Edinburgh to Stirling-to view the entire blog (starting with the most recent post) click on 2011 on the right under archives

More of Mugdock Castle, north of Glasgow. There was nobody home.

It would be a drag to be Patrick McNicholl. I guess being the second to last would be a bummer too, and you wouldn't get your name on the plaque 300 years later.

 These shelters were  built during world war II for protection from German bombing.

Brochen Lom (gaelic for runny porridge). Fortunately for Jo, this was more creamy than watery.

On July 4 I had an amazing lesson with Alison Kinnaird in Temple. We worked on treatment and ornamentation of traditional air melodies. This is the view of from her driveway-the ruins of the church and graves going back 600+ years (The Knights of the Templair). 

Another shot from Ms. Kinnaird's driveway. 

Imagine this in your backyard. Original pagan stonemason's tombstone. Check out the mason tools on one side and the bones on the other. Alison's husband told me their kids once found an ancient skull while playing in a nearby ravine.

We're guessing this creepy tombstone could be from the 1300's. After my lesson with Alison we spent the rest of the day walking around Edinburgh. Here is the castle which overlooks the city.

 

After my lesson with Alison we spent the rest of the day walking around Edinburgh. Here is the castle which overlooks the city. This picture doesn't capture the immense size of the place.

Here is a cool picture of Edinburgh-you can see the outline of the castle up to the left of the clock tower.

 We are so glad to be here!

Another E-burgh shot.

On July 5 we headed to Stirling Castle, at the foot of the highlands. This place is a fortress, steeped in history. At the entrance is the statue of the legendary Robert the Bruce, the warrior who became king at the beginning of the 14th century..

From Robert's  statue we could see the William Wallace (breaveheart) monument thru the misty haze.

Gotta be careful up here!

We began to realize how much serious stuff went down here. One thing is for sure, if you mess with the king, bad things happen. This earl didn't respect the kings wishes, and was cut "neck to navel".

The tour guide gave us a brilliant tour with the history and significance of this hallowed place. Whoever held Stirling Castle controlled all of Scotland.

The original entrance.

I'm out of internet time-I'll post more soon from here at Stirling, and a bunch from up in the highlands and the Isle of Skye

Newcastleton to Edinburgh, Mulgaive, Temple and beyond

July1-3, 2011

1st session in a crowded pub.

Dude with his chopper.

Sporran, another of our Newcastleton roommates

Scottish bikers mean business.

Our new friends the Browns from Cumbria. In this town, eye contact = instant friendship. They kept Jo Ellen company while I was busy with the harp.

 We kept meeting, and finally got together with our instruments. This is what its all about. Chris Beveridge (Scotland),  Caroline Bushby (Austrailia), and myself. (with strolling concertina player). Chris could instantly crank out any melody, Caroline is a master accompanist. It was nice to have it all covered,  to keep it all together and still having one hand to swat at the midgies. There were other sessions nearby, and if someone knew the tune we were playing they would politely come over and join us without taking over, and then go back. It was so tasteful and heavenly. Welcome to Scotland for sure! Its all about the music. 

Prince Charles-don't let the cuteness fool you, this dude is a gigalo

Jammin with Caroline

May and Paul joined us for a bunch of tunes. OMG they were awesome. They live in Stirling, and offered me a place to sleep when I am nearby later in the trip. I just might take you up on that, but you will probably have to put up with some tunes!

There were also some serious and intense moments (like having to say good bye). Off to Edinburgh for the next adventure.

Newcastleton-jumping for joy at the intersection of This is Incredible & I love it Here.

As soon as we drove out of town, there was this llama, running like an eagle.

In a little town half way to Edinburgh we ended up on the wrong road coming off a roundabout. A mile or two out of town we still were not sure so we turned around and went back. We were stopped by the police yikes! I thought I was speeding. They said I was swerving and wanted to make sure I wast't drunk. I told them it was our second day in the country, we took a wrong turn, and I still have no idea what I was doing. "Ye havin' a wee bit 'o trouble drivin' on the left side"? They must have seen the harp (not in the case) laying across the back seat (buckled in with the seatbelt of course) and offered to give us a police escort back to town where they led us to the correct road and we were on our way

Cheyenne showing me how its done-we had a great lesson, working on ideas for playing interesting left hand rhythms and chord voicings to put with melodies that I had already learned. She also showed be a new tune and shared a hot tea with me. Lots to practice, but I learned a lot of things that I can start using right away.

Playing one of Cheyenne's historical harps.

Thank you Cheyenne!

 The ruins Mugdock Castle, north of Glasgow-our first Scottish castle, dating back to the 1300's. A lot of serious stuff went down here over the centuries.

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.