Crianlarich

I had heard about Crianlarich a few times a year ever since Mike and Katie were there several years ago. When we got there and the entire place consisted of one hotel, I asked Mike, Why do you always tell people you were in Crianlarich as though they know what you are talking about? He said, Because it’s fun to say Crianlarich. Ok!

And we did in fact have one of the most amazing meals there, including a carrot and coriander soup that we almost didn’t order but turned out to be unforgettably delicious!

Mike was pretty good at driving on the other side of the road, even when it came to the many round-abouts, so common in Europe. He said the way to remember it is that the driver’s body should always be hugging the center line……….me, I just felt confused and closed my eyes a lot!

There was a surprising amount of traffic all rolling toward us on the right side of the narrow roads. Mike would squeeeeeeze the car over as semi-trucks pressed into our lane. It was not relaxing. But there were many pull-overs to stop and stare at the Scottish Highlands.

Often we would stop and walk through the tall, boggy grass. We wore our waterproof hiking boots, and could hear the squish squish under our feet as the cold wind gusted around us. The drive took a few hours.

Finally we reached our hotel in Roybridge, the tiniest of towns in Scotland.

The rainy weather did not bother us. We were happy to be away from the Florida-September heat. We took a short walk around the property

Most hotels have a very nice restaurant because there simply is not anywhere else to eat, and the Stronlossit Inn was no exception! We had the most delicious tomato soup. So far everything in Scotland had been fresh and flavorful!

We simply couldn’t resist splitting a dessert!

Our friends in Edinburgh had told us that a lot of the beer in Scotland is different. It is called Cask Ale and we saw our first taps at the bar in the inn. The beer is pumped from the kegs and is served several degrees warmer than American beer. We were eager to try it once we learned more about it!

We needed a big sleep for the next day and our trip to the Isle of Skye!