Bumbag Motel

The train ride into Glasgow offered some good views as you came into the city, Saturday football here…

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Dad thought that the dulux dog’s daughter could do as a new companion! Here saying goodbye to her and the friendly folk at Muckhart, and off to Glasgow…

…or not, arrived in Glasgow to find that the whole town is booked up with the euro cup qualifier between Belgium and Scotland – eek! Meant that we had to stay out of town, which actually worked out well as we stayed in a fabulous b&b not far from Loch Lomond, which was great to go check out!

Lot’s of significant spots abound, starting with a stroll about Gleneagles – multiple land rovers round here.

Cam by the Wallace memorial overlooking the Forth river (the river that spells its own name) just out of Stirling.

Departed Edinburgh traversing the lush countryside (again very NZ reminiscent) – here we have dad and Cam strolling away from immensely old castle number 1, Campbell castle.

In Stirling perusing the Couper family tree as we were unable to locate a record of my great great grandad’s birth. Cam did some internet searching after talking with dad about where g g gdad settled in NZ and found out…that he was actually a Cowper!!!

Got to absorb the big family news on our gently stroll from a country bed and breakfast to the local town for a pub meal.

Hearty fare at Muckhart pInn!

We stayed in this great apartment in Edinburgh close to Portobello beach! Lovely soft sand, with grey stone buildings alongside the promenade – good temperature too!

Cam enjoying the beach exploration – there were jellyfish.

Dished up some bangers and mash (vegie style – also tried vegie haggis) in the glorious apartment, with dad sporting a new kilt! This was also the day that we found out that our family Jack Russell Millie passed away, a cheer to her good life!

View from Edinburgh castle, so great to come to Scotland and see it all first hand! Lot’s of similarities to NZ, particularly as Dunedin in NZ is modelled on Edinburgh.

Crazy levels of old going on right there – and tartan, cashmere and whisky!

Departed Cleethorpes early morning to get to York for lunch and celebrate father’s day (in NZ)!

Dad and Cam at Yorkminster

Then off to Newcastle where we met up with Penny, a friend from Berlin! Here we have dad, Penny and I getting medieval inspired amongst the ruins.

By evening we were in Edinburgh and just caught the end of festival fireworks!

Our road trip started in the English town of Cleethorpes where Matt and Tracey live!! Had a mighty deli feast including a giant chocolate brownie caramel blob – delicious!

Tracey, Matt and Cam admiring the coastal entertainment.

Dad’s photography continues at Camilla’s flat for a wonderful dinner, with homemade Spätzle with courgettes from the garden!