Loch Ness Monster

Today we went looking for Nessie. Drove through Inverness and out along Loch Ness. Beautiful country and Loch.  Stopped at visitors center which had a nice 30 minute presentation of the origin of Loch Ness and all the myths about Nessie, including reported sightings and research vessels (both surface and submarines) that have been there searching for something big enough to be a dragon or a sea snake.  Actually, the Loch has very little sea life. Mostly plankton and crustaceans, so is there really a monster there....? 

The Loch is the biggest one and the largest body of fresh water in Scotland. The wind is quite brisk causing ripples in the water as well as boat wakes causing disturbances in the water.  it is also very deep, especially around Urguhart Castle, where you are most likely to spot Nessie; or is it an illusion....!  

When you are standing at the top of the castle or the hill above it, it is very easy to imagine something moving across the water.

 We think we might have spotted her a couple of times, but we shall let you judge.

Oops, Hairy Highland Cow, not Nessie

Urquhart Castle is the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands.  It has a full size working Trebuchet Siege engine (catapault).  

This is where St. Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power.

Stopped in a little town for lunch

We were going to stop at Culloden Battleground on our way back, but missed the turn off, so went to Crawdor Castle and Gardens. Wow, what a gorgeous place.  

The Castle

The Flower Garden

This is a bird feeder next to Terry

The Wild Garden

Redwoods

We weren't able to go into the maze because of previous bad rain damage to walking paths.

The walled garden

Another good day.