Skelbo

Sunset, dolphins, seals and sun, that summed up Burghead didn't it Marge? What about the cars coming and going between eight thirty and ten thirty? Perhaps they were hoping to see the aurora borealis (northern lights). No chance, sightings were at 0.3% last night. Perhaps the word was out that a Susan Calman 'looky likey' van was here. Who knows. In the description for the overnight parking, it said the locals 'were very friendly'. What did that mean? We were just glad we weren't parked at the end of the parking by the turning area. 

There was no rush to leave this morning. The rain stopped whilst we were sorting ourselves out giving way to a big blue sky. The mountains in the distance appearing out of the murk. Out in the Moray Firth two gannets dived in to the water awkwardly in the strong wind. Today was Friday. Most people look forward to the weekend, but we are always mindful to ensure we pick safe and quiet overnights spots on a Friday and Saturday. What about last Saturday we were in Edinburgh. Alright Marge, sometimes we get it a little wrong. As we left, a seal swam by. We were really enjoying being so close to nature up here in Scotland. 

Our journey took us up the coast to Inverness, over the Kessock bridge and onwards to the seaboard villages of Easter Ross. We were going to stay at Balintore but on leaving Marge it felt cold in the strong blustery wind. Plus, Angela wasn't sure about the place.

On our drive up we could see the many oil rigs blighting the view across the Cromarty Firth. Fifteen at the last count. Decaying and rusting giants of twisted metal. 

We are now at Skelbo, just a little further on from Dornoch.

Behind us is Skelbo castle, a ruined 14th century keep. We stayed here last year towards the end of our north coast 500 drive. Yes Marge. We're on the NC500 again, but don't worry we don't plan to travel the whole route this year.

Marge once again has a fantastic view, over Loch Fleet. On the sandbanks opposite the seals rest until the incoming tide forces them back in to the rising water. We are hoping in the morning to see the seals a little closer up on the rocks just beside Marge. This is a beautiful spot and besides the seals there are curlews, oyster catchers, herons, shags, geese and other seabirds to watch.  

Marge, do you realise that today you travelled over three bridges, spanning three firths. Of course, who do you think was driving?