Rise ‘n shine, it’s moving day!

Last night I checked the map and did a bit of research to figure out our route to the next destination. One place we could drive to on our way might be one of those at the edge of a cliff drives. Something I’d never do, but something I could see Dan was tempted to do. I’m not one to say “absolutely not!” so I had to just breathe deep and let him decide.

But first, breakfast. Being here for three nights meant three breakfasts (see how fabulous my math skills are?) and I do something different each day. Today was my simplest: scrambled eggs and smashed avocado on toast. As it turned out, there were two pieces of toast, one with the avocado and one with the eggs. I wasn’t even tempted by the sweet rolls or croissants today. Yep, I was a good girl. For once.

As we were sitting at the table I noticed my watch band was breaking. Again. I had noticed a few days ago that it wasn’t in good shape, but managed to push things back together. Showing it to Dan he suggested I would lose the Apple watch if I kept attempting to use the band, so I had to switch to my “night watch” band. (Yeah, I brought both — I have been tracking my sleep.) Well, the night watch band is pink. PINK. I do not wear pink. Pink is not me. But I guess it is now, and I will stop tracking my sleep (which is probably a good thing anyway since my watch tells me I’m not doing a good job sleeping and I don’t like being reprimanded).

Okay … rambling over … as was breakfast.

Back to the room we went, to get ready to head on out. Packing this trip has been quite easy: when I packed at home I had room to spare which means that even as things in the suitcase get larger as we go (ever notice how everything expands when you travel? Not just one’s body, but everything in the suitcase as well!) I have no issue zipping it up. I was quickly packed, although I had to wait for someone to brush his teeth since I’m the Carrier Of The Toothbrush. (This is one very important assignment and I carry it out perfectly, just so you know.)

Packing done, we checked out of Redwood House and went on our way.

We had to stop one last time on our little 1 lane road to the Redwood House … I mean, really, how could we not say goodbye to a lamb or two, and the tree said, “Shoot me, shoot me!” so I complied. And that sign? Well DUH!

Goodbye Isle of Skye!

Well, sort of. We did have to get petrol (see how British I’ve become already — maybe they’ll let us stay?!). As Dan filled the tank I took a few shots of these little cars. Just because.

A few shots in what the iPhone tells me was Carbost.

One small waterfall image after a short bit of driving:

I had read about Lean To Coffee when I was planning our trip, so we opted to stop there. Besides, the coffee at the Redwood House was less than stellar. Now we are supposed to do a two meal a day thing, but a “tiny” pastry and coffee don’t count as anything at all, right? Um. Right.

And over the bridge we went.

We drove on. First it was Duirinish …

Then Plockton …

Then somewhere above Loch Carran.

Here we are, according to the iPhone anyway, at Ardheslaig …

And then Shieldaig, where I made another pink flower photo which the phone identified at Pedicularis Sylvatica or, commonly, small lousewort. Poor flower. I think it deserves a better name.

We pulled over at Benin Eighe and Lock Marie Islands National Nature Reserve. Now don’t worry, I won’t test any readers on the names of these spots later. But of course I’m sure you’re trying to memorize them.

Because our watch’s weather apps told us it wouldn’t rain it rained. This was at Lochrosque if my map GPS on the phone was correct.

Lochluichart was a bit before we arrived at our next village.

And then … hello Ullapool! Our room is very simple, with two small twin beds. We take what we can get, and if I can’t tell if the bed is queen size or larger I go for two twins.

After settling in, we went off in search of dinner. We headed down toward the water.

We could have done pizza, but that just felt oh so wrong when one is in a place that has seafood. The next place we looked at had no spot for us for over an hour. So we walked more, and finally landed at The Seaforth. We had a short wait, and that was fine. I finally had my Cullen Skink soup (thanks to a recommendation by my friend “DK” … thanks!), and Dan had salmon. It was all yummy!

After dinner we walked just a short bit.

And now we are in the little lounge area of our small hotel. It’s peaceful and quiet, and I can finish up this blog and post it. For me this is pretty early to get it finished. Whew!

As to walking … wellllll … I certainly didn’t do well today, and while we have the rental car who knows what will happen. So it goes.

Tomorrow I’m assuming we will do some of what they call the NC500 (North Coast 500). Stay tuned … and now goodnight!

6,568 steps, 2.71 miles, 5 flights climbed