To Glasgow and Back to Civilization October 2, 2006

We had a nice chat with Lyn and Brian, our host at Eabost, this morning over breakfast. They were very helpful with information about Ireland. They had several suggestions for places to stay, things to see and areas to hike. We appreciated their kindness and would suggest Eabost as a place to stay anytime you find yourself on the Isle of Skye.

Now, on to Glasgow to prepare for the hop to Ireland tomorrow. We woke to rain and a blustery wind this morning so our 5-6 hour drive took us not only through one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas, Glencoe, but also through a different world. We passed hundreds of cascades tumbling down the mountain sides, some falling two thousand feet or more. Clouds swirled around and between the peaks to form monochromatic landscapes each different but the same. This is a magnificent area rivaling the Norwegian Coast with its rocky coast and sea to sky terrain. Between the weather and the narrow winding roads it was slow driving but it passed much too quickly for us and all too soon we were at the Glasgow Airport.

We’re staying at the Airport Holiday Inn for the convenience of catching a flight to Dublin tomorrow morning, but convenience has a price. After two weeks in the countryside we feel we are back in the rat race, and we’re somewhere in the middle of the pack. The good news is that we will pick up another car in Dublin tomorrow and then spend the next ten days driving around the Irish countryside.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the UK. London was historic and a great place to see those places you’ve always heard about, but the rural areas are what I will remember. The English, Welsh and Scottish countryside have left a lasting impression and I will come back to spend more time here.