Safari Day 7: The Last Day

Who could ever have dreamt that a simple comment by Pauline on a blog back in heaven knows when could have led to the safaris that Pauline and I have undertaken and the friendship that has ensued. However all good things come to an end and in this case the seven day safari (but not, I hasten to add, the friendship) was over almost as suddenly as it begun when I met Pauline off the plane in Inverness. It was a glorious Sunday. Pauline was to leave on the Monday for her brother's 'down South'  (of England not Down Under) and then for more exotic parts of the globe. I had to leave on the Sunday afternoon for a hospital appointment in Ayr first thing the following morning.

So I thought I would show Pauline Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The sky was a bit hazy when we arrived (along with hundreds of other people) but after a while the sun broke through and cleared the mist away and it was actually very warm: a perfect end to the safari.

TW3

That Was The Week That Was. Remember that programme from half a century ago? Of course you don't. Well not if you're younger than I am. I wrote that start to this post this morning whilst it was fresh in my mind knowing that I had a day when I wouldn't be able to finish it until this evening. Coincidentally it's been in the news today.

Those of you who followed my A Hebridean in New Zealand blog will know that Pauline and I went on safari in New Zealand's Northland each year. Well last week Pauline visited Scotland and we went on a Highlands and Islands safari.

There will be more detailed posts on both our blogs (bearing in mind that Pauline's away for ages yet) but just to prove that Pauline woz 'ere here are a few photos.  

The most amazing thing, though, was that it didn't rain on us during the day all week. Pauline has a reputation for bringing good weather and she certainly came up trumps last week.

Day 1: Straight off the plane from Dublin and a visit to Fort George near Inverness

Day 1: The Ledgowan Arms in Achasheen for the first night

Day 2: The road to Applecross on the West Coast

Day 2: Pauline and the Nighthawk on the way over the 'top' to Applecross

Day 2: On 'the top' looking over to the Cuillins on the Isle of Skye.

Day 3: The Broch at Dun Carloway, Isle of Lewis

Day 3: The Standing Stones at Callanish, Isle of Lewis

Day 3: St Moluag's Church, Ness, Isle of Lewis

Day 4:  St Clement's Church, Rodel, Isle of Harris

Day 5: Uig, Isle of Lewis

Day 5: Uig Sands, Isle of Lewis. As good as New Zealand (but slightly colder!). 

Day 6: The ferry, a journey through the Highlands and a night in a superb hotel.

Day 7: Surveying the scene at Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness

Well that was the week, that was. And a most enjoyable safari it was too. Enjoy the rest of your holiday Pauline.