Stupid rainy weather! I swear I am really trying to enjoy the Scottish countryside but the weather really makes it challenging. Had a lovely sleep-in this morning (despite the very conspicuous springs in the mattress) then decided to head off to Cromarty, a headland opposite the bay from Inverness and a good jumping-off point for boat trips into Moray Firth. I spoke to people that run fantastic-looking boat trips, going far out into the firth, finding minke whales, local dolphins, seals and birds, but they were unsure about the weather and wouldn't know till later in the day. To get to Cromarty in time for their cruise (if it went) I had to take a bus before I could hear about whether or not they were going to go out, but I just went for it anyway.

So took a lovely trip (£5.80 return) through country-side with numerous sheep (complete with tails and different-coloured spray-painted spots) and lots of cows. Also through a couple of small villages with cute cottages, small pubs, and few people - and with roads strangely reminiscent of the tiny donkey trails found on Kythera and some parts of Italy (Paul Kelly, is it true that every f--ing city looks the same??). And at one stage I wondered whether the old lady behind me was ok because she was panting so heavily. I then realised it was her four-legged friend. Although it's in many places in Europe, I don't think I'll ever recover from the shock of sharing so many human things, such as cafes and buses with people's lovely little dogs.
There's the little critter.


Map of nth-eastern part of Scotland. Cromarty on the tip where the line points to. *** Edit 27/10 note Dingwall where there has been major flooding over the last few days!!

So finally got to Cromarty and was starving so after talking to the kiwi chick who works at the boating company (the trip was cancelled due to the wind, unfortunately) found a hotel that was serving tea and scones. Must say, this scone was one of the best I've ever had. Could have been the fact that I was enjoying it viewing the harbour while protected from the rain and wind :)

Mmmm scone and tea.


Decided that a walk up the headland would be lovely, and there is a well-marked trail up there too. But, the rain-gods were in full celebratory-mode and I thought that I might come down from that headland rather miserable at being soaked, cold, and devoid of happiness after not seeing much, let-alone a view of the harbour. So I found another pub and enjoyed the house soup and a local Scottish brew. I attempted to visit the historical house where Hugh Miller, the allegedly famous geologist lived, but it shuts on Thursdays to Saturdays. So back to Inverness on the bus. It then poured right after I came out of the supermarket where I was picking up a few items (those on special of course) for tomorrow when I head off to Ullapool. I'm not really too optimistic about the weather over the next few days but supposedly tomorrow (Saturday) is going to be sunny at least (fingers-crossed for the ol' Met Office of Scotland).

Ummm the headland that supposedly sports a good view is among that fog somewhere.


Spot the oyster-catchers among the rocks.

Cute little town-houses on the water.