Geo: 53.3096, -4.63347Though we had planned on sleeping in and enjoying the posh comfort of our B&B, we all woke up early with our minds racing. Rich went downstairs and took some pictures. Eventually, we had our "complimentary" (aka "paid for in credit") breakfast. It was nice, but overshadowed with the nagging question of whether we would manage to get out of the flood. As we dined, the rain began to fall again. We packed up the few things we had with us and jumped into the KA. Fearing delays, etc., we stopped for petrol and made sure we wouldn't get stranded due to lack of fuel. The line of cars coming into town was very long, which was bothersome. Upon the advice of a local, we headed toward Burford, which we had avoided before knowing ... read more

Geo: 51.5002, -0.126236To sum up today, Jeannette sings, "these boots were made for walkin'." You'll soon see why. First, we walked to the Alamo car rental place to see if we could make arrangements for the car for tomorrow's trip to the Cotswolds. We were successful in obtaining the car. Parking it was another story. We had to figure out a place to park the car overnight for an early morning departure tomorrow. This isn't very simple in central London, where certain areas are designated as congestion zones, within which a charge must be paid. In order to pay, one must phone in the details of the car's license plates to a designated number. We didn't do this. We ended up in the congestion zone anyway. Who knows what will come of it. After meandering around ... read more

Geo: 51.5002, -0.126236It was a beautiful sunny day while we were eating breakfast at York, at a beautiful, cheap-o place called Wetherspoons. A full English breakfast cost 2 pounds, 99 pence (roughly $6). That's the best bargain we've found. It beat the grand slam. We started our walk toward the York train station to begin our journey to London. Within 50 yards of Wetherspoons, the sky opened up and we had to duck into a doorway to readjust ourselves. By the time of the readjustment, about 5 minutes, the rain stopped again. Once we were off, it started back, though. Arriving at the York station we had to readjust our reservations for Bath in order to return to London in time for a dinner with Frank and Karen. "It was so easy," Rich and Jake both ... read more

Geo: 54.9778, -1.61323We awoke in Edinburgh to the nicest, sunniest day yet. That wouldn't last for long. After missing our turn, we were nearing the castle before deciding to turn back and walk quite a distance downhill to the train station. It had no garbage cans. Jeannette broke the law by being charitable to a pigeon (aka "flying rat"). Fortunately, she escaped arrest and/or ejection. After a short breakfast we boarded our GNER train bound for York. We were seated on both sides of table facing one another, which was quite nice. Unfortunately, our car's HVAC was not working, so it was a bit stuffy, especially for Barb and Jake, who were sitting in direct sun. They announced numerous times that anyone caught smoking would be ejected from the train. What a strong word, but funny. ... read more

Geo: 57.1431, -4.68296We began this morning at 5:45 thanks to our trusty alarm clock, Rich. After getting ourselves in order, it was off to another Scottish breakfast at Mac Donald's. (Ahem.) Stand E was only a brief walk away and while waiting for our bus we explored another really old cemetery. We saw graves of people who were buried before America declared independence. The "newest" monument in the cemetery was a statue of Abraham Lincoln. It was strange.Upon boarding the bus, we met Bill, an animated and well-versed Scotsman (kilt included), who made our day a wonderful one. We headed north from Edinburgh into the Highlands and completely trumped the Friday the 13th garbage by enjoying a SUNNY day. From a distance, we passed Stirling Castle, where William Wallace turned back the English by destroying a ... read more