3 Trips in 1 year with a Side of Baseball and Scotland - Updated 10/3 The End

[rndmr2]

Loving the Pics of your tour of Scotland. I would love to see that whole area someday as I am of Irish, Scottish and English descent, My dad is of the McCabes, I'll have to ask if he knows about where they were from, He and his brothers took part in updating an ancestry book about that branch of the family a few years ago.

My grandson had a playoff game and they lost. He said none of the older players wanted the ball so Jay started as the pitcher. He was 17 and still in high school. The teams were supposed to by 19 and under but the opposing team had a few ringers on it. Jay gave up 2 unearned runs over 4 innings and had the other team held to just a few singles. The men he was facing were Jrs. and Sr.s in college so I was really proud of him. I sent jay a text too letting him know what I thought. A few weeks later when I signed him up for Fall baseball his coach couldn't stop telling me how great he did. I went to bed a little sad that his team lost but immensely proud of how he handled himself.

That is too bad your grandson lost his playoff but great that he held his own among the older kids. My nephew (he is on an 8U team) had a few baseball tournaments over the summer and he did really well, they won 3 out of 4 of them and the 4th one they lost to the only team to beat them throughout all the tournaments. He also won the Home Run Derby at the skills competition that was at one of them. It was really fun to watch them.

Looking forward to more of the Scotland trip.

 

[tazdev3225]

Loving the Pics of your tour of Scotland. I would love to see that whole area someday as I am of Irish, Scottish and English descent, My dad is of the McCabes, I'll have to ask if he knows about where they were from, He and his brothers took part in updating an ancestry book about that branch of the family a few years ago.

I have Irish and English ancestry and possibly Scottish. We have good friends that used to go to our church that were McCabes. I definitely felt a kinship while I was there.

That is too bad your grandson lost his playoff but great that he held his own among the older kids. My nephew (he is on an 8U team) had a few baseball tournaments over the summer and he did really well, they won 3 out of 4 of them and the 4th one they lost to the only team to beat them throughout all the tournaments. He also won the Home Run Derby at the skills competition that was at one of them. It was really fun to watch them.

Looking forward to more of the Scotland trip.

My grandson took it in stride. I get so upset when he isn't played or has a tough game and he is always OK with it. He wanted to try and go pro at one point but I think he is just happy to play whenever he gets the chance. That's really great about your nephew. My younger grandson made his 1st elite division All Star Team. He was so happy and of course I was there to cheer him on.

More will be coming as soon as I find my notes.

 

[Mac Brew]

Hi
The conversation that you missed is about the boat that is teid up in the harbour. I think it is the vessel that played the Vital Spark in the TV Series Parra Handy.Which was a comedy about the crew of the Vital spark as they made their living sailing between the Scottish island's and Glasgow it was one of the most popular TV programs back in its day.It's on You tube if you have not seen it before worth a watch if you like comedy.Your photos have been verry good and compliments your trip writing makes it an interesting read.

 

[Princess Leia]

There was something about this boat that made it famous but of course I couldn't hear what it was.


I refer you back to our discussion on my last trip report about your upcoming trip to Scotland. Sounds like you missed the boat on this one.

Sounds like you are going to be busy. Day 3 and 4 will be Inverary Castle and Inverary Jail. I wouldn't get too excited about The Vital Spark. It is a boat (puffer). Neil Munro, a Scottish writer created stories about Para Handy (captain) of The Vital Spark. There have been a number of TV series over the years about Para Handy and the Vital Spark. As far as I can gather there were actually 2 boats that had been labelled The Vital Spark. The one in Inverary was actually previously called Eilean Eisdeal and then was re-registered as The Vital Spark. As far as I can gather it was the last working Clyde Puffer. I know that Inverary Maritime Museum, which consisted of 2 boats, has closed but I am not sure what happened to the Vital Spark. I'm sure you will be able to enlighten me.

 

[tazdev3225]

Hi
The conversation that you missed is about the boat that is teid up in the harbour. I think it is the vessel that played the Vital Spark in the TV Series Parra Handy.Which was a comedy about the crew of the Vital spark as they made their living sailing between the Scottish island's and Glasgow it was one of the most popular TV programs back in its day.It's on You tube if you have not seen it before worth a watch if you like comedy.Your photos have been verry good and compliments your trip writing makes it an interesting read.

