Out and About in Dumfries

Well here is some real news!
Tim and I finally made it to Dumfries, somehow without getting lost and managing to work out the train and airports! We were very relieved to see Megs, Kends and Debs waiting for us at Lockerbie Station.
The countryside beautiful and we have managed to do a bit of exploring. The farms are lovely and green, mostly with stone walls. I've even been lucky enough to see the local 'belted galloway' cows! We're still getting used to all the bunnies  hopping around the fields.
We went to Gretna Green, the last stop before England. Due to the lower legal age of marriage in Scotland, lots of young couples would hop over the border to get married by the blacksmith at Gretna. Unfortunately there was a wedding on the go so we couldn't go inside, but it was very interesting wondering around and we got to listen to our first Scottish bagpipes! I found an example of the Wilson tartan but need to keep looking for a scarf and perhaps a kilt for dad?!
We climbed up to the local Dumfries Waterloo Monument for spectacular views of the surrounding area. After the walk, and catching our breath, we went to look at the Sweetheart Abbey, a beautiful 13th century monastery built in memory of a lady's dead husband, whose embalmed heart was later burried with her... romantic I think? It was fascinating wandering around the grounds and graves, there is nothing so old and full of history in SA.
Yesterday we went on a roadtrip with the whole family, poor Megs in the boot! We started off by visiting the little shetland ponies that Kendra sometimes works with. They are seriously cute and I think a definite retirement option for our old collie, Kep! We then continued through Castle Douglas to Kirkudbright and to the Dundrennan Abbey. It was built in 1142, unbelievable!
We drove through the Galloway forest to have lunch at 'otter pools', a cute picnic site in the forest with little rapids and waterfalls on the River Dee. After lunch we found some local wild goats (!) Then heading onto the rainbow trout fish farm where Brian's nephew Zane works. It was very interesting and muddy! Of course it started raining but the drive home felt like it was out of a Scottish picture book with the misty farm hills, stone walls, narrow winding lanes and lochs! Everything you imagine when picturing Scottish country!
I've tried to keep our news shortish and not too boring! I finally have a UK sim so you can whatsapp or message me on 0044 785 8044 839.
Loads of love and hugs and thoughts! XH