Day 6 - Windy, Rainy & Cold Edinburgh

Advocate's Close - a small alley off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh St. Giles Cathedral - a group from the Bay Area was performing during our visit. One of the beautiful stained glass windows at St. Giles. The day began at 8:30 - weather 50 degrees (F), a light drizzle and a whipping wind. The group was meeting Robyn, our guide for the day, for a walking tour of Edinburgh. Robyn arrived in full Scottish regalia - kilt, jacket, knee socks and bagpipe included. The tour began with a walk up a long and winding hill, against the wind. The first stop was the Grassmarket, which was the site of public hangings of protestants who refused to renounce their faith. Next we moved on to St. Giles Cathedral, making several stops along the way to hear Robyn's colorful and verbose stories. St. Giles features stunning stained glass windows and a beautiful pipe organ. The walk continued down the Royal Mile - more wonderful stories from our guide and stops at the numerous alleys (closes & wynds) along the way. We then walked back up the Mile to Edinburgh Castle. If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings - picture Minus Tirith - this is what comes to mind when I see Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding area. Winding lanes circling through the city center to the castle at the top. Edinburgh Castle plays host to the annual Tattoo - an amazing display of pipe and drum bands throughout the summer months. When we arrived, they were beginning to set up for this year's Tattoo. As the group left the Castle at the end of our tour, a white stretch limo pulled into the castle courtyard carrying a bride to her wedding reception taking place in the Castle's Great Hall. She and her bridal party were escorted to the reception by a major piper - a very grand vision. After the tour everyone was on their own for lunch and independent shopping & sightseeing. Many returned to the hotel to catch up on sleep. Here are some of the sights and experiences that group members have shared with me....

• Several ringers bought mini bagpipes so they can begin learning to pipe
• A group of women held a breast cancer walk. They all wore pink plaid caps with the theme "Moonwalk for Cancer". Barbara Wilson, on the tour with her daughter Tracy Peterson, was given one of the hats by a participant which she plans to give to a friend fighting breast cancer.
• Several researched family history and discovered that they are part of a Scottish Clan.

We all came together again at the hotel for a group dinner to share our experiences for the day. During dinner, I've passed on the thoughts and good wishes from those of you that have posted comments - thank you - it is always good to have words from home.

Now - several of us are relaxing in the hotel bar - all helping me write today's installment. A small group has gone out to take the "Tour of the Dead" a ghost tour through Edinburgh's graveyards.

We leave Edinburgh tomorrow morning at 8:30 and head to York. We will be there two days before moving on to London.

Keep your comments coming - we love hearing from you. I'll post pictures soon - I'm working on getting some pics from others in the group and technology is getting in our way. Check back later for the visuals!