Fort William, Ben Nevis, Isle of Skye, Scotland, May 2011

This was the second part of our four day trip to Scotland. The first two days were spent around Inverness. We based ourselves in the town of Fort William. On the first day we spent the day cycling around the Ben Nevis mountain range. This is where the World's Downhill Mountain Biking Challenge is held every year. On the second day we drove up to the Isle of Skye and made our way around the whole island. We discovered the bestest cake shop in Scotland! Jann and her team are foodies at heart and everything they do, is filled with love and lots of wholesomeness. We started out by sitting in the sun but by the time my second organic hot chocolate came round, we moved inside and started chatting to the crew behind the counter. A one hour lunch stop turned into an afternoon of delight. From there we discovered Highland cattle with their furry coats and huge horns. We played on the grounds of a castle that has been so well preserved I could easily imagine myself as a princess in a tower. I mean, it even had the original trap door with its scary spikes in place! We decided to take a nap in a graveyard where the sun was shining beautifully and the wind was rustling through a giant oak tree. And somewhere along the Whiskey Trail we discovered old boats and nets that had to be photographed. Oh and there were lambs everywhere, just everywhere. They are skittish creatures, but really playful in a cheeky way.

{Thanks Babe, I really enjoyed being surprised. You plan holidays really well.}

Inverness, Scotland, May 2011

This Scotland trip was a surprise for me. Calvin had planned four days away and we left a day after I arrived back from South Africa. Every part of the trip remained a surprise and so I was all girlish every morning wondering where we were headed for the day. We took the Ferry from Belfast to Stranraer and from there we road tripped into the Scottish Highlands. We spent two very special nights at the Water's Edge Bed and Breakfast in Fortrose, just outside of Inverness. We have spent many nights in many Bed and Breakfasts and this one stands in the number one position without a doubt. It is by far the warmest welcome we have had in a long time. Bill and Gillian, if you are reading this, please know that you both hold a very special place in Calvin and I's hearts. When we drove away from your place, I said to Calvin that it was as if I had come home from a year at college. Everything about your place: the view, the bedroom, the decor, the breakfasts, the bathroom, the extra special little things, your home, your love, your generosity. Memorable in every way. Thank you over and again.