In the morning in the hills away from city strife

Today was about the Castles. 

Eilan Donan, which has been on my list  for ages- was first.   The trip over the Skye Bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh was marred by a tragic accident on the road - however, this was coupled by a weird moment of recognition.  As Boy walked down the stopped cars, I watched another lad walk about 20 yards behind him.  

He turned to wave to his pal, and I thought, That's C.... And I willed Boy to turn and see him, because if they had it would be the first time in 9 years. 

But he didn't and I wasn't 100% sure that it was him, and I didn't want to scare him by shouting out the window.  Scary lady!  

But when we checked his (c's ) instagram - and there he was "i was in skye" 

Wow! Small world. 

And then we got across and then we saw Eilan Donan over the next bridge.  My heart actually skipped a beat.  It is as beautiful as the photos show.   We decamped and piled into the Castle. How very, very beautiful.   It was amazingly full of stuff considering how it looks in photos.  I always imagined it being derelict, but no - people live there. 

We wandered back from a happy tour around, the kids took photos and imagined life in a castle, and then we headed on the road again. 

A little way down the road - himself took over.   I was falling asleep at the wheel; and then we were at Urquhart Castle.  I spent a lot of time sitting people watching.  Hoomans from other countries are not very good at following British etiquette.  I will say no more. 

As we left Urquhart Castle, we got the phone call we had been dreading  Our Lovely Nant had passed.   Luckily we were very close to Inverness, so we all managed to hold it together til we got to the hotel. 

We settled for a couple of hours and then we headed out for something to eat and drink - and we relieved to find a great place - Black Isle Brewery who provided gallons of craft beer and the most heavenly pizzas.  There were some tears, but lots of laughter and we toasted Nant and her Licky Sticky Mince Pies 

Sleep Tight Nant.