September 2019
September 28, 2019
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you for reading and commenting on the August post! Honestly, life is really low key - I walk, read, eat and sleep, so I wonder if there is much of interest to share, but share I will! Special thanks to Tom, Blaine and Lisa for your encouragement! Lisa, funny that you are getting the blog through MJ. How does that even happen?
At the end of August I took the bus from Glasgow to Dumfries - just 10 pounds for the ride which is a little less than train fare and logistically easier to deal with due to train station renovation. I have to say that people cared for me at both ends of the bus trip. Lynda, I felt like your prayers were being answered - I was surrounded with wonderful people! Taking the Glasgow city bus on a rainy morning from the flat to downtown bus station, I was uncertain of which stop would be closest. I knew where the station was, but wanted the shortest walking route since I had luggage. Passengers heard me asking the driver and were looking after me. Two ladies quickly gave me detailed directions as they departed the bus telling me to stay on. Then, Patricia changed seats to tell me not to worry, she was going my way and I should follow her. (Could she tell that I didn't understand all of what had been said? Or that I'd never remember all of it?) Anyway, Pat, a petite 74 year old, took me by the arm and marched me through a shortcut maze to the bus station. So kind of her! Then, approaching Dumfries, the last stop on the line, the driver and the few passengers remaining on the bus took care to drop me as close as possible to my destination - not an official stop on the route, but they were so concerned that I not have to go far with luggage. Again, so kind.
First two nights at the Station Hotel - I thought it was great! Some Trip Advisor reviews suggest that the building is in disrepair - come on, it's old. If you don't want old, don't come to Dumfries. After two days I checked-in to my fully equipped basement airbnb at 35 George Street. Kimberly, this place reminds me so much of living with your family in Magnolia. Sarah and her family live upstairs so there have been happy family sounds daily. I especially enjoy piano and cello practice. The apartment is two blocks from the high street and one block from the river Nith - a great location.
A typical day begins with a walk along the river or another cycle trail followed by coffee and reading at Kings Coffee on the high street/town center (yes, there is Starbucks for those who wonder). Kings has great atmosphere and they serve a an avocado smash with seeds & chili flakes that is fabulous! btw, Renee - I'm constantly resetting on the Gundy longevity diet, but still trying!) Sometimes there is music or a play at the open air stage. Select pictures from my walks follow. I included Sorbie Tower which may be of interest to family. Although it isn't far, I can't get there from here on a bus. Pictures are from my trip in 2017.
Dumfries is most well known for its rich history. Dumfries was designated as a Royal burgh in 1106. In 1306 Robert the Bruce killed his cousin John III Comyn just a block from where I am staying. The Scottish Peoples Project created a beautiful walled garden with murals depicting the bloody history on the former castle grounds where Bruce and his army did battle. It is worth visiting if you're in this area. When here, you'll also see many establishments that claim to be favorite haunts of lyricist and poet Robert Burns. I guess the whole region claims Burns.
For those expecting pictures of England's Lake district, I'm sorry to disappoint. I'll go there when equipped to backpack. I have my eye on the national trail system Hadrian's Wall path from Bowness-on-Solway to Newcastle upon Tyne or the lesser traveled, mostly unmarked Wainwright's trail from St. Bees to Robin Hood's Bay. Friends who hike continue to inspire me - special shout outs to Joanna & Susan, and Amy & Noel. Thank you for your advice and encouragement!
Again, thanks for being part of this blog community. I love reading your comments and separate emails. (write me at wendylondon@icloud.com if you don't want to comment on the blog). I will write again at the end of October from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
love,
Wendy
Dumfries and around:
My entry at airbnb at 35 George St.
Claire, Paul, Andrew - Kings Coffee
Open air theater on the high street.
The river Nith flows through Dumfries - lovely river walk, Dock Park, watching birds fish, abandoned Rosefield Woolen Mill, walking/cycling trails.
From the cycle path toward Castle Douglas starting at the train station.
