Allie calls this photo "No Greater Joy" and its just such a feeling that fills her each time she sees this view. If you haven't guessed, this is looking out the plane window, descending into Glasgow. That's Loch Lomond and the Highlands in the distance.
Allie always rents a car at Glasgow Airport and drives north up the scenic A-82.
A favorite stop-on-the-way is Luss where this glimpse of 'peace' never fails to banish any remaining shreds of stress. Allie calls this photo: "Peace at Last."
Just one of Allie's favorite Highland cottages.
This one can be seen at Spean Bridge, another of Allie's favorite haunts.
Allie on the cliffs of Hermaness at Muckle Flugga in Shetland.
This is the northernmost point of land in the British Isles. Allie could have stayed there for- ever !
A closer look at the view Allie enjoyed at Muckle Flugga. Truly an " oooh and ahhh " kind of place!
One of Allie's special gems: the wee fishing village of Pennan on Scotland's rugged North Sea coast.
Allie spotted this notice while walking around Pennan on a chill November afternoon.
She couldn't agree more and thinks the best caption for this photo is "So True." Ooooh, yes!
Allie loves the Isle of Skye. Castle Moil is one of her favorite Skye haunts. Rising above the picturesque village of Kyleakin, the ruin has a long and colorful history. Caisteal Maol in Gaelic, it was once also called 'Dunakin' and was home to a Norse princess known as 'Saucy Mary.' Allie enjoys making the trek up to the ruins. She has yet to encounter 'Mary,' but keeps hoping.
Another view of Castle Moil. As you can see, it is best to make the trek at low tide. Yes, your hill walking boots get wet and muddy, but it is well worth it!
Just so you can see that the view from Castle Moil's ruined window is well worth getting your feet muddy.
Incase you're still worried about muddied boots ... another view from Castle Moil. And if all else fails, 'Saucy Mary' was wed to a braw Mackinnon chieftain. Could be, he lingers at the ruin. Wouldn't that be exciting?
Although Allie loves Scotland's far north best, she also enjoys Edinburgh. One absolute must-do ritual when there, is an evening stroll to the summit of Arthur's Seat. Rising above Holyrood Park, its craggy heights offer splendid views of Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Popular with locals - look for them in this photo - Allie, too, loves every minute she spends here.
Climbing higher. This was about five in the afternoon on an early November day. As you can see, Allie had company. And not surprising. Arthur's Seat is very special. That's sweet little St. Margaret's Loch down by the road.
Getting close to the top. Yes, that's Allie's shadow taking the picture. Look in the lower
right hand corner to see her.
Allie couldn't resist nabbing a photo of these 'rock steps' very close to the summit of Arthur's Seat. Since the last bit of the way is quite steep and can be slippery, the steps are always a welcome sight. As is a **plate of haggis, neeps and tatties, and a fine pint of real ale upon return to the city.
**For the curious, Allie's favorite place to enjoy haggis in Edinburgh is the White Hart in the popular Grassmarket area of Edinburgh. To learn more about the White Hart try these links:
Lovely as Edinburgh is, and even Skye, Allie really is more drawn to the more remote places in Scotland. The lesser known gems. Places off the beaten track. Tranquil and serene Loch Morlich is one such place. This glimpse of the loch will show you why Allie prefers the 'wild places.'
