Author Archives: Corey McCusker

September 21st Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Royal Mile

We arrived in the City of Edinburgh. Love the cobbled streets and walked the Royal Mile. We ventured up to the Edinburgh Castle, a mighty fortress sitting on top of the Castle Hill and overlooks the entire city. We visited the National War Museum, an amazingly thorough source of inspiration for the Outlander Series.

September 19th Culloden Battlefield, Cawdor Castle

We soaked up the rich history and haunting atmosphere of the last battle ever fought on British soil, Culloden Battlefield. This is also the spot that Jamie and Claire said their goodbyes :( Then we ventured to Clava Cairns, one of Scotland’s most evocative stone circle sites. Also we visited Cawdor Castle dating from the late 14th century, built as a private fortress by the Thanes of Cawdor.

September 18th Inverness-Nessie, Loch Ness Monster

 

We ventured a scenic route through the Great Glen and continue to admire the landscape. The glistening lochs and enchanting moorlands are amazing.   We visited the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle and looked for Nessie who sadly was not to be found. We are in Inverness now, the Capital of the Highlands where, Claire’s adventures unfold while on her honeymoon.

Sept 17th Isle of Skye

We visited the Glenfinnan Monument set amidst superb Highland scenery, the monument is a tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. We witnessed the train from Harry Potter going by while at Glenfinnan.  Then by ferry from Mallaig to Armadale and on to the beautiful Isle of Skye. You can just feel romance here and not sure if Jamie and Claire visited but sure feels like it. We then saw where 3 great sea lochs meet where Eilean Donan Castle is situated on the island. The scenery is breathtaking. This castle is one of the most visited and an important attraction in Scottish Highlands and it’s obvious why!

September 16th Fort William-Scottish Highlands, Stirling Castle; Doune Castle

The landscape is so rugged and BEAUTIFUL! We stopped at Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s grandest castle with very impressive architecture. Then another amazing castle, Doune Castle, otherwise known as the fictional Castle Leoch in the Outlander Series. Doune is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle. The 100ft high gatehouse was magnificent. Then we toured Rob Roy’s country, travelling through the Trossachs National Park then on to the magnificent landscapes of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe.

September 15th Glasgow, Scotland Panoramic Tour of City

We arrived safely and had a wonderful Welcome Dinner at the Red Onion last night. Today we toured the city and visited St. Mungo’s Cathedral in the heart of the city. Saw some of the places where Season Two of Outlander was filmed such as Pollok Country Park. In the afternoon we visited Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Housing one of Europe’s great art collections. The parks and scenary have been amazing!

Nov 12-15 Off to Zanzibar Blue Bay Beach Resort & Spa

For those of us that stayed we took a short flight to the ultimate Indian Ocean on the lush island of Zanzibar.  We arrived to the Blue Bay Beach Resort & Spa and are ready to relax on this stunning east coast of the island of Zanzibar with the finest, white, sandy beach.  It is set in 30 acres of tropical gardens with over 1, 000 palm trees. We are ready for fine wining and dine plus a whole lot of fun!

Nov 11 Masai Mara Celebrating our Adventure and Final Game Drive

We spent the whole day on Safari in Africa’s we saw so many but feel blessed to have seen a Leopard and a male lion protecting his bride. We also ventured to the river and saw sooo many hippos resting.  In late afternoon we visited a Maasai village and learned about tribal customs and the place of the Maasai in today’s Africa. We enjoyed  a colourful Maasai dance and cultural performance.

Nov 10 Maasai Mara

We drove to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve where the annual migration of over one million wildebeest occurs.  This is one of Kenya’s most active reserve and it sure was. Tonight we called it an early night as some are up early for the Hot Air Balloon ride. We listened to the orchestra of Cicadas, Tree frogs, birds and monkeys…music to our ears.