Saturday, April 19, 2014

Quiet Day in Inverness

I had nothing on the agenda for today, so thought I'd spend it taking it easy and with a bit of exploring. After breakfast, I decided to head out to the river and do the Islands Walk.  There are a small chain of islands a bit west of the city center and a footpath connected by a series of bridges.  I was intrigued when our tour guide yesterday mentioned it.  It was an absolutely perfect day for a walk.


The sky was the most amazing shade of blue and the temperature was cool, but not cold.  I set off for the islands, stopping along the way to take photos.  There were a lot of people also out enjoying the island path on this gorgeous day.


I walked past St. Andrews on the opposite side of the river.


Soon, I walked past it and into what seemed a wilderness, even though I was still within the city limits.



It was a lovely stroll, and I'd stop frequently to take photos


It was more evident here that this was a swiftly moving river.



Sometimes, the island was just separated by a small, but fierce stream


Sometimes the river split in two to surround the island


There were three of these iron footbridges across the Ness.  Originally, they were built so workmen could get  back and forth into and out of the city.


I coudn't get enough of the scenery


There were some interesting benches for sitting to enjoy the view every so often along the footpath.  This was the oddest of them.  


Still pretty


Soon, I crossed over and headed back.  I'm almost back to civilization at this point.


Soon enough, I was back to St. Andrews.  It was just as pretty in the sunshine.




I had missed this little guy last time


This appears to be The Sermon on the Mount above the door.   I actually went in this time (as it was not after hours) and took a few minutes to look around.  As an Episcopal church, it was a bit more ornate than some other protestant churches and it had some lovely windows.  They were preparing for Easter Mass, so I didn't linger too long.  I did like the wood panel ceiling. 



One last look at the Cathedral as I left

I then headed back into the center of the city


Another lovely view of the Castle.

I ended up having to squeeze past a bunch of churchgoers near a Catholic church, where it appears they were having an Easter event for children.  I crossed over the river on the third footbridge (known as the "Bouncy Bridge" for a good reason) and ended up at yet ANOTHER church.

The Old High St. Stephens Church, which stands on the site of the oldest church in Inverness.  It is said that St. Columba's church was on this site, he is the Irish Monk credited with bringing Christianity to the Highlands.


It is also said that Jacobites captured in the Battle of Culloden were executed in this cemetery, on the grounds of St. Stephens.  Note the stone with two humps in the foreground, and the one to the right at the back, that is short and brownish, with a bump at the top.  Apparently, they are nine paces apart and the condemned knelt at the one in the back, whilst the executioner balanced his rifle on the one in the foreground to shoot him dead. 

I just wandered about most of the rest of the day.  I did hit a couple of grocery stores to get my Easter candy and birthday cake (which ended up being cupcakes). 


This is my candy haul.  Apparently, jellybeans are not a common Easter treat in Scotland and were hard to find.  I also believe I found the last Cadbury Creme Egg in Scotland.  The cashier at the grocery store was impressed, she thought they were all gone.

Anyway, I just wandered for the rest of the day, including checking out the Inverness Museum.  It was kind of cool, with exhibits showing the history of the city from the Picts through today. 

I did go to Lush, because I desperately need moisturizer.  They have started making Dream Cream without parabens!  wooohoooo

Anyway, got back to the B&B to find out that the Internet is back.  I posted a couple of the ones I had saved from earlier this week, now did this one and will try to finish up tonight.  Tomorrow is Easter, Isle of Sky and...MY BIRTHDAY!

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