Einstein S.T.A.G.E.: Once in the Highlands, The Highlands of Scotand....

....36 weary travelers did NOT lose their way, because they were shepherded by an expert guide and driver!

Today was our Stirling Castle-Trossachs day! It was a day to get out of town, enjoy the beautiful Scottish countryside and commune a little with nature!

At 9:00 we met our guide Susan and bus driver Archie, who would lead us toward the Highlands. It was a rainy, gloomy morning but moods were good as we embarked on our journey.

Archie and Susan will take good care of us

Our first stop, about an hour west of town, was the little town of Stirling and the exquisite Stirling castle. This was the centrer of the Stuart dynastsy and as the site of the crowning of Mary Queen of Scots. Parts of the castle date from the 14th century. It has been extensively reconstructed, especially the royal palace. We had about an hour to explore inside.

The William Wallace Monument is visible across the valley

Sarah and Stina didn't get the memo about the blue jackets!

The royal palace at Stirling Castle

The royal jester at Stirling castle

In the Great Hall, King Christian and Queen Sophia receive visitors

...until they are overthrown by King Carlos and Queen Zach (umm...)

The royal palace has been extensively restored

In the courtyard

A dramatic sky today

The brighter part is the Great Hall.

Beautiful landscaping throughout

After that it was on to the little town of Callendar, on the edge of the Trossachs, the bristly but beautiful countryside on the edge of the Scottish Highlands and Scotland's beautiful lochs. We received a bag lunch and had a chance to stroll down to a little park, where everyone had a great time feeding the ducks and seagulls, along with the beautiful swan that ruled the pond.

Ready to feed the ducks

All smiles at lunch

Kyle and Noah are both notorious photobombers

Simon wants to feed the birds, tuppence a bag

Our swan - we'll call him Clem

Chaperones on break (is there ever a break?)

Back on the bus, we took a very short ride to a wollen mill where the big attraction was Hamish, the Highland Cow. Highland cattle are a staple of the area, and they are as docile and friendly as can be - everyone had the chance to get up close and personal with Hamish!

Hamish comes over for a look

Are you hungry, Noah?

This was the smaller one

David makes friends

Are you hungry, Hamish?

Let me feel that stuff

What do you mean you're leaving?

We then started climbing up into the highlands, where the heather was just beginning to bloom. Unfortunately because of the wet roads we were not able to go to the overlook I was able to go to last year - but I'll insert last year's picture so you can see what we missed! We did stop for a photo op with some more Highland cows and a beautiful backdrop;!

Traveling through the highlands

The castle-like builiding across the loch is a hotel

Stopping at the "second best" photo op space

They don't seem to care about second best

the family of "Highand Coos" have found us

What do you have for me Zzch?

From last year's photo stop - we couldn't get here

This was the photo we used in the bar scene in Brigadoon

Our last stop was at the Scottish wollens center, a place I remember going to 9 years ago on a family vacation. The gift shop is outstanding, along with the demonstration of sheep herding and the display of endangered birds of prey - note some of our folks bravely held the biggest owl!

Birds of prey on display

Ms B is feeling owl-right

David is an animal lover

Check out that wing span!

Our bus trip home was accompanied by Scottish music and much sleeping.

Heading back to Edinburgh

Getting closer

But our day was not complete - we had an assigned show to go to. From Illinois, "Welcome To The Moon And Other Plays" - a collection of short pieces in widely different styles all on various aspects of love relationships. It reminded us of Almost Maine, but without the charm and comedy. More photos of us waiting to get in - some of the best chances for pix!