Fairy Delightful Day

With another busy day ahead of us, trying to squeeze in so many beautiful sites, we got going full force this morning and headed to Elgol in the southern part of the island. It is here that everyone says has the best views of the Cuillin Hills. We went with the desire to take a boat out to the outer islands to see some wildlife such as dolphins, whales and puffins, but sadly, poor weather had settled in, so they canceled the boats that were headed out, but still offered boat rides into the interior lake. We had driven all that way, so why not? We paid for the three hour tour (a three hour tour) and boarded our open air boat. Then it started raining. We were quite wet, but thankfully the rain didn't settle in. We had about 45 minutes into the lake, during which our captain gave us facts about the surrounding areas and outer islands. We got to see another seal colony; they are so cute and oh so curious. They were so funny to watch wobble about on land, not nearly as graceful as they are under water.

The boat dropped us off where a river drained into the inlet of water, vowing to return in an hour and a half. Apparently it is the shortest river in the world connecting an interior lake with the ocean water beyond. We wandered over rocks, across mud piles and onto grassy spots with lovely scenery, reminding me of the fiords of New Zealand. 

The weather was not great and continued to be spotty, and we were not in our wellies so we did not go as far as we could have. But we enjoyed some great views and some good stories of leaning up against boulders while trying to escape the blowing sheets of rain. After hot chocolate and a shortbread cookie on the boat and a short ride back mostly in the sunshine, we were refreshed and on to the next adventure. 

Despite the fact that neither of us like whiskey, we found it necessary, while in Scotland on the Isle of Skye, to visit the island's only distillery. It was a quick stop, but nevertheless something we needed to do.

Next, after just two U-turns, we made a quick stop at the Fairy Pools, a beautiful land formation where a river runs down a shallow canyon forming little pools with clear water nearly perfectly blue in color. 

We ran back, literally, to the car, hoping to get back to the launderette before closing time. Thankfully we made it back with enough time, but the adventure didn't stop there. Soon after the dryers started, they stopped. Thankfully, the man running the hostel/launderette was kind enough to ask the hostel next door if we could use their private dryers. So, after carrying our wet clothes across the parking lot, we were able to dry our clothes, but it took longer than expected... And remember how restaurants close at 9? Well, I ran around town like the ball in a pin ball machine asking restaurants what time they closed until deciding take away fish and chips would be the best bet. Our luxury dinner on the floor of the hostel laundry room was delicious and well-worth the clean laundry. Great ending to this "fairy" perfect day!