Search for Nessie!

Well, our holiday after our Christmas Holiday and before School begins (being a student has its perks!) was spent in Inverness with two friends of ours. Mary and Natalie came with us as we went in search of a little R&R near the fabled waters of Loch Ness. I must say, Inverness is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to (this is Derek speaking). They just recently graduated from town status to city status and it shows. They have some of the city with a large Tesco (Think Target with more of a food emphasis) and a B&Q (their version of Home Depot) as well as some other signs of modernity (some chain restaurants). However, they have all of the charm of a small town with a beautiful river walk (River Ness) and with lights in the trees and everything.

We stayed at a great B&B (4star) for little to no money and loved walking along the river. Even Jake got a kick out of walking around it one night! They have restaurants that overlook the river and give you a since of romance.

Our big trip was a ferry down Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle. The ferrymen were friendly and no before you ask, we did not see Nessy. But I did see fish jumping which made my fisherman's heart cry out for a pole! But Jake loved the ferry and had a great time. The views were amazing as you can see by the pictures and the castle was even more beautiful. Historically, it is one of the most fought over castles in Scotland as it has had numerous residents on up till the late 17th century. It finally was blown up in 1689 by those who didn't want their enemies to have a fortified castle to occupy. Since that time, it was used as a quarry for local towns. But much still remains and some of it dates back to the 12th century Pics who built a fort here. So that is to say, a lot happened here. Just as a historical note, Edward the Longshanks occupied the fort in 1303 with English forces but was ousted by Robert the Bruce in 1306.

Overall, our trip was great and we are glad that we went. The weather was awesome with no rain and with temperatures in the high 40's. I have been thinking of something ever since: I am in awe of the beauty mankind can make with its own hands. But as I looked out over the castle battlements, I realized that mankind's best still crumbled before the awesome creative genius of God.