Today's the day many of the delegates have been waiting for...the ride on the "Harry Potter" train to Mallaig. First we took a train into Ft. William. The train station is just a short walk from the hotel. Then from there, on to the train to Mallaig. It traveled throught some spectacular scenery.
A highlight of the journey was the crossing of the Glenfinnan viaduct. It was featured in the second Harry Potter film. It's quite a long expanse, and it bends so that we could see the front of the train.
We also traveled along the mountains and the North Sea. The day was picture perfect. We were able to take some excellent photos from the train.
When we got to Mallaig, a delightful little fishing town, we ate our packed lunch on the rocks overlooking the sea. It was so peaceful and beautiful.
After a quick visit to the Mallaig Cultural Center we were back on the train for the return trip home. We shopped a little in Ft. William and took the train back to the hotel. It was an absolutely memorable day.
After dinner we were treated to a demonstration by Ken Robertson of the Clan Robertson. He told us all the "ins and outs" of highland dress and weapons. Two of our delegates even got to dress Highland style.
The Spean Bridge Hotel is an interesting, old building. The main hotel building is over 400 years old. Then they have added on some chalets in the back. I"m staying in the old building and the room is charming, but definately dated. There are only two outlets in the entire room, and none in the bathroom.
Speaking of bathrooms, they have been a point of interest throughout the trip. I've already mentioned the washcloth scenario. They also are very fond of hot water. Almost every bathroom has a sign about how hot the water will be. My bathroom has the hot and cold faucets rewversed. I also have to flip a switch in the bedroom to turn on the shower. (?????)
The bathroom that has made the biggest impression, so far, has been the one in Glasgow. Not all of the bathrooms (or toilets, as they are called here) are spacious. The one before Glasglow was really small, so when I went charging into my room after a long bus ride I was pleased to see a roomier bathroom -- at first. Then, I reached to te side for the toilet paper, only to find...nothing. Checked the other side...nothing. What the heck??? Then I saw it: mounted prominently on the door ACROSS THE ROOM! What the heck were they thinking?!?!? It was quite a stretch for my short, little arms to reach. I can only imagine what it was like for the delegates.
Tomorrow we're off to spot Nessie.
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