After many months of planning, and training, not to mention years of hearing of the famous Loch Ness, we left on September 28, 2009 for a week long exploration of Scotland and to run a bit also. Susan and I met John and Holly at the Newark Airport for our flight to Edinburgh. We spent the first two days exploring the ancient and historic streets of Edinburgh, where even their New Town is 250 years old. Here are a few photos from our trip, JC sent us some, but has hundreds more. (some of the pictures swap when moused over)

Edinburgh
Loch Ness
Glasgow


Our hotel was conveniently located only 1 block from the Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city at one end of the Royal Mile. It has been occupied in one form or another for 3000 years.

Steve and JC in front of the ancient lava that forms the base of the castle. (I didn't realize that I was taller than JC!)

View from the top of the castle overlooking New Town, which was built in the mid 1700's designed in the new American grid style.

One big A gun, made in the 1400's! Took 100 soldiers to move it 3 miles in one day, wasn't very effective for surprise attacks.

Group shot from the top


We knew we weren't window shopping in the USA.

The Scots call this a close, we'd call it an alley. Some lead through the walls of this ancient city.


Edinburgh at sunset

Cathedral at night

We visited several museums, most of them were focused on war, lots of wars. To say that Scots were a fierce lot is a bit of an understatement.


Holyrood Park was right across from our hotel. We had some great runs each morning, catching sunrise on the other side of the bluff.

Now off to Loch Ness via the coast. But first we'd have to get the rental car and get safely out of the city...left side of road, 7 speed standard, roundabouts, narrow roads, crazy signs, or not, here we go...

Loch Ness