It all started in the little town of Wiggins, Colorado…We started our grande adventure in Cromarty, Black Isle of Scotland!
We started off by getting coffee in downtown Inverness at Cafe Nero–and headed to the Farraline bus station to catch our bus (of course, we got the megarider, 4 zone bus card, from StageCoach!)
We dismounted the bus at Victoria Hall in Cromarty and walked down to the firth to watch the water lap up on the shore lines and made our way down High Street, to visit the Library (I needed to use the ladies room) and librarian gave us a local site seeing map.
We continued our walk and picked up another coffee to go at the local venue and we checked out the Gaelic chapel and the courthouse and Hugh Miller Cottage from the exterior as they were closed.
We walked further along the path and came to the East High Church and entered. It has always been one of my most favorite places on the planet. It’s a preserved and restored Medieval Churches, full of carvings and stone scrolled head stones and more.
There so many headstones carved and scrolled out by the Protestant Reformer Hugh Miller, his handywork and skills are seen in so many forms, not only in the graveyard but around Cromarth and Inverness as well. Stunning! As seen by the photos, Kevin can’t get enough of it either!
We followed the signsTaking note of pretty rod iron fences along the wayNoting stone walls and holly treesthe old organ from the churchthe reverands office doorCarvings by Hugh MillerKevin being the walk around the perimeterShopping/goodies tote in haulMe in one of the best places on earthSeveral headstone carved by Hugh Miller, the Protestant Reformer, Fossil Findeer and MasonEast High Church, Cromarty, and Anna PotthoffHeadstones Anna PotthoffAnna Potthoff, AdventurerEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyKevin R. Harris @ East High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyThe coffers help keep the church going as it’s medivel and volunteer supportedEast High Church, CromartyWe had to get coffee before our adventure started Getting coffee at NeroEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyEast High Church, CromartyCoffee timeDropping off postcards on the corner in CromartOne of my favorite houses, I love the gates and the old treesEnjoying the walk towards the firthCoffee @ Nero while we waited for our bus slotOne of my favorite houses, I love the gates and the old treesEnjoying the walk towards the firthDropping off postcards on the corner in CromartGetting coffee at NeroCoffee time
A little way down the path lies a quaint converted shack–yes, the Slaughter House is a coffee shop–and a mighty tasty way to get your buzz on, too.
With the chilled breeze coming off the firth, waiting by the pot belly stove to warm us sure made our day while we waited for our order–
We enjoyed our brews outside in the shelter and watched the water lap against the shores of the Cromarty firth–no dolphins sighted today but there were plenty of sea gulls and birds on the wing. My friend, Kevin, and I braved the cool chilly wind to sit outside under the Shelter to enjoy the stunning view and our warm coffee-
The Slaughterhouse is a place not to be missed–and we would have missed it if a local hadn’t recommended this hidden gem to us!
The Oil Rig stands (I believe these are repair stations?) sit firmly in the firth. I have always thought they looked like Iron Giants, ready to be summoned.
The Slaughter House-CromartyEnjoying our bean buzzSitting by the fire pit while our perks brewDrinking the beanBestest Friends hanging out