For Tuesday, we made arrangements with a local cabby to get picked up at Dalmahoy and drop Val and I off at the historic fortress: Edinburgh Castle and Janis and Erika at the botanical gardens. The castle was a stunning sight – we spent the morning touring, taking photos, and enjoying the vistas of the city from this promontory point. We listened to the history of this special landmark via guided tour headsets that explained some of the 1,100-year history as we walked through the grounds, the Chapel, and National War Museum. The paths were steep and the dark smooth stone walkways were a bit slippery as drizzle was in the air. So glad we got to see this!
We made another attempt to get cash – but were thwarted again because the live filming of an upcoming movie sequel to “Fast and Furious” had many of the streets cordoned off. In the late morning, we met up with Janis and Erika at our designated downtown location. Our cabby met the four of us WITH our golf clubs to start the trip to the North Berwick Golf Club. Our driver honored our quick detour request through Holyrood Park to photograph the swans and to drive through the beautiful preserved hilly parklands. Then, off for our 40-minute ride to arrive for our tee time.
When we arrived at North Berwick, we were greeted warmly and directed to locker rooms to secure our extras. This year’s European Solheim Cup Captain, Catriona Matthew lives on the 18th tee, and upon entering the locker room, there were two large welcoming banners honoring their distinguished member.
Val and l walked, pushing our clubs on trolleys, and as no motorized carts are allowed, Janis and Erika walked with caddies. North Berwick is a beautiful seaside course – mostly flat but expansive and a bit rolling with many beautiful holes and views. Twice we had to hit over and cross a stone wall right in the center of the fairway, on the first par-5 and their famed 13th hole. Kudos to Janis for enduring the long walk and gratitude to Erika for choosing this gem of a Scottish treasure!
The only disappointment in my day was when I discovered that I had left the plaid Sunderland rain jacket that I borrowed from my bro-in-law Rob, in the pro shop before we teed off. One of the caddies had called during our round and they assured us that they would have it for me when we finished playing. Unfortunately, the pro shop was closed by the time we finished and the jacket was nowhere to be found. As our hotel was so far away and tomorrow we would be heading to St. Andrews, my hopes of recovering it were not too high – ugh! Our dear caddy took my name and said he would do his best to locate the jacket and make sure it was sent to me.
Our driver picked us up as scheduled, for our trek back to Dalmahoy. We arrived, now dark, and Erika gave her credit card to pay our driver. He was having an issue with his portable credit card scanner as the internet signal in front of the hotel was not good. I peeked in to assist as he was about to drive off with Erika to find a better signal. I didn’t feel comfortable leaving Erika alone with him, so I ran back into the hotel to tell Val I was going with them. Janis had already gone back to the room, so she didn’t know anything about the problem.
Val waited for us and waited and waited and waited and started to worry. She finally let Janis know and of course, Janis says “I can pay him cash.” So Val asked the hotel concierge to call the driver and let him know. In the meantime, we had been gone for about twenty-five minutes and nearly got stuck in a dead-end turn, but eventually returned and Val was waiting with the money. THANK YOU!
Finally, dinner once again in the Dalmahoy restaurant – then we packed our bags as we would be checking out in the morning.
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