I woke around 6.45 and would loved to have gone back to sleep. Instead I dragged myself out of bed and over to the laundry – hoping to get our clothes washed and dried before we left. Unfortunately that didn’t happen – after an hour in the dryer we had to leave so I tried to hang up everything around the van in the hope they would dry.

Then it time to head off onto adventure. Firstly we caught the Orkney ferry over to Orkney – it was a 40min but seemed to take forever. We thought it because it was misty and we couldn’t see anything but we found the same on the return trip.

When we arrived we hopped straight on board the bus and headed off for todays tour. We had seen a dog on the ferry and were amazed when she came on the bus!

Unfortunately it was VERY misty this morning which meant we couldn’t see very much. Most of the 70 islands which make up Orkney are used for farming so we saw lots of sheep and cattle. Our driver told us the story of how it used to be a big free range chicken (egg) farming area (for 7 years) until one day hurricane force winds took ALL chickens away!

We drove over the Churchill barricades built to keep the Naval fleet safe in Scapa Flow during WWII. Originally sunks ships were used but after a German U-boat got through Italian prisioners of war were used to build the barricades – which then became causeways between the islands. You can still see some of the ships and they can be dived upon (which we know Kevin would like).
Our first stop was a brief one in Kirkwell where we got some hot drinks to enjoy on the coach. Then it was on to Stromness where we had lunch at a pub. I chose the cheese and caramalised onion wrap which was delicious.

We then had a quick walk around the town which was very pretty.

I could have spent a lot of money in this wool/knit shop but Amy & I just chose a pair of gloves.

Then the highlight of the day – Skara Brae. We saw the short film then out in the field. It was bitterly cold and drizzly and not to pleasant outdoors at all. This meant we did walk around the site as quick as possible. My first thought was that it was much smaller than I thought. It was pretty amazing though – esp. seeing the stone furnitures – bed & storage areas.

Part of our ticket also included a visit to Skaill House – which we didn’t but it wasn’t much of anything – esp. compared to the other houses we’ve visited. I didn’t even get any photos outside as we were feeling rather sorry for ourselves. We still nearly half an hour till we had to be on the bus but was too cold to be out. We picked up a little snack which we ate in the bus.

Next stop of the Ring of Brodgar – a standing stone circle. Much bigger than Stonehenge but I didn’t think it as impressive. Christy thought it great that she could touch the stones here. Again it would probably have been nicer if the weather was better but at least it wasn’t still raining.

We also visited the standing stones of Stenness but we didn’t bother to get out of the bus at this 5 min stop. Instead we watched some swans and signets and two seals sunbaking in the distance.

It was then onto Kirkwell where we had a two hour stop. We did a bit of shopping – so many LOVELY things here. I would love to have bought some of the jewellery but I didn’t see anything I HAD to have. I did buy another pair of wrist warmers .

We also took the opportunity to have an early dinner. I had the Orkney Cheese salad which was just what I was feeling like. The cheese was delicious but I only made a small dint in the large amount served .

Our last stop for the day was the Italian Church. This was built by the prisioners of war and is just so cute. When you walk you think the walls are tiled – but no – EVERYTHING is painted!!!! It has to be seen to be believed.

On the way home the weather had cleared up so we were able to see what we’d missed this morning.

Then the bus back to the ferry and back over the seas to John O’Groats, where we arrived cold, tired but happy at 7.45pm.

Time for a cup of tea while I finish drying off our clothes then off to bed. We even had a nice sunset tonight.

We left Inverness just before 10am.  Except for Pop we were all moving pretty slow today. We had absolutely beautiful blue skies with white fluffy clouds and it was warm – about time!  We drove through yet more beautiful scenery.

Our main stop today was Dunrobin Castle.

We arrived just before 11.30am and went straight down to see the falconry to watch the demonstation. Even though we’d just seen a similar show at Warwick Castle this was different enough to be well worth while. The birds were flying close overhead and even brushed by my arm.  After the show the girls were able to sit beside an owl as it digested it’s meal (a dead mouse).

We then explored the gardens – stopping to take lots of photos. They were beautiful and looking up at the house from the gardens was breathtaking (esp. with the brilliant blue sky behind it).

Next was lunch in the tea rooms.

Dad & I both had the Split Pea Soup which was delicious.

Amy ordered a steak pie and this is what she got.

After lunch we explored the house which was much better than I thought it might be. There was no guided tour but the rooms were set out in order so it was easy to follow around. And every couple of rooms was a guide so you could questions if you wanted. We all enjoyed our visit here and was very glad we’d made the stop.

