After closing our eyes and trying not to calculate the exchange we paid 120 Pounds return for our trip from N. Ireland to Scotland. The Stena fast ferry is what the govt in British Columbia should have created, 50 mph, 1.75 hours, and there is a bar on board!!! Getting the bike on and tied down is simple, no need to bring your own tie downs as they are provided.

Had an easy crossing and zipped across to Stranraer in Scotland.

The roads in Scotland are easily the best so far, smooth pavement with lots of open corners. Loved the riding in Scotland.

Our aim for the day was to get to Edinburgh (Edinburra for those who are confused) get a place to stay then check out the town. The town itself is FANTASTIC, loved it. Easily the most friendly people so far on the trip. The whole of the old section of the city is a world heritage site. Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline high above on it's rock. The castle is worth the 8.50 pounds (dont convert dont convert) entry fee to look around and if you are there at 1 o'clock you will see the firing of the one oclock gun. Must have stolen the idea from Vancouver's 9 oclock gun. What's that? They have been firing it for hundreds of years?? Never mind...

Took the touristy bus tour to cover the city quickly as we did not have a ton of time. Also worth the £££

We sadly left Edinburgh after 2 days. For the golfers in the audience we passed Gleneagles (not in Horseshoe Bay) Troon and Turnbury in one day of riding. Spent the night in a nondescript town so we could hop the ferry back to Ireland.

Thoughts on Scotland:

Loved it, but very expensive for those using the Northern Peso.

Loved riding the smooth windy roads even with the kamikaze rabbits!!!

Edinburgh is great. Everyone should see it before they die.

The heather is purple in September, Tony was right!!

Patrick