Driving into Scotland’s “Fair City” of Perth provides advanced training for left side driving skills in more populous traffic. So far so good.
Home of the Scone Palace and the Scottish Black Watch Museum, we are on a mission to track down information about my Scottish grandfather, George Mitchell.
We roam and peruse through the museum, which honors what was once Scotland’s foremost regiment. The Black Watch fought in numerous campaigns around the world since its formation in 1725.
The largest number of casualties, about 30,000, came from grueling trench warfare in WWI. Quite interesting to track the development of weaponry as well.
The only clue we have to find any intel on my grandfather is the date of his death, and that he was a merchant marine after service in the Black Watch. That is, until I shared one of his stories with the docent. George died in 1964 in the US from cancer. When his doctor asked who had performed the previous surgery on his neck, George responded, “It was a Tug with a bayonet in India.”
The docent lit up and laughed. “We have a likely explanation!” He went on to explain that George must have served in the 2nd Battalion, who arrived in France from India. After a miserable winter, they joined what was left of the 1st Battalion, and fought offensives against the Germans at the Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, and Loos. Then, in late 1915, the 2nd Battalion was sent to fight the Turks in Mesopotamia, which is now Iraq. There we have it! I honor you, Grandpa!
Time for a long walk. After losing our way in the woods a bit, eventually we find the trail up Kinnoull Hill to the tower for spectacular views surrounding Perth.
Then we enjoy a treat consisting of deep-fried Mars bar with ice cream. I could eat fourteen of them.
Driving out of Perth heading for Edinburgh, a detour to Loch Lommond, mainland Britain’s largest loch, provides a most picturesque walk up to the top of Conic Hill.
Hello Edinburgh! Thank the angels for GPS. Without getting lost, it takes forty-five minutes to drive four miles to our luxurious hotel, and that is with no traffic jams. How did we ever manage to travel like this back in the BI (Before internet) days using large maps in the car?
Outside of enjoying a break from driving for three days, our room at the Parliament House Hotel provides perfect views from the comfortable king bed!
Let the games begin: Drinks at the Guilded Arms Pub, and then oysters and lobsters at Café Royal.
Oh, we will not soon forget our favorite takeaway, the “Oink” for delectable roasted hog.
We burn off a bit of two nights of excessive celebration with long walks to the Castle and Cathedral, followed by a hike to the top of the Crags for views of this magnificent city.
This post wraps up four weeks of adventure in Scotland but stay tuned as we drive south to explore Wales.
Thank you, Abundant Universe!
Wow! What a beautiful country! Thank you for sharing…continued safe travels.
It is truly more than we expected, Tammy. The leaves are starting to turn color, and dressing in layers prepared for rain be the key!
Holy moly bud I gotta say that of all the posts you’ve shared from your numerous travels around the globe THIS place looks the best of all to me . The scenery is just amazing . I’ve said in the past that if I ever thought to visit another country that Scotland would be first on my list and after seeing your recent pics it makes my choice even more enticing .Now obviously I’m not even close to the adventurer that you guys are so I doubt I would be able to handle all the hiking trails although maybe a couple might be feasible for my fat ass hahahaha …Might have to seriously look into this next year . I envy all the places you’ve guys have been able to visit and can’t thank you guys enough for sharing all your amazing adventures along the way . Keep ’em coming guys and as always stay safe and be careful .
Geez, Glenn, we’re overwhelmed with such a heart felt compliment. So happy to share some of this with you. If you can walk three steps, then you can hike anywhere, anytime. Not a competition, and when you take lots of breaks you get to see so much more than if you are just tromping through to the next destination. Book a tour, or simply kick back in a nice hotel and take a bus ride with no need for hiking, but get your fat ass out to Scotland my brother, before time runs out on us. Peace and love.
Great story about your grandpa. And oh that pub! I think Edinburgh has an international school, it just got added too my list! As always, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jay. Marilynn compares the weather to Oregon in the winter. The Scotts say that there is no bad weather, just bad clothing! Everyone seems to have some form of a rain jacket. Lots to love in Edinburgh.
Actually Jay, The weather is similar to Oregon, except it changes quickly and we haven’t had rain all day long yet. As you know, it can rain for months without stopping in Oregon lol. Marilynn
Oh my, how I love your blog and and all the sights and countyside that you and Marilynn share with us. Scottland looks amazing.
So glad that you enjoy our shared travels. We love this place, and the people are so genuinely nice that it’s unbelievable.
Joe and I are just looking into a trip to England & Scotland next spring. Your posts give such helpful images & character to your travels. Thanks for the ideas!
Hello! We just got back from gorilla trek in Uganda, and on the grid again. Thank you for reading. You will love Scotland, and I truly believe that you cannot go wrong with whatever plans you prefer!