The Ham Nomads

17 Jul 2014. <GB-SCT> Ardersier, & Nairn, Inverness; Glen Moriston —

Today is more of a catch-up day. We went for a little walk on the Ardersier beach — and guess what. We met up with our two friends Ian and Molly, who had suggested out jaunt to Findhorn the other day. Their dog, Angus, who was very reticent at first the other day, came bounding up to welcome us. We got into conversation, as is our way, and in the conversation, Ian told us he ran the Candy Cabin, a sweet shop in Nairn, just nearby. We told him of our difficulties getting Extra Strong Mints (since about Wales!), and he volunteered that he had a full jar in the shop, and that he would be there in about half an hour. It was a date! We continued walking, then took our time getting into Nairn. Even at this pace, we beat him by at least 15 minutes, just enough time for coffee and scones in a nearby cafe. Then we went over to inspect his wares. When we offered to buy the whole jar of mints, he came back with a price of £15, which is very reasonable. Done deal. After some more conversation and swapping of yarns, we took our leave. All in all, a most pleasant interlude!

Inverness Castle

Statue of Flora Macdonald
(who took Bonnie Prince Charlie
across to Skye after Culloden)
outside Inverness Castle

Our next destination was Inverness. There were a couple of things we wanted to try to get in the shops, and it was unlikely that we would get them in the little villages in the highlands. We went in to the Morrisons Store right on the edge of the main shopping area (once again, Ian and Molly's suggestion, and a good one — it cost us £4 to park for the 3 hours we wanted. We did a bit of touristy stuff, shopped (finding the main item we were looking for, but not yet a new pair of black shoes for Warren). After the full three hours, we pulled out.

Loch Ness

We decided to make for Lochcarron, but with the aim of pulling off at any location that looked inviting. That was how it transpired. We drove down along Loch Ness (taking a few picture opportunities on the way), dropped off the A82 and onto the A889 along Glen Moriston. Didn't get far — about a mile along we found a layby well off the road, alongside the babbling River Moriston. And there we stayed. Tonight we decided to watch a movie, so after a rerun of "Déja Vu" with Denzel Washington, we had a good night's sleep.

Good Night!

Distance driven — today, 44 miles ( 71 km ); to date, 4,516 miles ( 7,278 km )