UK & Ireland - Summer 2006

Day 7 - Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and a Deep Fried Mars Bar
Our last day in Edinburgh was touring the city by foot starting at the Edinburgh Castle with the rain as an added bonus. The Castle had stands being erected for the Tattoo in August, and there was a private function at the actual Palace within the castle walls. We did see the Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Regimental Museum and the crown jewels of Scotland including the Stone of Destiny. From the castle gates we walked down the Royal Mile visiting a few shops and having a fried Mars bar at The Deacon’s House Café. We walked most of the mile and were ready to head back to the hotel in time for the sun to come out. We switched to new rooms for our last night and rested before going out to the coast line for dinner at Daniel’s. After dinner we had evening tea and played a game of Uno.

The entrance to Edinburgh Castle. Another sunny day for touring. Guess where this photograph was taken. The pass up to the higher points of the castle. Looking up the castle wall.
The Edinburgh Castle is built on an extinct volcano. Looking through a cannon post at the Scott Monument. From the castle wall looking out to the North See over the train station. From Edinburgh Castle over the West PRince Street Gardens to the North Sea and the Firth of Forth beyond. More of "Old Town" Edinburgh with th "Hub" to the right. It is the cities highest spire.
A segment of the Argle Battery that stands above the West Prices Street Gardens. Within the castle walls there were many levels, while standing along the Argle Battery segments of the castle still stand above. Looking out the window from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guard Regimental Museum. Part of the Palace where Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI. Looking down at the animal cemetery, were several well traveled dogs are buried.
Melissa looking out towards the Calton Hill from the highest point at Edinburgh Castle. Looking down through the castle - can you tell that it was often hard to tell where we had been in the castle and where we had not been? Tina trying to stay dry on such a fine Scottish day. Looking past the cannon to Nelson Monumnet on Calton Hill. Part of the inner castle maze of brick and stone buildings.
Melissa at the entrance to the Palace. There was a private function at the Palace, so this was as close as we could get - notice the very scary guards. The Palace square of tourists. Scottsmen heading to their function. A sea of olive green up the long walk to the very top of the castle.
The Royal Mile, shops, museums and resturants leading from the castle down to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. St. Giles Cathedral along High Street - a section of the Royal Mile. Just past the Cathedral, can you see the Braveheart Cow standing on the Mercat Cross? This marks the city center. An alleyway along the way through Old Town Edinburgh. What more can we say - they deep fry everything.
Chris and Melissa's deep fried Mars Bar. Further down the Royal Mile as it begins to clear up. Melissa visiting one of the red phone booths. The sun is trying to make an appearance. The Palace of Holyroodhouse?
Looking out the hotel window toward the castle. Spires pushing above the buildings from our hotel window. The stone street behind the hotel. The walk along the water front in Leith. Tina, Chris and Brad walking toward Daniel's for dinner.
The entrance to the street for dinner. The signage from reverse. Our little van parked and waiting for us. Another room, another view. Our hotel was actually a time share.
It looks nice and quaint Chris and Melissa's view. The area looks very quiet and relaxing. Chris and Melissa'a second room in Edinburgh. This room only had one working window.
Melissa's try at French Press coffee. Chris moments before his nap in the room number two. Our last night in Edinburgh.