Sea Puppies

One interesting part of our B&B is that, unlike ALL the other ones we have stayed at in Ireland and Scotland, there was no hot breakfast available.  In fact, I think there is only one room at this B&B.  When we first walked in, there was a counter with plates, cups, and miniature boxes of cereal.  I mean, kids cereal, like Coco Pops, Nesquick bits, Kellogs Frosties (frosted flakes).  There was also milk and juice in the room fridge, and in the hall, bread for toast, and toaster waffles.  We were less than impressed.  I did make us hot tea this morning, and we grabbed the apples and bananas on the way out the door.  The room, with the exception of bed comfort, was very nice.Due to the fact that it was self-serve this morning, we slept in.  We could hear it blustering outside with rain and wind, and we knew it was even worse than yesterday.  I guess we can’t complain, since it has been so amazing most of our trip so far.  It is Scotland, anyway.  Lying in bed, we were looking at our plans and how to modify them.  We decided we could start off at Dunvegan Castle.  It wasn’t too far, and we could get there by opening.  They have a boat trip to see seals, and Carrie was more excited about that than the castle.  We lined up at the ticket office, waiting for it to open.  Initially, there was a sign saying “No Seal Boat Today”, but I guess that was from yesterday, as it was promptly removed.  We purchased our tickets, and were told where to walk to inquire about the seal boat.  We were there at the shop opening, and bought our tickets for the first tour.We were the only ones there, so we got a private tour.  Our skipper was awesome, and gave lots of detail about the harbor, and the Castle, which originally was only accessible through the sea.  We got right up close with quite a few seals, or water puppies.  There was a good wind, so they were all on the leeward side of the islands in the harbor (I just learned that word today, don’t let me fool you into thinking I have any sailing skills).  I had brought our long lens, and got some real close up pictures of seals and some sea birds.  There were a lot of pups in the water, playing with their moms, and calling out.  It was worth the driving wind and rain to be out there.  Suitably drenched, we exited the boat, and walked up to see the castle.  It is in amazing shape, and appointed like it was a hundred years ago.  After a brief tour, we wanted to grab some food, as a banana only goes so far.  We found a really cool restaurant in an old school house.  Carrie got a langoustine sandwich (no shells!), and I got fish and chips.  We were both pleased. Leaving there, we headed around the coast to see what sights we could see with the weather.  Though lessening, it was still wet.  We stopped at a cool overhang - the Kilt Rock viewpoint, and got some cool pictures.  Next up was a VERY small dinosaur museum.  It had some fossil finds from the area.  It was quirky, but extremely tiny.  We saw the ruins of a coastal castle, Duntulm Castle, and a few pictures was enough.  Continuing our Bonny Prince Charlie narrative, we saw the burial place of Flora Mcdonald.  It gave some additional info - after she helped the Prince escape Skye, she was captured and sent to London.  After being held for three years, she was released.  She married and moved to North Carolina.  After the War for Independence, they moved back to Skye, where she lived until her death.  Here endeth the history lesson for today.We made it back to the B&B with some time to relax before dinner.  We got caught up on pictures, and hopefully tonight I will be caught up on blog posting.  Uploading pictures on slow wifi is painful.  Tonight, we’re eating at the Uig Hotel.  We’re looking forward to seeing what is on offer.  The seafood has been spectacular!  We have one more day on Skye before moving on.