An Insider’s Guide to Edinburgh...

The following day we caught a train into Edinburgh. Gillian did an excellent job playing tour guide, bringing me to many areas that were new to me. We started with going up the Scotsman Steps made out of 104 different colors of marble connecting the Old Town with the New Town. 

Somehow I didn’t take a photo of the beautiful stairs, but here’s the view from the top overlooking Edinburgh Waverly Train Station. 

Nearby was the gothic St Giles Cathedral, built in the 14th century. 

The ceilings were especially impressive.

We popped into the National Museum of Scotland...

…which I had visited with the family in 2019. 

He headed to the rooftop garden to see the view. 

Next we saw the statue for Greyfriar Bobby, a terrier who became famous as he supposedly guarded his master’s grave for 14 years. As you can see, people touch his nose for good luck. 

Over 100 years after his death, this headstone for Greyfriars Bobby was unveiled in 1981 in front of Greyfriars Kirk. 

Behind the church was Greyfriars Kirkyard. There is conjecture that it was this headstone that inspired J.K. Rowling for her evil character that can’t be named in the Harry Potter series. 

 

Beautiful Scenery with Gillian...

After two nights with Ashlynn, I headed out early on June 18 to catch the train to visit Gillian for three days of sightseeing. Our first outing was to Aberlady Bay, a nature reserve.  

The walk offered a nice variety with fields crossed by a boardwalk...

…or a sandy path.

…plus narrow paths through woods...

…and a beautiful beach that is only revealed during low tide that we reached by crossing a sand dune.

Also revealed at low tide were the remains of two midget submarines which were placed in the bay in 1946 to be used as target practice for the Royal Air Force.

We also spotted this jellyfish. 

It was a lovely walk!
 

More Trail with Glasgow H3...

Much of the trail was off-road.

While it was all virgin territory to me, apparently it was also new territory for many of the old-timers.

Afterwards we went back to the pub, where we enjoyed two-for-one cocktails and pizza. I was glad that Audrey, the GM, told me about Glasgow H3’s annual Burns Night Weekend, which would give us another excuse to head back to Glasgow months later.

The following evening, Opee enjoyed hashing with City H3.
 

Great Trail with Glasgow H3...

After crossing the city, Ashlynn had to go to work and I set off to hash with Glasgow H3, which conveniently started not far from Ashlynn’s flat. My expectations were low after learning that this was the first trail laid by the hare, but the nearly 7K trail was excellent...

…with lots of lovely views. 

Always love a nice reflection!

Enjoyed seeing mosaics when we crossed the river...

...as well as this sculpture of The Beithir, a lightening serpent most often seen during summer evening storms, will eventually be covered by mosaics as well if all goes to plan. 

 

Interesting Art in Glasgow...

So glad that Ashlynn has finally embraced my love for seeking out art when visiting a city. Our long walk back to her flat included stopping at Tramway to see a collection of fabric collages with intricate embroideries about social injustice. 

Even more fascinating and entertaining was this incredible enormous sculpture created by one of Ashlynn’s friends... 

…complete with a fountain...

…and a glamourous centerpiece. Sadly I failed to take a photo of the explanation of this ambitious project. 

We stopped in a few more galleries on our journey home...

…and also saw urban art.

 

South Glasgow...

Stewart Memorial Fountain

Ashlynn had skittered out the following morning and asked me to meet her in South Glasgow, so I set off on a walk across town. I was happy that I managed not to get lost in Kelvingrove Park, where I came across this French gothic fountain from 1872 made in honor of the man responsible for bringing clean drinking water to Glasgow.

Crossing the River Clyde.

I met Ashlynn in Queen’s Park and we took a nice walk before heading to a café for brunch.

We had a delicious meal at Bramble.