Finally, we saw the light of day. I was beginning to doubt the sun would ever join us on our ride around Scotland, but the next morning was beautiful.
We were greeted at our first castle--Tolquhon--by this friendly face.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605610107_Tn2aj-L.jpg)
![Tolquhon Castle](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605611318_8Sdcp-L.jpg)
Was this hook used for torture, hanging meat, or the guard's strength and conditioning exercises? Your guess is as good as mine.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605611967_T5qw7-L.jpg)
Mmmm...I could live here--if only there was a roof.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605613234_xnmUe-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605614305_qAoyU-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605615392_5hxHc-L.jpg)
Jay was prepping for Loch Ness with this 'Nessie impression.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605615969_usnYK-L.jpg)
After Tolquhon Castle we stopped by the Lone Head Stone Circle. It's just what it sounds like (apparently it was used for cremation).
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605617444_EuQRt-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605618039_QjPRK-L.jpg)
Next up was Huntley Castle.
![Huntley Castle](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605619470_sLtRm-L.jpg)
Where you could still see some amazing detail (and claw-like clouds).
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605633348_ongUF-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605633847_rGm9G-L.jpg)
Ye Olde Privy
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605634354_nzaQ4-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605635465_Fa6Rk-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605636254_Ac7Xj-L.jpg)
The third and last castle of the day was Balvenie. By now the rain clouds had also returned.
![Balvenie Castle](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605636854_DZoxA-L.jpg)
Not much remained here.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605638001_Ax5K9-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605638432_XreJr-L.jpg)
We didn't pay our fees, so I had to do some grounds work.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605639742_fLrLp-L.jpg)
A local repair man at the castle told us we must visit the nearby distillery. It wasn't on our plans, but we decided to go for it.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605640279_a45GV-L.jpg)
Turns out it was the world famous Glenfiddich whisky distillery.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605641633_o6kB5-L.jpg)
Looks like Ken got into a barrel before the tour started.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605642797_gJTc9-L.jpg)
The tour was actually pretty interesting--and hot!
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605643152_xc3C9-L.jpg)
Now I know all about single malt vs. blended, cooperages, and the head, heart, and tail of whisky...
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605643648_hdgCV-L.jpg)
Finally we drove the rest of the way to Inverness and arrived as the sun was setting.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605644694_jYcVg-L.jpg)
Coming and going.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605645361_ETGq4-L.jpg)
And Jay did what boys do best--throw things into water, preferably slimy rocks with plants attached to them.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605645890_pMu7T-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605646479_ZkMZh-L.jpg)
Mr. {dead} Jellyfish.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605647301_jCidE-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605647629_HmrQp-L.jpg)
The sun was still bright at 9 o'clock.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605648316_TNF2u-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605649821_MtYga-L.jpg)
We dined in a little pub. Looks like someone else had hoped to get a table, too.
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605650149_8Qcgs-L.jpg)
![](http://www.birchtreephotography.com/photos/605650761_hVWCQ-L.jpg)
Stay tuned for Loch Ness...coming up next!
I'm so jealous of you! The UK is far too amazing. Beautiful pics too :)
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