Getting Ready to Take Off
Just last September, we were at the island moving Chris out of his college rental when Uncle Bill stopped by and told us about some great walking journeys he and Aunt Cindy have taken through the UK.
Six weeks later, our flights were booked.
We begin the first week of our adventure by walking ~15 miles each day along the 84-mile-long Hadrian’s Wall path in the north part of England, and follow it up with a week exploring Scotland.
Normally dreary, drab, and rainy climates are not my go-to travel destination – so why on earth are we headed to Scotland?! In our COVID world, it made sense to plan a visit to a country with wide-open landscapes that don’t involve hordes of people and turnstiles. And then there is my love for my dear husband, who has always had Scotland highest on his list!
As we gear up to leave, we have already been in for some excitement – both good and bad.
Starting with the bad … this week’s rail strikes in the UK: strikes will take place on almost all major lines across Britain. Our train to Hadrian’s Wall was cancelled. Now how are we supposed to get to such a remote location?
The best news is that President Biden has finally lifted the COVID re-entry test! Having to figure out a test 24-hours before take-off is just a huge hassle, and no longer having to do that is now a huge relief.
Equally exciting is the plummeting British pound – currently at $1.22 - is nearing the lowest that it has been since the 80’s!
I do have to admit, after being charmed by our Aunt and Uncle’s adventures along Hadrian’s Wall and the West Highland way, and lots of research – I think we are in for a treat, despite the daily rain forecast! I hope you’ll join us as we get away from work and the daily grind, in exchange for some long walks through the country-side, an immersion into history, the sound of bagpipes, tartan kilts (that adorn strong legs), good whisky, an absolutely incomprehensible but oh so charming accent, of course amazingly beautiful surroundings, and adorable hairy coos!
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