Sandyatlanta:
I'm no expert on midges, but they look like gnats or no see-ums. They do bite but are more of a nuisance than anything. I understand that they can gather in great numbers if the weather or wind is right.
d1

As you plan to return I found a web site you might find interesting - www.scotlandmag.com/icons.

You had a wonderful trip. Unfortunately it rained all the time when I was there one year.

Don,

Thanks for the link to your pictures. THey are absolutely fabulous. They gave me a chance to see the "homeground" of Skye, which was where my Gran was born. I wasn't able to visit Skye last year due to inclimate weather, so these pictures whetted my appetite for a next time.

HistoryTraveler,

It is indeed possible to be homesick for a place not born to. Your heart knows no boundaries and it chooses the best place to call home.

Slan Beo,

Bit Devine

CowboyCraic:
Thanks for your comments. We have hundreds of pictures and we picked just a few to put up. Skye is one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. The people there are very friendly as well. I hope you get to visit soon.

d1

d1carter: Glad I finally found your itinerary (thanks for the link janisj) - looks GREAT, and really enjoyed the photos. I am getting excited about getting down to details for our July 2008 trip (we are covering a lot of the same territory).

Glad for the Glen Affric tip - missed that in my readings so far. Sounds lovely. That may help to settle my question of the route to follow between Inverness & Glencoe areas. Am trying to squeeze a few hours here & there for some walks / short hikes.

Burnhamski:
We had a great time on our trip this year. This message board was one of the reasons.
We did some day hikes on Skye and a short hike in Glen Affric. Skye has many opportunities for hiking for just about any one. It is also one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Do your own homework, but come to this board with your questions and I promise it will make your trip much more enjoyable.
If you read my trip report, you see how my family feels about "the ladies of Fodors". If I can help too, please ask. All the best.

d1

thanks, d1carter! I "discovered" the fodors board before a trip to iceland 2 years ago, and it was a huge help, as you know. Right now I'm still on the big picture, but as it gets more detailed, help from people who know the area and can help guide me is invaluable. I'm sure to return with many more questions between now & july. (just posted my tentative itinerary in another thread that started with under "Scotland Isles (Skye, Arran & Orkney) I think I like planning our trips almost as much as doing them! My family appreciates how much time I put in, and really appreciates how smoothly everything goes when we arrive.