Friday, August 14, 2009

Day 21 Liverpool, England

What can I say??? Another beautiful day! The sail into Liverpool this morning was one of the highlights of the day. While my day was spent for the most part in Wales and not in Liverpool, the early morning views created quite an impression. I got on the coach this morning around 0830 and headed for the Welsh countryside…. The views were magnificent… the Welsh countryside is beautiful. We drove for quite a spell, heading for the Llangollen railway. The 7 ½ mile journey on the old steam train was grand. The town where we boarded the train, Llangollen, was very scenic and quaint. We would come back here after the train ride and lunch. The views from the train were great and I really enjoyed the journey. After our ride we went to a nice restaurant outside of Llangollen for a nice lunch. Then we went into town to shop a bit and capture a few picturesque shots…. Next up was Chirck Castle built by Edward I in the 13th century. The castle was nice and the grounds very lovely. Too bad they don’t allow photos inside the castle. We then headed back to the ship to complete a wonderful day in Wales. Tomorrow morning we arrive into Greenock, Scotland just outside Glasgow. I will be taking a tour of Stirling Castle; here is the description: Stirling Castle
This is a classic tour into the heart of the “Miniature Highlands” to visit the imposing and historis Stirling Castle perched high on a rocky outcropping over the meandering Forth River. Begin by taking the road to the Erskine Bridge, crossing the Clyde and traveling northwards via the ancient town of Dumbarton. You then head northwards towards Loch Lomond and on to Stirling via the villages of Drymen, Buchlyvie and Arnprior. At Stirling, you’ll tour the town and visit Stirling Castle, considered by many to be the grandest of all Scotland’s castles with its commanding views over the surrounding countryside. It looks out over the battle site where William Wallace famously defeated a much larger English army at Stirling Bridge in 1297. You’ll have a chance to visit the stunningly reconstructed Great Hall, scene of many medieval banquets, as well as the Chapel Royal, Renaissance Palace and the Artillery Fortifications of the 16th-18th centuries. Step inside the Museum of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, who fought in campaigns all across the world, including the English assault on New Orleans. The views of the Highland line and the Lowlands from the castle esplanade are nothing short of spectacular. Return to Greenock via a direct route, traveling over the Kingston Bridge which affords amazing views of the city.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff:
As usual, you don't fail to satisfy. The pictures are gorgeous. Sounds like you are enjoying your cruise, even though it is a cooler climate.
We just booked two cruises for 2010. Can hardly wait.
Keep those pix coming!
B-FL

Unknown said...

Hi Jeff,

Am loving this adventure...especially Scotland, my heritage on my mothers side. Beautiful pics. Thank you!
Take care & enjoy.

Love,
Karen I