Tuesday - Pitlochery, The Highlands, The Firth of Forth

Leaving Inverness, we headed first to the village of Pitlochery.  Great stores and shops and we visited quite a few of them.  Larry took off to see a fish hatchery, I believe, while I did a lot of window shopping.  We found a bakery and picked up some provisions for lunch - a cheese scone.

The Roxburghe Hotel in Edinburgh was our destination.  After unpacking, we headed out!  Up to the castle area, Starbuck's, the book fair across the street in Charlotte Square (for me), etc.  I think this was my favorite city!  In the castle area I expected to see Harry Potter zooming around the corner on his broomstick at any time.

Tonight was our final exam.  "How many miles did the minibus travel?"  Larry placed 2nd.  Once again we did not get the prize.  That was won by John.  We'll have to keep on taking trips, I guess.

After dinner, it was time for a walk.  The castle lit up at night is a spectacular sight.

We made the most of our last day in Edinburgh.  Museums, art galleries, shops, churches, tour of the castle.  Every minute was filled and we didn't see if all.

Dinner was early and we then made our way to the castle for the Military Tattoo.  Now THIS was the trip's highlight - for sure!  Military bands from all over the UK, plus the U.S. Navy band.  It didn't rain, it wasn't too cold, and it was AWESOME.  Someday we'll get our pictures back and can see the videos again.  Plus, I'll try hard to get the actual DVD of the event when we return in October to Edinburgh.

Our favorite was the New Zealand percussion band.  They drummed very hard and very fast.  In fact, several lost their drumsticks, but apparently they had spares hidden in their uniforms because no hands appeared to be empty!

The next day - off to the airport.  Garry, Barbara, Gin and Sharon were heading on to London with Tom and Byron for a few more days of sightseeing.

We left for Newark and then San Francisco with Charlotte, with a very long layover in Newark.  Our scheduled plane was left in the hanger too long and was too hot to board.  Hours passed before they let us on.  When we finally all got on, then they decided to load our luggage!

However, we made friends of our fellow passengers and I even have a new FB friend, Tracy Sawyer, who was heading for Yosemite to meet up with her former fiance.

Shelby picked us up at the drop-off and pick-up spot in Santa Rosa and our journey was over.

Thanks to Byron (and Tom) for a great trip.  And, thanks to Byron for giving us such great notes (which I so gratefully COPIED).

Inverness

Inverness is the is the capital of the Highlands and the most northern city in Scotland.

Our hotel, The Royal Highland, was built in the 1800's and was originally a hotel for the early train travelers.  In fact, our room was very close to the train station, just outside the door across the hall.
I loved the plaid carpeting!

After dinner we joined Byron for a walk through the town, crossing the River Ness on a suspension bridge.  The sights were beautiful at night.

Monday, August 20

Leaving Inverness, we traveled south along the River Ness to the dark and deep Loch Ness.  There have been sightings of the monster for more than one hundred years.  We saw "models" of Nessy, but not her actual self.  Her full name is Agnes, but she is more commonly known as "Nessy".

Later we made a photo stop at the scenic ruins of Urquhard Castle, visited a pre-historic cairn and then to a castle where we saw a video of the unique process of vinting wines in northern Scotland.

After lunch we headed north/west to the desolate moors overlooking the Firth of Moray, the site of the infamous Battle of Culloden.  The visitors' center was outstanding and we had an excellent guide who took us for a walk of the battlefield.

We returned to town and then Larry and I headed to the nearby shopping center to find camera supplies.

On to Scotland

Our two-hour ferry ride was on the agenda for today.  I spent most of my time (after the on-board breakfast - which Byron said was the most expensive of the trip) watching "You've Got Mail" in the movie room.  It was pretty foggy out, so seeing anything was difficult, although Larry managed.

Upon our arrival we traveled north via Ayr and Kilmarnock (Robert Burns country).  Through Glasgow via the Lowlands we then went into the Highlands.  Ireland is basically pretty flat, but Scotland was much more mountainous and rocky.  The Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond was our photo and lunch stop.  I think we took lots of pictures there.

