Pacific Northwest yetti
Expedition Medic
I wound not say no,
ITTOG's Overlanding Trips
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ITTOG
Well-known member
Day 0 - Travel
Our trip started out great with no problems at the airport and arriving into Newark on schedule, which is usually impossible. I don't know why but I almost always have problems there. With a 1.5 hour layover we should have plenty time to get to our next flight. All indications are we were scheduled to depart on time. But... we were not on that plane very long. I don't recall leaving the gate before they made us deboard. We have been delayed over 6 hours and are about to board our third plane. The flight was scheduled to depart at 8:15 PM and we didn't leave until 3:30 AM.
The long wait made us very hungry so most on the flight started buying food around 1 AM. About 3 AM we all received texts from United with food vouchers. It was much too late for anyone to use. Not to mention we didn't have time to order food and then get on the plane.
Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh
We finally departed Newark at 3:34 AM local time. It was a very long night. We arrived in Edinburgh (pronounced Edinbruh or Edinbere) at 3:34 PM local time. Funny that it was exactly 12 hour later; 7 hours flying and 5 hours in time zone changes. Fortunately we finally made it to Edinburgh but we lost most of the day for exploring the town.
I had the opportunity to learn a lot about Scotland's history while there and found it very interesting. The information above is from Wikipedia.
Now back to the "Scotland Trip". Is that what it is? Now I am not sure what the name of this trip is. My wife calls it the Taylor Swift trip. I call it the Scotland Trip. My daughter renamed it to something along the line of Broken Down Airplanes trip.
Once we left the airport we went to the Air BNB to drop off our luggage and then straight to town to find something to eat. Our first dinner was at Howie's. I had the Pan roast rump of Scottish Lamb and it was excellent. The girls had (they couldn't remember).
After we ate we walked around town and saw amazing views in the city. The pictures don’t do it justice. The city was higher than were our Air BNB was. So we couldn't see much of it. But our first sighting was the Scott Monument.
I wish those people weren't there. Oh, Google's eraser to the rescue. That looks pretty good.
I quickly found a place to park and we began walking. The beauty of this city was remarkable. The trees before the buildings are actually in a recessed area running through the city. The area had parks and the train station.
Well, it was getting late (9:30) and we had been up a very long time so we headed to the Air BNB.
A bit of a slow start but it should get better.
Our trip started out great with no problems at the airport and arriving into Newark on schedule, which is usually impossible. I don't know why but I almost always have problems there. With a 1.5 hour layover we should have plenty time to get to our next flight. All indications are we were scheduled to depart on time. But... we were not on that plane very long. I don't recall leaving the gate before they made us deboard. We have been delayed over 6 hours and are about to board our third plane. The flight was scheduled to depart at 8:15 PM and we didn't leave until 3:30 AM.
The long wait made us very hungry so most on the flight started buying food around 1 AM. About 3 AM we all received texts from United with food vouchers. It was much too late for anyone to use. Not to mention we didn't have time to order food and then get on the plane.
Day 1 - Arrival in Edinburgh
We finally departed Newark at 3:34 AM local time. It was a very long night. We arrived in Edinburgh (pronounced Edinbruh or Edinbere) at 3:34 PM local time. Funny that it was exactly 12 hour later; 7 hours flying and 5 hours in time zone changes. Fortunately we finally made it to Edinburgh but we lost most of the day for exploring the town.
I had the opportunity to learn a lot about Scotland's history while there and found it very interesting. The information above is from Wikipedia.
Now back to the "Scotland Trip". Is that what it is? Now I am not sure what the name of this trip is. My wife calls it the Taylor Swift trip. I call it the Scotland Trip. My daughter renamed it to something along the line of Broken Down Airplanes trip.
Once we left the airport we went to the Air BNB to drop off our luggage and then straight to town to find something to eat. Our first dinner was at Howie's. I had the Pan roast rump of Scottish Lamb and it was excellent. The girls had (they couldn't remember).
