It is hard to sum up the 9 fantastic and busy days of mid term break but I will deal with these highlights first. We were in the very good hands of Dougie and Glenda (Jocka's sister) in Lithingow for two nights where we were treated like kings with wonderful hospitality,company, guided tour and very useful advice. This enabled us to maximise our time in Scotland....and I did not climb a Munro! Did you know that a Munro was a mountain/hill over 3,000ft? Many people have an aim of climbing every Munro in Scotland! Shame the weather was not up to and Katrina reneged......so sorry no pics but we got the book:
The area around Lithingow is a tourists delight with the Millennium wheel at Falkirk, this contraption replaces a number of locks by lifting up canal boats and water and rotating. The Eureka principle is involved and the whole thing operates on the amount of power it takes to operate a toaster. An engineers delight.....as are the bridges of the Tay:
Norman, Douglas, Judy, Katrina and Glenda keeping warm outside 2 Bridges pub.
Norman, Douglas, Judy, Katrina and Glenda keeping warm outside 2 Bridges pub.
Dougie and I with the Falkirk Wheel
This bridge was built in the late 1800's and in early days described as the 8th wonder of the world!
And they have their own castle, of course. Mary Queen of Scots was born here.
We had a great day trip into Edinburgh exploring the sights, which we will deal with later....it is certainly a city to return to. Glenda looked after us with delightful food, 4 courses each night and Dougie was a fine provider of drinks, including his own blends of whiskey.....I bet they were pleased to see the back of us! We look forward to their next trip to NZ and an attempt to repay.
We had a great day trip into Edinburgh exploring the sights, which we will deal with later....it is certainly a city to return to. Glenda looked after us with delightful food, 4 courses each night and Dougie was a fine provider of drinks, including his own blends of whiskey.....I bet they were pleased to see the back of us! We look forward to their next trip to NZ and an attempt to repay.So we were well set up to explore more of Scotland and what finer place to start than a Distillery:
The Famous Grouse
A very informative tour for 20 of us resulted in only 2 of us going on to the tasting session, and Katrina was not much use!
She is the better driver though, especially with 10 drams before noon. Can I spot a bargain, the whole deal less than 5 quid each! .....and so Educational!!!!
So........what else is Scotland famous for? Off to golf we went!
Sorry....I know this is inappropriate for a woman. I weakened, but she has been very good to me......and she is the only one earning.
130 pound each was the cost for St Andrew's............no extra for the sideways rain so we found a lovely little 9 hole course down the road for 10 quid. Yes my Scottish ancestry runs deep!
They gave us the rabbits, the gorse and the broom and now they protect it. Staked broom-free drop!
Gleneagles was next, a far more hospitable place than the 'Home of Golf', very luxurious and we got a beautiful day. 3 courses, we wandered the one for the next Ryder Cup.....check out these views:
They sure love their broom, rough was so deep! but a lovely setting and the club house, hotel etc. something else.
..................and of course I got a photo on the Swilken bridge as great golfers do. 
1 comment:
First time I have been into your blog for ages really great reflection on your tripping. Sounds like you are going back maybe we might join you then.
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