Goodbye to Scotland

Had the most wonderful time in Scotland, and am so sorry to leave it. What a stunningly beautiful country. The last few days there, my friend Richard and I took the train to Glasgow and then on to Edinburgh, both of which were fabulous. Glasgow was so interesting, especially the museum where a Rodin sculpture was thrown in with a mix of unknowns and an incredible Dali hung nonchalantly in the hallway. Also did an architecture tour of the city which was incredible.










Of course Edinburgh was even more fantastic with the castle being outstanding while the new Scotland parliament was just sad; especially after $430 million lbs was spent on it.

















After that, we went to visit old Roman ruins in the form of Haidrian's wall and a Roman fort at Vendelow.









The weather had cooperated until then, but the rain has set in, so we'll be heading south. Today we toured the estate where the film The Dutchess was made. Now I suppose I'll have to go see it. All for now, as I'm off to dinner.

More Isle of Bute

Still on Isle of Bute in Scotland, and still having a wonderful time. The picture to the right is the local castle in the centre of town. It was destroyed by Norse invaders. Yesterday was stone circles, and an early Christian church, and an old Anglo Saxon fort. Totally awesome, especially since we followed up our day of walking with a feast of mussels and cream pie. Hard to beat! Do wish I could upload some pictures to show you all just how wonderful it is here. Richard is a fabulous host, not to mention a pretty good cook. His sheep love the leftovers too, so no smelly compost buckets to wash out...Tomorrow we are off to Edinburgh and Glasgow for a few days. We'll take the ferry & train, so will return to pick up Richard's truck at the end of the weekend before driving down to Haidrian's wall and then on to Manchester. This place reminds me so much of the west coast without all the big trees, and of course, minus the oodles of history. You hardly turn around before you see another Anglo Saxon or Roman ruin. All for now. Sheryl

Another sunny day in Scotland

Having fabulous weather here in Scotland on the Isle of Bute. Visited the Rothesay Castle, 12th century, and the arts and crafts castle of the Stewarts yesterday; a gorgeous arts & crafts castle with stunningly beautiful wood & marble carvings. I especially loved the grounds though, and spent quite a bit of time walking. Then my friend Richard picked me up for another round of golf. I'm getting a little better, and he's a very good teacher. To the right is Richard and the golf course. Notice the sheep in the background. I almost hit one! Richard also took me fishing just out in the bay where I caught 10 mackerel! We had some for dinner. So much to see and do here. This afternoon we'll be off to see the remains of an ancient stone circle on the far end of the Island. In the meantime, I'm reading about stone circles, chalk horses, castles, and, of course, my sheep mystery which seems perfect as Richard has two sheep in his back garden (what we Canadians call a yard) to keep the grass down. I'm loving it here. Later...Sheryl

post from the Isle of Bute in Scotland

Arrived in Scotland after hours and hours of flying & airport security in Heathrow. So glad I don't have to do that again. Staying at Richard's place on the Isle of Bute. Wonderful view. Too bad I can't upload pics. Played golf yesterday with the sheep watching. Spectacular course but I couldn't seem to hit the ball. Been pubbing, and more to come tonight. It is so gorgeous here! Still, the walking is wonderful & I'm reading a very cool sheep mystery. Can't remember the title, but will try & put it in next time. Internet time is running out, so more later. This is the view from Richard's front window, and here are the sheep that mow his lawn.

Scotland

I'm so excited. Flying to Scotland tomorrow although I won't arrive until the day after. Hoping for sun, but being a west coaster, I have my gortex packed! I might even learn to like Scotch, although I'm not counting on it. More once I arrive.

Almost time to go

After a not so warm summer, the fall has been amazing. Nothing but sun, sun and more sun. But with less than a week before I head off for a two month working holiday to Scotland, England & Spain, I'm so exited. I've been writing like a fiend and hope to keep that up while I'm on the road. My bags are sooo packed...