The reason we haven't been able to update you daily on our adventure is simply because of the amazing location up here!
The wifi, if you can even call it that, is so unstable that uploading a photo feels like it takes half a day! It's definitely something that everyone wishes for! But since we consider it as a delightful duty to keep you all informed, we need to find some network...
So yesterday (Saturday), after a morning hike around the campsite (more of a walk along the cliffs, to an old broch, and back over sheep meadows), we hopped into the car and drove to Ullapool. Sorry...we rushed! We're getting better and better with the roads and passing places every day, and now we can do the planned routes (around 60 minutes here) in almost the time suggested by Google Maps - and without any risk, of course!
About the hike, here's a little information: it was windy, rainy, and cold! On one hand...on the other hand, it doesn't bother us at all and we're simply enjoying the beautiful landscape, which reveals a new facet at every turn, as mentioned in the last part. And we're delighted that Ida is also defying the weather and using every stone to climb and jump, with a big smile on her face!
When we arrived in Ullapool (the largest "city" in the northern Highlands with an impressive 1540 hand-counted inhabitants), we immediately headed to a Tesco Superstore! Because they offer free wifi for their customers while they shop! Ha - this is how our loved ones can get their reading material! We wandered through a supermarket that is not bigger than a Rewe City in Frankfurt for what felt like an hour, but now we know all the brands of laundry detergent on the island.
There's not much to tell about Ullapool itself! No, actually there's nothing to tell...and unofficially, there's nothing either!
The next day: Sunday! Germany is playing and nobody up here cares. Considering the result and the reports about the game, it doesn't seem so bad...
Since Lena is collecting steps for a good cause, we had a hike planned for the sacred Sunday. This time, it was a bit more challenging! We had to climb 300 meters in five km. The goal: three caves (Bone Caves) that are about 4000 years old, located on a mountainside. It's worth mentioning that it's not easy to find a route that is not too challenging for a nearly four-year-old hiking mouse but also offers something for the eyes and has a bit more level than the obligatory walk after Sunday lunch. We want to see something and we're not here just for fun! Well...this route was suitable for both parties!
A rocky trail parallel to a stream, which due to the continuing rain of the last few days resembled more of a raging mountain river. Okay, a bit exaggerated, but it was definitely much fuller and "raging" than on other days!
We climbed step by step through the valley, passing the pot source, all the way up to the caves! Along the way, every reachable dandelion had to be picked and scattered in the landscape! It's a pity that we didn't enjoy the tranquility of nature much; Ida talked, chanted, sang, and gave instructions non-stop, without exaggeration.
Nevertheless, our child amazed us once again. The endurance and perseverance she shows, when at home she can't walk five steps without whining after kindergarten. She walked (or rather ran, hopped, and jumped) about half of the five kilometers and did so with great joy and a sense of adventure that is highly contagious. We are certainly proud and hope that this interest in nature and movement will last for many more years!
Back at the campsite, we went to the beach to satisfy our inner child! We built the best sandcastle in the world! With moats, towers, battlements, and so on...all three of us had a blast.
So, this day is also coming to an end. While we sit here, gathering our memories and sipping on a Scottish beer, the weather is picking up again. Monday is already forecasted to have strong storms with wind force 9! Advancing forward: Ullapool (this time UNDER 60 minutes), visiting the windproof Tesco, and thoroughly acquainting ourselves with the wide selection of hygiene products!
