You take the High road and I'll take the low road.

Everywhere you go...always take the weather with you:

 

I kid you not, we have been so lucky with the weather...

We travelled to Edinburgh on Tuesday and left all the wet stuff behind us. We took the train and enjoyed relaxing and watching the country side go by. The city itself was it's usual breath-taking and gorgeous. Although I have travelled to Edinburgh many many times, I never tire of it's magic. The Royal Mile is stunning with it's cobbled walkways, it's air of capital pride and as it many shops create a mecca for tourists. The Grassmarket welcomes you with it's brilliant, multi coloured building and it's fantastic history detailing the 'last drop' and Maggie Dickson's pubs that share the stories of time gone by.

The mighty Castle overlooks it's city with a steely confidence of protection and vigil. You do get a sense that your definitely in the capital as you wander through this great city.

 

A view from the 'North Bridge' 

The story about a Man and his Dog  

 

Wee Bobby - Faithful until the end... 

 

Having a wee seat  

What a proud Nation. 

 

Next stop - The Home of Golf : St Andrews

 

 

St Andrews is the home of Golf just in case you didn't know this already. Again, the sun shone all day. What a neat little town it is. It's here William and Kate's romance blossomed and you can't help notice just how this little fishing town on the east Coast of Scotland can provide the perfect setting for this.

We wandered around the centre of town taking in the sights, then headed out to the Cathedral and eventually the castle ruins to really get a sense of the towns history.

 

 

 

 The Old Streets, perfect to this day.  

 

The Castle remains upright and proud 

 

The watch Tower. 

 

The Harbour, stands strong and welcomes the ships home

 

Trying it out for size.....

 

Looking out over the Old Course... 

The stunning 1st and St Andrews.....par 3

 

Women can't play on the Old Course, this is close as I could get. 

 

On the road home, golden fields of Hay 

 

The Road to Fort William

We're in Fort William right now and it's glorious. The drive up from Glasgow was just amazing, especially through the stunning Glencoe. Once you enter this amazing location, every sight seems more breath-taking than the one before.

This area is a hill walkers idea of heaven with the multitude of Monroes on offer to challenge the fittest of climbers. A Munroe is any range of hills that exceed 3000 feet, there are around 280 in Scotland, with the highest right here in Fort William called Ben Nevis: it is over 4000 feet. You can see many trampers who have conquered the 'Ben' walking slowly through the streets looking a little worse for wear..but triumphant never the less.

 

 

One of the lakes in the shadow of Glencoe's ranges

 

A sight to challenge any Braveheart! 

 

A quick picture at the bottom of the beast....

 

Well friends and followers, we are heading off at 6am tomorrow to drive up to The isle of Skye to board a ferry to The Outer Hebrides...will update Bog from there....

 

SEE YA!

 

 

Hong Kong to UK.....SO FAR.

The Journey so far:

After what felt like a very long 10 hour flight from Auckland to Hong Kong, we finally arrived around 10pm local time. Mr Phil Knight met us with open arms, and a sense of relief as he has actually been waiting at the wrong arrival point until the very last minute...good on ya Knight.
It was very hot and muggy, but what an airport...it is pretty well designed and had so many staff on duty, we always felt looked after. A quick check out and long taxi ride later, we arrived at Caroline, Phil and Miss Ivy Knights humble abode, oh and Bim the Ginger cat.
Although it was hot, it was also rainy, which added to the experience of Hong Kong.
Miss Ivy Knight was treated to a lovely yellow umbrella and some gum boots (which she will grow in to)...she was delighted with her new additions which she duly danced in every puddle she came across with...what a joy.

 

 



 UK

We have been in the UK for just over 1 week now. I'm happy to report that the weather has been pretty awesome. It's not warm as such, but it's really fresh.
 
Arrived in Glasgow on the 7th and went out with ALL of the family and had the best night of reminiscing, mikey taking and laughter I've had for years...it was a long long night, but it was so worth it.

It's been 7 years since we were last home, and in that time 2 of my nephews have got married, the other one has finished school and just about to enter University...phew! how time flies.

Here are some pics of my crazy family on "that famous night oot!'

My oldest sister and her hubby, they have been together since they were 13, it's been 37 years now.

 

Me and my other Sister Helen having a wee camera moment...

 

My youngest nephew with my oldest nephews wife,

The lovely Gemma

 

Oldest nephew Christopher enjoying a beer.. 

 

Christopher and my younger sister Lainey listening to a joke, she was being very loud. Priceless image.

 

Trying to take photograph of all 4 sisters and failing miserably

 my jaw was sore with laughing so much

                          
                           A reasonable effort after so many attempts....

 

This was indeed a special night, we had some great food, some lovely drinks, but the best thing about the night was just being with my family, that my friends was priceless. Seven years is a long time, but you'd never know it had been that long when we were all together again. Brooke had such a great time, taking photos and laughing her head off at the crazy Dalziel family antics...

I'll post more updates in the next wee while....thanks everyone.