After we ate we walked around town and saw amazing views in the city. The pictures don’t do it justice. The city was higher than were our Air BNB was. So we couldn't see much of it. But our first sighting was the Scott Monument.
I wish those people weren't there. Oh, Google's eraser to the rescue. That looks pretty good.
I quickly found a place to park and we began walking. The beauty of this city was remarkable. The trees before the buildings are actually in a recessed area running through the city. The area had parks and the train station.
Well, it was getting late (9:30) and we had been up a very long time so we headed to the Air BNB.
A bit of a slow start but it should get better.
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ITTOG
Well-known member
ITTOG
Well-known member
Given the lack of sleep the past two days we all slept very well. Which was good because we have a lot of driving to do today. Today we are driving to Inverness and then end the day somewhere on the way to Isle of Skye.
My wife was into the show Outlander so our first stop was at the Culloden Battlefield. Note, I did see some of the episodes so was a little familiar with it. I believe the show was historical fiction so some of the locations and script followed Scotland's history.
There were stones in the field with a single clans name on it identifying they participated and some died in the battle. It was a place to show great reverence.
After Culloden we drove into town and scoped it out from the car. I saw what looked like a small cathedral on the skyline and drove that way. It was the Inverness Cathedral.
I really liked the design of the ceiling.
The stained glass was amazing as well.
The cathedral set on the banks of the River Ness.
My wife was into the show Outlander so our first stop was at the Culloden Battlefield. Note, I did see some of the episodes so was a little familiar with it. I believe the show was historical fiction so some of the locations and script followed Scotland's history.
There were stones in the field with a single clans name on it identifying they participated and some died in the battle. It was a place to show great reverence.
After Culloden we drove into town and scoped it out from the car. I saw what looked like a small cathedral on the skyline and drove that way. It was the Inverness Cathedral.
I really liked the design of the ceiling.
The stained glass was amazing as well.
The cathedral set on the banks of the River Ness.
ITTOG
Well-known member
Oops.... I didn't finish out the day.
We ended up having lunch across the river and had a nice view of the cathedral. I wish I knew how many cathedrals I have explored. They are so beautiful and excessive at once.
After some more exploration we headed southwest from Inverness along the western bank of the Loch Ness. Our first view somewhat like pictures we have all seen, but without Nessie.
We went to the far south end of the loch.
We ended up staying at OYO Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel on Loch Ness. The hotel had all the history of Nessie and also a speed boat racer, John Cobb, whom unfortunately died on the lake. In 2002 the remains of John's jet engine speedboat Crusader were located on the bed of Loch Ness at a depth of 200 meters (656 ft).
We ended up having lunch across the river and had a nice view of the cathedral. I wish I knew how many cathedrals I have explored. They are so beautiful and excessive at once.
After some more exploration we headed southwest from Inverness along the western bank of the Loch Ness. Our first view somewhat like pictures we have all seen, but without Nessie.
We went to the far south end of the loch.
We ended up staying at OYO Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel on Loch Ness. The hotel had all the history of Nessie and also a speed boat racer, John Cobb, whom unfortunately died on the lake. In 2002 the remains of John's jet engine speedboat Crusader were located on the bed of Loch Ness at a depth of 200 meters (656 ft).
ITTOG
Well-known member
The next day was a marathon. We had about nine sights we wanted to get to and then drive back to Edinburgh. We weren't even close.
First on the schedule was the Eilean Donan Castle. But before we got there, I saw this. I didn't know Scotland had snowcapped mountains. We are "overlanding in Scotland" now! Not sure why I think mountains are required to overland.
The Eilean Donan Castle is isolated from the mainland during high tide but not isolated during low tide.
A jelly fish was left behind when the tide receded. I wanted to put it back in the water but figured with my luck it was a deadly species that I wasn't aware of. So I left it there.
We didn't stay long because we had a lot to do.
