You all need to understand the pain I've gone through to get this post online. I'm currently sitting in the bathroom of the caravan I've been staying in at the hostel, on top of what I presume would be a couch cushion if I ever unmade the bed. It is the closest end to the building that contains a vital component: the only useful internet connection in this place. Three buildings of radio silence. I seriously have a hard time getting any phone signal, let alone the ability to upload photos to the internet. Also, occasionally I have to hold my laptop up to the little shelf above my head because it's 3 inches closer, and I've lost my connection.
I've included pictures so you can better understand my suffering, but I've got to keep the fans happy.
Day 119-136 (July 18-August 4)
I spent my last two weeks in Belfast sightseeing and saying my goodbyes. I had some great nights with GirlCrew Belfast, as well as Swing Belfast, and the WCS group from Dublin. I promised I'd be back soon. There were rose gardens, hikes, dancing, miniature golf, and all of the shenanigans I could ever hope for.
On the fourth of August I boarded a ferry to Glasgow, where Gavin (from my March posts) picked me up. We had a fantastic steak dinner. He'd been raving about this place for, literally, months. It lived up to my expectations, however, I took absolutely no photos! How did that even happen?! Gavin was gracious enough to allow me to crash on his couch for the evening, and then dropped me off at the Glasgow bus station the next morning on his way to work.
Belfast has better rose gardens than Portland.
The Wee Crackers didn't seem to be doing so well.
Dance buddies
Hiking with GirlCrew.
Enjoying the Irish summer with my fellow Portlandian!
St. George's Market
NI's Parliament building
Irish weather summed up in one photo.
More dance buddies!
A little afternoon tea and coffee.
Miniature golf with GirlCrew Belfast!
Thanks to Sinead for the much needed puppy time.
Last dance night before Scotland!
Day 137 (August 5)
It was a grueling, but beautiful, seven hour bus ride from Glasgow to Skye. Most of it I had seen already from mine and Gavin's gallivant up to the isle, but I was still blown away. I've never seen anything so beautiful as the Scottish highlands.
I arrived around nine in the evening, where I was sent to the bar to see the manage. He poured me a pint and welcomed me to Saucy Mary's, where I would be spending the next five weeks of my six month adventure. I made a couple of friends at the bar, and then headed home to my caravan to make myself cozy.
The beautiful view outside the city of Edinburgh.
Bus photos.
My new home: Kyleakin.
Sunset on Skye.
Bar buddies.
Day 138-143 (August 6-11)
I spent the next few days acclimating, and managed to find enough free time to do a few hikes near the hostel.
I think the thing I love most about Skye is that every spare corner contains a mini adventure. Everywhere you look there are trails, ruins, and castles.
Once I had a free day I was able to borrow a car (Rosie), so I made my way up and over to Dunvegan Castle. Unfortunately, the only way to really see the castle is to pay. However, the gentleman selling tickets informed me that just up the road the castle would be a bit far, but I'd get a pretty spectacular view for free.
After checking out the view point I headed over to Neist Point. It was a rather wet day, and worse on the coast, so I was able to try out my new waterproof jacket. I did the short hike down to the lighthouse, and even in the fog, the views were magnificent. I need to do it again if we get a nice sunny day. I don't believe the lighthouse is in use now, the buildings are all abandoned, but it's still a beautiful sight to behold.
Castle Moil, just down the road from Saucy's.
Even on a grey day Skye is so lovely.
Rosie and Dunvegan Castle in the background.
Neist Point Lighthouse
Ocean for days!
It was a little wet out.
A lonely phonebooth.
Pub shenanigans.
Day 144 (August 12)
I had a half day, and some brilliant weather, so I took little Rosie for a drive. As you can see, I made quite a few stops along the way. I didn't really have a destination in mind, so I ended up just sort of wandering, and got to know a fair bit of the island. I also found a cool little forest hike I planned on doing another day, as the clouds had rolled in suddenly, and it was time for me to head back.
I had my first outing with the Saucy's crew after closing early one night. We hit up the local pub called The Haakon. Stacey took many selfies, and good times were had by all. We made some new friends who are up here doing an apprenticeship over the next year, and they've since come by Saucy's once or twice to say hi.
That water though!
That sky though!
I'm not sure the name of this waterfall, but it's beautiful.
Lovely Skye landscapes.
The bridge at Sligachan.
My faithful steed.
Leitir Fura forest
Haakon shenanigans with Fran and Paul.
Stacey, Fran, Big Paul, me, Little Paul
Me, Stacey, Fran
Big Paul and the girls.
