Planes, Trains, and Automobiles - Bragg Creek To Scone In One Day

Amanda was very intent this morning about enjoying our last couple of hours of the luxury life - comfy robe, hot coffee while laying on the couch, quick hot tub.  It was a very nice way to start the day, but before we knew it was time to begin our journey.

Everything went smooth on the trip to the airport. We were checked through security about two hours before departure time - just the way I like it. 😆

Obligatory Airport Photo

The flights were on time and we landed in Edinburgh at 8:10 as planned.  I think we were both holding our breath at the carousel but shortly after it started up our bags popped out!!  Some will remember the disaster of 2022 when out packs missed their flight several times and put us three days behind and almost ended our crossing before it even started.

Off To A Good Start!!

Once we got through customs (super-quick and easy) we hopped the tram to Edinburgh Gateway station.  With everything going according to schedule we ended up being almost two hours ahead of our train.  A quick look at our phones told us we were only 700 m from a Morrsion’s grocery store.  Going through grocery stores in other countries is one of our favourite things so we were quite happy to head over.  What struck us immediately was how much more groceries cost us in Canada vs the UK - even accounting for the exchange which is about $1.90 CAD per 1 £.  Example: three containers of fresh strawberries for 3 £ = $6 CAD.  We would be lucky to get one container for $6!!!  Browsing through the store this comparison was consistent for everything from dairy, to meat, to biscuits, to beer, to crisps. ☹️. Despite it being a somewhat depressing realization, we both had a great time browsing around.  It was fun seeing all the different flavours and variety.  

Haven’t Seen One Of These Before!

I ended up leaving with a snack combo (sandwich, drink, snack) for £3.75.  Mandy grabbed a raspberry protein yoghurt for £1.  Not too shabby!!  We headed back to the train station and ate our snacks while waiting for the train.  

The train system in Scotland is top notch in my opinion.  For £11 each we were able to travel from Edinburgh to Perth (about 55 km distance).  This would be unheard of back home.  I doubt you could get around the block for that much.  We also really enjoy riding the train here.  It is comfortable and relaxing, and offers a unique way to see some of the great scenery.  I may have found it so relaxing that I nodded off for five or ten minutes… 😴  After arriving in Perth we walked to the bus station, hopped on the #57 and were in Scone before we knew it.  Finally we walked about 500 m down Den Road, and we made it - Bragg Creek to Scone in under a day!!!!

The rest of the day has been an amazing start to the trip.  We spent a few hours catching up with Joyce and Allan in their cozy sun room.  Joyce wasted no time in spoiling us, bringing out tea, scones with jam and clotted cream, and lemon squares with lemon icing.  Yummy!!! 😋   Later in the afternoon Anne showed up for a visit followed by a walk starting by the Perth Racetrack on the Scone Estate grounds.  Everybody thought it was hilarious when I went to climb into the driver’s seat when I thought I was getting into the passenger seat.  Oops, forgot where I was!! 🤪. The views were gorgeous along the River Tay and in the Perthshire countryside.

Bridge Over River Tay

Countryside Walk

Mandy Going Through The Gate To Nowhere 🤣

After a wonderful walk we headed back to Joyce’s where the day of spoiling JM and Mandy continued.  Joyce made us a delicious dinner followed by fresh rhubarb-strawberry crumble with cream.  OMG it was all so good!!!!  Thank you, Joyce and Allan (and Anne) for an amazing first day back in Scotland.

I am going to sign off for now.  It is 11:00 local and I think I’ve been up for close to 36 hours ( with a few airplane naps), and I am really tired.

Tomorrow will be supply day in Perth, followed by another pre-crossing walk that Joyce has planned for us.

Goodnight everybody, and thanks for reading!!!