Scotland, Day 5

Today began like any other day: once again, I awoke from slumber far too early, and once again, I had a few hours with which to occupy myself before my parents likewise awoke and we could actually do stuff. I used my time to read (The Canterbury Tales) and write the events of the previous day.
When Mom finally woke up, she began to cook a delicious breakfast of bacon, eggs, and pancakes. I have since learned that there is nothing tastier pig-product in this world than Scottish bacon. It is thick with very little fat and has extra smoky flavor. So tasty!!!!
Today was going to be a lazy day as we were not going to drive anywhere. We felt that the Scottish roads were too tough on Father’s nerves, and, since we don’t want him a nervous wreck in one week when he has to return to work, Mom and I agreed to let him off the hook. So we walked around the Loch.
I have said it before, but it bears repeating: Scotland is a beautiful nation and is never more beautiful than up here, by the Loch Ness and in the Highlands. The hills are either covered with trees or brown-and-purple heather. It is not inaccurate to say that Scotland is like the Willamette Valley in Oregon, but all of the beauty of that small portion of Oregon is stretched out and multiplied throughout this entire nation. Well, technically Scotland is neither nation nor country, but do not tell that to a Scot. They’ll take your head off!!
We hiked up a very long and steep mountainous trail that happened to be right behind our house (more or less). Twice, father and I almost fell down the mountain, and one time, we did fall a distance and skidded. We have the cuts and bruises to prove it! Both parents took marvelous pictures of the forests with rocks as old as Creation sat covered in inch-thick moss and spider webs that glistened on tall, stately grass-stalks.
We reached the top of the mountain, gazed West out over the Loch and let out a collective sigh. Imagine looking upon Crater Lake and its still beauty, but, instead of a round lake, imagine it like a river that stretches as far as the eye can see with 1000 meter mountains all around. As I said earlier, the mountains are not as tall as Oregon mountains, but they still make an impressive sight.
While Mom napped after our expedition, Father and I hiked down to the Loch to see if we could find Nessie. We did see a large ripple under the water, and we are claiming that that was the great monster, herself.
The day ended peacefully (read: boringly) as we watched some British television and waited for it to grow late enough to go to bed. This nation has a drowsying effect on a person.