From here was drove another hour and half through lots of farm country (which I surprise to both Dad and myself).

Finally we arrived at todays destination – John O’Groats (the northern most town in the mainland UK).

We checked into the van park and got settled before heading off to explore the town – which comprises one museaum, a ferry terminal, a few coffee shops and a handful of stores. There are some houses but they are a few minutes back down the road.

We visited the museum – the last house in Scotland – which was surprisingly free. There quite a lot of interesting artifacts and photos here. In the shop we were able to send a postcard which will be postmarked “last house in Scotland”.

We checked out the other shops but other than the candle shop (which sold lovely handmade candles) most were just tourist traps. We went back the motorhome to discover I had inadvertantly left the water tap open this morning – which meant when the water had gotten turned back on, the tap run and the grey water tank overflowed flooding the floor carpet. It also meant that even though we had emptied and filled tanks just this morning, we had to do it all over again. Not fun. I then had to wash the towels (again) that we’d used in the clean up. In amongst all this I had to treat Christy for her head lice – which is always a fun job. Luckily Amy & Pop were able to get dinner organised while all this was going on and we finally got to eat around 7.30pm.

Shortly afterwards Dad spotted  some cows in the nearby field so I grabbed the big camera and headed over to take some photos. Quite a few of the babies came right up to see me at the fence so I was able to get some up-close photos. They were SOOOOO cute.

Finally I got the towels all dried (they took ages) and was able to type up todays trip report and head to bed. We’ve got a big out tomorrow visiting Orkney.

Unfortunately Christy got struck with the same vomiting virus we’ve all had during the night. Poor little thing. I ended up sharing my bed with her so I could attend her, which meant I didn’t get much sleep. Since she was so ill and the weather was very poor (despite me seeing blue sky at 4.30am) we decided to hang around until 12pm. Christy slept once she stopped vomiting, Poppy did some washing for me (including our bed sheets) and I found out I could get internet access for 3 pounds for 2 hours .

We left just before 12pm after waking Christy up and getting her settled on the lounge. Having the motorhome meant she could sleep lying down while in her seat belt. Probably not the safest but it was necessary today.

It was steady rain when we set off. It started clearing within about 10mins and I was able to spot the B&B we stayed at last time – it’s the end one on the left.

We stopped in Fort William for some supplies (poor Christy not only has this virus but she had nits as well!) and a few miles up the road we stopped for lunch. Wish I could have lunch with a view like this every day.

Lunch today was a cheese and onion roll.

We then continued our drive. The weather continued to get better as we drove north. Pop and I wanted to stop at the canals but we couldn’t get close easy parking (as Christy would have to stay in the van).

Loved this gorgeous old bridge.

We had lovely views the whole of todays drive.

Finally we arrived at Loch Ness. I’d forgotten just how big it is.

We had planned to visit the Loch Ness Center – thinking the girls would find it interesting but Christy wasn’t feeling well enough so just Amy and Poppy went.

Poppy wasn’t too impressed but Amy enjoyed it.

Then onto our final destination today – a caravan park on the outskirts of Inverness. The girls immediately spotted the waterslides coming out of the leisure center that is right next to the park.

Amazing Christy felt well enough to want to go – KIDS!!! So after getting organised and remaking the bed I took the girls over for an hour before dinner. On the way we spotted a Goldie. I wonder what people think when I suddenly whip out camera and take a photo (which I try to do discretely ).

It was fantastic set up at the pool and the girls had a fabulous time.

Here you can just see them at the bottom of the slide.

We were back at the van by 7pm, just in time to enjoy that BBQ that Poppy had prepared for us.

And what’s this? Hopefully a good omen for the weather tomorrow.

It’s actually now 10pm and we’ve had the most beautiful blue skies this evening – which seems to be a bit normal around here. I’m off to bed to read and get a good nights sleep.

Woke up around 7.30am VERY relieved to feel almost back to normal. I even managed to have some hot  tea and breakfast – just a tortilla with some cheese and salad. We got the motorhome all tidied up and re-organised this morning and just before 10am headed back to the Glen Coe Visitors Center for our Landrover Safari Tour.

This was a fantastic trip as we all saw all the main sights around the glen and many of the stories associated with them. It was drizzling on and off but clear enough to enjoy the beauty. It is such a magical place. Every time you turn around you are amazed. I took loads of photos today but have tried to narrow down my selection to share with you.

