Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

Today was a massive travel day for the Kennedy Clan. Joe and I rushed down at 6:30 AM to Waverly Station to purchase our train tickets to Inverness and then on to London for tomorrow. Marvin tried to help us the night before, but today Davie was our very helpful agent that worked out all the details for us. Next we headed back up the hill, we’ve come to realize Scotland is a series of massive hills, to check out and head into the Highlands.

We found our way to Platform 16 and jumped on the train to Stirling. I have to say, the Brits did it right with their trains. This system would so benefit the US, but we’re clearly not willing to invest in this.

Max’s coffee hadn’t kicked in yet. He’s not a morning person

Off we went to Stirling, to leave our bags at the Stirling Highland Hotel for the day. When we got off the train, Joe and I had the feels of Derry in Stirling, just a bit rough. Now to get up to the hotel, it was much like climbing Mt. Everest, straight up. Which is really fun pulling your suitcase and other bags. But we finally made it up to drop the bags and continue up the hill, of course, to Stirling Castle.

Seriously these hills. And yes, it was a fine soft day, also known as, more rain

I think I know a few I could put in here

The William Wallace monument. So I am descended from his Wallace clan

This was a neat addition to this tour with characters telling their stories of life in the castle

The gardens. I felt like my grandma modeled hers after this

My garden tour

In the courtyard

Next we were off to Inverness on the train. This was about a 2 1/2 hour train ride and then we had to grab a bus out to Urquardt Castle on Loch Ness. To be clear, the last time Joe and I did this, about 25 years ago, we almost had to walk the 8 miles back into town. We were hoping to be a bit more prepared this time out😉. But then o, it is us! The trains are amazing: plenty of room, bring what you need, and relax. The scenery was beautiful as we headed higher into the Highlands. It rained on and off but no stress riding is the way to go!

One of the stops. If you’re a Shakespeare fan you know

Off again. We like the tabled seats best but this train was full

Once into Inverness we found the bus station and booked our tickets. We were only going to have about 20 minutes out at the castle but it’s better than nothing! Our bus driver was clearly a former Formula 1 driver, and Seamus was queasy after this seat-gripping ride that included a ten year old with the foulest mouth ever. It took a lot of restraint to keep my teacher voice in check. He was simply awful. Now I know the Brits are much more liberal with the f word but this kid was off the charts!!! Finally we made it to Loch Ness! It’s very different today. First time here it was very wild and open. Now there’s lots of paths and buildings that do take a bit away from the experience, but it’s still amazing.