Edinburgh to the Highlands/Pitlochry

 June 19, 2026

Off to the Highlands

 

In Edinburgh got up at six to the alarm. Breakfast offered eggs,

sausage, Scottish bacon (ham), beans, tomatoes and blood pudding.

 

We went back up to the room, brushed teeth,

and finished packing to meet the others by 8:45.

 

We drove to Colross, a town from the 1600s.

They have laws to keep it looking that way.

 

I remember being there with my sister, years ago.

We had gone up to the top of the hill and took pictures.

 

This time, though, we toured the yellow house.

We marveled at all the nooks and crannies and garden.

 

The house’s owner Sir George Bruce made the town famous

For its undersea coal mining and its salt mines.                                    .

 

Later, we toured an ancient chapel at St Andrews

We walked around some impressive church ruins.

 

I dozed off on the long drive to the Highlands.

I woke up grouchy, though I tried not to be.

 

We took some pics in front of Ben Nevus,

Enjoying the beautiful scenery, and I felt better.

 

We got settled into our Pitlochry hotel, fortunately on first floor.

The hotel had many steps and no elevators.

 

Our guide walked with my friend and I to town to help us

find the heather gem shop and a grocery store for snacks.

 

Lavon and I ate a delicious supper at a pub.

Now I’ve eaten schnitzel in Ireland, Germany and Scotland.

 

After we ate, we took a walk, looking for the river,

but quit before we found it because of her ankle and my back.

 

Removed the stuff scattered on my bed and journaled.

I had been ready for bed all day long.

Edinburgh, Scotland

 June 18, 2026

Found

 

Hallelujah!

Airport Lost and Found emailed.

The lost is found.

When I hold my passport,

I can chillax.

 

We walked up the hill

to Edinburgh castle

Past so many old buildings.

Bought a funny book

for the nature center library.

 

Our guide led us to the tram stop.

We trammed to the airport.

I was so happy to get my passport,

I had my friend take a picture.

Then we trammed back.

 

That was about 2 or 2:30.

We found a place to eat lunch.

I ordered chips (not crisps)

Big bowl full of French fries for five pounds.

What were they thinking?

 

We walked back to the hotel.

Got directions for hop on and off.

Stayed on the bus out of the rain.

Rode the whole circular route.

No one quiz me on what the tour guide said.

 

Had biscuits and crisps for supper.

(cookies and potato chips)

Edinburgh, Scotland

 

June 17

Approaching

 

I’m approaching panic.

I’m not there yet.

I’ve done something

I never thought I’d do.

I lost my passport.

 

I only have today and tomorrow

in Edinburgh, Scotland,

then our tour group moves on

and we’re not coming back this way.

 

Debating.

Should I give the airport

a chance to find it?

I think I left it in the seat pocket

of my last flight.

 

Or should I cancel it

and order an emergency one?

 

I’ve been emailing and phone calling all day

and going around in circles.

 

We trammed back to the airport.

The woman at lost and found sounded confident.

 

But she’s not the one who’d be stuck in Scotland.

 

I’m not at panic yet,

but I’m approaching.

 

Tour group met.

Walked to pub for supper.

Enjoyed the evening

Pushed passport problem from my mind.

Temporarily.

First Day in Scotland

 

June 16

Arriving Without Passport

 

Ten-hour ride stuck between a couple

Pain, squirm, thirsty, and watch a movie

London to Edinburgh short flight

Chat with a dad and time flies

Arrive in Edinburgh,

Uber to hotel

I settle in

Friend arrives

Passport?

No!

Flight Day

 June 15

And So it Begins

 

Check in

Play Canasta

Soup and sandwich for lunch

Son drives me to Phoenix airport

Take off

Last Day in Mesa

June 14

Ready, Set, Go

 

Sunday

Church down the street

Hubby, son and I go

Then countdown begins for my trip

Ready

Third Day in Mesa, PB On Track

June 13, 2026

On Track

 

Third day in Mesa,

spent a quiet morning,

having breakfast, reading,

praying and adoring.

 

Cleaned the bathroom,

made the meals, did the dishes,

watched the shows,

made some plans, prayed some wishes.

 

I’m on track for Scotland

for an eleven-day tour,

also England and Wales,

Couldn’t wish for anything more.

 

But for my long-time friend and I

to be filled with joy and peace,

and that our sense of adventure

and humor will not decrease.