Sorry…just a few more to go…

The only negative of the tour was that we didn’t have a great view out of the landrover – esp. when trying to look up at the tall munroes. i had planned on us doing a walk here but with being sick yesterday and the weather a bit too wet we decided against it. It will have to go on the list for next time.

The tour lasted for 3 hours until 1.30pm and we were rather hungry upon conclusion so we headed back to the cafe again. This time I ordered (and enjoyed) some broccoli soup.

Just as we finished we heard an announcement that there was to be a special presentation about Highlanders in 10mins. Of course we immediately headed off not really sure what to expect. And it certainly surpassed any expectations we did have. It was very well put together and highly entertaining. They had great pleasure in making fun of us Australians not being able to understand English.

And to cap it off Christy was selected to model the traditional highland dress. She looked so cute.

It was such a great little show and we were so pleased we saw it. We then headed back into the visitors center for the girls to play the games again.

We then went out the lookout where it had cleared up quite a bit. I would liked to have gone for a walk but Amy wasn’t up for it.

Instead when we went to the van park Dad & I went for a walk back into Glen Coe town. It was a nice, easy walk with more stunning views (esp. now as it had stopped drizzling).

Back home I prepared a cheese platter which I enjoyed (in amongst doing the laundry).

It was another beautiful evening and I was so happy to be able to enjoy it today. I will be sad to leave tomorrow but I’m sure we’ll seeing plenty more wonderful scenery.

The girls went out exploring in the loch again this evening and then headed for shower while I got dinner ready. We had pizza tonight but not until nearly 8pm. Talk about dinner with a view.

Oh boy, what a night. Kevin and I both had Amy’s vomiting bug. It was horrendous. We were will still feeling very poorly in the morning. My vomiting had stopped but Kevin was still at it. We ended up lazying/sleeping most of the morning. By 11am we were feeling somewhat better – though physically very sore. Luckily we had packed Kevin’s bag yesterday and he headed off to try and do a few things before his flight to London at 6pm.

We headed off to Glencoe. Poppy did great driving the motorhome and we finally entered the highlands.

Just as magnificent as I remembered. Even with the drizzle the place is beautiful. I was still not feeling all that great but the scenery helped to compensate for my misery and I sat with a big grin on my face.

We stopped to take a few photos at Loch Tulla and drove through the Rannoch Moor.

Finally we arrived (in the drizzle) at Glencoe.

And we all decided we could happily live in this house – at least in the Summer .

Unfortunately I was feeling pretty bad (though nothing compared to last night). We went to the cafe for the others to have lunch. I continued to sip on my flat lemonade. We then went to the visitors center where the girls found lots of fun games to play and I sat and watched a movie about the Glencoe Massacre.

We left (since we’re coming back tomorrow) and headed to the motorhome park. It was just as I’d hoped and we were given a spot right on the Loch which is just magical.

This has always been my favourite part of Scotland and I’m still in love with it.

Unfortunately being ill I wasn’t able to fully enjoy it today and promptly went to bed to sleep some more. It fined up during the afternoon and Christy was able to spend time at the play park and the girls went for a walk by/in the loch.

I was able to manage a bit of dinner tonight – a slice of bread with cheese and more lemonade. It was a beautiful sunny evening and I was very jealous of everyone out walking. At 8.30pm I went to bed to read and was asleep shortly afterwards, hoping to wake up feeling like myself in the morning.

We packed up and left Stirling at 9am after a good nights sleep. It was an easy run out to Callander where we met up with Poppy and Amy.

We parked the motorhome and all hopped in the car for the drive out to Loch Katrine. It was a drizzly day and VERY cold and windy when we got there. So we were all rather relieved to find out that the SS Sir Walter Scott steam boat that we were booked on wasn’t running (as it was all outdoors) and instead went on the Lady of the Lake.

This was a lovely cruise. We had originally planned to go one way and ride bikes back along the path but with the on and off rain and the COLD day we decided not to. Instead we cruised up to Stronachlachar enjoying tea and shortbread.

We hopped off to take some photos and then hopped back on board for the hour long cruise back to Loch Katrine.

We all enjoyed this and the weather was fine enough that we could enjoy the view.

And we even spotted a Goldie …. look closely…

We then visited the shop – which had lots of lovely unique gifts. And we found our favourite Borders.
We left and headed in search of lunch. We found this very unique cafe.

Cute little decorations.

