The Journal of Kelly the Brave: Past Adventures, Current Thoughts and Future Plans

"Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

Author: Kelly E Adams

  • An Anonymous Life

    An Anonymous Life

    A few months ago, Tara and I took our recycling to the drop off site.  It seems every time we stop there, there is also a collection of junk that people just leave.  We’ve seen a baby crib, several mattresses and lots of broken furniture.

    On this particular day, there was a big box of books that was left by the can and plastic container.  I’m always looking for used books for art projects, found poetry projects. Eagerly, I started to rummage, hoping to find treasure.

    The books were a mix of paperbacks, recipe books and coffee table books.  (Tara found a lovely coffee table book on wolves).  As we were rummaging, I wondered why someone would dump a box of books at the recycling site.  Then, I saw them.  Two green diaries stamped ‘1981’ and ‘1982’.  I realized someone had died and someone else had gone through their stuff, to clean out the deceased’s home.  The diaries, like the books, were trash, things of no value and easily discarded.

    I grabbed the diaries.  I didn’t like that the diaries had been discarded so unceremoniously.  I felt like I owed the owner of the diaries an acknowledgment.  Not in a voyeuristic way. Instead, I wanted to honor the author. Their life had ended. Their memories, like their books, were thrown in a box and left out in the elements.

    The diaries had one page per day for the entire year.  There was a section for addresses in the front (that were scarce in both diaries), then the diary itself.  Some days, the writer just jotted a few sentences, other days, the whole page was filled.  

    The entries were simple.  Mentions of friends in the hospital, or dinner out.  I didn’t read it cover to cover. That seemed like a violation. The author seemed to have had a quiet, unassuming life.

    I became convinced that the author was a woman.  I had the impression that in 1981 and 1982 she lived in the Midwest with her husband. Still, I’m not entirely sure.  She mentioned Mass often but there was nothing noted anywhere what her name was, but why would there be?

    I kept the diaries on our buffet while I thought of the best way to properly dispose of them.  Then, I decided that I would take them on one of our hikes and leave them in the forest.  I felt that was a nice way to acknowledge a stranger.

    We had our Saturday hike yesterday and I kept an eye out for the proper place for the diaries.  After we rounded a bend, the perfect place appeared.  A moss covered forest floor with early wildflowers that had started to bloom.  Tall trees loomed above the moss that covered some rocks. It was beautiful. A Natural Cathedral.

    Tara and I each had a diary and found a quiet spot amongst the rocks.  We randomly picked a page from our diary and read the entry to the woods.  Then, I read then entry from January 1, 1981, and Tara read the entry from December 31, 1982.  We stood silently, then I placed the diaries between the moss covered rocks.  The diaries, and memories within them, now belong to the forest.

    I don’t know who the diaries belonged to, but I strongly felt that she deserved better than being discarded. I like to think she was a nice woman, whose life was filled with friendships and love. I like to think she was loved and that she is missed.

    At the end of our hike, I was still thinking of her. Her life, her discipline of writing in her diaries, and how simpler life was forty years ago. I hope she approves of the placement of her diaries in the forest. Diaries that faithfully recorded an anonymous life.

    Today, our world is anything but anonymous. Social media has taught us that the spot light must always be on us. We’ve been trained that our worth is dictated by social media likes and multiple followers. We swallow the lie that our lives can’t be fulfilled unless every minute detail is shared with strangers.

    There is beauty in being anonymous. Being noticed is always nice, but being comfortable in anonymity takes guts. It allows us to live in freedom from unrealistic expectations. It is a brave declaration against the societal norms of today’s world. So let us be brave and not fear an anonymous life. Let us find satisfaction and value from within. And when we do, we will shine.

    The above photo is the diary entry from March 15, 1981.

  • The Fragility of Friendship

    The Fragility of Friendship

    I’ve been thinking a lot about Seasons lately, particularly in terms of Life. 2026 has not been ideal thus far. There have been disappointments. There have been family crises. Health crises have also occurred, all in my personal orbit.

    I’ve especially been thinking of Friendship and how it changes with time.  Friends change jobs, move away, or choose different and new paths.   In those situations, it’s natural that friendships can change, and they often do.  When it happens, it’s unfortunate, but that’s life.

    I’m a Capricorn and an introvert. Separately, those two come with their own social challenges. Together, they produce an ambitious path to Acceptable Social Behavior.

