turned our attention to exploring and climbing around Urquhart Castle. Eight hundred years old, Urquhart Castle was built to protect the approaches to the Great Glen. Today, having been blown up in 1691, only ruins are left of the castle. The picture in the porthole shows Robert standing by a catapult at the castle.

Robert and I were the last ones to get back on our tour bus. We found a gargoyle to buy in the gift shop just at the time the bus was due to head back to the ship. I let our guide assistant know we wanted to purchase the gargoyle. She said it would be okay however I am betting she did not expect it would take us almost ten minutes to get through the line. The cashiers were extremely pokey. Thank goodness our bus didn't leave without us and we now have a new gargoyle to add to our collection!

The ride to and from the castle was very scenic. The countryside is totally different than the barren landscapes we have seen the last couple of days. What we saw today is similar to what we saw on the Isle of Man; closer to what it's like in the northwest regions of Washington state except for deeper, richer greens and lots more sheep!

After a rare opportunity to relax in our cabin back onboard, Robert was off to play trivia and Bingo. I extended my relaxing time by taking another nap. Today once again Robert won at Bingo! His winnings came to $63. He was the first to complete all the numbers in the formation of the letter F. The trivia game played by Robert, Dorothy, Jean, and others was lost by one point which was okay being the prize for each was a mug. Again. Dorothy has so many of the Dam mugs she is giving them away.

Tonight Dorothy attended the Mariner's Reception to receive a 100 cruise days award! How many years do you think it has taken for her to accomplish this amazing milestone? Our third formal dinner night followed.

Because tonight was the official "Farewell Dinner," even though we still have a couple of days left, all the chairs were covered in white. When dessert time came, the curtains were drawn and the lights turned down. All the waiters marched in to music with great fan fare. Each waiter carried high in the air Baked Alaska topped with sparklers. Diners clapped and waved their napkins in the air. It was very fun and very festive!

Tomorrow's port of call is Leith, Scotland, our last port (not counting Amsterdam where we return Tuesday).

Next Cruise Log: September 4, 2005