Nirvana: A place or state characterized by freedom from or oblivion to pain, worry, and the external world.
I had been looking for this place. I decided to drive the Wester Ross Seacoast until I reached somewhere that completely took my breath away – Diabaig is the place. I am in Gille Bridghe right at this moment – that translates as Oystercatcher – their favorite local bird and my favorite local restaurant – originally a schoolhouse, this 16 seater has the fire going in the hearth and Scottish (Gaelic) music playing. After a spectacular cloud burst, the sun has pierced the cover. Gille Bridghe is the best restaurant I have been in the wilds of Scotland aside from the boathouse on Gigha, which is Michelin rated. Best burger with chutney and chips I have had EVER. I Paired it with a Dark Isle Stout from Orkney. The sticky toffee pudding that followed was out of this world. I think I might have wandered into Nirvana quite by accident. Out the window is a bay filled with turquoise waters out to Raasay and Skye beyond – I wish I could download my pictures (the internet in these parts is very slow) so you could see that, no, it is not the Caribbean Sea, but actually South Wester Ross, Scotland. I will fish a photo off their website. I took a hair pin turned mountain road to get here (not for the faint of heart or those who have not travelled across the Rocky Mountain Passes of Colorado – after living there, I am undaunted by all mountains lower than the Himalayas.) Indeed, the Munros of the Scottish Highlands bring to mind those high mountain passes, but these weathered peaks cascade rivulets and waterfalls off the scree, over the sides of rocks heather drops down into boggy glens filled with blooming buttercups. The road drops down into a sheltered cove running its course just past Gille Bridghe – there is a perfectly constructed stone Quay and boathouse, then blue-green and mist covered mountains. One lone sailboat is coasting in for anchor. I feel strange, like I have lived a life here today.
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