The history of the castle was pretty cool. It is open for tourism but has sections that are always closed so the family that owns it can still use the castle.
First on the schedule was the Eilean Donan Castle. But before we got there, I saw this. I didn't know Scotland had snowcapped mountains. We are "overlanding in Scotland" now! Not sure why I think mountains are required to overland.
The Eilean Donan Castle is isolated from the mainland during high tide but not isolated during low tide.
A jelly fish was left behind when the tide receded. I wanted to put it back in the water but figured with my luck it was a deadly species that I wasn't aware of. So I left it there.
We didn't stay long because we had a lot to do.
The history of the castle was pretty cool. It is open for tourism but has sections that are always closed so the family that owns it can still use the castle.
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ITTOG
Well-known member
Our next stop was on the Isle of Skye. There I quickly learned that some roads had two way traffic but only one lane. Every 100 yards or so there would be a turnout for cars to go buy. If you missed a turnout, one of the cars had to back up to the previous turnout. But sometimes there would be cars following so you couldn't back up. Boy that was a lot of fun. I had to get out and direct traffic a couple of times. This pic shows a couple of the turnouts.
Now on the isle, we are stopping at the Fairy Pools.
I saw this overlander in the parking lot. I never saw the owner.
The path is quite long and there are a lot of waterfalls to see.
Waterfall #1 was kind of dirty. Luckily it was the only one like that.
We found sheep near the path and stopped to watch them for a while. We later discovered they were everywhere in this part of the highlands.
I am a little embarrassed to say this but later in the day Kellie saw a black sheep and said she didn't know they were real and thought it was just a saying. Wow!
Waterfall #2.
Waterfall #3. This is a pretty cool photo but you have to look close to notice the white foam at the bottom right of the photo is actually about 15' below the waterfall. There was a hole carved into the rock.
Waterfall #4. Okay just teasing. I am not going to show all of them.
We are slowly approaching the base of the mountains and Waterfall #????. Who knows, I have lost count. There were a lot. At least 20.
As you might have figured out from the pictures, we were in rainy weather. It was raining a little off and on but we had rain gear on so we were staying dry. It then started pouring down on us. That was all we needed to remind us we still have a lot to do that day so we headed back to the car. Our next stop was to see a light house on the west coast of the isle.
Now on the isle, we are stopping at the Fairy Pools.
I saw this overlander in the parking lot. I never saw the owner.
The path is quite long and there are a lot of waterfalls to see.
Waterfall #1 was kind of dirty. Luckily it was the only one like that.
We found sheep near the path and stopped to watch them for a while. We later discovered they were everywhere in this part of the highlands.
I am a little embarrassed to say this but later in the day Kellie saw a black sheep and said she didn't know they were real and thought it was just a saying. Wow!
Waterfall #2.
Waterfall #3. This is a pretty cool photo but you have to look close to notice the white foam at the bottom right of the photo is actually about 15' below the waterfall. There was a hole carved into the rock.
Waterfall #4. Okay just teasing. I am not going to show all of them.
We are slowly approaching the base of the mountains and Waterfall #????. Who knows, I have lost count. There were a lot. At least 20.
As you might have figured out from the pictures, we were in rainy weather. It was raining a little off and on but we had rain gear on so we were staying dry. It then started pouring down on us. That was all we needed to remind us we still have a lot to do that day so we headed back to the car. Our next stop was to see a light house on the west coast of the isle.
ITTOG
Well-known member
The next stop was at the Neist Point Lighthouse. The parking lot was a mile away so there was some hiking to do. The light house was at the end of the point behind that hill on the right.
But we had to climb the hill. It was very windy, 40 mph, and it was a long way down.
The lighthouse from the top.
Looking off the other direction. Beautiful!
The coastline was varied, and beautiful.
At this time it was getting late. We are only going to get one more stop in so we went to Coral Beach to see the only sand beach in the area. It was a small beach but it was close and we had time to go.
