September 26 - Beginning the Journey Home . . . and Planning the Next

Shifting gears now from touring to travel mode. Packing gifts and souvenirs and sorting what can be in the checked luggage, what can be in carry-on and what needs to be placed in pull-put bags for security.  Traded my beloved hiking boots for my not-as-much-loved, but still comfortable, easy slip-on Clarks and removed all superfluous accessories to simplify security stripping down and redressing.

After the packing, we had a nice light breakfast and then bid the other couples goodbye and gave Seamus a good hug.   Paid what we believe was a remarkably reasonable bill for the quality of the accommodations and started our 3-hour drive to Edinburgh where we are scheduled to take the 5:00 pm flight to Heathrow.  There's a 50/50 chance that we'll leave on time.

So we proceeded southeast through our beloved Glen Coe one last time, taking a couple of final shots and saying goodbye to the beautiful landscape, hoping to return again.  As we progressed southeast, revisiting Trossachs and Lake Lomand National Park, I saw on the map that our route would take us right past Doune Castle, the castle used in the Monty Python Movie, the Holy Grail.  I couldn't resist so we stopped in for a very quick tour.

The Great Hall in Doune Castle

This castle was similar to the Duart Castle that we saw on the Isle of Mull, as it was intended only for a family and guests, but it was much grander, because it was built for the brother of the king in the late 15th century, and who, himself, had hoped that he would become king someday.  The walls were very thick and there were beautiful large common areas.  Unlike all of the other castles we visited this is one that was built in its entirety at one time.  Most castles are expanded and renovated over time to meet various changing needs but, aside from various restoration activities, this castle has remained the same for over five centuries.

Doune Castle

After snapping a few photographs, we made our way to Edinburgh.  As it turns out, highway driving is much easier than driving the back roads, because the lanes are wider.  The challenge is entering the roundabouts that serve as the on-amps and off-ramps for the highways.  There are signs, lights, multiple lanes and traffic coming and going in all sorts of directions.  Rick handled it like a pro and safely deposited us at the car rental return, unscathed.

As we walked to the check-in desk, I found myself automatically bearing to the left side of the walkway.  I guess I'll have to go through a little cultural retraining when I'm back in the states.

Had a uneventful trip to Heathrow.  During the flight Rick and I made a rough tally of trip expenses.  The good news is that we came in under each of our budgets.  The bad news is, BARELY, thanks to the poor exchange rate caused by the Fed flushing the system with dollars and lowering the dollar value compared to the pound. Upshot is we spent a bit more than anticipated.

We'll be flying out of Heathrow tomorrow so we will be staying at the Sofitel Hotel at Heathrow.   A last little bit of luxury, paid for, fortunately, by Rick's accrued miles.  Had a nice light dinner at Belle Epoque, me a variety of tomato treatments (consomme, tomatoes marinated in vodka, bruschetta, and tomatoes caprese) and then a spinach and cheese souffle with figs and cheese sauce, Rick had a form of Beef Bourguignon.  Dessert was strawberry and a mandarin orange/mint sorbet.  All, very good, and a great way to cap off our stay in the United Kingdom.

So our travel to Scotland is about to come to close.  What next?  Well over dinner, New Zealand and Bali (maybe both?) came up as possibilities . . .