After leaving Culloden, I took a random country lane past the tiny village of Dores. I followed the road along the lake, through Dores and found a spot on the side of the road to stop. There was a path down to the shore line and as soon as my boots hit the stones the tears arrived. The same thing happened last time I was at Loch Ness in 2005, when I visited with my mom. There’s something about that Loch above all the others that is so overwhelming. I sat on a rock under a tree for a bit watching the mist roll in.
I bought 2 Falcon Eye crystals at the Wyrd Shoppe in Edinburgh. One of them is now at the bottom of Loch Ness, one is with me, safely tucked in my bra next to my heart. That will link me to this place, no matter where I may go. My promise to myself is to be home within a year. 13th November 2016. It started pouring with rain after that so I sat in the car for a while. I didn’t want to leave.
All too soon it was time to head back to Edinburgh. There was heavy snow and rain coming out of the Highlands and through the Cairngorms.
For a laugh, my GPS took me off the highway through Pitlochry for no good reason so I stopped for gas. A Scottie asked me for directions, told him I had no idea. ‘Ye seem pretty sure about that lass, I’ll go in and ask’ So in he went and asked the cashier: ‘Turn left, go 452 yards and turn right’ So my big mouth piped up that that was a pretty specific distance. ‘Aye. Well that’s where it is!! After the bridge.’
As I was waiting to pay the cashier and another customer started arguing. Frikking hilarious!!! The guy bought a bag of chips and the cashier said he could have 6 for £1 and the guy started arguing he didn’t want 6, he wanted 1. The other guy: ‘I’m helping ye get more stuff!’ ‘Och no, I dinna want more stuff. This is worse than Gregg’s! Dinna sell me things I dinna want!’ ‘Aye, fine. I’ll no help ye then. I’ll be quiet and let ye pay more!’ ‘I’ll no pay more, I’ll only pay for what I want and I dinna want 6!’ 2 Scotsmen arguing is the funniest thing EVER!
When it was my turn I asked if he had a ladies room. ‘Well no me personally, but aye, the garage has one roond that wee corner over there lassie.’ BAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!! Thanks GPS for that wee detour – bloody brilliant!
Back on the road in the snow and wind, which was a tad white-knuckle in some places. I’m really pleased I ended up with a bigger car because it held the road really well. There was a high wind warning out for the Forth Bridge. Damn, I forgot how much I love variable speed limits. It’s all very efficient.
There were heavy rains coming into Edinburgh but it stopped just long enough to park and get home without getting drenched. Got a curry dinner in the oven and downing a Scotch. I need to live near that Loch. It’s as simple as that. When I die, please put my ashes there.
Tomorrow it’s off to the plane station to drop off the car and meet Nat & James. I cannot WAIT to see them!!
