In to Scotland

Woke up nice and early to a chilly but dry day. Quick brekkie then headed out to our first stop, Housesteads Roman fort plus Hadrian’s wall. Had a little wander along that section of the wall but didn’t go in to the fort ruins being mindful of the time. Instead, we drove a little further along to another car park where we could also walk part of the wall up and down some steep hills to the Sycamore gap. Though the tree is now just a stump, there are tiny, green traces of new growth. We walked back to the van as it started to lightly rain and headed in northwards through Northumberland national park crossing the border in to Scotland. Quick stop for a sign photo then continued on observing 2 terrible driving displays of madness and nearly being in a crash too! Luckily Gary’s quick breaking and a swerve in to a lay-by helped to avoid a collision! The car two in front of us just suddenly breaked for no apparent reason causing us all to slam on the anchors sharpish. The adrenaline, maaan! Quick check over the van as the car sped off and all was good, phew. The rest of the journey was thankfully uneventful. We arrived at Elaine’s house in Philpstoun, west of Edinburgh late afternoon. Tasha was there too and we were a surprise for her. She was so excited as was Elaine. Great to see them. We settled our things, quick drink and a catch up/show around - Elaine’s house backs on to a canal. It’s beautiful and wildlife everywhere including a friendly swan at her back garden gate looking for food. Gary drove us all to Linlithgow, a few miles out to catch up with Elaine’s brother Mike then on to dinner. Such a good night catching up and chatting. Mike gave us some top places to visit in the highlands as he runs a backpacking tours company. At the end of the evening we waved bye to Mike and Gary drove us all back to Elaine’s where we danced to ABBA songs, drank and chatted until 3.30am! It was fabulous.Read more