Sept 25 - It's been awhile since our last posting, because we've been very busy, but mainly because we don't have wifi where we're staying. Odd that we don't, in that we have a very nice unit, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, etc., and all other amenities, but they haven't put the bucks out for wifi. We're about 3 miles west of Wooler, next to the Northumberland National Park, and central to the area, so it's a great location. And Wooler is quite a nice little town, complete with several pubs. So all is well in all regard.

The weather has been spectacular for the time of year. Here we are, Tuesday, and sunny again. Temps around low to mid-teens, so great for hiking. But I'll go back a bit, to our last day in Scotland, and I'll be brief about it. We spent the day with large crowds in Edinburgh, lining up to get into the castle, then lining up to get into the points of interest therein, but despite the masses, we enjoyed the tour, and would recommend it, as it's loaded with history. We even saw the Scottish Royal treasures...scepter, sword and crown, handed to each king upon coronation. When Cromwell came in, the practice was discontinued, and the treasures were hidden away and forgotten, only to be discovered again in the early 1800s by none other than Sir Walter Scott, the famous writer and inventor of the historical novel. And now all can see these treasures, contained in a huge safe, within the castle.

The rest of the day was spent on the Royal Mile, with a stop at the Writer's Museum, where we learned about Scott, Burns and RL Stevenson. The street is lined with shops selling tartan goods, as you might imagine. We ducked into a nice little cafe during a shower, then went down to the end to the Scottish Parliament, which we toured ( a very modern and beautifully designed Debate Chamber, where the members sit, all facing the front...not confrontational seating like we have). And we saw the Hollyrood Palace, where the Queen stays when she's here. She wasn't home, or we'd have been in for tea.

From there, on to the city of Peebles, where we stayed in a very nice old home, then on to Wooler next day, to check into our place. There's hardly anyone here, as it's end of season, so if we decide to make use of the pool and hot tub, there shouldn't be a problem.

Two days to summarize. On Sunday we did a 3 and a half hour hike up to the top of the Cheviot Hills, then along the St. Cuthbert trail through the sheep and cattle fields, and back down to Wooler. It was  a fine day, with a mix of sun and clouds, so very enjoyable. The sheep were a little shy, but didn't seem too bothered by our presence. Down into Wooler, and into the Black Bull pub for a well-deserved pint. This is a local for many people, so was busy and noisy, but just fine once we had a pint in front of us. Taxi back to our place, as we weren't up to another 3 miles of walking along a busy road.

Yesterday, we did three things: went to Holy Island (pronouced Holly) which was first settled in the 900s by a monk who was charged with bringing the heathens to the word. Must have worked, because he is still honoured to this day, being of the same name as our hiking trail. St. Cuthbert's work also led to the establishment of a large Priory, which is now in ruins, but delightful to the eye. We walked out to the castle, but didn't go in, as it's empty of furniture, having just been renovated over a three year period. We saw the 6 large lime pits that were housed on the property,  in which limestone was heated at 1,000 degrees to create lime, which was shipped to Dundee. We bought a bottle of mead on the way back to the car, watching the time, as the tide was scheduled for 1::20 p.m., at which time the causeway is covered with sea water. If you don't make it off before that time, you have to wait for the tide to recede at 7 p.m. in order to get off the island. We made it. People have been known to get on the causeway too late, and either get stranded on a little bridge that is just high enough to avoid the flood, or get inundated (a picture is posted of a car well submerged, to remind you that this is serious business).

The second activity was to go to Berwick Upon Tweed. (Berrick, for you Canadians). Here there is a very fine wall that encompasses three sides of the main part of town, the Tweed River covering the other. It was undertaken by order of Queen Mary, and then Elizabeth, and was the largest engineering project during the reign of Liz. They ran out of money, and there was even some mismanagement, so it wasn't totally completed. But it looks to have been well able to serve its purpose, although the cannon that were there have been removed. If the Russians try to take the town, they'd be quite able to do so. But it's a lovely walk of about a mile, with a garden or two and a playground down around the lower areas., the town below, and to the east, great views of the North Sea surf, and Bamburgh Castle in the distance.

The third thing was to do a seashore walk, so we were able to find a parking place south of the town and did a nice long walk along the Northumberland shore, both on the beach and above on the trail that runs for miles north to south. We met a lovely older couple along the way, who were out birding, and who surprised us by saying they have a son living in, of all places, Labrador City. He was RAF, stationed in Labrador for three years. Found his sweetheart there, and since reetirement, has there remained. Almost everyone we meet tells us of a Canadian connection, someone in the family, or a friend, who lives in Canada.

So lots of hiking again. We finished off the day with a pint at the Tankerton Arms, which was much quieter and very pleasant, with very friendly staff. (They gave us a brownie for being such good customers). They've had a very busy season, so were enjoying a quiet day, prior to a busload of Hungarians coming in next day.

All is not smooth in this journey, let me tell you. Quite often we can't follow the signs that point to where we want to go, somehow missing key corners, and having to back up and turn around in tight spaces. Happens frequently. The driving is now more comfortable, as I can now careen around corners dodging lorries with the best of them. And last night, we had a major power break-down. Gail was doing a washing, when the machine started to dance up and down, and killed a whole series of circuits. Refrig, stove, many of the lights, the t.v., all gone. But to make a long story short, Ian, the maintenance man, got us going again this morning, but for the washing/drying machine, which may be toast. We used machines in two other units to finally get the job done.

Finally, both of us have caught a cold, Gail first, who kindly handed it on to me. We have found meds that seem to help, so will tough it through. Today, rather than hours of hiking, we'll do a drive to two or three castles for a look, and no doubt end the day at a pub. Supposed to be plus 18 tomorrow, so maybe we'll head down to Hadrian's Wall for a good long walk along the top of it.

So that's enough nonsense for this post. Quite something that Tiger won on Sunday. The big event this week-end should be quite interesting, so hope we have a t.v. in our next place. That's all for now. More later. Stay tuned.