The Final Day

Well, all good things have to come to an end...especially when the money runs out.  Anyway, here we are at our last day in Scotland.  It's been a delightful time to experience a new culture and customs, see historic sights, learn new things, and especially spend priceless time with my two oldest kids.  With a dog show going on at the palace again this morning, we left for Edinburgh to peruse the wares at a car boot sale in a parking garage.  A car boot sale is basically a huge rummage sale (a car boot being a trunk).  It was a lot of fun and we found some good deals.  After that, I had the best cup of coffee that I've had since we came, and we went off to hike the hill that towers over Edinburgh - Arthur's Seat.  We were successful in cresting the peak and were offered a magnificent view as well as powerful gales.

It was a great way to end an awesome experience.  We will cherish all of the memories, but all three of us are ready to get home to our family and our American life.

Thank you for all reading this blog and "keeping up with the Jones'."  Cheers and God bless!

Brett, Aidan, and Emma

West Highlands and Lochs

Today we took a tour of the West Highlands.  We saw some beautiful country and great castle ruins and lochs.  This is Loch Awe.  Splendid!

On it sits Kilcharny Castle, an old Clan Campbell stronghold.

This view is from the top of a mountain pass call 'Rest and be Merry Pass.'

This piper, Iain Campbell was excellent.  I was able to talk with him for quite awhile about playing technique, dance styles, and the history of bagpipes in Scotland.

Our tour took us to the shores of Loch Lomond.  Here is Aidan taking the low road...I believe.

The low road must have been long, because here was the picture as we drove past Sterling Castle on our way back to Edinburgh.  A great day!