John Muir Way Scotland 2022

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...

Sunday, June 26.  12.52 Miles.  30,151 Steps.  Decided to give a try to climb Arthur’s Seat.  The story behind the name Arthur’s Seat comes from the legend of King Arthur, and this ‘might’ have been the location of Camelot - or it could have come from some other legend.  The ancient volcanic rock rises 823 feet from Holyrood Palace Park.   It has been featured in many novels such as Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ and Ian Rankin books.   Over heard someone commenting in a shop about buying things in a foreign country with foreign money didn’t seem like really spending, but only playing with fake money.  National Portrait Gallery - where Bertie went with his mother, Irene, to meet his/her psychotherapist, who looks a lot like Bertie’s younger brother Ulysses.  The Cumberland Bar where Angus Lordie and his dog Cyril (gold tooth) hang out with Matthew and Brian.   Climbing up to Arthur’s Seat on the right.  This was as high as I climbed....

Saturday, June 25.  Edinburgh  9.5 Miles.  23,667 Steps.  Researched where in Edinburgh there might be better WiFi than in my room.  Learned that the City provides FREE WiFi in all public spaces.  Took my breakfast treats over to the Princes Street Gardens,  with a view of the Castle, and instantly the blog was posted. What a great public service to all visitors! Yesterday when going into the Scottish Parliament it was necessary to pass through security.  They took my trekking poles, but said I could leave the knee brace on (it did set off the alarm).  Signs everywhere about no photos.  Once inside photos were okay I learned.  Pulled phone out and was about to take picture of Queen Elizabeth life size, but the guy said “everything but that, as it was copyrighted.”   Rather silly I thought as that image is easily available online to copy.   William E Gladstone.  Four times British Prime Minister.  Liberal Party. ...