We continued along our route and arrived at the city of Edinburg, where we spent the rest of the day.


The central part of Edinburgh is watched over by the Edinburgh Castle.


The oldest pub in town, the White Hart is located on Grassmarket and shares its Victorian architecture with other buildings in the area. Notice the hilarious sign in front of the pub.


West Bow just off the Royal Mile and it’s iconic colorful shops and restaurants.


John Kay’s Shop is a wonderful little store full of globes, airplanes, balloons, and...


...metal toys to remind you of the UK.


A bronze statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch and 7th Duke of Queensberry, stands above Parliament Square.


Tourists walk over the Heart of Midlothian - A heart-shaped mosaic, formed in colored granite sets. This area used to be the site of a prison where countless executions took place near the mosaic. Sometimes people spit on the heart to show their disdain for the executions that used to take place here.


This church has been the religious focal point of Edenburgh for over 900 years! The present church dates from the late 14th century, though it was restored in the 19th century.


The impressive 117-piece pipe-organ.


Two ornate unicorns, Scotland’s national animal, are depicted on this crest located in the Thistle Chapel.


Some of the ornate details of the cathedral.


The Robert Burns Memorial in stained glass designed by Icelandic artist Leifur Breidfjörd.




A bagpiper plays among the streets of the Royal Mile.


The Camera Obscura & World of Illusions seemed like an interesting place. Why not?

The Camera Obscura was built in 1835. There isn’t much to it really. It’s a dark room with a large table and a beam of light. But wait…

…An image of Edinburgh begins to appear on the table. It’s not a recording. It’s a real time projected image! By today’s standards (of GCI where anything you can imagine can happen on the big screen), it’s not incredible, but in the 19th century this was fascinating stuff.


The views from the Camera Obscura observation deck are pretty good…


The Hub, with its iconic gothic spire is the highest point in central Edinburgh.


Adding a bit of modern architecture to the old town.


The floors below Camera Obscura are where the World of Illusions are located. It was fun to walk around and participate in the interesting exhibits.


A black light made for some interesting photos.


Look closely. This image is actually two female models painted to look like a chameleon.


Illusion Chessboard by Maurits Cornelis Escher. You most likely know him better by his artist name of M. C. Escher.


Glow lamps were fun to interact with. Expect to get a little shock though!


Keith Newstead does some incredible automata all choreographed using a rotating wheel. Amazing! See a video of his sculptures here: https://www.keithnewsteadautomata.co...ree-bind-mice/


Hand with Reflecting Sphere Depiction by M. C. Escher.


Thermal image camera shows why Chantil is always cooler than me. Look how much cooler here face is than mine!

Trying something new like these Jelly Slugs candies. Harry Potter seems to be very popular here.


Edinburg is an interesting city that combines the youthfulness of a college city with the old architecture of the 17th century.


An entire neighborhood in Edinburgh is named after Greyfriars Bobby; a dedicated Skye Terrier who spend 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray, until he died himself on 14 Jan 1872. A drinking fountain was placed in Bobby’s honor in 1873. The sculpture was William Brodie. It’s held up well, even with the century of rubbing Bobby’s nose.


The final resting place for both John Gray and Bobby is in Greyfriars Kirkland.


Well-wishers place sticks in front of the gravestone of Bobby.


Stores are named in his honor as well.


A row of University of Edinburgh buildings caught my eye. This particular building seemed to have something different about it.


Something as simple as white chalk outlines around the original bricks made this building stand out.


More unique patterns among the streets of Edinburgh.


The University of Edinburgh’s Old College Building with its dome stands above fast food restaurants where the students can grab a bite between classes.


Scots seem to have a lot of patriotism for their flag.


A mix of modern with a nod to the original 17th century buildings.


The Scotsmen Steps have connected North Bridge and Waverley Station ever since 1899. Each of the 104 steps received a major overhaul in 2011. Each step is now a different colored marble.


The major marble quarries are all represented from Italy to India, from Belgium to Brazil.


The Royal Unicorn and Scottish flag sit atop of the Mercat Cross in Parliament Square.


The Aha Ha Ha joke and novelties store on Bow Street is hard to miss.


On the night of 2-3 April 1916 two German airships, the L14 and the L22, dropped 23 bombs on Leith and the City of Edinburgh. Seven residents of Edinburgh were killed during the bombings. Today, over 100 years later, our two German motorcycles are parked just a few hundred feet from this location. It’s important that we remember the past such that we are not doomed to repeat the mistakes but it’s more important to move on and create to a better and more peaceful world.

There is definitely A LOT to see in Edinburgh. If we had more time, I think we would have enjoyed the castle and some of the overlooks around the city.

Our camp site for the night wasn’t too far away at the Drummohr Holiday Park.

300 km of riding today. We left Scotland to return to England and enjoyed Holy Island (B), Northumberlandia (C), Angel of the North (D), and North York Moors National Park (E).