Ft. William was our stop for the next two days and nights at the Alexandra Hotel.  Off we went to the Parade (shopping area) and it rained a bit if I correctly recall.

Day 2 (Saturday, August 18)

We experienced the Highlands of Scotland today.  Highland cattle was on the itinerary, although we told everyone to just come visit us and they'd see one at the first house on our road.  Then it was off to see the amazing Caldonian Canal.  The Highlands are cut in two by the Caledonian Canal.  Three lochs and a series of canals follow the Great Glen Fault.  Next we visited the ruins of Castle Inverlochy.

For the highlight of our day (according to Byron) we visited the Highland whiskey distillery of Ben Nevis to sample the "water of life" and learned how Scotch whiskey is made.  I already knew I do NOT like Scotch whiskey!   There were 3 hikers who happened by, looking for the trail into the mountains.

A shopping and lunch stop at a woolen outlet and then we returned to the hotel.  Many of the Harry Potter scenes were filmed in the Highlands near Fort William.

August 15, Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland

Moving day.  Departing Galway we headed North, stopping first in the village of Knock, population of 300 with a church that seats 12,000!  In 1879 locals saw the Virgin Mary and Joseph appear on the wall of the church.  Word of miracles brought a flood of pilgrims which is still continuing.  From Knock we continued north, then east toward Northern Ireland, arriving at the border town of Belcool.  We noticed the fortifications around the police headquarters.  This was where the war zone was.

Upon arriving in Belfast City we checked in at the Holiday Inn.  I should let Larry tell this portion of the tale.  He went off in search of a police patch and was met with many obstacles.  We all took walks and familiarized ourselves with the city surrounding our hotel.  Dinner at the hotel.  Not our favorite and it's doubtful they'll get Byron's return business.

Thursday, August 16

After our hotel breakfast we all loaded onto the minibuses and headed out for a short tour of the outlying areas of the city.  Upon our return we visited City Hall, which was very beautiful.  From there we drove outside Belfast and stopped at Stormont, the Parliament of Northern Ireland.  And then, our tour of Mount Stewart, the 18th century home of the Marquee of Londonderry.  This was my favorite spot (until the last night, that is).  The "home" and grounds were stunningly beautiful.  Larry and I also tried some ice cream for our lunch.  I think I had lavender.  Delicious!

We had some free time left in the afternoon, so Gin, Sharon and I headed for the downtown shopping area where we got some more souvenirs.  Those were my favorite shops, but the prices were steep.

I won't mention our last dinner.  Let's just say the hotel staff wasn't up to snuff and leave it at that.  As I said previously, Byron is unlikely to return.

Some pictures will be inserted here to provide interest, but they're not of the area or what I've been writing about.  Those will follow much later, as my computer still has them hidden.  Roxy has managed to "lift" them off the chips, but it's been a slow and tedious process and she's not finished yet.  Byron sent us a disk today and I can use some of those, but they're primarily of people (us) and not too much scenery.  We'll all just have to wait!

Monday, August 13 Cliffs of Moher

After breakfast at the Oakwood Arms Hotel we departed for the Cliffs of Moher, first traveling to Ennis, the capital of County Clare taking secondary roads.

One of Ireland's great natural wonders, the cliffs soar as high as 700 feet above the Atlantic.  On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands.  Awesome views!  A harpist was at her regular station (in the mist) and we bought one of her CD's, which Larry then had her autograph.  The visitors' center was excellent.

From there we traveled inland to the area called The Burren, a desolate and austere region of about 50 square miles.  This limestone plateau is so barren, it was one of the areas Cromwell forced the Irish to settle.  The first human inhabitants came about 6000 years ago.  Today it is littered with more than 2000 pre-historic sights.  Lunch break was at Catherconnal Fort.

In the afternoon we continued through the Burren area and then  made our way to the Bay of Galway and finally Galway City, where we spent the next two nights.  Our hotel, the Ardilaun House was situated on a hill overlooking Galway Bay.  This was also reputed to be the spot where Julia Roberts and her children were vacationing.  We didn't see them.

