Back in Edinburgh

We conquered Arthur's Seat first thing this morning. About 1 hr up, 15 min at top and 45 back down. Last big hike this adventure. 😅 Views from the summit well worth the many, many steps. Did the butt slide, to be safe, at one spot coming down (this is Richard typing)!

Palace of Holyroodhouse. Well done self guided tour. Lavish accomodations for the royals. Much more comfortable than that drafty and cold castle at the other end of "the royal mile".

After all the walking, we drove around the back of Arthur's Seat for a nice sit down, a beer and lunch at the Sheep Heid Inn. They claim to be "Scotland's Oldest Surviving Public House est 1360".

When we were in Edinburgh in 2017 with the boys, we went to the National Museum of Scotland. But we hardly scratched the surface so we went back with plans to see a couple of things we missed before plus whatever else we managed! Saw alot more this time including Scottish history and industrial/scientific innovations.

One noteworthy display we saw was "The Lewis Chesspieces". They were discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis and were probably made around 1200 in Norway. If you zoom in on the pic below you can read a bit more.

Deacon Brodie's was our choice for a pint before doing the "Real Mary Kings Close" tour. This was a bit cheesy but did offer some real insight into how people lived in the 1600s. Hard to imagine they had buildings as high as 12 stories back then.

We had dinner in the Grassmarket area and took Vennel back to our car ... It is a spot known for views of the castle.

Perfect end to the day.Read more