Okay one more stop. We found a nice place to eat, The Misty, and then back to Edinburgh. The days total driving time was almost 11 hours. My back wanted to kill me! We made it back at 1:42 AM.
But we had to climb the hill. It was very windy, 40 mph, and it was a long way down.
The lighthouse from the top.
Looking off the other direction. Beautiful!
The coastline was varied, and beautiful.
At this time it was getting late. We are only going to get one more stop in so we went to Coral Beach to see the only sand beach in the area. It was a small beach but it was close and we had time to go.
Okay one more stop. We found a nice place to eat, The Misty, and then back to Edinburgh. The days total driving time was almost 11 hours. My back wanted to kill me! We made it back at 1:42 AM.
ITTOG
Well-known member
Today we were back in Edinburgh to explore. It was a short day given we got to bed so late. We started our day with some lunch and then got on a city bus tour. There were numerous stopping points so we could get off and check out points of interest more in depth. Every time I saw the Edinburgh Castle I became more interested to visit it, even though we hadn't purchased tickets yet. We were not sure we would make it given we went to the Eilean Donan Castle.
I think this is part of the University of Edinburgh.
A different view of the castle (up high in the pic).
I thought this sign was funny.
The Salisbury Crags.
The Nelson Monument.
…. And there was a lot more that may not be as interesting.
We decided we wanted to go back to the Salisbury Crags and hike it. While there, I wanted to climb Arthurs Seat. It is a 3.4 mile hike with 984' of elevation gain.
On the way up we saw St Anythony's Chapel Ruins. There was not much left.
After that, there wasn't anything until the top but I did stop to get some pic's. This is the city with the Edinburgh Castle up high on the left and the Nelson Monument and National Monument of Scotland up high on the right.
We made it to the monument at the top.
I think this is part of the University of Edinburgh.
A different view of the castle (up high in the pic).
I thought this sign was funny.
The Salisbury Crags.
The Nelson Monument.
…. And there was a lot more that may not be as interesting.
We decided we wanted to go back to the Salisbury Crags and hike it. While there, I wanted to climb Arthurs Seat. It is a 3.4 mile hike with 984' of elevation gain.
On the way up we saw St Anythony's Chapel Ruins. There was not much left.
After that, there wasn't anything until the top but I did stop to get some pic's. This is the city with the Edinburgh Castle up high on the left and the Nelson Monument and National Monument of Scotland up high on the right.
We made it to the monument at the top.
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ITTOG
Well-known member
Today was the big day. The reason we went to Scotland. But let me back up to the mornings activity. Yesterday, when we were up on Arthur's Seat/Salisbury Crags we noticed islands out in the water. That planted a seed and we found a boat tour that would take us to Incholm Island which had the Inchcolm Abbey on it. The island is in the Forth river. When the boat leaves the shore, you quickly notice three bridges dominate the area. The oldest, the Forth Bridge opened in 1890. Quote:
Opened in 1890, the Forth Bridge is a Scottish icon that is recognized the world over as the most famous of cantilever designs.
The world's first major steel structure, the Forth Bridge represents a key milestone in the history of modern railway civil engineering and for 28 years held the record as the world's longest span.
In July 2015, UNESCO inscribed the Forth Bridge as the sixth World Heritage Site in Scotland.
The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964. Quote:
The Forth Road Bridge is one of the world’s most significant long-span suspension bridges.
With a main span of 1,006 metres between the two towers, it was the fourth longest in the world and the longest outside the United States when it opened. In total, the structure is over 2.5 km long. A staggering 39,000 tonnes of steel and 125,000 cubic metres of concrete was used in its construction.
Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017. Quote:
The 1.7 miles (2.7km) structure is the longest 3-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. It is also by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span.
This innovative design provides extra strength and stiffness, allowing the towers and the deck to be more slender and elegant.
