Day 5 – June 30th
Today was a much needed low key day. The first order of
business was to fine some internet access. We decided to go the TESCO in
Dalbeattie and use their internet in the café. Sadly we could only get 15
minutes free without using a club card which we did not have. So we headed back
towards the cabins and took over Christina’s aunt’s patio and mooched off of
her WIFI connection.
Once we had all established with family and friends that we
were still in fact alive and well, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed
out to find tower that eluded us on Saturday. After a very quick drive we ended
up at Orchardton Tower. This is the only round tower house in Scotland. It is
suggested that is was built shortly after 1456.
Our last stop of the day was a little fishing village called
Kipford. We walked along the shoreline and stopped at The Anchor Hotel for an
afternoon snack and drink. This was the same place that Christina’s grannie
took us to when we visited 4 years ago.
Then we followed the path from Kipford to Rockcliffe. In all
it was about a 20 minute walk that followed the shoreline then took you through
some wooded areas until you came out at Rockcliffe. The tide was going out and all
we could see was wet muddy beach.
Day 6 – Tuesday, July 1st
Tuesday we got up bright and early to head north to Stirling
so we could tour Stirling Castle. Along the way we stopped at Moffat Mills to
buy some beautiful cashmere blankets and scarves and such. (Got a great blanket
for you Melany!) Once everyone had dropped at least 50 pounds on some loot, we
headed north again. When we reached Stirling, there was a small driving
incident on the hill leading up to the castle and I almost ran into the car
behind me and then almost burned up the engine but we made it….barely….again.
Stirling Castle is always an impressive site.
After Stirling, we headed east to Linlithgow to see
Linlithgow Palace. This was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and by far is
one of my favorite palaces that we’ve seen so far.
Day 7 – Wednesday, July 2nd
Today we spent the day getting to know Dumfries a little bit
better. Dumfries is the largest city closest to where we are staying in Dalbeattie.
We visited The Globe, which is the local pub where Robert Byrns would sit and
write poetry almost every evening. Uncle Bernard sat in his chair and
entertained us with his own poetry.
Mom and I bought a few scarves from Capt. Jack Sparrow in the street market.
We
also walked by the Peter Pan house where John Barrie lived.
After wandering
around the city, we stopped for lunch at Dock Park which had the cutest Peter
Pan themed playground for Coen to play in.
After lunch and a little play time at the park we drove
south the see Sweetheart Abbey. This is still one of my favorites. It is the
daughter abbey to Dundrennon Abbey that we saw earlier in the week. Its layout
was almost identical to Dundrennon but very different parts remain today.
Our next stop was just down the road to the New Abbey Corn
Mill. This mill was built by the monks that lived at Sweetheart Abbey and it
still works.
The last stop of the night was at Christina’s grannie’s
house for dinner. We sat and visited for a while, had some delicious Banoffee
pie then headed home.