It was the Vital Spark, I really couldn't hear much at all with my ear acting up. I will have to check it out on Youtube when I get a chance thanks. Thank you so much for the compliment. I took so many pictures it was hard to choose a few. I am glad you are enjoying the report.

There was something about this boat that made it famous but of course I couldn't hear what it was.


I refer you back to our discussion on my last trip report about your upcoming trip to Scotland. Sounds like you missed the boat on this one.

I really did and I do remember that conversation. I just didn't add it up. I hang my head in shame.

 

[tazdev3225]

Scotland Day 6
We were on the move again. I had my bags packed and down in the lobby before breakfast. It was a little confusion but our coach driver is a real pro and had everyone's bags on board by the time we were ready to go. We had the same array to choose from as the day before so I had fruit and juice. My main meal was French Toast and Bacon. And of course coffee!!!!

We were off to the Cowal Peninsula and our first stop the Argyll Forest Park.




I decided to play around with forced perspective here. I was trying to make this small flower seem as if it was the size of the mountains. I may need more practice



Thistle again because I really did keep forgetting I had taken pics of it before

Some of our group and my mom

That was just such a beautiful place to stop. We were soon on our way again


And at our next stop of the day.

 

[tazdev3225]

Our next stop, and we had a couple of hours here to explore, was the Benmore Botanical Gardens. This place was beautiful and LARGE. We barely had time to see a small portion.


I thought I would need to go to California to see these


The sheer size of the Redwoods is amazing


Mom at the base of one of the Redwoods. To give you an idea of the size mom is 4 foot 10 inches and she barely registered next to the tree. And this wasn't forced perspective



When I was 10 my parents moved us to the house they still live in. The house had Bluebells growing all along the front rock garden. I remember a man from Scotland stopping by to say how much they reminded him of his home there. These reminded me of the Bluebells

I really did love the flowers



Boy with Dolphins, they were rather scary looking dolphins

Flowers with bees






Sorry for all the flowers but it was a botanical garden after all. While we were heading back to the exit I spotted this little guy in the fields. He must be very used to people as he never moved. I thought it was a statue at first

Since my mom has an obsession with not being late we had some time on our hands. There was a small café there so I got a piece of carrot cake and ICED TEA! I was in heaven I live on coffee and iced tea and this was real, fresh brewed, unsweetened tea. It was worth what I think translated to about $5. We explored the gift shop but I didn't really like anything there. I did want to bring home a large lawn ornament or 2 but mom, ever the voice of reason said they wouldn't fit in the luggage.

We were soon back on the coach and off again

 

[tazdev3225]

We were on the coach and heading down the Peninsula to our next destination.




We had to take a ferry ride

Our coach, in front was a prisoner transport vehicle. When we were exiting the ferry our driver bumped into the prison vehicle. No one even got out. If that were here there would have been cops and ambulances everywhere. My husband has been a sheriff on transportation for 20+ years. He has had some minor accidents where people have rear ended him and the paper work is a nightmare because every single prisoner claims an injury and files a lawsuit.


Then I got really excited. I love lighthouses. I have seen as many as possible on the East coast. I was thrilled to see this. I'm still trying to identify it though.


And another view of the Lighthouse


We were back on dry land and moving on. These horses made me think of Lancaster and one of my daughter's friends. We took her with us to Lancaster on one of our many visits. Lancaster is farmlands and Amish and there are many animal sightings along the drive. Well my daughter's friend asked why the horses were blue. Then she saw red and plaid horses. She thought that they were actually those colors and didn't realize they were wearing blankets.


Then I saw some deer playing in the field


We finally reached our destination for the next brief stop - Largs.

 

[Princess Leia]

We did have a good laugh here. There was what we thought was a piece of brown sugar on the saucer so I put it in my coffee, but it wouldn't dissolve. Turns out it was a piece of toffee.

Oops - tablet is a traditional Scottish sweet that is still very popular. It is made with butter, sugar and condensed milk. It is very sweet but lovely in small quantities.

I really did and I do remember that conversation. I just didn't add it up. I hang my head in shame.

Don't worry - we can blame the jet lag or the blocked ears.

Then I got really excited. I love lighthouses. I have seen as many as possible on the East coast. I was thrilled to see this. I'm still trying to identify it though.

