But then, other than souvenirs in stores, there is no real indication that Nessie exists. Of note, some of the “historical claims” resulting from first the 1934 picture of Nessie which was debunked over 40 years later with a claim that the Nessie was made of rags and plastic are totally bunk since the type of plastic even remotely usable for such a thing wasn’t developed, much less available at the time. Rubber tire? Possible, but not plastic. (rubber, rope, toy submarine, etc, but not plastic).
In any case, the story is fun, a lot of time and effort have gone into it. Actually, I would rather have a Loch Ness Monster than many other things in our current world.
But let us first back up a bit. Leaving the hotel in Ballachulish we drove from the Glencoe area toward Inverness. Our first stop was a small town along one of the main canals (note – build the Caledonia Canal
(60 miles long and 28 locks) to connect the North & Irish Seas and also to bring goods from the interior to the port, finish them just about the time that the railway goes in. We wandered the town for lunch, watched three pleasure (rental boats) come down the locks, the road swing open to let the boats through
then got back on board.
There was a stop at the Commando Memorial. Not for just the early battles, but with recent additions to include those killed in Afghanistan.
The bus finally arrived along Loch Ness where we toured Urquhart Castle.
Unlike the previous two castles, this one is in ruins. There was the usual gift shop, a film that could be watched. Most of the signage seemed to be geared toward age 12/international audiences. The stone work was amazing with being able to explore some portions of the castle ruins.
From there, it was catch a ferry
down a portion of Loch Ness where we were treated to yet another gift shop before boarding the bus to the hotel. Dinner provided at the hotel. Let me just leave you with – the meals have been edible. Basic fare, cooked thoroughly. Desert tonight? That was good.
We are only here the one night.
