Highlands and Lowlands

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Highlands and Lowlands
Since our last blog we have made our way up into Scotland. We stayed three nights at Moretonhall Park Camping ground, about 5 miles out of Edinburgh but close to a good bus service and with a pub on site! Edinburgh is an imposing and impressive city. You cannot help but be awed by the granite buildings that surround you as well as the castle perched on the hill and the history behind it. We spent two days wandering the city, some of that time searching for a post office, and trying to stay out of the wind and the sideways rain showers that periodically went with it! Needless to say, we had our raincoats on more often than not. After Edinburgh we headed up towards Stirling, with a brief little detour around Bannockburn. (we couldn't find the exact house you lived in Ewan, but we did find the road) and then it was off to Loch Lomond for a stay beside the lake. The Oak Tree Inn provided us with a spectacular lunch which included three different types of hot and cold smoked salmon, shrimps and prawns as well as some soused herring which was delicious! (Dean had a cheeseburger...well he has been adventurous and eaten frogs legs!) I also ate some haggis whilst in Edinburgh. Our exploration of different cultures and places has to include local foods, wine and ales! The campsite on Loch Lomond was very picturesque and the proprietor gave us what he said was the best site in the camp, with 180 degree views of the Loch. It was certainly that, but with that keen Scottish wind and some rain coming in almost horizontally, we probably didn't appreciate it as well as we could have!
We have travelled today through the lowlands of Scotland, through Glasgow, pausing for a toilet stop and nothing more at Gretna Green, and have ventured into the beautiful lake district. The scenery over the last few days has been staggering in it's contrasts; from the lush forests and fields, to craggy and windswept hills, covered with stones and walls that run up almost vertical hills and criss cross the sides,to dark lochs and clear lakes and small stone villages and large stone cities! Its sometimes hard to believe we are only in one small area of the UK. Photos just never seem to depict the dramatic changes in the landscape as well as I would like them to. Tonight we are staying right beside the lake in the town of Windermere, which we will explore tomorrow, and maybe a little bit tonight given that it's Friday night and there are a few pubs close by! We might even find somewhere that is showing some decent sport on tv! Yeah right! Watch out in Auckland, Ruawai and Wellington for an item in the post that may be coming your way. Lots and lots of love to everyone.
Shelley and Dean.

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Photos

Scotland
Getting piped into Scotland.

Loch Lomond
A 'keen' breeze blowing across the Loch.

Comments

[Mandy]

Gretna Green!
Hi glad to hear you are having a great time. Obviously weather has improved in Scotland since I was there. Disappointed about you two at Gretna Green - just when I got my bridesmaid dress out of mothballs! Work is ok. Working alright with the new hours. Back to playing hockey - the old body gets a bit tired these days. Looking forward to our holiday in June - we are going on a cruise - Mum and Dad's shout - we are spending our inheritance now! Take care - love hearing about your travels.