July 2-5 Scotland

Tuesday. Took the train (precisely on time) up to edinburgh, home of haggis, JK Rowling, Adam Smith,  castles and scotch whiskey. Hotel cairn a definite upgrade from the ridgemount in london - thanks mark!  Spent afternoon walking around colton hill, old town with its closes (alleys) and courts, gardens and then we divided up- jon going on a ghost walk of the underground, mark going for a run along waters of leith.   Met up for a late indian dinner.  13 miles, much of it vertical and with a light jacket on.

 

Wednesday. No alarm today so later start up to "Arthur's seat", 250m up at top of Hollyrood park. Edinburgh is very hilly and it was a good, although leisurely with a nap at the top, hike through open fields to 360° views out to the sea. Passed by the castle where the queen was hosting her garden party - somehow we were not invited. After lunch, went to museum of Scotland, starring dolly the sheep and good overview of Scotland history. Today during Mark's run (somehow, he is considering this a business trip), jon hit a pub for a beer and wee dram of whiskey. 12 miles.

Thursday.
Nobody ever confused the Caribbean with the North sea. Steely colored water and sky, wind, nobody lounging on the beach - thats how I always imagined Scotland. Today we saw that. Headed northwest to Loch Lomond (driving on the left!) arriving in Luss by 11.30. Set off UP to Beinn Dubh, a 11.5km hike, up 725m. Fairly steep climb along grassy path - no trees or rocks - just steep rolling mountains with views over the lake and valleys. At the top, with both temps and windspeeds close to 50, walked through boggy/peaty area (thus the flavor of whiskey made in the area) with views to the head of the lake and to the Arrochar Alps. After a coffee in town, back to Drymen where mark actually did not run. Oldest pub (1734) in scotland is here so had to go.

Friday. Last day in the UK so started ot off with a tour of glengoyne, makers of fine highlands whisky (not whiskey- that'd mean it's NOT scotch) since 1833. Nothing like a dram of 12 year old at 10am. Right now they are not distilling (6 week holiday) so you can see into the machinery and casks, and take photos - no photography while distilling due to explosive nature of vapors. I didn't reserve a bottle of the $25K 50 YO singke malt that'll be ready in 3 years. Drove through Glasgow (disappointing & dirty- sorry jason) and to airport for flight to Munich, and next segment of trip. Well, for me.  For 'some reason, Mark's boarding pass said yesterday '.   Resolution TBD as of this post.