Our upstairs room, accessed by a wide stairway carpeted in Black Watch tartan, was perfect but we had some admin and exploring to do. So, after dropping our luggage we headed for the shops to buy a data Sim card (for on-road Internet access within the UK) and some wine and snacks (for our sanity).
These done, a small tavern caught our attention. Monks Cowl was tiny but the few seasoned drinkers propped up at the bar were friendly so we ordered a red wine for Mary and a draft Guinness for me. Obviously the place attracts a few characters and soon we were chatting to Bill and his Star Wars dog.
Next, choose a place to eat. The Cavens, round the corner from the bar we'd just had a wee dram in, was recommended by Bill and by Bruce, our host so, after a quick clean up we were back at 6:00pm for dinner.
Here we found ourselves at the next table to a German couple whom we recognized as fellow guests at our B&B. They'd walked down to the restaurant so we offered them a lift home (raining again). Two things emerged during our conversation on the way back to Rivendell. One, Mike was a fanatical fly fisherman, and Two, he and Stef were getting married the next day at nearby Gretna Green. If you don't know about marriage and Gretna Green you may care to find out here.
Despite offers to join Mike and Stef for another wee dram, Mary and I headed for bed, by now REALLY starting to feel weary.
What a great night's sleep! And what a wonderful breakfast. Mike and I exchanged fishing photos (I won, I think) and Stef and Mary and the other guests discussed the upcoming wedding.
What's Dumfries famous for? Robbie Burns, of course.
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne."
— Robert Burns
"While Europe's eye is fix'd on mighty things, The fate of empires and the fall of kings; While quacks of State must each produce his plan, And even children lisp the Rights of Man; Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention, The Rights of Woman merit some attention."
- Robert Burns
Next episode, join us as we journey into the wilds of Scotland...
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Nice dog and buildings!
ReplyDelete(From my iPhone in bed.)
Paul