Upon arrival, a very full minibus took its occupants into the older part of Galway City.  Galway was a medieval fishing village until the Normans arrived in 1234.  They built a wall around the town and then proceeded to kick out the Irish!

We roamed around the village area for over an hour and were then picked up for the return trip to the hotel.  It was a tight squeeze as Larry and I shared our two seats with John.  Byron was all set to reward John for his discomfort before I loudly exclaimed that it was Larry and me who were the uncomfortable ones - I got the prize!  Especially after our arrival back at the hotel when John was graciously telling everyone else to depart and he'd wait till last!

Dinner was wonderful as always and we had tables for our group.  Larry also was able to take a swim in the indoor swimming pool.   I visited the hot tub pool the second night, but discovered my suit had lost its elasticity, so that was the end my pool experiences.

Tuesday, August 14

A day of sightseeing in Connemara.  We first visited the remains of an Irish castle (fortress), Aughnanure Castle.  Life was not as romantic as we often think!  We also stopped at the bridge used in the film, Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.  We were able to visit the cottage as well, which had life-sized mannequins depicting John and Maureen and other characters.

Our afternoon was free, so that's when we chose to use the pool facilities.

Friday, August 10 Killarney

August 12, Shannon

Another wonderful breakfast at the Ross started our day!

Today we traveled north toward the River Shannon estuary.  Our first stop was in the village of Adare, noted for its many thatched-roof homes.  We visited the visitors' center and several excellent gift shops.
Church was in session, as it was Sunday, so we just took pictures of the outside.  Beautiful sunny day.

Continuing north we traveled around Limerick City to see Dromoland Castle before arriving in the village of Shannon and the Oakwood Arms Hotel.  The hotel is beautiful and we were given a private tour of the wedding and banquet rooms.  Gorgeous!!  The owner was a woodworker and it was amazing to see all the beautiful moldings, etc.

Off to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.  In looking at some of the photos, I realized I had no clue where they were taken.  Then I remembered:  After I entered Bunratty Castle, it became difficult to navigate, even with a map - and next thing I knew, I was outside!  Finally I found Larry, who had taken the right stairs, etc. so I decided I'd just look at his pictures and not try to attempt another trip through the castle.

We strolled through the Folk Park and it drizzled and rained intermittently, but was still very pretty.

This was also the location of Durty Nelly's, where we'd been strongly urged to visit by Roxy.  She and best friend, Jeneane, had been to the one in Australia because Jeneane and her husband and in-laws had been to this one in Shannon.  Roxy said their quest to visit the one in Australia resulted in a VERY long walk!  Five miles, she claims!  Larry had a Guinness and I had a coke before heading back to the minibus.

Upon our return for dinner at the Corn Barn, Larry jumped out to dash into Durty Nelly's one more time so he could staple one of his state park patches on the wall to accompany the many many other patches stapled to the walls.

Dinner and the show were delicious and fun.  I think we were given a choice of salmon or Irish Stew, but our waiter claimed it was the very best Irish Stew ever, so it had a lot of takers.  It was indeed good.

Friday, August 10 Killarney

After breakfast at the Granville, several of the group took off to see Reginald's Tower and I took off to do more window shopping, since most stores were not yet open.    Then it was time for the minibus to GO.

We followed the southern coast of Ireland via Dungarvan and Youghal to Midleton.  There we visited the Midleton Distillery, one of Ireland's main Jameson Distilleries.

Continuing toward Cork, we visited the legendary Blarney Castle.  It was very hard for me to pass by the Woolen Mill, just a short distance away.  I almost told them to drop me off there and pick me up later!

But, when in Ireland one visits and "kisses" the Blarney Stone.  It was not as I'd imagined.  We had to climb numerous steps to the top of the castle and then wait in line for our turn.  We then lay down on our backs and lean our heads back and "kiss" the stone.  It's not a rock,  but a part of the castle wall.  Then we are helped up (the helper is sometimes tipped, but poor Margie ended up wrenching her knee being "helped" up.