This looks like Cloch lighthouse just a few miles south of Gourock.

 

[tazdev3225]

Largs is a cute little seaside town. We stopped here mostly to take a walk in some heavy rain to get what was supposed to be the best ice cream in the world at a place called Nardini's. I had mint chocolate chip and pistachio brittle. It was good but not the best ice cream I have ever had.
Largs



We didn't really hang around because of the rain and were soon on our way to our hotel for the next night. I finally saw a golf course and they were playing in the rain using umbrellas.


We were spending the night at the Hallmark Irvine Hotel. This place was definitely very nice. The view from our room

The long walk to the lounge area

The lounge


I sat in the lounge with some of my fellow tour mates and waited for dinner to be served. We had several selections for dinner.

I opted for the Tomato and Basil soup

Supreme of Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

And the Black Forest Gateau with no picture. The food was excellent and there was coffee with dessert so I was happy.
Charlie and Tad had another performance

Tad was a little silly

We went back to the room and this was at 11PM


My small camera was almost out of battery power because I bought the wrong charger for it. I need to pack earlier than right before I leave or get less cameras. I did manage a panorama on the ferry

 

[tazdev3225]

Oops - tablet is a traditional Scottish sweet that is still very popular. It is made with butter, sugar and condensed milk. It is very sweet but lovely in small quantities.
That is probably what Ernie called it but I thought he said toffee. It really was very sweet but it made the coffee taste really good.
Don't worry - we can blame the jet lag or the blocked ears.
I'll blame the ears. It took almost a year for the issue to go away. I had to see an ear specialist for months. Now he is pushing for hearing aids because it did cause an issue there. I told him hearing aids or Disney? Disney wins every time. lol
This looks like Cloch lighthouse just a few miles south of Gourock.

Thank you so much I was hoping one of my Scottish friends would know it. I love to be able to identify things in my pictures.

 

[tazdev3225]

Scotland Day 7

We had an early start today as we were heading to Edinburgh and had a few stops along the way. I was packed and downstairs by 7:30 for breakfast. We had a full buffet here.

Bacon, sausage and eggs


Haggis, potato scones, tomatoes, mushrooms and beans


Fruit and yogurt


Cereals and toppings


I had a small piece of haggis with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, fruit, juice and of course coffee. Everything here was really very good. By time we got to the bus we were stuck in the very back. I wasn't happy as I can get car sick. Thankfully it wasn't to bad just hard to maneuver. We were off to Culzean Castle.

The ride and we had beautiful blue skies








And we had arrived


Culzean Castle was built between 1777 and 1792. It's the former home of the Clan Kennedy. In 1945 the castle was gifted to the National Trust of Scotland with the stipulation that the top floor apartment be given to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. He did visit the castle in 1946 and 4 times while he was president of the United States. The castle is supposedly haunted by at least 7 ghosts and I did look for them.

The walk to the castle and the views

 

[tazdev3225]

The tour of the castle was self guided so while my mom listened to every single thing about every room I took pictures
The Armory room was really interesting














View from one of the rooms




This just made me think of Bob Hope


Baby Cradle


This just reminded me of something from Star Wars


Eisenhower's Desk


The kitchen




More of the grounds




This castle was very nice but the views were spectacular. We did spend some time in the gift shop and I bought Celtic crosses for my granddaughters and 2 of my grandsons. We did stop and get a drink in the café. We were then back on the bus and off to one more stop before the drive to Edinburgh

 

[tazdev3225]

On the drive






That large rock in the distance is Ailsa's Craig, nicknamed Paddy's Milestone. It's a granite Islet at the mouth of the Firth of Clyde. The nickname comes from the fact that it's location is 1/2 way between Glasgow and Belfast. I was fascinated by it and took quite a few pictures




We were arriving at our next stop - Dunure Castle. It's a ruins of a castle dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The castle was the point of origin for the Kennedy's of Carrick






We took a group photo


And more thistle




Heading back to the coach


And I think this is one of my favorite pictures of the trip








And we were in the coach and on the way to our last city on the tour.

 

[tazdev3225]

The ride to Edinburgh






We passed the cottage where Robert Burns was born


This made me think of Harry Potter




Wall-E?