    Throughout my life, I’ve been told I’m Standoffish. I’m Intimidating. I’m Too Quiet. I’m Too Serious. I’m Too Weird.

    I admit, I’m hard to get to know. I value privacy (the Capricorn part of me). I value quiet settings (the introvert part of me). But once I open up, I’m a cat-loving, wine-drinking, jazz-listening, potty mouthed barrel of laughs.

    Friendships are important to me and when they go to shit, it bothers me.

    Friendships, like any relationship, takes work from both parties. I’ve had friendships that have lasted my entire life (hi Suzanne!), but I’ve also had friendships that were Seasonal. Both types have value and are cherished. But I’ve learned that friendships, regardless of the label I assign them, are fragile.

    I’ve been thinking lately of a friend I love, but haven’t seen in some time. I’ve contacted her via text and phone call messages, to no avail. Her silence is deafening, and I feel devalued. Have I been ghosted, delegated to a Seasonal Friend? Am I no longer worth her time? Is she afraid of judgment from me? (I forgot to add that to my list of sins. Apparently, I’m Too Judgmental). I miss our friendship. I miss her.

    The best gift I can give a friend is my time. Time is my love language. If I want to spend time with someone, it means I love them. I choose them over photography or gardening (my other loves). Lately, I give time to my friends via handwritten letters. They are filled with anecdotes of My Crazy Life. I also started adding fun stickers, so I can pretend I’m as cool as my pen pal friend (hi Dana!)

    My friend, that I miss, has on my mind. Do I leave things be, and label her as Someone I Used To Know? (a subsection of Seasonal Friends in Kelly’s Crazy Mind). Or do I take the time to write out my feelings and send her a letter filled with stickers? I honestly don’t know.

    Friendships are fragile. What would you do in this situation? Do you label friendships similarly or am I just weird?

    (The above photo was generated via AI through wordpress.com)

  • On Saturdays We Walk

    On Saturdays We Walk

    Back in November, Tara and I started a habit that quickly turned into a tradition. On Saturdays, we walk.

    We’ve always enjoyed walks in the neighborhood. After returning from Scotland in September, where we enjoyed long walks, we wanted to keep the habit.

    I’ve always enjoyed walks. As a child, often after dinner, my grandma, my mom and I would often walk. Walking is great exercise and I love being in Nature. Making a weekly walk a priority would also be a way to honor Grandma and Mom.

    We are lucky that Nashville has miles of greenways to walk on. We are also surrounded by many state parks. We will consider our weekend ‘to do’ list and our individual aches and pains. Based on these factors, we will select a walking site and decide on the length of our walk. We try to walk at least three miles.

    I prefer going to a new site every week. Tara isn’t as familiar with Nashville and the surrounding areas. I like to introduce new places to her. I particularly like ‘off roading’, where we travel by path instead of pavement. I like the challenge of hills and steep inclines. We both have sturdy walking sticks which makes tricky areas easier to access, a good hiking shoes. We are fond of Cedars of Lebanon State Park and Beaman State Park. If pressed for time, we hit the greenway by our home.

    Our Saturday walks are such a treasure for me. I get good exercise, all while enjoying Nature with a friend. I also often have conversations with Mom and Grandma.

    On Saturdays we walk. But daffodils are debuting and I wonder if soon on Saturdays we garden. Stay tuned . . .

  • 401 Days

    401 Days

    Originally posted on December 31, 2015

    This past quarter has been the roughest in my life, and I’ve been thinking a lot about if I want to disclose what’s been going on in my head and personal life in such a public way.  A year ago, I started this blog with the intent on sharing photography tips, product reviews, and adventures.  I wanted it to focus on my life as a photographer primarily, with antedotes of my personal life sprinkled in.  I wanted to inspire people and remind them that it is never too late to follow your dreams, that finding your own path in Life may be hard, but it can be worth it.  So in the end, I thought if I shared my story, perhaps I could, in some small way, help someone else who may be going through similar tough times, too.

    I’ve thought about Death a lot this past quarter.  Death of Dreams, Death of Friendships, Death of What Was.  Death is all around us; we see it daily, whether it be a physical death or a metaphysical one.  I have experienced too much Death over the months.  I’m tired of mourning. 

