What a special day this was. Out of complete coincidence, a very good friend of mine, Tirzah, was vacationing in Scotland at the same time and was in Inverness. Can you believe that? We figured this out right before leaving and made sure to spend some time together. I don’t make enough time to see my friends in the US, so hanging out with someone abroad was fantastic.
Inverness has a lovely walk along the Ness River that lets you cross onto the Ness Islands for a morning stroll. We found Tirzah and her family and decided to explore Inverness together. Her husband is a legit bagpiper, so he took us to a shop where they make and repair bagpipes. Obviously, Samer and I had no idea what was going on, but I am in awe of people who are steeped in their joy. There is no way that I would have ever stepped foot in Cabar Feidh Bagpipe Supplies, but this little side adventure was entertaining and something I love about traveling. It is unlikely a bagpiper who’s made it to Inverness and reads this blog doesn’t know about Cabar Feidh Bagpipe Supplies, but if you don’t, check it out. Those guys love to talk shop.
From there, we all went to explore Loch Ness. Reader, you may or may not know that I loved a cryptid as a child and into my teenage years. The idea that the world still had a grand mystery like an undiscovered being still being amongst us was so thrilling. Thirty years ago, I read everything I could about Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, so visiting Loch Ness was very special. I’ve grown older and wiser (per Phil Ochs) and no longer have my fascination with cryptids or admiration for cryptid hunters. Hence, the majesty of Loch Ness was entirely observable. It is a massive body of water that is striking as it cuts through the landscape.
We all met at Dores Beach at the top of the lake. The weather did not relent while we were there. It was overcast with a very sharp wind, which made picnicking with kids an adventure. A few beers from the beach restaurant helped, and everyone ignored us as we sat at their tables with our packed lunches. The weather didn’t keep us there much past our picnic. Samer and I drove to Falls of Foyers, a drive south along Loch Ness. We were able to stop and do a small, well-marked hike to see some charming waterfalls. The Falls of Foyers are an easy walk compared to yesterday’s hike, which was a welcome relief.
By the time we returned to Inverness, we were beat, and Tirzah’s crew was still recovering from jet lag. We had dinner at a nice bar called Number 27 Bar and Kitchen between our B&B and downtown Inverness. After dinner, we circled back for a nightcap with Tirzah at the Malt Room. Did I say I really liked that place?