We woke up at 7:38 AM and got our camping equipment and bikes packed up by 8:00 AM. A record for us!

We took the freeway in order to make good time to Holy Island. This small community is isolated from the rest of England twice a day when the tide raises. Access is via a causeway that can be driven at low tide. We just happened to luck out and were able to visit from 10:05 AM until 15:50 PM today!


The entrance road into Holy Island. This causeway is the only way in and the only way out for motored vehicles. Plan your route because twice a day, during the high tides, the road will be covered with salty ocean water. Salt water is not good for our mules, even if they are adventure mules.


The island’s website lists the safe times to travel across the causeway for each day. Although the website said it wasn’t safe until 10:05 AM, these folks are already on their way at 09:50. I think we’ll wait a bit...


... and take pictures of this guy chilling just behind a concrete barrier. Aweeeeee!


Crossing the causeway was no problem; although there was a short section of about 6 inch deep salt water to cross. Just before entering the town, you must park in a large paid-parking area. I imagine this keeps traffic within the small community to a minimum and provides a bit of income to a town that seems to flourish because of visitors.


A small bird sits on the cross inscribed with the Latin abbreviation “Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm” or "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews."


A nicely decorated window sill in the village of Holy Island.


A nature display showing that there is more to the island than just the village and castle.


Bird stickers hopefully keeps folks (and birds) from bumping into the glass.


The flooring in the visitor’s center challenges you to find the bird that matches the “foot” print.


The extreme tide not only effects access to the island but access to your sailboat as well. These boats have specially designed twin keels to support the weight of the boat as it sits on the muddy bottom.


Boats, a small village, walking trails - my kind of place.


Just up the road is the Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century castle built on a hill overlooking the North Sea.


Fall flowers in full bloom, a nice breeze, sunny skies – a perfect day!


A small garden provides a diversion from the hustle and bustle of tourists at the castle.




A sculpture of a Snipe made from twisted branches.




Flying with the Snipe.

The rocky beach is full of hundreds of cairns.




Many folks place the round rocks, from the beach, to form all kinds of shapes.


Next to the castle are the Castle Point Lime Kilns that were used for the calcification of limestone to produce the form of lime called quicklime. These kilns have not been used since the 1880s but are surprisingly well preserved.


A recycled boat hull is cut on half to produce the roof and walls of this storage shed.


Lindisfarne Castle from the rocky beach.


Seaweed with its pods is exposed at low tide.




On our way back to the parking lot we walked through town...


...and enjoying a lunch of some creme of celeriac soup at The Ship Inn.


Some artwork and trinkets above the fireplace at The Ship Inn.


A scarf with the UK flag hangs from a coat-hook at The Ship Inn.


A lion head door knocker in the town of Holy Island.


Local venders were selling fresh fruit and vegetables along the road.


We left the island well before the tide started raising so that we wouldn’t be like this poor chap.

After Holy Island, our next stop was Northumberlandia. Northumberlandia? Sounds like a ferry-tale kinda place!? What is it? It’s 1.5 million tons of earth from a neighboring mine formed into the shape of a reclining female figure.


A small cafe and visitors center are at the entrance area. There is no cost to park or visit the park.


The sculpture is is 34 meters (112 feet) high and 400 meters (1,300 feet) long.


From the parking area you walk through a small forest.


The trail has some surprises like this tiny home for Smurfs.


The Lady of the North! Her face and chest are visible from the viewing point.


Chantil standing on the... (get your mind out of the gutter!)...viewing hill, located next to the Lady of the North.


On her forehead is this sculpture of a hand and pointing finger. What does it mean? What is it for??


Picking your nose, I guess?!?


View of the Lady of the North looking down from her forehead. You can see her nose and eyes in the foreground.


On her chest is a small plaque pointing to another sculpture – The Angel of the North. Hmm, we’ll have to look that one up.


A section of her hip is sculpted with a sitting area to enjoy the green grass and blue sky.


The visitors center has an overhead view of the lady. Drones are not allowed due to close proximity to a nearby airport.


A mosaic of the Lady of the North.

After exploring the hills and walkways of Northumberlandia we made our way a bit further south to this sculpture titled…


Angel of the North; a contemporary piece, designed by Antony Gormley. Chantil is as the base of the statue for size comparison.


The area is also an informal memorial with items hanging from nearby trees that were placed in memory of those who passed on.


The problem I had with this sculpture is the location. From the freeway, you only see the very top of it over the treeline...


...I wished it has been placed on top of a mountain and visible from all compass directions. Even so, it was worth the short stop.

We continued south. Found a Chinese takeout place. Ate it in the parking lot; something homeless people and motorcycle travelers seem to do.


For dessert, we shared this Snickers bar and learned a new British word. Faffer: A fussy, indecisive individual, prone to procrastination, dithering between tasks, and who is easily distracted and achieves very little. In-two-minds, he/she flops from one thing to another and starts all over again.

We entered the North York Moors National Park where I was expecting a forested area but was surprised by the beauty of the wide-open plains.


