Readers, you were entirely correct in guessing that the reason for our recent trip down to Edinburgh was not, in fact, to attend one of Taylor Swift's three weekend gigs at Murrayfield Stadium.
It turns out that Caryl, a lovely American lady Gail met 18 months ago on her Cuba bike tour, was in town for a couple of days and Gail had promised to take her for a hike up that well known Edinburgh landmark, Arthur's Seat, on Monday morning,
We were super-lucky that some other lovely friends, John and Françoise, were in residence at their top floor flat in a beautiful Victorian house near the Edinburgh University King's Buildings, and they kindly allowed us to stay there overnight.
I made myself quite at home, of course.
On Monday morning we found Caryl, finishing her breakfast in a congenial and dog-friendly café in the Canonmills area of Edinburgh.
This intrepid Florida-based lady had just completed a cycling tour around northwest Scotland. She'd been doing battle with gale force winds (not uncommon in this part of the world) and was undaunted by the prospect of ascending Edinburgh's famous extinct volcano.
The weather was fine, and how wrong Gail was in thinking it might be quiet up there on a Monday morning. A good proportion of the plus 200,000 fans who'd attended Taylor Swift's concerts at the weekend appeared to have stayed on and were also clambering around the craggy summit of Arthur's Seat, enjoying the spectacular view of the city.
On the way down we ran into these delightfully attired young ladies from London.
I do believe that meeting me was the highlight of their trip to Scotland's capital city, although Gail is cautioning me against entering into a popularity contest with a certain Miss 'Tay-Tay'! She says I wouldn't want to inspire the megastar to write a song about my shortcomings...
Anyway, all in all it was a splendid couple of days.
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteWell Nobby, that last one is the money shot! How wonderfurs to have had bright weather. Auld Reekie is fairly sparkling! Even those hats don't outshine it. You, of course, are the choodamani (crown jewel)! Hugs and wags YAM-aunty x
Standing room only on Arthur's Seat, but what a perfect day to visit it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous weekend you had Nobby. You met so many nice people and seem to have collected some more fans along the way!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Paca xx
we agree with that word that means crown jewels. wow on that view from the top and the tay Tay cowgirls. for me the best part of your visit would be staying in that stunning home... it is perfect... what a fun getaway for all of you.. now I wonder where your friend lives in Florida. we had HISTORIC rains yesterday and went from famine to feast with rain fall, flooding and cars stranded but lots of wonderful rain. our pool is full to the top. the thing is we have 4 more days of it. woo hooo
ReplyDeleteGail says: she lives in Gainesville (but is originally from New York).
DeleteYou are becoming quite the travelled k9 Nobby, and mountain guide extraordinaire. Just climbing the stairs in that house must have been a feat of mountaineering. Arthur's Seat looks very bare at the top, but the views are certainly not obstructed. Carry on charming the ladies that lad.
ReplyDeleteGail says: Arthur's Seat gets so many visitors that the volcanic rocks at the summit are all polished and shiny (and must be horrendously slippery in wet weather).
DeleteWhat a pleasant trip, with several friends a long the way. New Hampshire had some fine mountains to climb. Here, in the midwest USA, no mountains, but many fine hiking trails.....The slippery top of Arthur's Seat reminded me of Mt. Washington's peak in winter.
ReplyDeleteYou sure do have the life, Nobby!
ReplyDeleteOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MY DOGS
ReplyDeleteNobby this entire post from the first letter to the last was stunning.
Caryl is quite an amazing friend
BOL BOL love you with the Pink Hat society of Londong
Hugs Cecilia
What a fun adventure you went on, Nobby. We can see that those girls were equally excited to meet you and didn't know the celebrity they took that picture with.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike Nobby, we always enjoy seeing the views in your country!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great picture of you with the Swifties. We are sorry you missed Tay Tay tho, we think she would write nothing but love songs about you!
xoxo,
Rosy and Sunny
What a wonderful trip for all!! By the smiles in the last photo, we would say Caryl enjoyed her time there too. Any chance Travis Kelce was there climbing with you and Tay Tay? Just kidding.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Misty and Timber
I think that was much better than a Taylor Swift concert
ReplyDeleteHow fun!! And how great to make new friends and show them your beautiful country too!
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