A Walk on the Wild Side

First things first - chronological time?  We don't need no stinkin' chronological time!  I hope nobody expected this blog to follow something as silly as that!

Several weeks ago, the 3 of us were invited to go for a hike in/on the Pentland Hills, which are southwest of the city, out Rick's workplace way.  We were the first people there, as we are keeners, as well as we still don't really know how long it takes us to get anywhere.  Eventually, everyone else showed up and off we set, with some people choosing an easier, more level route, and the rest of us opting to climb and circumnavigate some of the hills.  

It was a lovely sunny day!  Umm...no wait...that isn't right.  It was an overcast, rainy and windy day.  Yes, that is more like it!  Still, we are made of sterner stuff, so even though the wind blew the rain into our faces, and blew our faces into the rain, onward we carried, over hill and dale and heather and sheep poo.  The views were inspiring and, while the weather could have been better, we were treated to some sunshine as a reward.

A big thank you to the Scottish teachers who arranged this fabulous outing!

Dougal is ready for a day on the hills.  Too bad he is rather out of focus!  Sorry about that.

Even the view from the parking lot was lovely.

The start of the climb.

Look!  Sheep!  We were to encounter many more along the way.

One of many reservoirs within the park.

Somewhere, over the rainbow...maybe the wind will stop blowing!!

A stunning view, made all the more impressive by being able to see IKEA in the distance!! 

Hey you sheep, get off my hill!!!

The day starts to brighten.

The spectacle that is the Pentlands.

Rick and Dougal leading the pack off the beaten path.

Bringing up the rear.

Finally back at the reservoir. 

Sunshine on Pentlands.

The intrepid hill walkers.

The Flotterstone Inn, where we all finally met up for some much needed warmth and eats.  Fortunately, the inn is dog friendly.  Unfortunately, Dougal is not dog friendly inn friendly.  While there was food to be had, he was a good boy, but when another dog came into the inn, he insisted on barking his disapproval.  We were asked to leave.

The calm before the barking storm.