Of course, our time was limited, but me, wanting always, to take the scenic route, talked the girls into driving from our Hostel in Ratagan, to a small ferry (the original Skye Ferry) across the Loch to Skye. The trip was well worth our time, even as it was a one lane narrow road, but gorgeous. We stopped in Glenelg, as Louise said, my favorite of the trip, tiny, but so inviting. I simply want to stay there my next visit. Gathering a few more food supplies and such, we climbed into the car and made our way to the ferry. It was small, only taking on four cars, with a platform that could rotate so we could drive off either side and not have to back up. The weather at this time was not bad, partly cloudy, but the rain was soon to come as we headed into the island and the Cuillin Mountains. The Fairy Pools were located in the south west area of Skye, down a narrow road that led to Glenbrittle. We didn't go that far, clearly locating the pool parking by the number of cars parked on the road. By this time the rain was coming down in sheets, sideways, with a brisk wind.
We were stubborn though, and thinking we had the rain covered with our rain jackets and such, suited up and headed down the muddy and rocky path to the Fairy Pools.
They were so cool, even in the rain, the waters were green and teal, the rocks and waterfalls so pretty.
But the long walk had us drenched and exhausted by the time we got back to the car. We climbed in and took off toward Dunvegan Castle, our next planned stop, even wet and bedraggled as we were. But the fairies took care of us for alas, as we drove along the road there was an outdoor clothing shop. STOP!
We turned around and pulled in, dripping into the store to find it filled with fabulous clothing, We were all so elated, and the salesman so kind as to suggest we put on our new finds and he would gladly dry our wet clothes as well. Can you imagine our happiness! We bought plenty to make it worth his time, and headed across the street to a lovely coffee shop filled with books and antiques, to wait for the clothes.
I had soup, a red pepper tomato concoction that hit the spot after being so wet, with a lovely pot of Earl Grey tea. Everyone had a chance to relax and dry out, gathering our clothes and heading out once again toward Dunvegan Castle.
We arrived in good time, with a bit more rain as well, to find a wedding going on in the castle. I had to take a pic of one of the guests, all done in Scottish kilts. He looked great.
Dunvegan was very nice, still lived in, a stronghold at one time for the Macleod clan. It is the longest lived in castle in Scotland, pretty cool. We wandered about the rooms, admiring the reconstructed rooms and finery, as well as the famous "Fairy Flag" that is said to win battles for the Macleods. It has only three opportunities, and has been used twice with them winning the battles they were in, and is now being held for that last important struggle. How long it will be can't be said, but the whole story is very fascinating!
We planned on the next stop being Neist Point and the Lighthouse there, but the rain was still pouring and it was getting late, so we heading toward Broadford and the next place to rest, another youth hostel run by the Scotland Forestry Association. It was much the same as last night, with us all in one female dormatory filled with bunk beds. The funny part was that "some " of us didn't quite look at the signage on the bathroom/ shower doors and used the men's rooms instead of the women's. Haha, they were sooo lucky not to get interrupted.
So with another picnic at the hostel, this time inside to stay dry, and some down time in the common area to try to catch up with family and friends, we were once more ready for bed, and another day's adventure!
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