We had a lovely lunch – I had the first lentil soup of the trip (lentil soup is the best in Britain).

Then it was back to Callander. We went to the Rob Roy visitor center but had just missed the film and Christy needed the toilet desperately.

While we waited for Pop and Chrsity to return Kevin went shopping – and yes, he did buy it.

I then visited the local fudge shop – they had a great selection and we bought some more tablet.

And another goldie spotted .

Since it was still a bit of a wait for the movie we decided not to bother (I’d just watched movie Rob Roy anyway and we heard about him on the cruise) so we walked back to the motorhome/car and set off for tonights park. It was a short drive through beautiful countryside.

We had planned to go out again to see some waterfalls and a folklore center but by the time Christy ate her lunch (she didn’t eat anything at lunchtime and was now starving) we were too late for last entry. We stayed inside for the afternoon and got Kevin all packed up for his trip back home tomorrow. The girls worked on their journals and when the rain had come back in and we had fun watching people set up their tents in the rain .

Of course Kevin made me try on his hat .

We decided to have dinner out tonight for our last dinner with Kevin and found a lovely little pub in the nearby town. We could have walked but it was still drizzly so we took the car.

We were made very welcome and they even opened up the dining area for us. First we were seated in this cute little area while we looked at the menu.

We loved the kids menu.

Eventually our meal was ready and we were seated at our table in our private dining room. Both girls weren’t feeling well and even though they ordered a meal neither of them ate a bite. I enjoyed my leek and brie tart but could only eat one !!!

Then it was back to the motorhome to get all 5 of us settled for the night. It was cozy but we managed.

Thought I’d do a quick post to let you know we’re still alive – though barely – after both Kevin & I came down with Amy’s horrendous 24 hour vomiting virus. Poor Kevin had to fly back to Australia suffering (though past the worst of it). Then two days later Christy got it (she’s just on the tail end). The weather in Scotland has been awful but we’ve still managed to enjoy it’s beauty and had a fantastic time on a landrover safari tour around Glen Coe yesterday (in between sicknesses). I’ve now gotten some internet access but not enough to download photos – hopefully later tonight. We then head up to John O’Groats so who know’s if we’ll have internet up there .

Kevin and I woke up around 6am to lots of mist on the hills. We had a call from Dad at 8am to say that Amy had been vomitting during the night and was still asleep. So we had a lazy morning – playing on the computer and Christy started watching a DVD. Eventually they turned up around 10am but Amy was still sick and promptly fell asleep on our bed. But at least the vomitting had stopped. When the rain stopped for a bit we got out for a walk around the campsite and Christy played at the park.

While Amy was still sleeping Kevin, Christy and I went to the shops to buy an extra suitcase for Kevin to take home. We also picked up some salads for lunch.

Amy was feeling somewhat better on our return but not 100%. Poor thing – she looked a fright .

We had some salads for lunch (I forgot to take a photo) and then Poppy and Christy went to the movies to see Shrek in 3D. I used the free time to tidy up the van a bit and wash all our towels. Amy slept a bit more but when she awoke felt well enough to go the Old Town Jail. So when we picked up Poppy & Christy from the movie (which they both really enjoyed) we went straight to the jail and arrived just before last entrance at 4pm.

This also meant we were just in time to take the last tour of the day. This was really great – two actors playing out the various characters who made up the goals past – from the hangman, to the warder to the convict.

Kevin and Christy tried out the exercise yard..

and we got a great view from the top viewing area.

Christy bought some pink handcuffs…

and posed for her mug shot .

We left just a few minutes before closing time very glad we’d been able to fit this in.

Tonights dinner was pies and some of the rice salad we had a lunch heated up. My veggie pie was delicious and I’m glad we’ve got more to have another night.

Amy decided to go back with Poppy aswas looking forward to another bath in the hotel (and we’re very glad she was there last night to be sick and not in the van). Later we sampled some IRN BRU (Scotland’s 2nd most popular soft drink). I don’t like soft drinks but this was okay – I thought it tasted like creaming soda.

Christy then showered and we realized the grey water tank was full so we moved the motorhome so we could empty it. Christy watched some more of her show and I typed up todays post.

For the first time on holidays we woke to a wet, rainy and cold day.

We had an easy morning (Christy got a much needed sleep in) and Dad & Amy arrived back just after 8.30am. We had a cup of tea and comtemplated todays plans. We decided with the rain expecting to ease to go do our grocery shop and hope it would ease up. We drove to a nearby Tesco and did shop which included 5-6 dinners – so that will keep us going for a while. We then drove back to the motorhome and unpacked before heading out to the Wallace Monument.

