Weekend on the North East Coast

There is something so very English about stormy skies and churning seas, thick salty fog that wraps itself around everything at night and fish and chips. We really enjoyed our visit to Captain Cook Country during which we experienced all of the above. Our drive up was very foggy- and the fog was really so thick by the decent into Robin Hood's Bay that I somewhat panicked as we headed into white clouds at a 25 degree slant. Once we got the the bottom of a steep and windy road the fog cleared just enough for us to be able to find our quaint accommodation.

ROBIN HOOD'S BAY

It was a tiny room done completely in wood with every amenities you could want. Especially because it was so close to the sea, and you could hear the waves lap up against the sea wall at night it felt like being safely snug in the bowels of a ship.

We had a little garden where we could eat and spend time looking out over the little town below, but it rained more or less every time we were out, so we didn't really get a chance to properly enjoy it.

The main gathering spot a the bottom of the hill. Our little 'hideaway' was up the hill, across the road to the right of the white house (roughly from the spot where I'm taking the picture). There were all sorts of traditional clog dancers all over the place. Can you spot them?

Geordan walked into the little tunnel that guides the river to make its way down the hill through the town. It actually feeds directly into the sea at high tide.

When walking on beach that is completely covered by feet of ocean every night, its always a good idea to bring along your wellies!

The magnificent view of Robin Hood's Bay from the beach:

Trying to pick our way through water and seaweed to walk as far as possible down the beach front:

Robin Hood's Bay looks like the houses were stacked on top of each other. Squeezing so many houses together on such a steep incline is a bit of a marvel.

Geordan is amazed at how much water covers the beach area where we were were walking at the beginning of the day.
Walkway along the hill which weaves its way along the side of the village:

View of the bay from the top of the village.

WHITBY

You know you are in a proper fishing village when you look around the docks and all you see are crab/lobster traps AND...

lovely little fishing boats.

Of course we had to take advantage of the local fishing industry and have ourselves a bit of fish 'n chips!

Then we walked along the pier.

The next day, we went to Whitby Abbey.

SCARBOROUGH

On our way home we stopped at Scarborough. The whole town is spread under the overwhelming presence of The Grand Hotel.

Though it must have been majestic in its prime, it actually seems a bit dowdy and 'past its date' now.

We ended our lovely weekend with a long walk overlooking the town and then making our way back to the car along the beach.

Enchanting Edinburgh

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote: "The happiest lot on earth is to be born a Scotsman. You must pay for it in many ways as for all other advantages on the earth...But somehow life is warmer and closer; the hearth burns more redly; the lights of home shine softer on a rainy street; the very names, endeared in music, cling nearer round the heart."- The Silverado Squatters 1883

Now that I've been to this enchanting place myself, I see exactly what he means. Geordan and I had already fallen in love with wild Scotland: Arran, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs- now I've fallen in love with its proudest city.

This is a view of the castle from the 'new city.'

How could I HELP but like it when this picturesque town boasts hobbits as inhabitants??Some beautiful views of the 'old city.'
Taking a stroll inside Edinburgh Castle.
I thought this little guy looked like Aslan- he has such a kind face.
AAAHHH. Nothing in the world like the bond of sisters.
Views over the city from the castle top.


I guess it must be genetic.... we really are our Father's daughters:

Sporting the crown jewels:

In the military museum, a bit of paraphernalia that hit close to home: A soldier's New Testament alongside his gas mask. Seems like it would be fairly difficult to read it with the gas mask on!

Phew! After learning about so many battles, we decided we needed refreshment... so we went for 'high tea' on Prince's Street:

The view from our Tea Rooms:

Hmmm...Iust and Sara have gone 'native'. I guess they've become Scottish Viking Lasses??!

Hollyrood Abbey outside of Hollyrood Palace, the official 'in-state' residence of The Queen:

Iust making good use of her 'Gumbi' tripod. Can you BE any more your Dad Iust?

In the gardens at Hollyrood:

Biggest dork-tourists ever! Look at us with our headphones still on even though we were no longer listening.

The dramatic 'hanging' on our "Ghosts and Ghouls: the 'not-so-nice' history of a beautiful city"

Inside the spooky vaults:

'Blair Witch' anyone? Good thing our guide was a skeptic because we really were starting to loose our cool down there a little bit!

On the last day, the girlies had to leave at noon, so I had the whole rest of the day to explore by myself...

I started out walking through the park and ended up at the magical St. John's.

Then I happily found myself right in the middle of a 'church music concert practice' at The Kirk. A little bit of Bach choral music in the middle of the day is enough to make anyone happy!

Then I hit the People's Story Museum:

It was so interesting to see all sorts of displays about life in Edinburgh for the last century.

Of course, I found my way to the writer's museum. It holds all kinds of paraphernalia which belonged to Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and (my personal childhood favorite) Robert Louis Stevenson. The exhibits reminded me of some marvelous reading from my childhood- the place is set up in a very cozy way, and there is a 'reading room' on the top floor in which I spent a pretty hour.

My last stop was maybe the brightest of the city's jewels. Amongst the 'studenty' area- not too far from the famed Edinburgh School of Medicine, is Greyfriars:

I particularly found the graveyard and gardens surrounding the church so peaceful. It also offers fantastic views of the city- but of course my camera battery died just as I had set up the 'money' shot!

I have to say it was a lovely trip and I SO MUCH enjoyed a girlie mini-break with Iust and Sara. Please come back and see us- we miss you already!