Getting a little more urban


And one of my first sights in the city was a woman pushing a dog in a stroller


We arrived at our hotel - the Hilton Grosvenor. This was a strange hotel and really the room needed an update. It's a converted hospital and I could really see that just based on the bathroom. The TV in the room never worked and the WIFI connections were horrible. I needed to get the front desk to help constantly. The best part was the bathroom door handle was broken so you could only keep the door closed with the lock.
Our room


And a pic of me or my reflection anyway


Our view


This was our free night for dinner. Before we left on the trip we were told about a show that we could get tickets for. The emcee is a friend of Charlie's so we would get a discount. I wasn't to keen on the idea but mom really wanted to see it and dinner was included. Since she gave in on the window all the time I said I would go.

 

[tazdev3225]

It turned out that about 1/2 of the group was going to see the show. It's called the Spirit of Scotland. We shared a cab to the show with a couple other people and I am glad we did.

Mom with the Bagpiper


While we were outside we got to see an accident. The people involved argued a lot.


We had a few choices for appetizers. I chose the Dunsyre Blue Cheese with a wine poached pear and caramelized walnut. Now I am not a huge fan of blue cheese but this was really good


We all got the Haggis, Neeps and Tatties


And the show started with the Address to a Haggis:
Fair to your honest sonsie face
Great chieftan of the puddin' race
Aboon them a' ye tak your place
Painch, tripe or thairm:
Weel are ye worthy o' a grace
As lang's my arm
By Robert Burns






The emcee actually recites the whole poem as the Haggis is brought in.

For dinner I got The Pork Belly with Bubbles and Squeak


And the show took place as we ate










This little girl was really very good




I was really glad that I gave into my mom. The show was really very good. We decided to walk back to the hotel with the group. It was a LONG walk. I took this at 10:30 PM and it was just getting dark


When we got back to the hotel Bruce (the emcee) was already there and he and Charlie were holding an impromptu concert in the lounge. He was also selling his CD's. We headed back to our room and I read for a little bit before falling asleep. Tomorrow was our free day to explore Edinburgh.

 

[tazdev3225]

Scotland Day 8 - Edinburgh

I was up at 6 AM, showered (yet another confusing arrangement) and mom and I were down for breakfast by around 7 AM. Same fare as the other hotels. I just had eggs, fruit and coffee. While mom finished up I went back up to the room to grab my camera, spare battery and made sure I had money on me. We were then off to explore the city.

I made a huge mistake here although I really had no choice. Mom had the map and was calling the shots. my mom CANNOT read a map. We were heading to Edinburgh Castle. Mom had us walking in circles and we wound up several blocks past the castle and had to back track. I gave up trying to get her to listen and just took pictures.

Found a Starbucks


And a Subway




Watch for Falling Rocks




They were doing lawn work




And we finally found the castle






And we were through the gates. The crowds weren't to bad but we were there really early.
Some of the views
















continued in next post

 

[tazdev3225]

We decided to go into the Dragoon Guards Museum

17th Century Dragoon


Stained Glass


View from the museum


Cavalryman


The museum was really interesting and we looked in the gift shop but still nothing for the last 3 grandkids. The crowds were starting to build up so we headed out to tour some more of the city. There was a gift shop as we exited and I finally found shirts and a book and stuffed animal for the 2 babies and dragons for my older grandson. He is autistic so very hard to buy for. At 12 he was only interested in sharks and Godzilla. Thankfully he really liked the dragons.

We were off to tour the Royal Mile. This was actually very interesting.
Looking down


Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse




Yoda




Then we found the Elephant House where harry Potter was written. We didn't go in because they charge admission


And we were at the Greyfriars Kirk. The story about Greyfriars Bobby was made into a Disney movie. Bobby is buried here along with his master. The kirk was closed to the public so we just looked at the graveyard.


Greyfriars Bobby


Story of Greyfriars Bobby


His grave



And his masters grave


And back to the Royal Mile. Darth Vader


An uncovered Minion


continued

 

[tazdev3225]

Next up was St. Giles Cathedral. I paid the 2 pounds to be able to take pictures and was happy I did. The Stained Glass and the Cathedral were impressive.