    I’ve thought a lot about Suicide this past quarter, too.  The morality of suicide, the stigma of suicide and the reasons people may commit suicide.  I don’t equate suicide as a selfish act or a sign of weakness. To me, it isn’t even a cause of death.  People don’t die from Suicide.  They die from Loneliness. Emptiness. Sadness. People who commit suicide may just want to not feel anything anymore.  Maybe because they feel too much. They may just want to not disappoint others anymore.  Maybe because they’ve seen so much disappointment.  They may just want to find peace, because they’re convinced it doesn’t exist on this Earth.  I get it.  I don’t condone suicide but I understand its appeal.  I’ve seen the Darkness and managed to turn away from it.  I want to help others turn away from it, too.  I want to be Enough for someone so they don’t feel like I’ve felt this past quarter.  I want to have Enough patience, Enough understanding, Enough time, and especially Enough Love for someone who may be in a difficult situation.  Because this quarter I felt like I wasn’t Enough.  And no one should ever feel that way.

    I’ve thought about Life a lot this past quarter, too.  What is Life? What is Worth?  What is Life worth if it wears you down so completely that the only thing you want is to not break down the moment someone shows you kindness, or asks you how you’ve been. Life is cyclical.   It has Ebbs and Flows.  Joys and Disappointments.   Sickness and Health.  Want and Plenty.  It isn’t fair. But it goes on.  And somehow, we must find a way to go on, too, even when the odds seem so set against us.

    I know what you are thinking.  ‘This is a piece about depression.  Kelly is depressed and  uses too many conjunctions to start her sentences.’  Ha!  Keep reading.  This isn’t about depression.

    These last few months I’ve gone into hiding.  I hid from friends and family, from photography and even from myself.  I have decades worth of practice of smiling through pain and convincing others that everything is fine.  I even have a photography project called 365 Days of Awesomeness to convince the world and myself that all was well.  But it wasn’t.  For 401 days I experienced an unimaginable Hell that seemed unending. Sure, there were a few good spots mixed in, in an attempt to have some sort of balance, but the last 90 days or so were almost unbearable.  Those were the days when I finally understood that people’s compassion has a time limit.  That it is easier to lie to someone than it is to admit to them that your life is still Shit because you know they no longer care, even if you are still fighting like hell to improve your circumstances.  Thanksgiving Day 2015 is not a fond memory.

    But one day, Life was better.  I wish I could tell you the exact day or even circumstance when I realized this but I can’t.  I just knew that my life wasn’t As Shitty and I took that realization to mean that things were turning around.  The tide had started to flow and I was thankful.   

    This isn’t a piece on depression or even about tough times.  This is about redemption.  Those 401 days changed me.  I’m not as trusting of others as before and hopefully not as naive.  I’ve seen great pain and sadness and may have even caused some, but I now know the true value of kindness and joy.  I survived on little and now feel compelled to give much.  I lived in Darkness and now yearn to be Light.  I’ve found myself again.  There is much work that still needs to be done. But the benefit of hitting rock bottom is that you have a firm foundation on which to build upon.

    A few days ago, I came across this verse:  ‘The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit‘ (Psalm 34:18).  I was surely brokenhearted and crushed but I had forgotten that I wasn’t alone.  The name Kelly means ‘Warrior Woman’ and I will take that meaning to heart.  I will keep fighting and when I’m knocked down again, I’ll get right back up.

    Life is hard.  It’s OK to feel sorry for yourself and your situation.  It’s OK to think about Death.  It’s even OK to think people are assholes because they don’t understand what you’re going through.  But it’s never OK to give up.  2015 was anything but awesome and those 401 Days almost killed me.  But on the eve of 2016 I see Promise and after everything I’ve seen and everything I’ve been through, that’s damn impressive.

    Here’s to Redemption and Promise.  Happy New Year.

  • Be A Dandelion

    Be A Dandelion

    Spring is on the way and I’ve been thinking of the flower I’d want to be.  Tulips, roses and calla lilies are my favorites, but after thinking about it, I decided I’d be a dandelion.

    I know it sounds weird because so many people consider dandelions a blemish on their otherwise pristine lawns.  Dandelions aren’t wanted, are easily overlooked and are often destroyed without a second thought.  Why would I want to align myself with a weed?

