How come, we in the south, can't cope with just a few

flakes of snow?

Our road networks grind to a halt, our trains stop, and we

become almost stationary until it unfreezes!

We have just been to the remotes of the Higlands, in 3 feet of

snow, and sub zero temp's.... Even the REMOTEST roads we found

were ALL like this! 

WOW!

I was amazed by this expanse of terrain!

Apart from the History, you get a GPS, audio tour, which

senses where you are and shows films, and tells you details!

(they have even recreated period building on the site.)

Sadly when it's under 6 inches of snow, no matter how good the GPS

is, you can't see a thing, outside the Museum. I had a few moments

of silense to remember the fallen on both sides....

Thankfully, despite the snow and winds, and thanks to my new

and wonderous new heart I remained ALIVE to leave

the Culloden Battlefields!  

But it was quiet, and a remorseful place to reflect on mans greed for land and power.

While en route to Ben Nevis, we stumbled on 

1) Some spectacular views!

2) A Memorial to all the Scottish Commandos killed in action.

It was in minus figures on the car thermometer, and outside it 

seemed even colder!! After finishing off our "memorial" we lept in

the warmth of our (now beloved!) hire car!!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr !!

Jane wanted to see the staircase locks at the Canals,

so we visited (Via a chip shop! - Yes, i know!!)

What a feat of engineering!

My only critisism was that the place wasn't heated!!

I almost froze my a**e to a bollard!!

It is the iconic Castle that stands alone on a pinacle

jutting into Loch ness....

A magnificent view up and down the Loch.

Although in ruins, it is steeped in history.

It was freezing cold, and ice winds blew at me, but my Heart

pushed me up all the stairs, along all the sloped paths, and

kept my hands warm all morning!!

I had a little tear as I bound up the Castles spiral staircase....

:-)

Whilst watching a fascinating programme about Loch Ness,

I really wanted to see this spectactular water mass for myself!

Jane booked all the requirements, and we were off!!!

It holds more water than all the lakes in the UK combined!!

Despite 3 feet of snow, and sub zero tempreatures Jane and I

decided to go NOW!! (with no leaves on the trees to hinder the

view,and outside tourist season?!)

This was going to be cold, and a strain on (both!) our tickers, with

the freezing temps, and all the walking....So off we flew to Inverness!

(10/10 to Jane for TOP arrangements at relatively short notice!!)

WOW!....