So the day started from Ft. Augustus and headed up to the Isle of Skye and deeper into the highlands. Stopped at the castle in the picture Eilean Donan, a castle initially established to twart the Vikings who came into the estuary. I could go on for days about all the history of these castles and the people so best to research it for yourself on the net.

Eventually got to the Isle of Skye. Unbelievably beautiful. Got a ton of photos. Leanne always said she loved the place so when the opportunity came for the wedding proposal I had planned for the trip I took it. We walked up beside a stream that lead up to the highlands, did the face dip in the stream, a custom you should partake it, and on the way down I proposed near a big rock so we will always have the place for reference. It was very well received by Leanne (Whew!) and couldn't have worked out any better. The tour group was awesome in their response as well and we were toasted by the guides and received many compliments and congratulations.

Upon getting back to the hostel, we all headed to a show that outlined a highlanders life. Miserable might be the best way to describe it. Leanne and I got to demonstrated the garb they wore back then (I had to get down to my underwear in front of the crowd). The traditional kilt they wore would have stretched 7 metres long and the folded it so that it was wearable. The kilt then would have been rubbed with fat. These peopel never bathed as they lived in home with mud floors and they were always dirty anyways. You lived in your 7x 5 metre home with a large family, animals at night, burning dried peat for fuel that gave off a thick black smoke that would only vent through the door. You likely lived no longer than about 35 years as you would die from infection, TB or cancer. To die in battle was the way they preferred, rather than suffer a death from a wound or disease. It was awesome learning about how they lived and how vicious their way of life was most of the time.

Finished the night with a night on the town in honor of our engagement, one of a long list of things that the group and locals did for us. It was truly a great experience.

Like I said I could go on for hours about everyone and Scotland so buy me a beer one day and I'll get you more details.