Day 147 (August 15)
I had the morning to myself, and Fran had told me about a lovely little hike just a short walk from the hostel, so I set out into the wild. Overall I think the entire hike to the top of Fox Hill, and back down, only took about 45 minutes, which left plenty of time for a nap. At the top of the hill I got some great views of Scalpay, Raasay, and the ocean.
When I got back to Kyleakin it was low tide, so I ventured over to Castle Moil. The only ways over to the castle are through bog land, or around the shore. Obviously you have to keep an eye on the tide if you go around the shore, otherwise you might be swimming back.
I also discovered a World War memorial, and a little compass point showing the names of all the mountains around. The heather is blooming, and the hillside was looking lovely in its new shade of purple.
I wandered around behind the hostel and down to a small inlet, where I was able to take a stroll along the water's edge.
By now I feel like all I do is take pictures of Skye Bridge, but it's so lovely!
The hike up Fox Hill.
The national flower of Scotland.
The wee bridge again.
And again.
Castle Moil on a warm sunny day!
Low tide makes the castle more easily accessible.
The view!
All the hills and mountains are covered in this lovely purple heather.
WWI and WWII memorial.
The walk down behind the hostel.
Day 149 (August 17)
Dani's big day out!
I had Rosie for the WHOLE DAY! I grabbed some breakfast, showered, and was out the door on my next adventure.
My first stop was the Fairy Glen. It was everything I hoped for, though it seemed to be lacking in the fairy department. There was a cute little pond surrounded by these brilliantly green rippling hills. The photos really don't do it justice. It was magical.
After hiking around for a bit, I hopped in the car and headed up towards the top of the island to the Cave of Gold. It's a bit dodgy trying to get to it, you have to walk through some farmland and hop a fence or two, and then you have to make sure you take the correct path down so you don't fall on your face, but it's worth it. It's Skye's answer to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, but with a cave!
Once I'd climbed about every inch of strange rock I could find, I hiked back up the hill, through the farmland (managed to miss all of the cow pies), and back to the dead ended little country road where I had parked my faithful steed.
From there I headed up and around the top of Skye, with a quick look at Duntulm Castle, before heading back down towards the Quiraing. Seeing as how I'd been before, I almost decided to skip it and try to see something new. The Quiraing had different plans. I was subconsciously drawn there, the only patch of sunshine on the horizon, so I parked the car and tried to prepare myself for the mind blowing views.
I was not prepared. This might be the most spectacular thing I have ever seen. I took a million pictures along the way, most of which you'll see here. It is absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe my luck with the weather; it was like this was meant to be. I decided to hike the opposite direction from the last time I was there. This hike must go on for miles. I will definitely be going back.
Such amazing scenery in this country everywhere you look!
Uig
The fairy glen!
Sadly, the fairies were not about.
Magic and stuff!
Out to the boonies!
The Cave of Gold
The ocean!
Such cool formations.
Castle Duntulm
My most favourite place: The Quiraing!
Prepare yourself for a million pictures that all look the same, but are all equally amazing!
My face.
Mountain sheep, and stuff.
More sheep, and my face!
Last time I was here, I hiked those cliffs in the background.
Dani: hiker edition
The Old Man of Storr. Unfortunately, I ran out of hiking time.
Day 152 (August 20)
Another half day!
Remember the forest hike I mentioned above? Well this was the day. It was about five miles round trip, not too shabby, and promised great views of the countryside, as well as the Sound of Sleat. I was not disappointed.
The sun made a debut, and about thirty minutes into the hike I was sweating, but it was so worth it! See for yourself.
The Sound of Sleat
The heather!
We're on a bridge, Charlie!
The ruins of Leitir Fura.
The view from Broadford on my way home.
Days 137-154 (August 5-22)
I've spent the last few weeks getting to know the Saucy's team, and I have to say, I absolutely adore them. I've had such a great time hanging out, laughing, and taking selfies (Stacey!) with all of them. I couldn't have found a better spot. I'm so grateful to have been accepted into this rowdy bunch of insane characters, they've really made me feel at home here on the other side of the world.
Girl time.
Night hiking with team Saucy's!
Fran, Auren, me, Stacey, and Angie
The girls, plus Leon and Kyle.
Big Paul's sign for Leon.
Stacey in front, then Kyle, Callum, Angie, Amaury, me, Little Paul, Big Paul, and Fran, and some creeper.
I'm sure there will be plenty more to come in the next two and a half weeks. I'll keep you posted.
