Info Sought

[ktmrider]

My daughter and I have finalized plans for a 90 day trip beginning in mid-August. We will be heading to Scotland for about 3 weeks with hiking in the Highlands and visiting the outer islands and Edinburgh, then down to Portugal to hike part of the Camino de Santiago followed by other parts of Spain. I am thinking surface transportation across the straight to Morocco for a desert horse trip, and then to Israel.

I sure would like input on any special places or things to do in those countries. Now we have guidebooks and the internet so I am looking for something you might have done that just stands out in your memory.

Camera will be M9 with X100 backup. Can't believe it but will be totally digital.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I suggest the Lonely Planet travel forum https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/categories/country-forums to be a much better source of information than a photo gear forum.

Be aware, the most common and most intelligent response is always to buy a travel guide to where one is visiting.

 

[nikonosguy]

second the lonely planet series

awesome stuff

 

[Moto-Uno]

I've also found locals to be pretty good with suggestions! Peter

 

[ktmrider]

As stated in my first post, we have guidebooks and I am on the Lonely Planet forum. Am looking for anyone or anything which might stand out with someone on this forum who has personal experience in the countries we will be visiting.

We plan on hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland and exploring some of the outer islands. In Spain, 135 miles on the Camino then exploring Madrid and Seville. In Morocco, we will be riding Arabians in the desert (think THE WIND AND THE LION). In Israel, Jerusalem and later Petra in Jordan.

And by the way, did you know it is against the law to turn a stallion into a gelding in Morocco?

 

[Sam Kanga]

Hello ktmrider,

For the hiking in Scotland part of your trip, I would suggest following the intrepid Chris Townsend, his blog: http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com

I came across him a couple of years ago when reading a review he did about using the Sony Nex-7 as his hiking camera. He has done a huge amount of hiking and writing. You might find areas you will be hiking in described in his blog. Also definitely contact him, I did, and enjoyed our correspondence.

Hope this helps.
Sam

 

[Pablito]

And by the way, did you know it is against the law to turn a stallion into a gelding in Morocco?

So you can leave your knife at home?

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Ferries in Scotland can be more interesting if you go to the island on one route and come off on another. Most go to Skye but I prefer Mull.

Look at http://www.calmac.co.uk/tickets/island-hopping/ for examples of interesting packages.

Regards, David

 

[Joao]

Wich parts of Portugal are you planning to visit ?

Joao

 

[waileong]

Scotland

Scotland

Scotland is a lovely place. I was at Isle of Skye and also went to Hoy, where I stayed overnight at a lighthouse. I think there's nothing more romantic than a lighthouse stay and I highly recommend one.

Apart from lighthouse, I also played golf under the most windy conditions, visited the Mckintosh exhibitions in Glasgow, did a farmstay, took the Harry Potter steam train ride, went to Orkney to visit the Highland Park whiskey distillery, visited Edinburgh castle, and came close to being gored by highland cattle.

Hiking in Scotland is a hit and miss affair because of the weather. It rains a lot in Scotland.

As stated in my first post, we have guidebooks and I am on the Lonely Planet forum. Am looking for anyone or anything which might stand out with someone on this forum who has personal experience in the countries we will be visiting.

We plan on hiking the Great Glen Way in Scotland and exploring some of the outer islands. In Spain, 135 miles on the Camino then exploring Madrid and Seville. In Morocco, we will be riding Arabians in the desert (think THE WIND AND THE LION). In Israel, Jerusalem and later Petra in Jordan.

And by the way, did you know it is against the law to turn a stallion into a gelding in Morocco?

 

[Brian Atherton]

Petra
Get there as early as possible and make a whole day of the site: the Petra site is far larger than the organised tour guides show.
My wife and I walked 18 miles, having done our homework, using a good map.
It’s relentlessly hot with little shade outside of the main valley.
From about 1500 the Monastery Path is in shade.
Wear a hat. Take and drink plenty of water.
Although water and snacks can be bought from a number of vendors, the only restaurant is situated at the end of the Roman Highway.
Avoid the horses and donkey ride offers, the animals are mistreated, and although the ride is ‘free’, once you’re in the saddle the owners demand a ‘tip’ of about 20GBP.
Steer clear of the sellers offering ancient coins or terracotta oil lamps. They’ll show you a genuine artefact and then securely wrap up a worthless piece of junk while their back is turned to you, which you will only discover when back at your hotel. It’s a scam.
Take camera battery backups, you’ll take far more shots than you think.
The Moevenpick Resort Petra, with its roof terrace, makes for a great base.

 

[ktmrider]

Thanks. This is the kind of stuff I was looking for. And I would never travel or hike without my Swiss army knife. No plans on trying to learn how to geld a horse in Morocco although geldings are infinitely easier to ride either mares or stallions.