June 25, 2013: Ft Augustus to Lewis Island

We started the day by planting a tree. At one time 90% of Caledonia (the Roman name for Scotland) was covered in forests. Over the years, the oak trees were cut to build English ships and English homes and the pine forests were cleared to create more sheep grazing area. Today, less than 1% of Caledonia is native old growth forest. Our tour operator, Haggis Adventures, contributes to “Trees For Life,” a tree planting group that is in the process of returning some of the cleared areas to forest. Only native species are planted. This morning we planted a Juniper and an Aspen tree. Perhaps we will return in a few years to see how they are doing.

Off on a hike through an old growth forest. The ant mound below is over 100 years old. The ant mounds are not disturbed because the ants in the process of going about their business contribute to the reseeding of the forests.

Above, a small forest waterfall. How many waterfalls have we seen so far. Little did we know that the best are yet to come. Below is an enclosure containing wild pigs (boars). The wild pigs do a great job of eating all the forest undergrowth so that new trees can get sunlight. Also the pigs dig up the rocks while searching for roots. The rocks are carted away and the forest can start anew. And boy are there rocks, boulders and mountains in the Highlands!

Had to stop into this place for a “Wee one” as they say in Scotland.

Lighthouse on the point where dolphins can be seen chasing the salmon that are heading upstream to spawn.

This golf course actually has a hole where the road to the lighthouse passes through the middle of the fairway. Not only do you have to check for other golfers, but you also have to check the traffic before taking a swing.

Above and below, now this is a strange spectacle. Legend has it that if you drink from this stream the waters have healing properties. But, only if you leave an article of clothing behind after taking a drink!!!! So there are various garments and pieces of clothing hanging from every tree. Looks like a homeless encampment. I must say there are some garments that I have to question how they were removed.

Elaine getting some water.

And another hike to a waterfall.  We could hear the sound of this one from the start of the trail.  I certainly would not want to fall in this stream. 

Below, Elaine on the trail to the falls. It looks like she is quite happy to be hiking up hill to another waterfall again.

Snow still on the higher levels of the mountains. Who knew there were ski areas in Scotland? And below, a hike to yet another water fall. But, this is a very good fall with a deep drop into a steep canyon.

We arrive in Ullapool, Scotland for our ferry crossing to Stornoway on Lewis Island in the Outer Hebrides. Hard to read the menu below, but there is a seafood feast that includes lobster, clams, crab legs, crab, mussels and fish for 2 for $49 at this seaside fishing town.

Below, the Isle of Lewis Ferry boat.

Great views departing the harbor.

I see a Puffin on this sign.Surprise! Edward is reading his Kindle on the ferry crossing and missing all the great sights. It was a very comfortable ferry.

Our group looking for seal, dolphins, whales, anything.  So disappointed we didn’t get to see anything.

Below, we see the Lewis Island lighthouse on our arrival.

Below, since the youth hostel in Stornoway had no private rooms, we opted for a nice B&B for the 2 nights. It had a view of the harbor and cost little more than we would have paid had the hostel had a private room.

Our yellow bus sits below. The side of the bus reads, “Haggis Adventures – Wild and Sexy.” I am sure that is what people thought when they saw Elaine and Edward getting off the bus!