The Western Seaboard-Scotland 2007 (continuation No.19)

June 12 ~ After breakfast said farewell to Helen and Allan and went into Moffat to do some last minute shopping for presents and some shirts. Then set off for home, calling at Tebay Farm Shop for some fruit, bread and meat and also have some lunch in the cafe. The weather by this time was wet and windy and for some of the journey on the motorway it was not easy driving. Arrived home mid-afternoon, having driven 2926 miles (4700km) in 20 days ~ having had a wonderful holiday, full of memories of new and old places visited, some fantastic weather and hopes of many more holidays in Scotland and the Islands ……………………………………….. now you may wonder what this map is all about. Well I will tell you, some time ago now I helped a young Chinese Student, Chen Jie in Wuhan, with an architectural project which he submitted as part of his degree course. Since then we have kept up a regular chat with each other, and while on holiday I sent postcards to him of all the places visited and this map was used in conjunction with these pictures.

The Western Seaboard-Scotland 2007 (continuation No.18)

June 11 ~ How quickly holidays draw to a close and taking advantage of a very hot last full day, travelled the 100 miles from Moffat to Logan Gardens ~ they were spectacular. Leaving the gardens, detoured via the beach and little harbour at Port Logan, and went to the lighthouse at the extreme southern tip of the Mull of Galloway. This is the southern most part of Scotland , but the extreme heat haze over the sea obscured the Isle of Man which can normally be seen from this headland. On the way back to Moffat, called at the Galloway Smokehouse to get some smoked fish and meat. In the evening, made the final visit to Claudios for the dinner.

 

(The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was established in 1670 and during the 20^th century acquired three Regional Gardens - the mountainous Benmore in Argyll; Dawyck in the wooded hills of the Scottish Borders and Logan on the Gulf Stream-warmed southern peninsula of Dumfries & Galloway).

The Western Seaboard-Scotland 2007 (continuation No.17)

June 10 ~ It was overcast first thing, but soon the sun returned and again it became very hot, so decided to go via Elvanfoot to Wanlockhead and the Lead Mines Museum. Stopped for a coffee at the museum and noticed a leaflet about an abbey near Maybole in Ayrshire. Having never been there, checked the map for distance and set off to have a look. This proved to be well worthwhile. The abbey, called Crossraguel was a substantial ruin and was very photogenic. Returned to Moffat via Newton Stewart and the main coast road. After a brush up and change of clothes went off to meet Doreen and Dennis at Claudios for a family get-together and evening meal.

Tibetan Buddhist Monastery

 

For many years when I have visited Scotland, I have made a point of going to this peaceful place. The monks and workers are a delight to meet and the feeling of calm created within yourself is a rare thing in this time of rush and bustle. I have included some photographs of my own, but please visit the site through the link in my Partner Site Section

 

 

 

 

Kagyu Samye Ling

1967 - 2007

Located in a peaceful valley on the banks of the river Esk in Scotland, Kagyu Samye Ling was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to have been established in the West.  It is a centre for wisdom and learning within the Karma Kagyu tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and is open to people of all faiths and none.  You are welcome to come for day visits, short stays or to participate in our meditation retreats and courses available throughout the year.

Founded in 1967 and currently under the guidance of Abbot Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche, Samye Ling is part of Rokpa Trust, a registered charity which has three main areas of activity: spiritual, humanitarian aid, and Tibetan medicine and therapy.  Our activity extends around the world through an international network of Dharma centres.

The Western Seaboard-Scotland 2007 (continuation No.16)

June 9 ~ Yet another hot day! So went to Caerlaverock Castle and Sweetheart Abbey. Then returned to Moffat and sat in the cool Lounge at 'Fernhill' before going to Claudios Restaurant for an evening meal.