Finally in Scotland.

Well, were do I start..........................Dave and I had our last breakfast and took off for Spalding.  A little rain to start, but all went well.  Stopped at two service points along the way and had refreshments.

 Forgot to add Phil the Pheasant earlier.  He was found abandoned by his mum and Barry and Lucy tried to save him, but he only last three days.  Poor Phil.









Weather cleared and became quite warm. The Air-conditioning in the car didn't work, so became a little uncomfortable, but bearable. We arrived at the Jacobs' residence about 4.30pm.  Poor Dave was quite tired after all that driving.  All along motorways, but still tiring.

This one is for your Joan.  Thought you might be envious of all the drawers.

 this is one of dave's antiques, he has some lovely stuff, but lots of it.  Didn't take many pictures, but he asked why after I left.  Didn't want to be rude.

Here are some of his antiques.  The house is lovely inside.  Been fairly recently renovated as they have extended since they bought it 12 years ago.  Had pie, potatoes and peas for tea, and a fairly early night.

Then next morning, Dave and Les took the car back, and then I had breakfast and their mum and dad arrived for morning tea.  Did some washing as well last night so was trying to finish drying some of the pants.  Did a little research and then had some lovely crusty breadstick and nice cheese for lunch, sitting out in the sun, very pleasant.

More research and packing, and then left, we thought, but when we got to Peterborough which is 40 minutes away, there were renovations being done and only one ticket clerk, so by the time we got the ticket, the train was leaving on another platform.  I had also realized by this time I had left my jacket and wallet at home.

So back we went, I felt so awful, and the boys were so patient and polite.  By the time we got back, we changed the ticket fairly quickly.  I had to change at York for Edinburgh and then to Glascow.  No probs I thought.

 This is some rape which is grown every where, not just near Spalding, but everywhere, including Scotland and saw lots on the plane from Turku too.

Looks pretty, but quite a strong odour.  What we call canola.

           
  Also took this field of flax next to one of the fields of flax.

Anyway, back to the trip.  The train was only 15 minutes wait, so sent the boys home.  Boarded the train ok, but had probs with the baggage, and some nice man took it down to the baggage department for me, sideways.  Found a seat no probs, and off we took.  Till we got past Newark, Northgate.

Quite a nice station with lots of iron work.











Then, we had a massive hold up.  There had been a major signal and trains were lined up, just the Edinburgh train runs every half hour.  And there are other lines branching off.  Should have been in at 10 and arrived just
after midnight.  Had to change trains as York, but was able to use my computer from York to Edinburgh.  Was unsecured so didn't access the internet, but you did have 15 minutes free access.  Power for the computers too.  Makes our VicRail look sick, plus they all have cafe cars and a trolley that comes through.

As I had still to go one to Glascow, and others had to go onto other destinations, there were staff and taxis galore lined up and sorted very efficiently.  There were five of us in the taxi, two pull down seats, and luggage.  The other girl was only going to her hotel in Edinburgh but it was a very roundabout way to get there.

The other three men were to Linlithgow which is about half way to Glascow.  Then just Alex and I all the way to Glascow.  The cost was over 100 pounds, which we didn't pay of course.  But he said he would have to wait a few months to get paid.  He chatted away like nobody's business.  And gave me his phone number if every I get to Edinburgh again  :D

From the train between Glascow and Edinburgh, where I went today to do some research.  I think it may have been Falkirk, but can't remember.  Found out heaps at ScotlandsPeople,  I hope you are reading this Gwnne and Nin, so am going to Skye tomorrow and then work my way back to Falkirk and surrounding areas.  Had a wander around Glascow, just near here.  Am going to bed soon as it was after 2 when I got her last night or should I say morning, and then couldn't sleep.

 The bed is very comfortable though, and a choice of soft or firm pillows.

 From the door,

The bathroom.  Quite unusual in that the door to the toilet becomes the door to the whole bathroom, if you get my meaning.









Anyway, time for bed.  Goodnight all till the next episode.  Thanks for your interest.