The design of the bridges are cool but I like how the bridges are used for different purposes. The Forth Bridge is for rail. The Forth Road Bridge is for buses, taxis, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Queensferry Crossing is for cars, HGVs, vans, and motorcycles. Here is a pic of all three bridges, which is much better than mine.
Once past the bridges it was nothing but open water and a few islands until we got to Inchcolm Island.
Unfortunately we didn't have time to explore the island. We had to get back for the evenings activity. But on the trip back we saw an island with seals on it. It is always cool to see animals in the wild.
With the end of that, we quickly went to the AirBNB and the girls got ready for the nighttime entertainment. Me, no need to change.
Opened in 1890, the Forth Bridge is a Scottish icon that is recognized the world over as the most famous of cantilever designs.
The world's first major steel structure, the Forth Bridge represents a key milestone in the history of modern railway civil engineering and for 28 years held the record as the world's longest span.
In July 2015, UNESCO inscribed the Forth Bridge as the sixth World Heritage Site in Scotland.
The Forth Road Bridge opened in 1964. Quote:
The Forth Road Bridge is one of the world’s most significant long-span suspension bridges.
With a main span of 1,006 metres between the two towers, it was the fourth longest in the world and the longest outside the United States when it opened. In total, the structure is over 2.5 km long. A staggering 39,000 tonnes of steel and 125,000 cubic metres of concrete was used in its construction.
Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017. Quote:
The 1.7 miles (2.7km) structure is the longest 3-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. It is also by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span.
This innovative design provides extra strength and stiffness, allowing the towers and the deck to be more slender and elegant.
The design of the bridges are cool but I like how the bridges are used for different purposes. The Forth Bridge is for rail. The Forth Road Bridge is for buses, taxis, pedestrians, and cyclists. The Queensferry Crossing is for cars, HGVs, vans, and motorcycles. Here is a pic of all three bridges, which is much better than mine.
Once past the bridges it was nothing but open water and a few islands until we got to Inchcolm Island.
Unfortunately we didn't have time to explore the island. We had to get back for the evenings activity. But on the trip back we saw an island with seals on it. It is always cool to see animals in the wild.
With the end of that, we quickly went to the AirBNB and the girls got ready for the nighttime entertainment. Me, no need to change.
ITTOG
Well-known member
We caught an uber to take us near the concert venue so we wouldn't have to deal with traffic after the concert. As we were walking to the stadium we found a bar having a party so we stopped for a few drinks.
Now, I would not call myself a Swiftie but I do think she is a brilliant businesswoman. Her fans don't just listen to her music. They read magazines and books about her, watch social media for updates, and as of last year started watching football just for a glimpse of her. She is obviously a marketing genius. Anyway, here are a few shots of the concert.
I am not afraid to admit that I thought the concert was much better than I expected. Like her marketing, she goes all out on the show as well. I was afraid all her costumes, different sets, and stuff would distract me but it wasn't too bad. I guess I am just into heavy metal concerts where it is not about clothes and sets, just running around and singing.
After the concert we walked about a mile and then caught an uber. We had no traffic to fight that night and got home very quickly.
Edit: Let me add even if I hated her music, it was well worth going just to see how happy my wife and daughter were! It doesn't get any better than that.
Now, I would not call myself a Swiftie but I do think she is a brilliant businesswoman. Her fans don't just listen to her music. They read magazines and books about her, watch social media for updates, and as of last year started watching football just for a glimpse of her. She is obviously a marketing genius. Anyway, here are a few shots of the concert.
I am not afraid to admit that I thought the concert was much better than I expected. Like her marketing, she goes all out on the show as well. I was afraid all her costumes, different sets, and stuff would distract me but it wasn't too bad. I guess I am just into heavy metal concerts where it is not about clothes and sets, just running around and singing.
After the concert we walked about a mile and then caught an uber. We had no traffic to fight that night and got home very quickly.
Edit: Let me add even if I hated her music, it was well worth going just to see how happy my wife and daughter were! It doesn't get any better than that.
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