I spent all of February on the Isle of Skye, with just two exceptions – a two-day trip to the Isle of Raasay and an afternoon on the mainland. It was a month of adventures and hard work, saving up for the next few months of travel.
Life in Portree
February was the first time in years that I worked full time for an entire month. Although it did leave me rather tired (especially when I had closing shifts), I enjoyed the job. Working in a restaurant/bar for the first time in my life, the experience has helped me gain valuable skills that I know will be useful later in my life. I’ve pushed my introvert self to be outgoing and have actually found it easier than I imagined.
Despite being tired most of the month, I pushed myself to do a challenge, walking 15,000 steps per day. Not only did that mean more exercise, it also meant being able to explore Portree more. Some days it was difficult to fit in, but I’m happy to say that I completed it every day of the month, and some days I even walked way more than the 15,000 steps (such as when we went to Raasay – over 40,000 steps per day there!). I have actually loved this challenge and plan to continue it for the rest of the year (at least!).
Other than working and walking, February was spent painting, watching 1917 in the cinema (what a great film!!) and hanging out with local regulars and their adorable dogs at the inn – and not to forget Thunder, a little grey/white cat who has also become a regular. She walked in one day, soaked from the heavy rain, so I took her to my room. I thought she was a stray and I was actually thinking about adopting her, but when I took her to the vet the next day, they were able to locate the owner who picked her up shortly after. Luckily, I noted the owner’s number as Thunder has paid many visits since – naughty, adorable kittie!
Meeting a follower for the first time!
Probably the most exciting moment of all was when a customer, Vivian from Germany, recognized me from my blog! He had travelled to the Faroe Islands previously and had used my posts for inspiration. Shoutout to you, Vivian, thanks for making my month!
Lots of adventures on Skye
Most weeks, Brandon and I had two days off together so we had plenty of time to explore the island. We hitchhiked our way around the Northern Loop – again, hiked from Dunvegan to the popular Coral Beach and went to the mainland for an afternoon to explore Eilean Donan Castle and Kyle of Lochalsh before walking over the bridge to Kyleakin on Skye. We hadn’t actually planned to go to the castle beforehand, but seeing how close it was on the map, I couldn’t resist. And I’m so glad that we did, not so much for the castle, but because WE SAW OTTERS! In the wild, for the first time in our lives!
But the best adventures on Skye were with friends. We joined our friend Ailsa and her dad and dog on a hike to Brother’s Point, my favourite place on Skye, and went on two adventures with our colleague Steve and his two adventure dogs, Blaze and Laoch, exploring Steve’s secret beach and going off the tourist trail at the popular Quiraing. Those were spectacular days.
Two blissful days on Raasay
Oh, Raasay. In you I’ve found another favourite place on this planet.
In the middle of the month, Brandon and I went to this beautiful pearl of the Inner Hebrides for two days of sunshine, hiking and “camping”. Sunshine is rare in the Hebrides in February, but we got so lucky with two days of the best weather possible. It only snowed a bit during the night, which unfortunately made it too cold to camp. We hadn’t made it easy for ourselves though as we only had one sleeping bag and a blanket between us – terrible planning for February camping. Luckily, we were able to seek refuge in the waiting hall at the ferry terminal, although that was almost just as cold.
Despite this mishap, we had an amazing time on Raasay. We got a ride up north with a local and his dog Lola to walk the historic Calum’s Road from Brochel Castle to Arnish, my favourite place on the island. From Arnish, we hiked to the abandoned tidal island of Fladda, which was a true off-beat adventure. On our way back on Calum’s Road, we met a wonderful family who are moving to Arnish this year. They took us back to the main town on Raasay, Inverarish, where we set up our tent and, well, failed at camping.
The next day, we got up EARLY to climb the highest mountain on the island, Dun Caan. A surprisingly easy hike took us to the summit where the view was to die for. From the summit, we spent hours trying to find our way down to the abandoned village of Hallaig, which went down steep ridges and above deep canyons. We made it eventually and spent some time exploring the ruins, before trying to find the path back to Inverarish. We got quite lost but eventually managed to find it and got back to the village after walking 54 kilometers in two days! We caught the ferry back to Skye in the evening and although it was only 20 minutes long, I managed to fall asleep. Exhausted, yet incredibly grateful for the past two days that still feel like a fairytale.
Destinations visited in February 2020
- Isle of Skye, Raasay, Eilean Donan Castle and Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland
Highlights
- RAASAY! No doubt the biggest highlight of my month. I was so surprised by the beauty and hospitality of the island and islanders. Raasay is one of few places in this world that I can actually imagine settling in.
- Hiking to the Secret Beach and Quiraing with Steve and his two adorable dogs, Laoch and Blaze. Never will I forget those special days.
- Seeing otters in the wild for the first time!!
- Befriending locals and their dogs (especially wee Rascal, I will never forget you and your sweetness).
- Meeting a follower irl for the first time – such a blessed moment!
- Meeting wee Thunder. I will miss that adorable kittie <3
- Completing the 15,000 steps per day challenge!
- The paycheck at the end of the month. For a moment, I was rich! Then I spent it all on tickets to Nuuk and South Greenland…. 😀
Challenges
- Exhaustion. Due to long work hours and pressure that I put on myself to make this blog perfect. I didn’t get to do as many blog posts as I wanted (I’m really behind – I’ve got some posts from this summer that I still haven’t posted!).
- “Camping” in freezing weather on Raasay – and seeking refuge in a waiting hall that was almost as cold as the outdoors… Oops, well done, stupid.
Most popular post
- My January 2020: Moving temporarily to the Isle of Skye – My most popular monthly recap post to date, explaining the temporary move to Portree
The other posts
- Close encounter with a seal at the Black Rock – A cute sighting on a tidal island near Portree
- The wonderful diversity of Jerusalem’s old city – A long and detailed post about my trip to Jerusalem with lots of reflections about the diversity of the city
- Hitchhiking wins and fails around Skye’s Northern Loop – Exploring by hitchhiking has never been more adventurous than on Skye in the winter months!
- Gibraltar: A small British outpost in Southern Iberia – A long-awaited post about my day trip to Gibraltar last summer
- The Storr: A beautiful January day at Skye’s most popular spot – The number one must-see on Skye on a quiet day
Most popular Instagram picture
The summit of Dun Caan, the highest mountain of Raasay, offers a unique view so it’s no wonder that this picture was popular!
Coming up in March 2020
Brandon and I are leaving Skye on the 7th for a one-week roadtrip through the Outer Hebrides, Harris and Lewis, the Uists and Barra. We have rented a car and will be sleeping in the car to keep costs down. Lots of hiking and archaeological sights are on the itinerary!
On the 13th, we will fly home to Denmark to spend time with our family. We will celebrate our niece Ellie’s first birthday, cuddle lots with our cat and go for long walks with our parents and grandmother. I can’t wait.
Towards the end of the month, Brandon, our mum and I will travel to Switzerland for a nine-day roadtrip through the mountainous country as well as Liechtenstein and the Italian and German enclaves within Switzerland. That’s sure to be an incredible trip!
What are you up to in March?
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