Isle of Skye

 A wonderful weekend full of plaid, wind, and beautiful views.  Isle of Skye is on the far western side of Scotland and boasts several magical landscapes and castles.  It is also the home to many seals, Highland Cows, and, of course, sheep.

Allen and I left Friday driving four and a half hours through Inverness (where Loch Ness is located, no we did not find Nessy although Allen kept his face glued to the window with the camera ready) and several other cute little towns.  The bed and breakfast room was dripping with plaid and a stunning view of the Eilean Donan Castle lit up like a fairy tale beacon at night.  I couldn't wait to start the exciting weekend full of exploration.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle was owned by the Clan MacKenzie and is located on it's own little island in Loch Duich.   It is one of the most pictureque castles in all of Scotland and has hosted a backdrop to many movies such as the "Made of Honor" in '08 and "Highlander" in 1996, which apparently is a must-see for Scottish people.  One of the more captivating stories of defending the castle came in the year 1539 when the MacKenzies joined with the MacLeods to fight against the MacDonalds.  (It's very hard to keep all of the Mac's straight.)  Daniel Gorm MacDonald came upon the Eilean Donan with fifty ships armed with all sorts of men.  The castle had two men inside, the constable and a watchman (I have no idea where everybody else was).  Seeing the boats coming, the honorable Duncan MacRae ran to help defend the castle.  Soon Duncan was the only man left stnading and had only one arrow left.  Daniel Gorm MacDonald, thinking he had won the battle, landed on the island and ordered the battering ram to break down the door and seige the castle.  It was then that Duncan MacRae let his last arrow fly straight into MacDonalds foot.  MacDonald  was so upset that he ripped the arrow out causing the barbs to tear an artery and leave him to bleed to death.  Duncan MacRae single handed kept the castle safe by taking down the leader.  Unfortunately, the clans didn't think it was that great and after marrying the newly widowed constables wife he left Eilean Donan for a better future.  Not quite the Hollywood ending, but still very interesting.

The weather report said Saturday would have scattered showers with 50 mph wind.  This meant that the winds reached 65mph and it sprinkled most of the day.  It didn't stop us from enjoying everything, though.  We pulled off the road to take pictures of waterfalls and scenery that made us giddy.  We were like children.  Taking pictures of sheep like we had never seen them before, saying "*gasp* look at that mountain!!", and always keeping a wary eye on the one lane roads.  I think it is safe to say that we enjoyed the day.

Cute little seals at Dunvegan

Sunday was spent at Dunvegan Castle exploring the grounds and the keep that actually has a Fairy Tower.  Sounds manly, right?  Well the legend says that one of the Laird's (Lord's) wee bonnies was being tended to by the maid during a Christening Feast.  The maid wanted to be a part of the festivities so she left the baby unattended.  (The story varies here but I will choose the way I heard it first) The parents went up to retrieve the baby so he could be admired during the feast and walked into his nursery to find a Fairy singing a gaelic lullaby to him as she wrapped the baby in a fine yellow silk flag.  She then told them the flag had magical powers and when flown would ensure that the battle would be won in their favor.  She warned the parents that the flag could only be used three times.  It has been used twice in battle over the 800 years that the MacLeod's have lived there, ensuring victory for them.  It now hangs in the living room awaiting it's last use.  

Sorry for the long post, it was  full weekend.  :)  Love you guys and are so glad that you are keeping up with Allen and me.