I took many more pictures than that just a few to get a feel of the kirk. When we went outside we found this woman sitting there. She demanded money from people to get her picture I didn't pay as I took these before I saw her get nasty with a woman


Back on the mile and I really cannot figure out this one yet




Another Subway


I had really wanted to go here


It's the Palace of Holyrood and the official residence of the British Monarchy in Scotland. I was in so much pain I told mom we could skip it. So we started the walk back. I swear we only walked uphill the whole day. My knees were throbbing as was my hip. Wearing a boot on my ankle for an entire year has given me issues with my hip now. What didn't help is that I fell off of a step while taking a picture. I thought it was just a curb as I backed up but it was actually a couple of steps. I didn't fall but I twisted my bad ankle and knee. My mom was almost in tears and several people ran over to see if I was OK. I was embarrassed more than anything. I am a bit of a klutz.

Of course mom looked at the map and took a different route that was all wrong - AGAIN!!! I took pictures






I found a McDonalds and was hungry but mom wasn't into a Big Mac






We had hoped to exchange our pounds for dollars at the post office but it was closed. We found a little shop and got something to eat trying to use just our coins. I had some sort of pastry with steak and it was really good. I think it only cost about 1 pound. Mom had a pastry with chicken and she enjoyed that also.

We just chilled at the hotel and packed up what we could before dinner. Dinner was a buffet and very good. We had our last Charlie and Tad show


Sadly we were leaving in the morning to head back home.

 

[tazdev3225]

Scotland - the end

Sadly this was the day we packed up and headed home. Breakfast was at 7 AM and if you missed it you didn't eat as we had to be on the coach early to head to the Glasgow airport. I checked my e-mails and had an alert from American Airlines that our flight was delayed 2 hours. I told our tour guide who hadn't heard anything but we still needed to be on the coach. A few people had different flights and the coach driver needed to get it washed and ready for his next tour. We ate and were off.

Saw an Aldi's






I think we were in Glasgow at this point or very near











We checked our luggage and were given an 8 pound voucher because of the delay. We were then off to the TSA check point. They do things differently here although I think the states are beginning to pick up on a few things. I had to have my Kindle and cell phone out of my luggage and in a bin. Now usually I am fine with my only two liquids being clipped on my backpack but I had to take them off and put them in a plastic bag. I went through the metal detector and beeped. I still have no idea why but they sent me through the x-ray and I glowed. This time it was around my stomach. They were very nice and told me it's nothing some people glow from sweat. I must sweat metal.

A few of our companions were not as happy. They had to throw out expensive medications. Mom and I exchanged our pounds at the airport and the rate wasn't that bad. I went home with most of my money. We got to our gate area and there was no gate posted or a time of departure. That didn't sound to good. I used my voucher for some drinks, candy and cookies for the kids. Then we waited, and we waited and we waited even more. Our flight was supposed to leave at 9:30 AM! Finally around 2 PM we were being boarded but they announced because of the delay we would not be getting any meals. I was getting angry because I was starving and it's a 7 hour flight. I would have used the voucher for food had I known. Finally at 2:30 PM we were getting ready to take off.

Bye Scotland






We did get a snack on the flight: salad, roll and a small cake. It was better than nothing


They brought out a small chocolate ice cream also. Mom was asleep so I ate hers too. I was hungry and I have no shame.

Somewhere over North America


The Philadelphia skyline over center city


Baseball and Football stadiums


And we were home



FINAL THOUGHTS

I knew going into the trip that my mom and I would butt heads at times - we always do. - but sharing this experience with her is something I will never forget and treasure forever.

Scotland is a beautiful country and I could feel the history as we traveled. Hopefully one day I will get back (maybe next year!)

Charlie and Tad have performed at my church but I had never seen them before so wasn't quite sure what to expect. I loved them and the music. I did get to see them again just a week later at my church.

I did miss my grandkids and my puppy terribly. I even missed Jim. LOL Seriously it was truly an amazing trip. It had it's up and downs but I loved every minute of it. I missed my family and watching my grandson play ball but he encouraged me to take the trip. It was an awesome way to celebrate a monumental birthday.

I also made a complaint to American Airlines. I explained that I can understand delays but on an International flight not to have a meal is uncalled for. They could have told us that when they handed out the voucher or they could have announced well in advance of the flight since we waited 5 hours. People would have been prepared. They gave me mileage points, enough that I should be able to book a free flight in the spring for a Disney trip.

Hope you all enjoyed Scotland and the Disney references. I am now back to just Disney.