Strethpeffer

October 15, 2012

We left the wonderful Spoons B&B and headed back through Portree, Sconser, Luib, Ard Dorch, Dunan, to Strollamus.  We headed toward the Skye Bridge going through Skulmas, Breakish, Ashaig, Broadford, and Kyleakin to the Kyle of Lochalsh.  We found a nice Scottish radio station to entertain us as we drove through the amazing scenery of the Isle of Skye.

It sounds odd, but the scenery of the Isle of Skye is almost magical or mystical.  The only other place I can think of that has a similar feeling is Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Now the scenery isn’t the same, but it is mystical.  

Once we crossed over the Skye Bridge the scenery became different.  It is beautiful, but more trees, hills, mountains, etc.  The fall colors are at their peak and are gorgeous. 

We drove through Balmacara, Reraig, Kirkton, Achertyre, and Stromeferry with a side trip to Achmore.  We saw a small sign that said “West Highland Dairy” so we thought what the heck?  We wandered through a single track road to the Dairy and found the gate closed.  But the sign said “open” so I got out and opened the gate for bc to drive through.  We were met by a very friendly dog, “Ruckum” (at least that’s what we think the guy said).  This was a small farmhouse with lots of vegetable beds.  A man came out and pointed to another building and said “The cheese is in here.”  He went behind the counter and said ”What do you want?”  Not the least bit personable!  We bought some blue cheese and brie and 2 types of ice cream.  We threw the ball for Ruckum, who was so sweet.  The man had gone back into his house.  I opened the gate and we drove away.  Later we stopped at another beautiful road stop and ate the ice cream, Skye Fudge and Black Currant and Clotted Cream.  It was great.  Later we stopped at a tourist place and bought some crackers to go with our cheese.  At another beautiful road stop we each had 2 crackers with some cheese.  Lunch.  Mmmm.  It was good and perfect! 

When we pass through these little villages, this is what is usually looks like.

I think we may be near where the BBOY is.  Two suspicious things happened.  First, outside of Portree there was a big truck with huge blue plastic circle type things on its bed.  Maybe some sort of winding device for the BBOY?  Then later in the day we saw a truck labeled “Heavy Haulage”.  It was going the same direction as the other truck.  We will definitely keep you posted!

Back on the road driving alongside Loch Carron passing Rossend, Colemarty, Strathcarian, Beside Loch Cannon, Coulags, Balnaera, Achnasheen, Achanalt, Garve and Contin.  I win the gold star for the day because I spotted the sign for Glen Ord distillery.  We drove to it, crossing over a weak bridge twice!  Bc was so excited he could hardly stand it.  The lady gave him two scotch whiskeys to try and since we still have 10 days of travel he bought a bottle of Singleton.  Nice. 

Our B&B is in Strethpeffer outside of Inverness.  The B&B is called Linnmhor.  We are the only ones here.  The season has closed today so it will be interesting to see what type of tourist attractions will be open.  We had a wonderful dinner here.  In fact we were stuffed.  Michael MacKenzie entertains us with all sorts of stories and his wife Roonie does the cooking. 

Today we are off for another adventure filled day.  Take care, bc and gc