    If you look deeper at dandelions, you’ll soon see the appeal:

    Dandelions are one of the first flowers of Spring. Because of this, they are an important food source for bees.  They also usually are a child’s first bouquet and ‘flower crown’

    Dandelions are resilient – they bloom in the most amazing and impossible places.  We’ve all seen them peeking out of city sidewalk cracks. I’ve even seen them bloom on a side of a cliff!

    Dandelions are edible.  Every part of them can and have been used for everything from salads to wine.  They are rich in antioxidants and have more protein than spinach.  They are also medicinal and have been used as a diuretic, which can help diabetes, hypertension, and urinary disorders.

    Dandelions don’t fade away, instead their seeds take flight on the wind.

    This is what I’ve learned from dandelions.   Although it’s hurtful to be overlooked and feel unwanted, it’s important to be true to yourself.  Though some people may not appreciate you, there are others (remember the bees) who can’t wait to see you.  Don’t ever forget that you are a thing of beauty.

    Dandelions don’t quit.  Just ask any gardener who pulled up one only to have two more reappear.  It’s important to stay strong even in the harshest environments, just like the dandelion on the side of the cliff.  Sure, some people may spray you with insults and try to rip your dreams away but don’t let them.  Stay strong and keep moving forward to your dream.

    Dandelions are healthy.  Sure, I love ice cream (I mean, really love ice cream), but it’s important to stay active, fit and healthy.  Besides, it’s easier to work towards a dream when you are physically strong. It is essential to be just as strong mentally and emotionally.

    All things come to an end eventually.  But everyone, even if they aren’t an artist, wants their legacy to continue on when they’re gone.  Create something that can continue to live. It can be a piece of art. It could also be a tradition that will be passed to generations to come.  Much like the seeds of a dandelion dancing on the wind, you will continue to fly.

    Roses are beautiful.  So are tulips, calla lilies and a thousand other flowers.  But the dandelion, for me, has the most to offer.  Be a dandelion.  Be fearless.  Be strong.  And never stop growing.

  • To Be Brave

    To Be Brave

    My dream is to inspire people. I want people to see me as someone who doesn’t give up. I want to be seen as someone who believes in herself. I am living my life, not just muddling through it. I want someone to say to themselves, ‘I did this because Kelly showed me how to work hard. She taught me how to stand up after a fall. She also showed me how to spread my wings.’

    I hope my life reflects this, and I’m just not projecting Crazy Cat Lady vibes. I know I’m intense and unintentionally intimidating. I work hard and I’m quiet. But for some, quietness equates intimidating and suddenly I’m intimidating. And when my love of cats is known, I pick up the Crazy Cat Lady label. Cats and the love of cats are tragically misunderstood, but that’s a topic for another time.

    I was born Kelly the Brave. It didn’t become official until 2022. That year, I took my first ever solo trip to Ireland. Believing in yourself is brave. Creating an international itinerary is brave. Traveling alone is brave. Kelly is brave.

    Does that automatically mean Kelly is Inspiring? Does bravery equate inspiration or is inspiration a byproduct of bravery? I’m over-thinking again, aren’t I?

    It’s so important to step out of ones comfort zone, to try something different and to believe in yourself. That takes bravery, especially knowing that you have to pick yourself up again.

    I want my life to inspire others to create a beautiful life for themselves, despite the setbacks we all face. I want to live a life worthy of the name Kelly the Brave.

    Self portrait in Ireland 2022
    A courageous selfie of Kelly the Brave, embodying strength and inspiration. Photograph taken in Ireland, September 2022.

  • An Irish Adventure – Prologue

    An Irish Adventure – Prologue

    In September 2022, I took my first solo trip to Ireland. I planned the entire trip myself and found that not only do I love planning trips, I love traveling. This trip turned me into Kelly the Brave and I’ve been looking for Grand Adventures ever since.

    A note about the format of this travel journal. I’ve shared the original dates in the body of each journal entry. In order to make the journal chronological, I had ‘fudge’ the dates of the bottom of each post. Please ignore them.

    I originally shared my travel journal with a select group of friends, but want to share it with everyone. I hope you enjoy An Irish Adventure.

    The photo above was taken in Bantry, Ireland at sunset. More photos can be found here.

