From Red Deer to Nessie

Like many days in Scotland, it was cloudy with rain slowly falling on Loch Ness. The cool March day kept most tourists from looking for Nessie. The ash and larch trees looked thick and healthy on the hillsides surrounding the loch. The strong breeze pushed the water back and forth, and any splashes that reached the boaters felt quite cool. The tour boat set out with the guide pointing to his house on the hillside. Imagine waking up every day and looking down on Loch Ness; the hillsides surrounding it beautiful with trees and a light dusting of snow or a warm day with rays of sunshine shimmering on the loch.

The boat continued on around a bend in the hillside. Ruins of a castle became clear in the rainy haze. The history of the place, much older than wherever the tourists had come from, is awe-inspiring. Yet there is also a peacefulness that envelopes the area, even as the boat rocks back and forth on the rainy day. The tour guide’s modest house on the hill seems an idyllic setting for a simple life. His knowledge of the area is complete, and his story of a ghost that can be seen from time to time in the window of the ruinous castle is well delivered and a little spine tingling.

The group eventually disembarks from the boat and moves to a café that is near the loch’s edge. Pesto sandwiches and orange soda help ease their hunger. Soon the group exits the small café, returning to the parking lot. Near their vehicles, the group gathers by a replica statue of Nessie. Their time on the loch did not generate any glimpses of the real Nessie, but at least they will have a picture of the statue to take home.

After leaving the beauty of Loch Ness, the group takes their Land Rovers to the west to Glen Affric. Glens are long, gentle sloping valleys, and in Scotland, they frequently have luscious green foliage. Stepping out of the car, the group gets their first glimpse of red deer on the slope by the road. The creature is beautiful, strong, and looking right at them. Shortly after, they hike to Loch Affric and capture images of ducks near the shore.

However, the images the group will never forget were not able to be captured with a camera. The group traveled to the Isle of Skye. Staying a night in Portree, the group was able to go out on another boat and ride below many birds overhead, but it was not until they made it to Kilt Rock that the group encountered a place they will never forget. Loch Mealt flows off the coast creating a waterfall off Kilt Rock, cascading into the Atlantic Ocean. Looking out over the coast, seals could be seen on various rocks and islands, the panorama too awe-inspiring to be captured in one picture. The group eventually makes their way to an inn to get some rest and regroup for the next day.

After spending ten days together almost non-stop, the group is closer than they imagined going into the trip. A one credit Spring Break trip still elicits chills all these years later. The scenery was breathtaking, the animals beautiful, but the relationships are indelible. If ever asked about the importance of international travel or study abroad, the programs speak for themselves. Introducing the next generation to different places and cultures will have profound benefits going forward. Then again, it is never too late for any generation to embrace another destination. Scotland is a beautiful place to start, with friendly people, beautiful scenery, and great history.