Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.
Yes, true believers, after years of growing up on countless books, photos and "In Search Of..." episodes, I too wanted my chance to glimpse Nessie. I caught a micro van with four other hearty souls outside of the Info office and we headed off towards Drumnadrochit. This is the home of a small museum that welcomes those from around the world hoping to see this camera shy beastie. Photos, articles, video and eye-witness accounts of Nessie abound here. If you can put a picture of Nessie on it, you can buy it here! After this little tour, we drove out a short distance to the second most recognized spot in Scotland, Urquhart Castle. I can't recall ever seeing something about Loch Ness, that didn't have this castle in its background. Urquhart is my favorite castle to this day. Not always manicured, sheep grazing beside it, with the loch acting as a backdrop. The castle stands in earthen red-brown-yellow relief of its emerald grasses in front, grey-blue water behind. My favorite picture I've ever taken on a trip is the one of the dovecot and tower. Don't ask why, it's hard to explain. I just love it! The driver gave us quite a bit of time to wander the ruins. And as I looked out from the window of the Tower House, hoping to see the long, leathery neck of the mysterious creature from childhood dreams. I couldn't help but notice the beauty and power of my surroundings. This was why I travel.
