The 2nd day of our tour of Scotland involved a quick jaunt up to see The Old Man of Storr. Or so Andy would have us believe. Turns out that The Old Man of Storr is 719 meters (2,359 feet) high and 
involves little to no path, but only at the really steep part. Whilst wheezing at the base of the pathless bit and wondering if the view would really live up to the hype, Mc and I encountered an Australian gentleman who informed us that not only had he, in his younger days, hiked up to the Old Man, but he had then rock climbed the sheer face of it. Upon wondering aloud whether or not we should hike up, he smiled and said, “Of course you have to hike up there! You can do it, no problem.” Thus encouraged, we made it up to the top, where M and V had already set up a spot for lunch.
involves little to no path, but only at the really steep part. Whilst wheezing at the base of the pathless bit and wondering if the view would really live up to the hype, Mc and I encountered an Australian gentleman who informed us that not only had he, in his younger days, hiked up to the Old Man, but he had then rock climbed the sheer face of it. Upon wondering aloud whether or not we should hike up, he smiled and said, “Of course you have to hike up there! You can do it, no problem.” Thus encouraged, we made it up to the top, where M and V had already set up a spot for lunch.*SuperNova Travel Tip: Take advantage of Scottish bakeries! They have so much more than pastries, they have meat pies and sausage rolls and filled rolls (crispy rolls stuffed with chicken salad, tuna, etc.), treats, drinks; Mc and I got lunch for the both of us on 2 different days for less than 6 pounds!
Coming down was much easier, but the real accomplishment was that I made it to the top and back, through loose rock and bog, without getting my white capri pants dirty.
We spent the 2nd night in Loch Ness at a very nice hostel with our own bathroom. The hostel also had a bar, featuring the live music of Donald “The Human iPod.” We had a few drinks and settled in to listen, but Donald did not appear to understand how microphones work and despite the fact that we were 10 feet away from him, still had it turned up to top volume. As the room packed with people, we shouted niceties across the table at Kiwi who was also on our tour with his Norwegian girlfriend. We eventually packed it in, ears ringing, and I tried to remember the last time I’d attempted conversation in a loud, crowded bar, screaming over the music in the background, and was not disappointed that I couldn’t remember.
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| Looking for the Loch Ness monster |
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| Our Nessie spotting! |
The morning of the 3rd day, we went to see the Highland Show. We all crowded into a little traditional Highland hut and a man came out in traditional Highlander gear and told us about the traditional Highlander weapons and way of life. He asked for a volunteer to be dressed in a traditional kilt and Mc, being Scottish, volunteered. (He was the only volunteer, our tour group was kind of timid.) The man explained that, of course, nothing was worn under kilts, turned to Mc, and waited. Mc, being the
rock star that he is, kicked off his shoes and unbuckled his shorts and stood there in his boxer-briefs waiting for the next direction, while 
cameras flashed throughout the crowd (that’s right, ladies). Then the man started the complicated method of turning 7 yards of wool into an intricate and impressive kilt. When he asked for a female volunteer, I clearly had to step up. I got to wear a giant white nighty. He waited for me to remove my clothes, but I am a teacher and easily out-stared him. The whole experience was unique and I recommend volunteering, but make sure you have on your best underpants. 
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