Scotland Trip Report--Day 6--Dumfries

I woke to a beautiful, sunny day that would eventually hit nearly 70 degrees. Breakfast was nice with some yummy porridge, bacon and ham, and an egg. Afterwards, I walked downtown to find T-Mobile. It had not opened yet so I browsed through a bookstore for a bit, and then returned. They had no batteries, but cheerfully directed me to where I could buy one for about 10-15 pounds or so. I asked about new pay-as-you-go phones, and they had one for only 10 pounds! I had to buy a 5 pound SIM card, but that was still only 15 pounds all together, so it was a no brainer.
I got directions to the Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura, and set out on a LONG walk across the River Nith to the other side of town. The Camera Obscura was in a tower, about 70 steps up. It was the coolest thing! The camera looks out all over the town in a big circle, and the picture is reflected on a plain white surface in the tower, so it looks like you are just looking at the actual town. The museum itself was only fair, but overall it was worth the hike. I returned to the B&B to get my car, and drove down to Castle Douglas, about 15-20 miles away, and out to Threave Castle.
The castle can only be reached by boat, as it is in the middle of the River Dee. It was a ¾ mile walk out to the dock, and then you go across in a little motorboat. The castle itself was really cool. Basically a tower, like the Johnston’s Lockwood Tower, more than a fancy storybook type castle. It is in ruins now, but you could see the Great Hall, the basement, and the kitchen. Climbing the turnpike stair was great fun--NOT. I held on to the rope for dear life!
After seeing the castle and trekking back ¾ mile to my car, I headed into town to find some lunch. I had to parallel park, which was surprisingly easy in an unfamiliar car. I went into a restaurant which turned out to be closed for renovations, but was serving food at the bar. I ordered the Scotch Pie, which is minced lamb in a mini pie shell, topped with baked beans. It was YUMMY!!!! It was served with “chips” (French fries) and more beans. I had Rhubarb “Pie” (actually more of a rhubarb crisp) with vanilla ice cream and it felt like home! Really good stuff. I had a nice chat with the woman who owned the place, who was telling me all about different things to do in Glasgow, and asking about my trip.
From there I drove over to Annan. I knew the museum closed at 4, so I only had 20 minutes to spend there, but it is a small museum, and I was determined not to miss it again this year! (last year when we came, it was closed). It was quite interesting, and they had a DVD playing that was talking about the Johnstons! I will try to get a copy of it so I can see the whole thing.
Back at the B&B, the WiFi was out, so I walked about 2 blocks to the library (the same one we went to last year--they still had me in their file!) for free internet. I got the directions I needed for tomorrows trip, and checked my email. I went to dinner at a little pub just up the street from the B&B. MUCH better than last night! Very friendly service, got my water right away, and even had silverware. I ordered the lasagne. It was completely different from what we eat at home. For starters, it is topped with cheddar cheese instead of mozzarella. Also, not as much tomato in the sauce, and not as many noodles. It was delicious! I had another nice chat with the barmaid and her friend, who were asking me all about NJ and about my trip.
Tonite I have to pack again since I leave in the morning. I have a long drive ahead of me--at least 3 hours all together. I am thinking I may return my car on Friday instead of driving into Glasgow. It will mean a taxi from the airport in to town and back again the next day, but I think it may be the better idea.