edinburgh, scotland, uk

This day started out with a 2 and a half train ride from our little village to Edinburgh. While on the train, I saw spectacular views of the harbors, the oceanside, fields littered with grazing sheep, many other small villages and two major bridges. The view that welcomed me to Edinburgh was from the train coming out from a tunnel to a breathtaking view of the castle that seems to grow straight out of the rock.

Across the street from Waverley train station. This is the monument that greeted me. 

Balmore Hotel - just outside of the station

Memorial to Walter Scott

I climbed up to the top of the Walter Scott memorial, this was one of the pictures I snapped

Entry to Edinburgh Castle

View from the  north castle wall

view from north castle wall

Inside the castle, it is more like a small village

cannon with view from the half moon battery

looking down Royal Mile

St. Giles Cathedral

entry to St. Giles Cathedral

another look down Royal Mile

Cannongate Church

cemetery at Cannongate Church

I was sad to leave Edinburgh, but little did I know, I was going back again another day.

On the ride home as we crossed the first harbor, I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen over the water. I made it home and missed Edinburgh already.

dyce, scotland, uk

I arrived. I am safe and sound - although missing my iPhone. May you rest in peace, wherever you are.

Back to the good stuff.

Snoopy is staying in a little town called Dyce which is about 7 miles outside of Aberdeen. Snoopy really wanted a chance to show me the city, so he asked if I could stand it, to stick around Dyce. Unfortunately, this left leisurely strolls through parks and sitting on rocks with a book for many hours. I did learn that the people here are incredibly friendly! They also love their pups so I have befriend many furry little friends. They also have a Wal-Mart type store where I sat and enjoyed a latte and a granola bar after the flight. It is like Austin with its rocky hills, but with seagulls like Galveston, with humidity levels like San Antonio and piney woods forests like Sam Houston State Park - all wrapped up in a cold bundle.

Church of Dyce - not sure how old it is, but there is a document that says it was restored in the 1860’s

Just outside the Church of Dyce is a beautiful garden accented with weathered white benches

Everywhere you go, wild daffodils are blooming! They are all down the roads and sidewalks, and also in people’s home gardens! 

Distant view of Riverview Park overlooking the River Dee

River Dee at Riverview Park

The water was rolling over rocks making a soothing crashing sound

Up the stream were ducks, birds, and dogs chasing balls into the water. I asked the owners if the pups got cold, but they said they enjoyed it! 

Crashing water over rocks

One of the furry friends I met along the river

Lady and her pup walking along the river path

Stay tuned, tomorrow brings new adventures! 

dog parks and boardwalks

It has been a while! Things have been so busy that I haven't been able to take many pictures. 

This weekend had a few adventures such as visiting a muddy dog park and having lunch with a dear friend at the Kemah Boardwalk. 

Saturday we went to the dog park with Gunner. It was buzzing with happy dogs who clearly were suffering from cabin fever after so many rainy days.

One of Gunner’s friends was this cute little pup who seemed to take in the camera love.

This sweet girl (whom the owners were calling Jelly) was spending ample time chasing Gunner through the park.

Gunner was very happy to be out and about.

Gunner smelling the grass along the sidewalk

 I think the best part about this trip was the abundance of puddles!

When there are puddles, there are dogs that like to play in puddles.

There was a playful Weimaraner that was exploring  a puddle towards the back of the park.

This girl was the best! We had to watch out for the moment when she decided that it was a good time to dig in the mud because she flung in all directions.

Not only did she fling mud with her paws, she also ate the mud, which is why you see mud on her face.

I met with a close friend of mine for lunch at the Kemah Boardwalk.

After having a great time at lunch, I stuck around to take a few pictures at the boardwalk since I don’t get a chance to go often.

Just outside of the restaurant was a horse drawn carriage. Wait, an animal? Of course, I had to get a picture.

The driver was nice enough to let me snap a picture. The horse wasn’t entirely happy about it, but was a good sport.

I think the biggest surprise came when I looked up and next to the driver was a Corgi puppy! As soon as I pulled the camera out, the pup was an excellent sport and decided to play with his toy for the camera.

After the thrill of the horse and puppy, I started with the pond of the toy boats.

There weren’t anyone out there to control them and crash them into teach other. They were floating aimlessly around the waterfalls.

Boardwalk of tables

Across the way, there were pelicans hanging out on pilings.

A man walking on the boardwalk

I love the use of pilings to look like a ship was tied to the dock. I am not sure why this made me happy, but it did.

Many sail boats

I love how animals balance on a single piling despite the breeze and the water.

Boy looking out at the sail boats

The railroad crossing is funny simply because the train crossing arm is probably only about 6 feet long and the train moves at the pace of the snail. But it still warns people to get off the tracks efficiently.

I do not care how ugly the water seems sometimes, there is nothing more soothing than the sound of water splashing against the rocks.

Bottles at a carnival game

I loved this little windmill even though it seemed a little out of place.

Hopefully I will be able to take pictures more often than once every few months.