Scotland! (click pictures to enlarge)

My bags are packed. The dog is not pleased.

At the Greensboro Airport.

Goodbye NC

Hello New Jersey-the view of Manhattan w/the Empire State Building (from the terminal).

This was across from the steak joint in the airport. Hmmmmm

After a sleepless overnight flight, getting ready to land in Glasgow.

We  picked up the car in Glasgow and headed south for the Scottish borders. We saw a bunch of wind turbines from the road. Quite impressive.

The road to Newcastleton took us for a little dip into England for a couple of miles. I'm so happy to be traveling with lovely wife Jo Ellen for the 1st nine days of the trip.

This picture needs no explanation!

After a white knuckle ride thru the countryside on the left hand side of the road with Jo Ellen's repeated reminders at to to not run off the left side of the road, (with plenty of confusing roundabouts) we made it to Newcastleton where the Traditional Music Festival was kicking off.

Our first new friend in Scotland-Susie is in charge at the festival office and brought me a harp from Dumfries that I'll be using for the month.

Susie arranged a guest house for us in town. Here is Joey and our car in front of the house.

I'm glad we checked out the back of the house-dig this flower garden!

Sitting in our back yard.

Jo Ellen enjoying our pad.

Beth, the charming young lass from the festival office who showed us to our room and entertained us with stories of growing up on the borders

This is our roommate Siobhan, beautiful Scottish singer with a golden voice.

View from the upstairs window

Aye, one must be careful.

After being up for two days we were ready for a good night's slumber, but not before squeezing in for a couple of tunes at a local pub session.  (More pics coming soon)

What a great start, and the weather is perfect! Next is the ride to Edinburgh.