Back in Skye

Hi everyone!

**Pictures have now been added**

Last night we went to the bar and watched some live music. Once again we've lost some people off our tour and gained some new ones. So our group that started off at 29 people is now 24 of our group + 16 of another. So while I'm still enjoying myself, there are now too many of us. I'll get my quick whinge out of the way now - there's a really loud and obnoxious group of girls on our trip who are putting a bit of a downer on the whole thing. It all started when apparently we stole "their" seats on the bus this morning. How old are they, 15?! Ever since then they've been really attention seeking and awful. Ah well - only have to spend two more days with them! Whinge over!!

Our first stop this morning was at the 'Trees for Life' foundation. When the Romans were here the Caledonian forest was epic and took up most of Scotland. These days only 1% of the original forest survives. We planted two trees as a group. 

It was from this point on that those of us on the ten day tour got a bit annoyed, as we then stopped at Eilean Donan for the new people, and then went to the river for the new people, and then stopped in Portree (where we stayed on Saturday) for lunch for the new people. So I just kind of feel like today was half a waste of time, I think I'm going to complain to Haggis when we return to Edinburgh because I feel like the tour should be shortened by a day and we pay less. But anyway...no more whinging!

The good thing about revisiting Portree was that the Highland Games were on. The tickets had sold out but it meant the town was full of life. We also were lucky enough to have a group of bagpipers start playing right as we walked towards the bus! 

The next stop was completely ridiculous. It was at a waterfall, apparently if you climb up to it, put water from it in your mouth and climb back down and spit it you get a wish. I walked 2m in and saw how muddy it was so turned back, I don't need to ruin my shoes for a wish! Some people on our tour (guess which!!) loudly took off their shoes and went in bare feet in the mud. 

The rest of the afternoon was spent stopping at viewpoints to take photos and enjoy the view. We also saw Flora McDonald's and Alexander McQueen's graves. I'm feeling a bit cooped up today so I think the group I hang out with are gonna go for a walk!

The drive back took forever and tonight we are staying in Kyleakin, which is literally a street. To make matters worse the owner of the hostel we are staying in is extremely rude. 

So today wasn't the best, but that's all part of travelling. Eventually through all the highs and amazing experiences there will be lows and down days. Today was fairly uneventful and frustrating, but I'm hopeful that tmro will be better, we get to go on the Harry Potter steam train! Happy smiley positive Claire will be back ASAP :)

Love to all

Claire

Xoxox