Scotland

A 17-day adventure by Dan and Michele Read more

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Trip start
June 29, 2012
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Day 1
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 39 °C
Altitude: 781 ft
United States Croft 35.344743, -80.80998635°20’41” N 80°48’36” W
Our Two Week Itinerary
June 29, 2012 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C
June 30-5 Edinburgh
July 5-8 Oban Bay
July 8-10 Isle of Skye
July 10-12 Inverness
July 12-14 Edinburgh
July 14 Home
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Day 1
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 5:00 PM
☀️ 39 °C
Altitude: 781 ft
United States Croft 35.344756, -80.81000135°20’41” N 80°48’36” W
Committed to One Carry on Each
June 29, 2012 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 39 °C
Success!

Michele
* 1 Tote bag
* 6 Pair slacks/capris
* 6 Shirts
* 1 Pair PJs
* 1 Pair Slippers
* 2 Pair Shoes (1 Walking/1 Heels)
* 1 Jacket
* 1 Raincoat
* 1 Umbrella
* 1 Extra Blanket for Picnicing
* 6 Pair Victoria Secret Unmentionables
* 3 Scarves

Dan

* 4 Shirts
* 2 Pair Pants
* 5 Pair Undies
* 5 Pair Socks
* 2 Hankies
* 1 Set Comfies
* 1 Jacket
* ToiletriesRead more
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Day 2
Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 3:20 PM
☀️ 38 °C
Altitude: 781 ft
United States Croft 35.344749, -80.80998535°20’41” N 80°48’36” W
We're Off!
June 30, 2012 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 38 °C
...Or not. Flight delayed! :)
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Day 3
Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 9:50 AM
🌫 12 °C
Altitude: 131 ft
Scotland Ingliston 55.945709, -3.36061655°56’45” N 3°21’38” W
Touchdown in Edinburgh!
July 1, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ 🌫 12 °C
After a few delays, we landed at Edinburgh Airport. And Dan tried to figure out how to drive on the right/wrong side of the car and road!
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Day 3
Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 9:50 AM
🌫 12 °C
Altitude: 253 ft
Scotland Lions Haunch 55.937881, -3.17159855°56’16” N 3°10’18” W
Four nights for the Hybrid Conference
July 1, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ 🌫 12 °C
Salisbury Green Hotel--Pollock Halls, University of Edinburgh, where we were treated like Royalty! The stay was just wonderful, and the company even better!
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Day 4
Monday, July 2, 2012 at 10:50 AM
⛅ 13 °C
Altitude: 236 ft
Scotland New Town 55.951655, -3.20877155°57’6” N 3°12’32” W
A Day In Rainy Edinburgh
July 2, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C
First Full Day. Dan off to the Hybrid Conference, Michele off to a rainy day in Edinburgh.

Today's Forecast
* Sunrise: 4:46am
* Sunset: 9:58pm
* Low: 59
* High: 65
* Rainy

Singin' in the Rain!
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Day 4
Monday, July 2, 2012 at 12:40 PM
☁️ 13 °C
Altitude: 200 ft
Scotland Scott Monument 55.952603, -3.19285655°57’9” N 3°11’34” W
Shopping!
July 2, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C
Shopping in Historic Jenner's Department Store, opened in 1838, was the highlight of the shopping excursions in the city! Although the Princes Mall, Grassmarket, George Street and St. James Center were not too shabby either. Jenners is still located in its original position on Princes Street, although it was rebuilt in 1895 after a fire in 1892. It has over 100 different departments, selling everything from international designer brands to locally crafted Scottish products.Read more
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Day 5
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 11:30 AM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 272 ft
Scotland University of Edinburgh 55.947511, -3.19156255°56’51” N 3°11’30” W
Around Edinburgh
July 3, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
There were so many memorable sights around this fabulous city that it would be impossible to describe them all. A few that are worthy of special mention: The Elephant House - Famous Coffee House where JK Rowling wrote her first drafts for the Harry Potter series, and St. Giles Cathedral - Scotland's most ornate church. The spire (sorry, barely visible in this pic) is the Scottish crown steeple from 1495. Most of the furnishings inside are from the 14th and 15th centuries. The four inside central pillars date from 1120. More coming next week when we return to Edinburgh, including a tour of The Edinburgh Castle!Read more
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Day 5
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 2:50 PM
⛅ 17 °C
Altitude: 305 ft
Scotland St Giles' Cathedral 55.950055, -3.18971655°57’0” N 3°11’23” W
Royals, Palaces, Paparazzi, and Parties
July 3, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C
Queen Elizabeth II visited Edinburgh for an invitation only Garden Party held at her summer home, Holyrood Palace, as part of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration. A good time was had by all and we were totally exhausted as we left the festivities! :)Read more
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Day 6
Wednesday, July 4, 2012 at 10:20 AM
⛅ 16 °C
Altitude: 312 ft
Scotland Old Town 55.94946, -3.19295655°56’58” N 3°11’35” W
Memorable Pubs in Edinburgh
July 4, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C
Deacon Brodie's Tavern, at the center of the famed Royal Mile, comes with its own sordid history. Named after William Brodie, 1741-1788, who apparently was a good citizen by day, nasty robber by night, and the inspiration behind Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Maxies Restaurant and Bar. This famous tourist hotspot has a garden terrace with great views overlooking Old Town. Its entrance is three levels down on Johnston Terrace - just below The Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile.