Watch out for sheep! Initially, Chantil would call them out via the Bluetooth headset, but after a km of this, we realized it was futile - There were just too many sheep. At least sheep are not skittish like deer; they seem indifferent to passing vehicles.




Enjoying the sunset and gorgeous views. North York Moors NP, you surprised me!




I even found a trail that was a bit fun for riding my off-road mule through. I wanted to take it down the hill a bit more, but it looked like it didn’t go anywhere that we could camp for the night.


A stone cross just off the road at North York Moors National Park.


We rode until just after sunset and found a place to camp in a field next to the White Lion Inn. Cost £5. One of cheapest places we’ve camped the whole trip! It also came with some great views once we found an area for the tent that was clear of sheep crap. Dumb sheep seem to crap everywhere.

Tomorrow we continue south through England. I’m starting to feel a bit saddened that we only have two days left of vacation…

261 km. Our trip through England continues south. From North York Moors National Park (A) to York (B), Needles Eye (C), Nottingham (D) and camping at Kelham Hall Camp Site (E).


We packed and left early enough to spend all morning in York. A little wet this morning, but not too bad.


Good morning random sheep chilling on the side of the road!

We arrived in York early enough to see shop owners getting ready to open their businesses for the day.


York Glass provides a fun way to see York and provides a free map for finding the 22 lucky cats York. Gotta’ catch ‘em all! They also sell a bit of luck in the form of a glass cat.


Here is the map. Two routes are offered; one for an easy walk, and another for a longer walk. We ended up doing both routes – after all, isn’t it unlucky not to find all the cats?


Here’s one climbing the side of the wall! Spider Cat!!


A hand-drawn map shows the town of York, unfortunately without the cats, however there are two dogs.


Another cat! This one is a bit ghostly!


A lady with a cool hat caught the attention of my camera. She was just sitting next to a storefront window taking notes or drawing.


Some of the bright artwork on the market window.


Another cat! This one is on the hunt for a pigeon.


The town has a great Victorian feel to it with artwork on the stone walls.


The York Cathedral is never too far away and provides bearings through the curvy streets.


This is a bronze cat with his own ledge.


Another colorful map of York, UK.


NOT one of the cats. This one is NOT LUCKY. If you see this one stab it in the brain with the largest machete you can find.


Clifford's Tower. Built originally in 1068, on the orders of William I, to dominate the former Viking city of York.


Geese enjoy grazing on the green grass at Tower Gardens.


Ferry boats pass each other on the River Ouse.


A cat peering over the edge of one of the stores entrances.

A bright and cheery street where shops of all flavors are selling their wares.


City of York Coat of Arms decorates a street corner.


The stained-glass window in the St. Martin le Grand.


Close-up of the stained glass.


A reminder of those who bravely took to the skies to protect York from Luftwaffe bombers during WWII.


Krispy Kreme donuts in England! A bit of Americana here in the UK! We asked the cashier if there was a place nearby that had freshly made HOT LIGHT Krispy Kremes. He didn’t know what we were talking about. Brother, you are missing out if you’ve never experienced a freshly glazed Krispy Kreme!


I only ate two! Promise.


These small bronze studs marks the wall trail - another interesting way to explore York.


The walls of York have stood since 71 AD when they were built by the Romans.


The Stonegate Devil is a reference to the printer’s apprentice and assistant, who was responsible for carrying hot metal type. In printing folklore, a particular type of demon haunted every print-shop, performing mischief such as inverting type, misspelling words or removing lines of completed type. Over time, the source of these errors was transferred to the printer’s assistant, who retained the nickname ‘the printer’s devil.’


An interesting orange color of paint made the French based L'OCCITANE EN PROVENCE boutique stand out from the rest.


The York Minster is so large that it’s difficult to take a picture of the entire thing. The best I could do was these smaller sections.


The church and cathedral were finished in 1472.


We didn’t go inside but I wish we had after finding out the Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country.


Much of the medieval York still remains.

After York we rode to an interesting site that we discovered on the Atlas Obscura website called the Needles Eye. A fun story behind this creation.


What would you do to save face after making a £10 wager that you could drive horses and a wagon through the eye of a needle?


If you were Marquis of Rockingham in 1730, you would have had Mason John Carr built this 46-foot-tall pyramid...


...just so you could prove to your friends that you could indeed drive a team of horses and wagon through “the eye of a needle”. All this for a £10 bet!

Our next location was not planned until last night. I remember watching Walt Disney’s Robin Hood as a kid but had no idea that a place called Nottingham and Sherwood Forest were real places! Off to see Major Oak and perhaps Robin Hood as well! Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the visitors center and access to the park was closed. I suppose if we wanted to live the spirit of Robin Hood, we would have defied the law and rode our motorcycles into the forest and camped by Major Oak. Going to jail or being fined in a foreign country is not my idea of a vacation, so we ended up camping nearby at the Kelham Hall Camp Site.

Tomorrow is our last day in England…