A person, an experienced adventurer, several years ago shared a “game” with me. Hence, I play this game every chance I am able and even shared it with other. It’s a very basic concept but so fun!
The object is to buy a local postcard-literally a postcard of your current location-and find the objects or places on the postcard–it’s like playing where’s waldo but in your local geography of highlighted features. That is exactly what I did today.
Invergordon is a quaint town/village in the Highlands of Scotland, along the firth. The firth is oddly deep enough to hold/host a major sea liner, which surprises me. Scotland, especially the highlands, are mysterious that way.
I popped into the Post Office to purchase some stamps and found the Murals Postcard so off I went to find all the wall paintings. Success!!
I also found a beautiful church and, of course, I had to stop for a delicous coffee.
Don’t forget to check out my eBay! Every purchase benefits the Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado as well as supports an an artist/adventurer..
After visiting the moor and battlefield of Culloden, Kevin and I walked the 2 or so miles to the Cairns, through the countryside in the Highlands of Scotland–it was a mild, sunny day, perfect for walking outside.
We crossed over a small creek and meandered along the road to get there. Kevin was really enjoying the wondrous views. He was snapping many photos along the way–and I don’t blame him–the view is stunning and the early autumn is beyond lush and colorful. I love that he snaps photos–a great souvenir (for both of us.)
The site has been enclosed with a spring gate and fence, to aid in preservation and to help deter critters.
As seen by the photos, I attempted to go through the stones and back into time (or jump forward?) I obviously didn’t travel through the stones-despite my best efforts. I also didn’t have anything to offer for the ferryman for payment-a gem? A precious item? Or it is the wrong time of year?
Clava Cairn InfoClava Cairn InfoClava Cairn InfoClava Cairn Info
Celebrating Kevin’s Birthday was so much fun–while his birthday was technically at the beginning of September, we celebrated it in Scotland with a fully loaded, day long tour (via Timber Bush Tours--highly recommended!) I booked the tour some months in advance as I wanted to guarantee that we had seats on the special tour.
The Epic Tour included these stops (plus more!)
Highland Coo’s (no we couldn’t pet but they are still cute!)
We happened to see the infamous Highland Stags (Monarchs of the Glen Deer)
Old Man of Stor
We stopped in Portree for lunch. Kevin and I chose fish and chips, of course, and I purchased some postcards, naturally. We saw all the pretty rainbow colored houses on the harbor as well.
We stopped on the way back to Loch Carron and other Glenns and lochs. There was a famous one that had a dinosaur found on it! On the way there we saw the outlines of hte famous ruins of Urqhuart Castle and on the way back we saw another famous castle but I forget the name of it.
The Isle of Skye is famous, not just for being the major “hub” of the Outer Hebrides but also for being the primary escape route for Bonnie Prince Charlie, Charles Stuart, the last Kind of Scotland trying to regain the throne of Scotland.
The day was eventful and our driver/tour guide was absolutely amazing. Kevin’s favorite part was touring Eileen Donan Castle (which was built as a family estate in 1919). It was Kevin’s first castle.My favorite part? The lochs and glenns, of course, and getting to see the wildlife.
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
Our first day, officially, here in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands of Scotland! It’s Sunday so things are a bit slower and/or with limited hours so we are enjoying a leisurely day about town, drinking coffee, enjoying fish and chips and lovely cuisine, dining out at Johnny Foxes and navigating by the steeples in town–while checking out the historical cemetery at Old High Church.
The windy streets and cobble stoned corners, half streets that connect winding pathways and more are ever so intriguing. Having been here before myself, I can easily navigate my way around but for Kevin, we got him a folding Old Town map with some fun symbols!
The Castle on top of the Hill, Inverness Castle, was once truly a castle, recently a courthouse and holding jail and now is being converted into a museum, Kevin’s first view of a castle, at least from the outside.
His favorite part so far? Greig Street Bridge that bounces as you walk across the River Ness, that flows down the middle of town, right past Leakey’s bookshop!
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
What a rally and march to see!! The streets are packed with seekers, the March filled with banners, flags, and more, in march for an Independent Scoltand!! What an experience to see first hand.
The march last well over an hour and chants were said, responses given, and flags were waved in high glory, too!!!
Izzy, Denise and I watching the Eclipse, River Ness, Inverness
Gloria and I, Clava Cairns
Caja and I at the Beach, Nairn
Gloria and Thomas, Charlies Cafe, Inverness
The blessings continue to flow here in Scotland as I have made some wonderful friends along my journey. It isn’t always about what you are seeing, it is about whom comes into your life and leaves a happy mark on your heart that creates the best experiences; may the memories and friendships continue to bloom.
The blessings continue to flow here in Scotland as I have made some wonderful friends along my journey. It isn’t always about what you are seeing, it is about whom comes into your life and leaves a happy mark on your heart that creates the best experiences; may the memories and friendships continue to bloom.
My Travels 