Greyfriars Bobby. This restaurant is named after a famous terrier who stood by his master's grave for 14 years. Apparently this story is only believable if you have downed a few pints at the bar!

Dan's conference is over - time to get serious!!! Drinking local with more to come....watch for links to our Scottish food and beverage highlights......Read more
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Day 7
Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 1:40 PM
⛅ 18 °C
Altitude: 171 ft
Scotland Stirling 56.120039, -3.94224956°7’12” N 3°56’32” W
Historic Stirling
July 5, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
It was moving day to Oban Bay, but we made a stop along the way in Stirling, which is known for, among other things, its historically important castle. Although we didn't tour the castle, it was certainly impressive to behold, despite the heavy fog. But what we most liked was walking the cobbled streets up to the castle. The walk included Stirling Old Town Jail (1847), which was also used as a military prison from 1888-1935, charming Scottish homes, and Argyll's Lodging. And of course we loved the views. Across the way, you can see the monument to Sir William Wallace (which US folks would know as "Braveheart"), who led the Scots in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.Read more
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Day 7
Thursday, July 5, 2012 at 2:20 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 253 ft
Scotland Kilmahog 56.246743, -4.24068656°14’48” N 4°14’26” W
Scottish Countryside
July 5, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Here are few photos from the Scottish Countryside. The first few are from an old and still operating weaving mill, along with a few of its four-legged benefactors, Highland Cows, which are SO darned cute! And there were plenty of awe-inspiring views, including this one from Loch Awe. (We're not kidding about the name.) We'll post more photos of the Scottish Countryside as we make our way around Scotland.Read more
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Day 8
Friday, July 6, 2012 at 2:50 PM
☀️ 21 °C
Altitude: 43 ft
Scotland Oban Bay 56.418414, -5.47275856°25’6” N 5°28’22” W
Oban
July 6, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C
We arrived in Oban about 5:15pm local time, but after getting somewhat lost in this two block Bay town, we arrived at our B&B around 6:30pm. One pic below tells a bit about Oban, but rather than read, you should just look. The town is post-card perfect! Here are just a few shots of life along the harbor, the local brewery and historic distillery, and dinner at sunset.Read more
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Day 9
Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 12:10 PM
☀️ 15 °C
Altitude: 20 ft
Scotland Fionnphort 56.325763, -6.37009656°19’33” N 6°22’12” W
Daytrip to Isles of Mull and Iona
July 7, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C
What a perfect day for exploring the nearby Inner Hebrides chain of islands. The sun was out for most of the day, allowing for great photos, and Iona especially couldn't have been more picturesque! We left Oban around 9:30am to some great harbor and ocean views. After arriving on the Isle of Mull forty-five minutes later, we took a bus across the island, waited for another ferry, which would finally take us to the Isle of Iona.Read more
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Day 9
Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 2:00 PM
☀️ 14 °C
Altitude: 59 ft
Scotland Iona 56.332984, -6.39396156°19’59” N 6°23’38” W
Beautiful Iona
July 7, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C
After making it to Iona, we wanted to spend every minute just soaking in the place. But, priorities--first, some whisky and mussels! Here are a few photos from Iona, but, really, it was impossible to really capture this Island in a few photos.Read more
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Day 10
Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 11:50 AM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 335 ft
Scotland Spean Bridge 56.89585, -4.93831856°53’45” N 4°56’18” W
More of the Scottish Countryside
July 8, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
On our way to the Isle of Skye, with a stop at the Invergarry Hotel and Pub.
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Day 10
Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 10:00 PM
☀️ 12 °C
Altitude: 190 ft
Scotland Loch Eyre 57.490128, -6.30856357°29’24” N 6°18’31” W
The Isle of Skye
July 8, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C
Wow, after a night of much needed rest at our B&B on the Isle of Skye, it was another amazing day of scenery, Scottish history, food, and whisky! Here are a few photos of the B&B, along with Dan's first "Full Scottish Breakfast." Can you tell we loved this place?Read more
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Day 11
Monday, July 9, 2012 at 10:50 AM
☀️ 11 °C
Altitude: 56 ft
Scotland Loch Portree 57.411026, -6.19055757°24’40” N 6°11’26” W
Oh, Colorful Skye!
July 9, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C
We then spent the morning in the harbor town of Portree, then went for a drive along the Trotternish Peninsula, the northermost part of the Isle of Skye, where we took a pic of Old Man of Storr, Kiltrock, and some island "wildlife." Of course, we finished up with our first full tour of a distillery, Talisker.

