So the first stop on the last day of the Scotland sojourn was a boat trip on Loch Katrine, beginning and ending at Stronachlachar.  It was supposed to be aboard a famous steamship, ‘Sir Walter Scott,’ but the propeller fell off and we had to go on another boat. It was two hours roundtrip on the Loch; a clear day, but windy and freezing cold.   The most interesting part of the boat ride was watching a group of day trippers from Glasgow.  A fun, motley crew who I intellectually knew were speaking English, but it sure didn’t sound like it.

After Loch Katrine, it was on to Rosslyn Chapel, in Roslin, Midlothian.  I’d been looking forward to this visit.  The chapel was featured in ‘The Da Vinci Code‘ and is famous for its connection to the Knights Templar, the Masons, and possibly the resting place of the Holy Grail.  I found the medieval architecture and decorations stunning.  There is so much to see it’s almost overwhelming.

After Rosslyn, it was on to Melrose Abbey, the final destination of our trip.  Melrose Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland and is famous as the resting place of the heart of Robert the Bruce.  Another medieval architectural masterpiece.

After Melrose, it was on to Glasgow and our last Scottish hotel, Blythswood Square.  I don’t have any photos of Glasgow; we arrive after dark and it’s not really the most picturesque place in the world.

The following day, we started our trip home – Glasgow to Dublin, Dublin to Dulles, and Dulles to Austin.  The transatlantic flight was on Aer Lingus, so it was kind of like a little trip to Ireland thrown in!