Inverness

Located along Loch Ness but no monster, just good food and good fun.

First, an explanation.  This trip went through a bit of evolution.  First, our family agreed to a joint adventure.  We suggested a camping trip in Wyoming and Montana.  Weather, fires and heat cancelled that plan.  Then Anna Lee mentioned that we had never been to Scotland.  That idea went over well.  The rest is lots of planning and a whole new adventure for everyone (except for a foray by Jeff a long time ago.)

Inverness is full of adventures.  Our inn is in a lovely neighborhood except for the many stairs to get to the main town and the river.  We feel very safe wandering about since the local prison is well guarded (seriously, it is a block away).

Today we explored Urquhart Castle. 

The castle stands on the shores of Lock Ness and from 1100 thru 1600 the Scots and the Brits took turns assaulting and defending it.  Robert the Bruce ruled it in the 1300s and controlled traffic on the Loch.  The castle was abandoned in the 1600's after the Scots blew it up rather than give the Brits a base.  The remains still tell the story how people lived in the castle and of the many sieges. 

A trebuchet stands ready for an attack.  (It was not actually used here).

Jeff and Anna Lee seem to enjoy the experience.

We even encountered the Lord and Lady who were happy to show us around.

We have enjoyed walking through the neighborhood where the homes are hundreds of years old and still maintain a charm.

The Redcliffe is our home base.  

The staff are warm and the restaurant serves delicious meals.  The rooms are smaller than we are accustomed to in the States but there is a large open area for us to sit, write the blog and read.