11 March, 2015

Inverness, Scotland – I came across the lower Highlands yesterday on ScotRail from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Inverness. It was a beautiful and sunny day for my ride through the Highlands via Stirling and Perth.

What is there to say about this three hour rail journey? From the air, the Highlands look quite different from the Colorado Rocky Mountains, but from the train they looked very similar. The peaks, being a much lower altitude, are not barren like the high alpine tundra I am used to at home. Covered with snow, there is still a distinct familiarity.

I took a bunch of pictures from the train, but with the glass, and the speed of the train there were just not that many good frames. The minions haven’t presented any trouble. They largely stay out of the way, though they do like being photographed.

I arrived in Inverness in late afternoon, and was able to have a stroll around the heart of the old town near the station and my hotel. I walked to the Castle, which houses the Sheriff’s Court, on a hill overlooking the river and city center. I was able to catch the golden light of sunset from the banks of the River Ness. This river is no joke. It is big, and the black water runs amazingly fast. Somehow, the combination of the darkness and the current makes it almost frightening just to look at.

Thus ended day one in Inverness. Stay tuned for my trip to Uruquhart Castle on the shore of Loch Ness, and a day at Culloden Battlefield and a walking tour of the city.

fin