After a lunch break (I forget where) we entered the ancient Kingdom of Kerry and beautiful Killarney.  The Ross Hotel was probably my favorite!  After getting our luggage situated, we took off to see the sights.  I'd been misinformed that there was a woolen mill nearby, so we set off to visit them.  Alas, they were only outlets, but we did see quite a bit of the area.

Dinner at the Ross and it was wonderful!  Whatever I had, it was really good!  Pasta, I think.

Saturday, August 11

Breakfast at the Ross.  Buffet - and then they took our orders for extra breakfast.  I had the Ross omelet and it was yummy!  Larry had French toast, I think.

Off to Dingle Peninsula, the westernmost tip of Ireland.  The locals in Dingle town are fond of saying "The next parish west is Boston"!  Dingle is classified as a Gaeltacht, a region where the government subsidizes the survival of the Irish language and culture.

Leaving Killarney we headed west to Kilorglin and Castlemaine, then turned into the peninsula.  Our first stop was at Inch, where Ryan's Daughter was filmed on the beach.  Joan and I bought beige hoodies with Ireland written on the front in camouflage patchwork.  It was considered to be a fairly nice day, so the locals were out enjoying the weather.  They take what they can get!

After arriving in Dingle, we all took off in different directions, some seeking food and others seeking souvenirs.  Larry and I mostly window-shopped.

After leaving Dingle town we traveled over Connor Pass, the highest road in Ireland.  Great scenery!  At the summit there were views of bays, peat bogs and rocky, rugged country.  From the pass we descended to Brandon Bay on the opposite side of Dingle.  Following the coastline we arrived in Tralee, then returned to Killarney in the mid-afternoon.  More shopping!

Then it was time for our Jaunting Horse Cart ride with Michael as our guide.  I got the shotgun seat and it was a fine ride to and through the Killarney Lakes Park where Ross Castle is located.  Lots of photo opportunities and just a bit of drizzle.

Back to the hotel for another awesome dinner!

Thursday, August 9 Waterford (Port Lairge)

After breakfast at the Davenport in Dublin, we loaded onto the two mini buses.  Leaving Dublin, we once more drove through the city and then began traveling south through beautiful Irish countryside via Arklow, Enniscorthy, New Ross and Dunganstown.  Thank you, Byron, for such detailed itineraries!

We stopped to see the home of Patrick Kennedy, the great-grandfather of JFK, who left Ireland in 1858.  The home is closed for this year, however, so we couldn't go inside.

At Ballyhack we boarded a ferry for the short crossing of the Bay of Waterford to the village of Passage East.  Before arriving at our hotel we visited the Waterford Crystal manufacturing plant and had a tour.  I have lots of great pictures of this - somewhere!  I'll add them later if possible.

Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland and was larger and in the 1100's more important than Dublin.  Founded by the Vikings, it was one of Ireland's major ports.

We checked into the Granville Hotel, located in the center of town along the River Suir.  Larry and I then took off to explore the shopping mall and visit Reginald's Tower.  Built in 1003, it is considered to be the oldest building in Ireland.

Dinner that night was at the Granville Hotel.

Just a Wee Glitch

While doing an excellent job in uploading all my several thousand photos onto iPhoto, I hit a snag.  A pop-up message all but ordered me to upgrade - NOW, so I did.  Disaster.  My complete library disappeared - after I had deleted all the photos from the chips in the cameras.

All is not lost, but this is a major snag.  I can retrieve them by buying a program that will "peel" them off the chips, since they never really disappear - and the problem with iPhoto is probably that the computer is not upgraded, but the iPhoto section is.  If I do not put the photos into trash - and then delete the trash, they're in there somewhere - waiting for me to figure out how to get them back again.

Most of the photos in the library (I'm embarrassed to tell you how many there really are) were long ago backed up onto disks.  There are LOTS of disks!  So, I will have to be patient until we get it all figured out.

Plus, we had company for 3 days and now I'm heading for Boise to help Mom and Sue move Mom into a retirement complex.  There's just NO TIME for anything!  Plus, I still have jet lag insomnia!

But, if I don't get at least the narration done, I will totally forget what we did, especially since I have few photos to remind me.

Onward!