While on the Isle of Skye this past May we stayed at an out-of-the-way lodge a few miles out on a gravel single track road along Loch Snizort Beag. We may have thought that we were at the ends of the earth when we first turned off the main road onto that track, but we came to appreciate the isolation, the views… and the sheep. They filled the pastures along the road and occasionally entered the roadway itself.
Continue reading Two Trees, Stone Wall
Some travelers like to know everything about their destinations before they depart. I can understand — one reason we travel is to learn about new places and, more practically, knowledge can help you travel efficiently. But I’m partial to not knowing everything in advance, instead leaving plenty of room for discovery. (Of course, it helps — a lot — that my wife is a planner!) The details of this photograph may be a case in point. (There has been an update to this post. Click the “more” link below to see… more.)
Continue reading Canisp and Loch Ewe
On the first full day of our recent visit to the Isle of Skye we headed up the island’s east coast, eventually reaching its tip before looping back. There are a number of worthy and well-known sites along this route, among them the famous “Old Man of Storr” formations. We planned to do the hike up to the feature, but as we arrived the heavens let loose — as they often do in Scotland — with very heavy rain and strong winds. We suited up and started the hike anyway.
Continue reading Rain Over Loch Leathan
The first time I visited Arches National Park I went with virtually no prior knowledge of the place. I had read about it in Edward Abbey’s “Desert Solitaire,” but I knew little more than that it is red rock country and a popular park. Such a lack of preparation could seem like a problem, but it also turned out to be a gift to myself. It is one thing to arrive at such a place knowing what to expect, but driving into the park and discovering its garden of towers and arches and fins was overwhelming. I had no idea!
Continue reading Receding Terrain