We caught the bus up the hill (much easier than last time when we walked!!! ) to try and avoid the rain…

and arrived just in time to hear a talk all about William Wallace and the battles fought in the area. The guy was great and we enjoyed this, in spite of it being rainy and cold.

We then started to walk up inside the monument. I wasn’t really sure about the enclosed staircase but there light coming through so I made it the first part. This is where Wallace’s sword is (and as far as I got the last time).

Kevin was keen for me to go up further so I gave it go and it was fine because there was light and fresh air coming in. So we all made ALL the way to the top – up over 200 steps. It was well worth the effort as the view was incredible – even on a day like today. But boy was it cold and windy.

We headed back down the staircase – there is really only room for one so passing is very difficult. But going down was a lot easier than going up .We then walked back down the hill and went to have lunch at the cafe. We all had toasted sandwiches.

Then we drove over to Stirling Castle.

We arrived just in time to catch a tour that had just started. This was great (once Christy got over her annoyance that we didn’t do an audio tour). The guide was really great – one of the best we’ve had – and it was very informative.

After our tour we explored a little more on our own and headed back to the motorhome around 4pm. We had some afternoon tea and Christy went off to play at the park. Amy made up this awesome platter for us to share.

We spent the rest of afternoon chatting and I got some more washing done (most of it done by Kevin !!). We had dinner about 6.30pm. My prepacked mac ‘n’ cheese was really GOOD! I’d say almost better than what I make at home .

Dad & Amy left around 7.30pm and we settled in the for night. It had started to rain steadily again but we were so pleased to have missed the rain this afternoon

We had a bit of a slower paced morning, which began with Yorkshire tea and butter cookies.

In spite of a forecast of rain we woke up to beautiful blue skies.

We were going to go on a short nature walk but it was rather muddly and wet so decided not to both. We visited to caravan park hoping to buy some fresh bread but it hadn’t been delivered yet.

So Amy and I had a wrap to eat in the van. Kevin & Christy had already eaten. Shortly after Christy fell asleep.

After leaving the Lake District behind we entered the different countryside of Hadrian’s Wall.

Evenutally we arrive at Vindolanda.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect here but it was really fascinating. We were able to talk to real archeologists – there were so many working away on the site. It’s not expected that they’ll be finished with the excavations here for another 200 years!!!

It’s also where they found many old Roman tablets – which are no considered to be Britain’s greatest treasure.

Look closely and you can just see Christy at the top left hand side…

After going through the museum we stopped for morning tea and then headed back to the van. We could have spent more time here but were hoping to arrive in Stirling at 4pm to meet up with my Dad. Next we drove to the Roman Army Museum – which is a joint project. We watched a short film about Hadrian’s wall and saw more artifacts. It was not what I was expecting so I’m glad we went to Vindolanda first.

We drove on to and into Scotland.

Stopping shortly afterwards at the Old Blacksmith in Gretna Green.

First up was some lunch..

We then went through the museum where we learnt all about  why people came here from England to get married.

We couldn’t believe how quickly the landscaped had changed when we drove in Scotland.

and we had a good laugh at the excessive use of traffic cones… some were even touching they were so close.

Just after 4pm we finally made it to Witches Craig Caravan Park where we’ll be staying for the next 3 nights.

I made up a cheese platter (using our Wensleydale cheeses) and we waited for my Dad to arrive. He arrived in Scotland 5 days ago and has been visiting relatives (he was born in Scotland) and doing some sightseeing around Glasgow.

Not too bad a spot to sit and relax is it?

Finally Dad arrived just on 5pm. The girls and I were very excited to see him. But it will be strange not having my Mum as well (she doesn’t like to fly so a 24 hour flight is out of the question). HI MUM!!! WE MISS YOU!

We chatted and caught up with one anothers adventures over the cheese platter. And around 7pm headed out in search of dinner. This turned into a bit of an ordeal but eventually we found a Little Chef. It was way on the other side of Stirling but it was quick and the food was good.

Like last time I had the tomato soup. Kevin joined me tonight.

Another ordeal getting home with road works and getting slightly lost on the back streets. We got the Wallace Monument that we are visiting tomorrow up close.

Eventually we made it back and Amy packed her stuff as she is sharing Poppy’s hotel room tonight. Christy and Kevin headed to bed and I typed up todays post.