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Around Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe! Part of her unique character comes from the location, having been built in part on outcrops of ancient eroded volcanoes, and in part from the use of beautiful sandstone blocks used in construction of many of her buildings (my narrow geologist's view of the world precludes me from mentioning the first-rate medieval architecture, the outstanding efforts to preserve many of the beautiful old buildings, and the wonderful character of the city's inhabitants). During the days when coal was used for heating, many buildings were stained black from soot, but recent efforts to clean up the soot has brought out the original color of the stone.

Our day started with a driving tour of the city, and a visit to Edinburgh Castle. The castle is built on volcanic rock that stands above the surrounding countryside as a "crag and tail" glacial feature. The glacier was forced up and over the resistant volcanic rock (forming the crag), and softer sedimentary rock on the protected lee side of the glacier remained as a higher ridge (the 'tail'). Much of the heart of the older city was built on the tail.

The oldest part of the castle dates to the 1100's, and evidence of even older habitation may be hidden under the castle foundations.

The junction of natural cliff and castle wall is an extraordinary sight!

The remainder of the day included a walk through the town, and a climb of Edinburgh's most prominent mountain, Arthur's Seat.

I hope this sign wasn't meant to be taken seriously! Closes are narrow alleyways and walkways providing access to buildings off of the narrow main throughways.

Arthur's Seat volcano was erupted onto the seafloor in late Paleozoic time, but was exposed at various times during it's existence. At Camstone Quarry on the flanks of the mountain, we were able to see well-preserved mudcracks.

St. Anthony's Chapel at the north end of Holyrood Park is the remnant of a 15th century monastery.

Dry Dam Corrie is a glacial cirque on the flanks of Arthur's Seat.

The view from the summit is wonderful, even on a hazy day!

This picture is simply here to prove that my brother and I actually did make it to the summit.

And my son was the first to the top!

On the way down the mountain, we were treated to a bird's-eye-view of the Queen of England's little (8,000 people) Garden Party at Holyrood Palace. She actually is in this picture. So we left the British Isle with the perception that one can always catch a view of the Queen, and that on a given day, hundreds of Scots can be seen walking the streets of Edinburgh in formal kilts!