Today we checked out of our AirBnB in Fort William and tried to head to see the Steam Train go over the viaduct. We didn't know that we had to be at the parking area before 9:30 to get a parking spot... so we arrived about 10am, and couldn't find a spot. Drove up, past and turned around, by the time we found a place, it was too far to walk and we weren't going to see the train. AA was very disappointed.
So we pivoted and headed to the gondola on the Nevis Range. We got to the parking lot, headed to the washroom, then headed up the gondola. It was a smooth ride up to the top, were we looked at the difficult bike track, that only some people thought they would be able to go down on...not all of us.
We got to the top about 15 minutes later, and then headed for a "20 minute" hike one way. The kids took that as a challenge and they went to the top and back in less than 30 minutes. The trail was a little wet, and very rocky. Nothing like we had ever hiked before. And at the top of the hike it was also very rocky. The views were amazing from the hike, and the kids and adults really enjoyed it.
The kids pretty much ran down the hill, while DD tried to keep up but was unsuccessful, and AA, Lola and MBMell took their time to not get too dirty, and walk down safely.
Back down the gondola, to get back to the car, and get some lunch. We had a short drive to a old train station at Spean Bridge that was converted into a restaurant, Old Station Restaurant. Lola was excited to have "gluten free" meat pie, and the other ladies also enjoyed theirs. T was very excited to have Blood pudding on his burger, and DD also had the venison burger with the blood pudding. T said it tasted like parm cheese, the rest of us were sus! AA had a chicken club sandwich, which he really enjoyed.
After lunch we made a quick stop at a World War II monument, and then made our way to Fort Augustus. DD asked if someone else wanted to sit in the front as he was falling asleep at the lunch table. Lola went, but wasn't sure she could keep her cool as we are on the wrong side of the road, and she is still getting used to it. Lola is doing an awesome time driving. Lola did pretty good, and tried her best not to be too flinch.
We arrived in Fort Augustus for our Loch Ness boat tour. MBMell was really excited to go on a boat. The line was extremely long when we arrived, but the boat fit us all. The kid enjoyed the commentary, and B was shocked at how big a cat fish can grow. We even saw the Lochness Monster. The boat ride felt very short at only 1 hour, and we turned around before we got to the castle. The boat was so smooth, which MBMell appreciated.
Back on the shore, we watched the bridge swing to let a boat through the lock, and then headed back to the car. Luckily we got to go the opposite way so skipped through the cars waiting to turn right in the parking lot to go over the lock/bridge, and we went left with no oncoming cars!
The ride was pretty twisty and turning, but we made it to Inverness without incident, and parked at our new "home" for the next couple of days.
We settled in and headed for a short 8 minute walk for supper. The first place we went they said they wouldn't accept our 6 people, so we headed across the street, to Encore Une Fois. MbMell made a joke about some Scottish whiskey Flights, and DD took her serious so ordered 2 flights. DD had the smokey, and MBMell had the island. AA wasn't going to participate, but they convinced him to take one of each so it was even. There wasn't many that anyone really liked.
T and AA ordered the meat pie, B had the cheesy macaroni, MBMell had the burger, DD ordered some chicken dish and loved the smashed peas, Lola had cod. The food was great, and we had a great supper.
After supper, the whiskey hit MBMell pretty high, but we went to the grocery store, and then headed back to the AirBnB.
The kids got ready for bed, and we played some TowerFall on the Switch, while MBMell tried to read but fell asleep, and DD worked.
Kids went to bed, MBMell kept sleeping, and AA and Lola played some Mario kart until DD was ready to play a few games of Cribbage. AA tied up our Rivrialy series, and Lola lost 2 games with only 3 points to the finish line.... she wasn't happy.
Now for bed, we have reservations for a castle tomorrow morning.
