Now What?

The last post was from Dan, more than two weeks ago at the beginning of the pilgrimage. I guess we were a bit too busy to update this blog while the trip was in progress. Too much going on and typing any significant amount of information on an iPhone is an impossibility, at least for me.

So here's the plan. Based on our memories and any cryptic notes we took while on the trip we'll attempt to document our activities, well at least the ones that are suitable for mixed audiences. I don't know who, if anyone, is following this blog, so it may just be for us, but that's fine.

My plan is to make additions in approximately the chronological order in which they happened. Dan or Dylan can do what they like. I hope they will correct any mistakes in my recollections, grammar, spelling or any other error I commit!

I've seen the promised land and it is good!

I arrived in Edinburgh on schedule at half past 10am this morning. Exhausted from the travel I had a light lunch at at airport Cafe Nero before tackling the last few miles of my journey from Washington DC to old town Edinburgh. 

Revitalized after some much needed grub I hopped on a comfortable Airlink express shuttle downtown. 

For 3 pounds 50 pence I got more than my money's worth!

I arrived at my home for the night (a DLUX of ME recommendation) and was pleased to find a stunning view of Castle Rock from the hostel entrance. 

Wasting no time I joined a three hour city tour and took in many of the cities main attractions (along with a healthy heaping of history) on foot. 

After the tour there was just enough time for a quick happy hour pint before heading back to the hostel to clean up before dinner. 

So far this trip is batting 1000. Can't wait for the rest of the crew to arrive in the morning!

-Dlux of DC 

The Journey Has Started

After an excruciatingly long period of waiting the journey has begun!! Hurrah!!
Actually it's only begun for one of us. Dan is safely in Scotland scouting out Edinburgh as I write. He departed yesterday and had a safe journey.
Dylan, Greg and I depart today. Greg and I in about three hours and Dylan a bit later. In a perfect world we all met in the lobby of the Edinburgh airport in about 19 hours and head to the Kingdom of Fife.

Balblair

When you sit at the bar at your favorite watering hole and peruse the selection on the shelves behind the barman, er should I say barpreson, what do you see for single malt Scotch whisky choices? Chances are you'll only find Glenlevit, Glenfiddich or both. Is this because those two are the best single malts? Some would say yes and some would disagree. Sounds like a typical night at your local watering hole, doesn't it. I'd say it's because each possesses a strong and powerful marketing department.
Both of those companies have distilleries in the famous Spey Valley that offer tours and tastings. We could visit them or take the path less travelled.

In our search for Highland distilleries we stumbled across Balblair. It's a relatively small distillery near Edderton, not far from Tain and Glenmoranigie distillery (we might visit that one as well). Balblair has limited distribution in the States but is renown for 'vintage' whiskies that have won many awards. Therefore we have arranged a tour that includes tasting of  three vintages on Wednesday May 15 at 2:00 pm.
We'll post a review next week!

Don't let a long flight cramp your golf game

Use some of these patented in-flight exercises to stay limber during your flight so that you arrive in Edinburgh relaxed and ready to play some golf!

-DLux of DC

Back Update

During the last work week I visited the chiropractor three times and went to see a massage therapist once. Next week, I've got the same schedule for treatment. Am I free of back pain? I think not. Will it be manageable in Scotland? I hope so! Particularly with my morning stretch and if I walk. Walking seems to help. I think a good stretch before golf will also be a big deal.

The Chiropractor

I visited the chiropractor yesterday. He worked on me for 20 minutes and gave me some stretches. It was somewhat painful but it was all for the good. He also wants to see me today, tomorrow and three times next week. He understands the significance of the trip. I will see the massage therapist once more before the trip. I stretch morning & night and I try and exercise every chance I get.
I'm doing all I can to get in shape. Perhaps I waited too long? I'm worried that the round at the Old Course will be the fourth straight day of golf. I hope the back holds up!