    Kelly the Brave
    March 2026

  • Prologue – A New Adventure

    Prologue – A New Adventure

    (Originally posted with friends and family on September 1, 2025. As with my other travel journals, I’ve shared the original dates in the body of each journal entry. In order to make the journal chronological, I had ‘fudge’ the dates of the bottom of each post. Please ignore them. The above is a photo of me and Tara in Glasgow, Scotland).

    Hello friends!  Once again I’m (almost) off on a Grand Adventure and once again I’m sharing my travel journal.  The biggest upgrade to the journal is now that I have an iPad, I can update photos and thoughts while I’m there ~ no more waiting weeks or months for the next chapter.  I take hundreds of photos so the full photo gallery might take some time to complete, but I’m excited to share the journal while the adventure unfolds.  I’ve created a new photo gallery that you can find here:  Photos

    Welcome to my new adventure!

    24 May ~ It’s semi-official – I’m heading to Scotland in September and I’m taking Tara with me!  Just got approval for my UK visa, now have to finalize the itinerary and get airline tickets and insurance. I’m so excited!

    I’ve thought of going to Scotland before – maybe doing a joint Ireland-Scotland adventure, but when Tara mentioned that she would want to go too, it seemed like a wonderful idea to go somewhere neither one of us have been to and experience the joys of discovery together.

    We’re still looking at tickets and will probably fly into Edinburgh.  When I initially started planning for this trip earlier this year, I was drawn to Inverness and liked the idea of flying into and out of Inverness to have a true Highland Adventure.  We might have to fly to Heathrow and have a half day layover then fly to Inverness.  While I like the thought of a direct flight to London, I’m not so keen on making a connection at Heathrow or having a long layover.  I’m still playing with logistics and hope to figure it out within the coming days.

    I’m again using booking.com for accommodations and have doubled or triple booked places depending on where we fly into.  Thank goodness for free cancellation!  Our dates are September 13-26 which gives us recovering time before heading back to work.

    We want our trip to be relaxing so I’ve booked extended stays at places.  We’re going to rent a car (I’ll drive) and would like to explore off the beaten track places, experience pubs and perhaps a few distilleries, and take long walks.

    So far the only ‘must do’ things are the Jacobite steam train and staying at the old church by the sea in a small village.  We’re not going to the Isle of Skye or Edinburgh, which might be a controversial choice, but that gives us a reason to return!

    30 May ~

    We bought our airline tickets and I’ve secured a car! Eeep!

    We’re flying Delta (yay!) and we splurged and got Comfort Plus seats (yay!).  No direct flight but it’s pretty long – 10 hours-ish total, I think.  Going there we’re flying to JFK, then Amsterdam, then Glasgow.  The way home is Glasgow, Amsterdam, Minneapolis, then Nashville.  (Our flight home leaves super early but I’m so excited!)

    I’ve hired a car through Celtic Legends car rental and the customer service has been great!  We’re getting a SUV car (whatever that is) and I’m hoping it’s more Pierre than Charlie.  We’ll pick it up on Tuesday then drop it off at the airport on the 25th.  We’re allowed to take it on ferries so we might drive through the Isle of Skye after all then cross the Skye bridge to Drumnadrochit.  We’ll see. 

    21 June ~ 

    I’m getting excited.  12 weeks, 56 days (work days).  I can’t wait

    I created a Google Map of our trip and where we’re staying and driving routes.  I hope I haven’t overextended ourselves.  

    Some more activities we want to do have popped up.  I really want to see the Highland Coos (cows) and I think I found a place.  And I want to maximize our time in Glasgow.  Delta changed our flight back home.  Now we’re flying into Atlanta :(  But at least it’s coming home and not going!

    1 September – Today is September, or as I’m calling it the Month of Scotland!  I’m ready and even did a trial pack.  I think I can do carry on only and still have enough room in my rolling carryon for a collapsible duffel that we can check on our way back.  I also picked up a stuff-able neck pillow that I can fill with socks and things.  I’ve invested in wool clothing, too, which doesn’t take up as much space.  All of my under scrub tops have a high wool blend content so they are coming and I picked up some wool dresses and leggings for the trip.  I’ll also take a pair of pants and my hiking shoes.  And of course my Barbour.  And foldable rain coat. And my Irish hat.  I’m not taking my Bento bag this time.  I’m taking my SMV backpack instead.  It’s technically too big to be considered a personal item, but if I don’t fill it up, I should be able to get away with it.  Fingers crossed!