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you for reading and commenting on the August post! Honestly, life is really low key - I walk, read, eat and sleep, so I wonder if there is much of interest to share, but share I will! Special thanks to Tom, Blaine and Lisa for your encouragement! Lisa, funny that you are getting the blog through MJ. How does that even happen?
At the end of August I took the bus from Glasgow to Dumfries - just 10 pounds for the ride which is a little less than train fare and logistically easier to deal with due to train station renovation. I have to say that people cared for me at both ends of the bus trip. Lynda, I felt like your prayers were being answered - I was surrounded with wonderful people! Taking the Glasgow city bus on a rainy morning from the flat to downtown bus station, I was uncertain of which stop would be closest. I knew where the station was, but wanted the shortest walking route since I had luggage. Passengers heard me asking the driver and were looking after me. Two ladies quickly gave me detailed directions as they departed the bus telling me to stay on. Then, Patricia changed seats to tell me not to worry, she was going my way and I should follow her. (Could she tell that I didn't understand all of what had been said? Or that I'd never remember all of it?) Anyway, Pat, a petite 74 year old, took me by the arm and marched me through a shortcut maze to the bus station. So kind of her! Then, approaching Dumfries, the last stop on the line, the driver and the few passengers remaining on the bus took care to drop me as close as possible to my destination - not an official stop on the route, but they were so concerned that I not have to go far with luggage. Again, so kind.
First two nights at the Station Hotel - I thought it was great! Some Trip Advisor reviews suggest that the building is in disrepair - come on, it's old. If you don't want old, don't come to Dumfries. After two days I checked-in to my fully equipped basement airbnb at 35 George Street. Kimberly, this place reminds me so much of living with your family in Magnolia. Sarah and her family live upstairs so there have been happy family sounds daily. I especially enjoy piano and cello practice. The apartment is two blocks from the high street and one block from the river Nith - a great location.
A typical day begins with a walk along the river or another cycle trail followed by coffee and reading at Kings Coffee on the high street/town center (yes, there is Starbucks for those who wonder). Kings has great atmosphere and they serve a an avocado smash with seeds & chili flakes that is fabulous! btw, Renee - I'm constantly resetting on the Gundy longevity diet, but still trying!) Sometimes there is music or a play at the open air stage. Select pictures from my walks follow. I included Sorbie Tower which may be of interest to family. Although it isn't far, I can't get there from here on a bus. Pictures are from my trip in 2017.
Dumfries is most well known for its rich history. Dumfries was designated as a Royal burgh in 1106. In 1306 Robert the Bruce killed his cousin John III Comyn just a block from where I am staying. The Scottish Peoples Project created a beautiful walled garden with murals depicting the bloody history on the former castle grounds where Bruce and his army did battle. It is worth visiting if you're in this area. When here, you'll also see many establishments that claim to be favorite haunts of lyricist and poet Robert Burns. I guess the whole region claims Burns.
For those expecting pictures of England's Lake district, I'm sorry to disappoint. I'll go there when equipped to backpack. I have my eye on the national trail system Hadrian's Wall path from Bowness-on-Solway to Newcastle upon Tyne or the lesser traveled, mostly unmarked Wainwright's trail from St. Bees to Robin Hood's Bay. Friends who hike continue to inspire me - special shout outs to Joanna & Susan, and Amy & Noel. Thank you for your advice and encouragement!
Again, thanks for being part of this blog community. I love reading your comments and separate emails. (write me at wendylondon@icloud.com if you don't want to comment on the blog). I will write again at the end of October from Belfast, Northern Ireland.
love,
Wendy
Dumfries and around:
My entry at airbnb at 35 George St.
Claire, Paul, Andrew - Kings Coffee
Open air theater on the high street.
The river Nith flows through Dumfries - lovely river walk, Dock Park, watching birds fish, abandoned Rosefield Woolen Mill, walking/cycling trails.
From the cycle path toward Castle Douglas starting at the train station.
A trail in Moffat, sheep!
Sorbie Tower, Seat of the Hanna family clan (Mom's family).
Love the pictures! Nice to see where you’re at. So sweet that people were helpful with the bus ride. Love the part about Pat marching with you to the bus stop 😄
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