The south end of the beach at Hua Hin, Thailand.
Where are Kevin and Ruth now? Hua Hin, Thailand.

Where are Kevin and Ruth going next? Maldives on March 23rd.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

My Photo of the Loch Ness Monster!

I saw some photos the other day that made me want to return to Scotland. We were there once, for a week way back in May of 1987. Holy cow, that's more than 25 years ago!

A lot of the photos I was looking at were from Scotland's Isle of Skye. I have some history there, and it's always been on our list of places we want to see. Can't really remember why we didn't go there back in 1987, but we had an 8 month old daughter at the time, so maybe that had something to do with it.

My grandmother was from Scotland. She was one of four sisters, and one of the sisters (my great aunt) at one point back in the 1960's owned the only gas station on the Isle of Skye.

The rock pinnacles at the Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, Scotland. (found on the internet)

I want to do some more family history research too. I've gone back pretty far in the research, but there's a leg that I got stopped on fairly early regarding my great grandfather. His last name was Walker, a very common Scottish last name, so that's one thing that makes the research a bit tough. But it's not only family history that wants me to go back there. 

There's castles!

I love castles!

Dunnottar Castle in northeast Scotland. (found on the internet)

Kilchurn Castle, northwest Scotland. (found on the internet).


Urquart castle on Loch Ness. (my photo).

My photo of the Loch Ness Monster!
 Oh, wait a minute...maybe that's a boat...

We didn't make it to the Scotland coast at all that year. There are so many islands to discover besides the Isle of Skye. How about this fascinating place...

Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa. (found on the internet).

Wow. We've been sitting in one place for almost two months now and looking at these photos is making us want to be on the go again! What a gorgeous place Scotland is.

When we were there, our daughter was only eight months old. She won't remember, but she did get to meet two of the four sisters...

My grandmother (90) on the left, and my great aunt (95) on the right, holding our daughter Lindsey.

There is some good old Scottish longevity in the family...my grandmother lived to 98, and her sister lived to 99!


14 comments:

  1. Lotsa great memories from way back, love them old pictures we have!

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    1. Some days it is nice to look back and reflect on the days gone by.

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  2. In Inverness, at the train station I spotted a note advertising a tour around Loch Ness. It started at 7:00AM right here by the station. The next morning I was picked up by the local milkman and went on the tour with him around the Loch. It was amazing.

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    1. That sounds like the kind of tour we would love. Was he actually doing his milk run at the time? If so, I bet he did it because he wanted some company.

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  3. Wow what lovely ladies you have in the family...in their 90's they look spry as ever. So nice Lindsey at least has a picture to show great and great, great grandmother.

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    1. We were so happy that Lindsey was able to meet them both. Her great grandmother actually lived in Canada and she got to see her up until she was almost 10 years old, so she has lovely memories of her. Other than this picture though, she never knew her great, great aunt.

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  4. The header photo of that old house really takes me back! I've driven that stretch of road too many times to count. I have family in Lanark, Hopetown and Watsons Corners and used to live in Perth and Almonte. As kids we used to want to explore the house so badly, we were convinced it was full of treasures! Thanks for the memory!

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    1. You are welcome Janis. Isn't it funny when you see something you are familiar with in someone else photos. It is such a beautiful area all around that part of Ontario.

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  5. Did you know there is a popular Fingal's Cave Overture?

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    1. Actually that is great grandmother and great, great aunt!

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  7. My mother came to Canada from Scotland at the age of 16, landed in Montreal to work as a house keeper. We visited the south of Scotland about 25 years ago, and now have the opportunity of visiting again next May. One of our granddaughters is getting married in Ireland (Game of thrones!) and we plan on a month touring some of Ireland and the north of Scotland. Plans; plans; plans. Mix that with winter plans, and a bit overwhelming. But, exciting.Love your pics.

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    1. I am sure that you will see just a bit of a change when you go this time compared to 25 years ago. No doubt you will have a wonderful time, both with the wedding and with the sightseeing. I hope that you will be able to make it to the Isle of Skye.

      It is always nice to have something to look forward too, especially when it is travel related.

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