautiful with mist rising from the dark blue lake. I searched and searched for the monster, but to no avail:

Proof that I was here and loving it:

Urquhart Castle is believed to have been built in the 13th century. It changed hands many times due to battles and political struggle. In the early 1900's, it was turned over to the State for maintenance. I had a lot of fun exploring the ruins and taking pictures:

MaryAnne took a lot of time on this trip to teach me to better understand my camera. From this point on, I shot pictures only in Manual mode. I learned a lot, but I also messed up a lot of shots. So please be patient with the photos from here on out.

Charee!

I thought we were doing silly pictures. We weren't. So embarrassing. Yet I wanted to share a photo of all the Germany girls who came with us to Loch Ness. This is the only photo I have. Nadja, Jody, Pam, Maratee, me, Rachelle, MaryAnne, and Charee. I love these girls. So much:

The girls who came all the way from Utah, Melanie and Annette:

We saw sheep grazing all over the hills of Scotland. We also saw these blooming yellow shrubs. I wanted to remember them both: 

Still no sign of "Nessie"

This was by far my favorite destination of the trip. Goodbye Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, "Nessie," and the Highlands. I won't forget you!