Tigh na Eilidh B&B. Amanda loved that it was named after the owner’s granddaughter.
Our second day began at 8:30 a.m. with breakfast in the dining room of the lovely Tigh na Eilidh B&B. Our hostess was especially gracious throughout our stay, giving the kids grapes and milk at night, chocolate cereal in the morning, and always available for a friendly chat about our travels and family. The simple but well-prepared breakfast hit the spot.
After loading into the van we enjoyed the scenic, two-hour drive to Mallaig, which is the site of the ferry that connects the Scottish mainland to the Isle of Skye. Along the way we saw many great scenes, making it was hard to determine which parking areas would allow for the best photo opportunities. We decided on a spot overlooking a scattering of homes by Camusdarach Beach with the Sound of Sleat in the background.
By Noon, our Peugeot 3008 minivan was in line to drive onto the ferry for our ride to the Isle of Skye. The ferry’s outdoor seating offered the best viewpoints but we split time in the the plush enclosed areas, which provided a nice retreat from the cool breeze.
On the top of the ferry.
The ferry’s snack bar provided an opportunity to try famous Scottish soda Irn-Bru. According to Wikipedia, the soft drink is considered to be Scotland’s “other national drink” (second of course to whiskey.) The orange, bubble gum-tasting drink was sadly forgettable, with each of us sampling only a single swig.
I broke a ten-month no soda streak for a drink of Irn-Bru.
Our first stop on the Isle of Skye was in Broadford, where we ran into a series of challenges: first, we drove through the gas station parking lot a half-dozen times before correctly identifying the side of the car with the gas tank and matching it with a fuel pump which dispensed diesel. Second, we had numerous trouble finding our planned lunch restaurant, ultimately stopping twice for directions. Adding to the frustration, once we found the Red Skye Restaurant, we learned it was only open for dinner, leaving us scrambling to find a place to eat a late lunch.
Noah enjoyed his milkshake when we finally did eat, at Cafe Sia.
We finally settled on Cafe Sia, a trendy restaurant near the edge of Broadford, where entrees ordered included a wood-fired six-cheese pizza, pancakes with Scottish berries and yogurt, and a Highland Melt, which featured famous Scottish haggis and melted cheese. Everything except the zucchini chips were above average, and our first haggis experience was a positive one.
The Highland Melt, featuring haggis, at Cafe Sia.
After lunch, we spent some time perusing Broadford’s shops, including the Isle of Skye Candle Company.
While everyone except Emmie and me were shopping, I used the opportunity to purchase a Cadbury Flake ice cream bar at the local convenience store. We both enjoyed it.
Part two will feature our long hike at the Glen Brittle Fairy Pools, a fun grocery store stop in Portree, and our arrival at Tigh Cilmartin.
How do you not weigh 500 pounds?? Every stop is a food adventure. I hope you guys are having fun!!
So I have to tell you this funny dream I had about you guys the day day you were leaving for vacation. So in my dream you were going on vacation and you left me in charge to take care of your grandpa (I don’t know whose). So for some reason I decided to take your grandpa back to Yankton on a train or something, but then we ended up in the country somehow and I lost your grandpa! I was so worried you guys would hate me. And that was the end. LOL. So I guess dream analysis would say, be careful not to lose a grandparent somewhere in the countryside of Europe! Haha. Either that or don’t ever leave me in charge of precious people or possessions. 🙂 Have a great time guys!!!