Monday September 2

And so we arose at 4:15 and made our 7:45 ferry, taxing Steve to do the driving again. The Dukes at Queens sent us off with a takeaway breakfast, which was a nice touch. We would return there.

After two hours in comfort on the ferry, we arrived in Scotland, Troon specifically, and headed to Edinburgh, several more hours away. We have an apartment here for the next two days. It was not ready when we arrived at noon, but we found a nearby Starbucks to waste an hour in quite happily.

After settling into the apartment (2 bedrooms, kitchen, bath, washer/dryer [and I mean washer/dryer -- we will see how well it does either shortly]) not far from Edinburgh Castle.

Off we went in the direction of said Castle, Terry navigating because she still has a sense of direction, and eventually discovered that the enormous mound with huge buildings overlooking us was indeed the Castle. A nice brisk uphill trudge and we were there, admissions paid (we are called "concessions" due to our ages, which saved quite a few pounds on the fee), and off uphill again to see what we could see.

Terry, Sue, Steve

We still are unsure of the exact year in which the Castle began to be constructed, but King David I built St. Margaret's Chapel on the grounds in memory of his mother who died in 1093. And Terry recalls seeing a mention of walls that were there in the 800s AD. Can you imagine?

Edinburgh below the Castle

The view from the parapets is a stunner, with even the Firth of Forth visible in the distance.

We spent a good two hours looking through the Castle, including an historical museum of the Royal Scots Guards and another showing the long involved history of the crown jewels. Included there was the royal crown, full of garnets and amethysts and looking mighty heavy.

Leaving the Castle, we headed for the Royal Mile and found a highly recommended restaurant, Angels and Bagpipes (which had neither), where I had haggis and survived! It's not all that bad and I can check it off my list of native foods to try. (It's way better than manudo.)

Back to the apartment to rest two of our number who are dealing with colds and not enjoying it. Tomorrow is another day!

16,694 steps today, 8 miles.