“Also known as “John of the Mountains “ and “Father of the National Parks” was an influential Scottish-American naturalist…and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States.”
Day 20 Hiking. Wednesday, June 22. The Wing, North Berwick to Royal Mackintosh, Dunbar 14.78 Miles. 35,538 Steps. 6 Hours Mission Accomplished. Cross Scotland both ways following in the early footsteps/route John Muir took with his family when they emigrated to America. Didn’t know if my knees would be up to the assignment but they performed, with reluctance. “Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” Gustavo Flaubert This morning asked what life was like here during COVID lockdown in North Berwick. Their B&B was shutdown for 18 months. They didn’t see their children or grandchildren in person for 18 months. They were allowed out of their house for ONE hour per day, and James, because of health issues, Couldn’t leave the house for 18 months. They are returning to normal sort of. James has begun sailing with his club, but doesn’t dress in the locker room ...
Monday, June 27. 8.7. Miles. 20,917 Steps Less movement in preparation for normal life. No HAIRY coos in person this hike, but this is how they look with their winter coats - HAIRY! (From a poster). Breakfast from Marks and Spencer. RHUBARB yogurt, with raspberries and apple turnover. Escalators run in slow motion, but once a person approaches they pick up speed. Energy saving. Preparing for home! Poet Robert Ferguson. 1750-1774. Born in Edinburgh. Three years a poet. Fell down a flight of steps and ended up in Edinburgh Bedlam as a mad man. Inspired Robert Burns. Monument to Robert Burns - Scotland’s National Poet 1759-1796. The City Smells like Europe!!! I shall miss this. Had some semi plans for this last day in Scotland, but was open for alternatives. Wandered down to Holyrood Palace with the intention of walking around in the park to see the swans seen yesterday on St M...
The real backpack and carry-on backpack are packed and ready for an early morning flight tomorrow. Because the trekking poles are taller than the backpack I stuffed the empty space with old towels to cushion their ride. Towels will be discarded on arrival in Scotland. The dark gray Osprey bag cover folds into its own pocket and will be left at the hotel in Dunbar until the walk is completed. Purse/waist/Fanny pack and light weight IKEA pack with carry-on items, mainly the Altra boots, snacks, electronic cables, reading material, and 3 empty Smart Water bottles. This pack also folds into its own pocket. World travel opens the mind to the fact life doesn’t really exist only around our small towns across America. Visiting Eastern Europe helped my mind better understand in 3-D the global map. Exploring cities, meeting local citizens, and learning their life stories made the map suddenly like a pop-up book.
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