Inverness

the capital of the Scottish highlands, Inverness is everything Edinburgh wasn't - small, quaint, nestled in the mountains and mist. Bagpipe music droned from a nearby pub competing with rock blaring from the one next door. People lazed at tables, pints in hand, enjoying the ambience along the river. The city by night was awesome - lit almost from within and glowing with history and heritage. I didn't get much chance to walk around the city during the day but I did attend a Catholic mass at St Mary's church on the river and we enjoyed the hospitality of the many pubs in the two short nights we were there. One other cool thing - the musical group we happened upon at a place called Hootenanny's was fantastic - they were called North Sea Gas and their music was the coolest blend of Scottish folk and Highland history with a bit of bluegrass thrown in for a twist. Despite the gray of the clouds, Inverness formed a perfect starting point for every journey a days' ride from there.

Aaron and Suzanne

City by night, first evening we arrived

The castle - current structure was established in the mid 1800s but there has been some fortified structure on this site since the 12th century.

St Andrews Cathedral

the old above the new

the city by day

Rooftops of the city

Pedestrian bridge across the river

North Sea Gass at Hootenannys