Our National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions guests arrived in Inverness, capital of the Scottish Highlands, from various parts of the world. Eventually all of them were delivered to the Lord of the Glens, our home for the next week.

The pretty, little ship was docked at the top of the several locks in Muirtown at the northeast end of the Caledonian Canal. Hotel Manager Brian Copland, Captain Jim Still, and the crew and staff greeted us warmly. Luggage was brought on board as everyone found their cabins and began to explore the vessel.

Before dinner, there were brief introductions and a toast to a good voyage. After dinner, some wee dancers entertained us to the accompaniment of a piper. A grand being to our exploration of Scotland.