Tiki Tour, day 5

I woke up after a surprising good sleep.  Despite the large group in the hotel (they were off on a charity walk on the Ben for a hospice) it was very quiet.  The internet had improved, back to 4G, but not the hot water situation and the internal phone didn't work.  Started with a flurry of messages re the Apartment which won't be resolved till Tuesday as it's National Day holiday weekend in KL and the whole family (11 or 13 pf them) are off to Seremban.  The hot water failure meant I ended up having a swim in a very nice, large pool before a ridiculously fat heavy 'full Scottish', photographed for #1 son.

First stop was the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge where some soldier silhouettes were being temporarily erected.  It wasn't a bad morning, not raining and some blue in the sky so I went on to Fort Augustus and availed myself of the 30 minute free parking to go look at the locks on the start of the Caledonian Canal.  I'd been before (there will be a lot of looking at old photos when I get back) and there was a pleasure craft being guided up the ladder.  It was very busy, and almost hot when the sun came out.

Next stop was Eilean Donan Castle.  My previous visit was 40 years ago when we went to Skye, pre Bridge and pre Visitor Centre.  I was in the, very busy, car park long enough to take a photo.  Apparently 340,000 people visit a year, but not me. I drove on to Kyle to a much quieter Harbour and the over the hill to Plockton.

I managed to have lunch outside just drinking in the view.  It was so peaceful and still.  No crowds here.  Had a walk along to the pier and back and ruminated on the price of the cottages for sale, more than the flat at #94.  The last time I came to Plockton, 2010, was by sea from Applecross with the Sheriff at the helm. Today the sailing club dinghies were out in a flotilla.  

After nearly 2 hours of rest and peace and quiet it was off on another single track road to Strathcarron via Stromeferry (no ferry). There was a train at the station.  Last time I was there was the day Dad died in January 2018.

The rain had returned and it was a wet drive along a bleak road to Achnasheen, then along Loch Maree to Gairloch. The hotel is right on the shore and my room, though small, has a view of Skye, when the clouds lift.  With internet and even wifi restored I lay on my bed and caught up with Blip before dinner and then after, an early night.  I'm now thinking of going home via Ullapool.