We've come to the end of our time along the Western Islands. Tomorrow, we're headed East to Inverness for more about Scottish history.Read more
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Day 13
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 8:20 AM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 92 ft
Scotland Inverness Railway Station 57.477941, -4.22068557°28’41” N 4°13’14” W
Inverness and Culloden Battlefield
July 11, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
We made our way into Inverness yesterday morning, by way of Loch Ness, but Nessie didn't feel like making an appearance. (Sorry about that.) So we headed on into the city to another wonderful B&B. We enjoyed the city, along with its used bookstore, historic main street, and more wonderful pubs. This morning, we toured Culloden Battlefield. Here are a few photos, but you can read more about the historic battle here <https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Culloden/> if you're so inclined. Tomorrow, we're off to Edinburgh, by way of Pitlochery and St. Andrews!Read more
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Day 14
Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 7:50 AM
☀️ 10 °C
Altitude: 308 ft
Scotland Pitlochry 56.702079, -3.73082456°42’7” N 3°43’51” W
Even more of the Scottish Countryside
July 12, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C
On our way to St. Andrews this morning, we stopped in the wonderfully likeable town of Pitlochry. After St. Andrews (which is highlighted in the next post), we made it to our final B&B, back in Edinburgh.Read more
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Day 14
Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 11:10 AM
⛅ 14 °C
Altitude: 82 ft
Scotland St Andrews 56.339043, -2.7952456°20’21” N 2°47’43” W
St. Andrews!
July 12, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
It's hard to know where to begin with St. Andrews. We weren't prepared for all of this. There was of course the very, very old St. Andrews Cathedral and Castle. It was inspiring strolling the grounds of the University of St. Andrews, the third oldest University in the English-speaking world and established 600 years ago in 1413. For those who don't know, St. Andrews is home to the first golf course in the world, "The Old Course." Here is a shot of the 18th green during tournament play yesterday, with the West Sands (of "Chariots of Fire" fame) in the background, along with a shot of the R&A (Royal and Ancient Golf Club), home of the World Governing Body for Golf. And not to be forgotten, the quaint area surrounding Market Street, with its shops and eateries.

We have one more day of our journey, which we'll be spending back in Edinburgh tomorrow before heading back to North Carolina on Saturday.Read more
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Day 15
Friday, July 13, 2012 at 11:59 AM
☁️ 12 °C
Altitude: 328 ft
Scotland Princes Street Gardens 55.948854, -3.19641955°56’56” N 3°11’47” W
Edinburgh Rd 2-Our Last Day in Scotland!
July 13, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
We end our trip by returning to Edinburgh to spend one last day viewing the more important historic sites along The Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is actually 1.2 miles, with Edinburgh Castle on one end and the Holyrood Palace (the Queen's Edinburgh home) at the other. Below are some shots of The Castle and some of its views, along with several of The Palace. But the most interesting parts of The Royal Mile are actually along The Mile. (More pics from the mile will be in the next post.) While Michele finished up her shopping, Dan decided to a walk a bit more to see some of the views from Holyrood Park, Arthur's Seat, and the Salisbury Crags. It was a wonderful way to complete our trip!

We're off to pack for tomorrow's trip back to North Carolina!Read more
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Day 15
Friday, July 13, 2012 at 11:59 PM
⛅ 10 °C
Altitude: 328 ft
Scotland Princes Street Gardens 55.948854, -3.19641955°56’56” N 3°11’47” W
Edinburgh Rd 2, Along The Royal Mile
July 13, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Although Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace bookend the stroll, the most interesting spots are actually along The Royal Mile!
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Day 16
Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 11:59 PM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 328 ft
Scotland Princes Street Gardens 55.948854, -3.19641955°56’56” N 3°11’47” W
Back Home in Charlotte
July 14, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
We're now back home in Charlotte. What a wonderful two-week Anniversary trip, made eminently possible by a great group of philosopher organizers in Edinburgh who put together the Hybrid Theories in Metaethics Conference. Michele and I are very grateful!

When we've settled a bit back into our Charlotte routines, we'll post a few more "recap" or "topic" posts, especially for all of the great food and beverage (!), for anyone who may be interested.Read more
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Day 17
Sunday, July 15, 2012 at 11:59 PM
🌙 10 °C
Altitude: 328 ft
Scotland Princes Street Gardens 55.948854, -3.19641955°56’56” N 3°11’47” W
Scottish Fare!
July 15, 2012 in Scotland ⋅ 🌙 10 °C
We did our best to sample as much of the local cuisine as we could, and we did pretty well! We were able to enjoy everything, from North Sea and North Atlantic seafood to the traditional full Scottish breakfast, to more modern Scottish twists on Mediterranean. Fortunately, we were able to capture (with the handy Evernote Food app) some of these, which you can find by following this link <https://www.evernote.com/pub/dan_boisvert/scotl…;. (You should be able to view these without creating an Evernote account.)

Unfortunately, we failed to capture two of our best dining experiences, one at Mithas, a fascinating fine-dining Indian restaurant we attended with the other participants and partners from the Hybrid Conference, another at The Reverie, a deliciously fun pub restaurant, also in Edinburgh. But click on the links, and you'll see some of the reasons our trip was so tasty!Read more
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