Travelling Scotland PART A

I thought I would give an update as to what I've been upto. Because I am currently traveling from hostel to hostel I haven't downloaded any pictures but will add them when I can.

On Aug 9th I left Leeds and headed north to Edinburgh (pronounced Edinbra??) Talking encouragingly to Nessie (my car) I set out with 3 maps and a little else. This was one of my first excurisons on a UK highway (The A1) I discovered that in town communities they posted speed limits but as you left town limits all they had was a sign (it was a big white cirlce, with a black line through it). It became obvious that this sign means that you are to drive at the fasted speed you and your car could handle.....Traffic was flying past Nessie and I, as her tiny 1 litre engine (12 yrs old) could only manage a confortable 65 miles/hr. Any faster and she sounded sick and started to shake.

Undeterred by the speeding traffic, I eventually reached Edinburgh (After several pit stops to give Nessie a break) My hostel was located 1 block off the Royal Mile during the cities biggest festival (The Fringe!!), as you can imagine traffic was horrible, there were people everywhere and I had not yet figured out how they labelled the streets. (There are no sign posts, instead there are ground level labels on rock walls and building) Once I found the hostel I went straight out into the city to look around. And for the next three days I saw 6 shows, took in 2 museums, 1 castle, a bus tour, a whiskey tasting and a tonne of local food. When not enagaged as stated I amused my self with the 30 or so street preformers all down the Royal mile. Everything from contortionists, to juggles, bagpipe players and comedians. I LOVE Edinburgh!!! (Everyone should visit it during the fringe festival)

Eventually I had to leave, next stop Inverness!!! Along the rute to Inverness I stopped to see Mary Queen of Scots favorite castle "Stirling Caslte" which was a must see!! I headed off to St. Andrews the home of golf to take a quick picture (It was pouring rain at the time, so I did not go walking around). Most of the drive was through the Cainngorm Mountains (Where I will be going hiking tomorrow if the weather is okay) The next day (after arriving at Inverness) was spent looking at 3 casltes (pictures coming) 1 military fort (Fort George is a Must) and a scenic Coastal drive down the east coast. A full day, although this was a day spent eating from the car (not restaurants) seeing as I was trying to save some money after I over spent in Edinburgh. I will be posting a picture late of my favorite car food "Malty Fruit Loaf" Thank you Rob and Vicky for introducing me to my new favorite snack.

Tomorrow is yet another day, with many plans, hopefully hiking in the mountains (it is supposed to rain, but then it is always raining...) but if not there are whiskey tours to take, a lochness monster to find and a Soccer game to watch at the local pub.

I hope this keeps you up to date on "Alison's Travels". I will be updating this with pictures ASAP . Especially the picture of my lunch on Sunday....A baked potatoe stuffed with haggis and cheese.

By the way Hayley, do you remember the "hat" I bought in Utah....Well it has been well worn allready.....pictures to come.


Alison