Hit the Road

Well, not literally. The road may not be difficult to hit, but neither are the other cars or the side of the hill that begins as soon as the pavement ends. The Scots realized that their roads would be much cheaper without shoulders, so why build them? Also, most roads are pretty narrow and drivers are used to whizzing by at 40 Mph and six inches away. We however, are not. After about the 30th van passed us while careening around a blind corner (they actually have signs saying “Watch out for cars in middle of road”), Heather’s swerve finally made contact with the bedrock of the hill that was cut out just far enough to lay the pavement.

Fortunately, I know how to change a wheel in any country. Heather will now have a greater appreciation for when I change my tires twice a year. At least we rented from Enterprise and had a full size spare, otherwise we might have ended up with a Hertz Doughnut.

Here is Queen’s View, probably named for an event hundreds of years ago rather than a visit by the current Queen. This is the place we were taking the minor roads to.

Here is another view from much later in our trip that gives you a feel of the roads. At least on this one, you can see what is heading for you at least 15 seconds before it reaches you.

The National Wallace Monument, as seen from Stirling. This is where William Wallace and his troops defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The bridge is strategically important, as one of the only places to cross the River Forth. It is said that whoever controls Stirling Bridge, controls Scotland.

The statue of Robert de Brus (The Bruce), King of the Scots and favorite national hero. Every Scottish woman that I have known (ITBS) has claimed to be a descendent of The Brus.

Stirling Castle, the most famous in Scotland.

Tour guide in authentic tartan.

Pretty little purple flowers (Heather) on the rough little hill (Garvock). Not bad for a namesake, eh?

Through the Highlands

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