    I think the weather will be in the low 60s and though I hope we’ll have sunny days, I’ll be equally as content with grey misty or even rainy days.  But of course I hope we’ll have beautiful weather.

    I want to come up with a good title for my journal.  When I started, I jotted down ‘A Highland Adventure’ but I don’t want to reuse words – I want each tale to be as unique as the trip itself.  So no using ‘Path’ either.  After a bit of thought and some research on Scottish terms, I think I found it – ‘A Highland Stravaig’.  (Stravaig means to roam or wander about casually).  I think it’s perfect.

    Attached is the Google Map I created.

    Scotland 2025
    https://maps.app.goo.gl/3XnLubfL1fGFTGeX6?g_st=ic

    Stay tuned for Chapter One of A Highland Stravaig, coming in two weeks!

    Love,

    Kelly

  • A Highland Stravaig: Chapter One

    A Highland Stravaig: Chapter One

    (Originally shared with friends and family on September 14, 2025. A note about the format of this travel journal. I’ve shared the original dates in the body of each journal entry. In order to make the journal chronological, I had ‘fudge’ the dates of the bottom of each post. Please ignore them. Also, I adopted the Scottish use of military time throughout my entries). The above photo is of me (being silly) and Tara at Sherbrooke Castle in Glasgow, Scotland. More photos can be found here.

    14 September ~ 16.21, Sherbrooke Castle Hotel

    What an eventful day. We arrived in Glasgow this morning after another blissfully uneventful flight from Amsterdam. We headed to our hotel (of course I’m staying in a castle!) and after dropping off our luggage and getting my camera gear together, we headed to the City Center for a bus tour with afternoon tea and gin. The bus was a classic red double decker, and the tour was very interesting. We had a classic English Tea and the tour guide, Helen, was very funny. The tour lasted an hour and a half and was topped off with a gin drink that was served in a tea pot!

    After the tour, we walked around a bit then headed back to the hotel via train. When we arrived, we discovered that they had checked us in and put our luggage in the room. The room isn’t in the castle proper, but it’s on the grounds. We have two twin beds and a nice view of the front garden. The bathroom is spacious but doesn’t have a tub. It does have a towel warmer though so that will be a nice treat after a long shower. We’re both tired so look a little nap before heading to dinner. I think it will be an early night tonight.

    Dinner at the castle was underwhelming. Or I was very tired and the room was extremely well lit. Most likely, a combination of both. Tara had a burger with fries for dinner and I had tomato soup with truffle fries. I’m usually not a tomato soup lover but this soup was amazing! Lots of texture and flavors with a hint of heat.

    It’s now 19.47 and time for bed. I’m very tired but very happy to be here, and to share a new experience with a friend. Tomorrow, we’re going on a hop on hop off bus of Glasgow. I definitely want to check out the Glasgow necropolis. 

    The weather today was overcast and cool – around mid 50s I think. Tomorrow, rain is in the forecast. We’ll have to get some whisky to warm us up!

    More to come, but for now, good night.

    ~K

  • A Highland Stravaig: Chapter Two

    A Highland Stravaig: Chapter Two

    (Originally shared with friends and family on September 15, 2025. A note about the format of this travel journal. I’ve shared the original dates in the body of each journal entry. In order to make the journal chronological, I had ‘fudge’ the dates of the bottom of each post. Please ignore them. Also, I adopted the Scottish use of military time throughout my entries). The above photo is a mural of St Mungo, the patron saint of Glasgow. More photos can be found here.

    15 September, 0749 ~ Sherbrooke Castle

    I slept very well last night and feel completely on Scottish time.  The weather forecast is calling for rain today, but at present, there is a blue sky peppered with white clouds.  Maybe we’ll get lucky. 

    We’re heading back to Glasgow City Center to catch the Hop On, Hop Off bus.  It promises to stop at all the major attractions, and we can take our time exploring.  The only ‘must-do’ on my list is the Glasgow Necropolis.  I love old cemeteries!  Yesterday, I picked up a map of Glasgow, so I’ll make sure to grab that before we head out.

    Not sure if we’re taking a cab to the City Center or taking the train again.  In hindsight, I should have bought a return ticket for the train yesterday, but I wasn’t thinking straight because I was so tired by then.  Tara is in charge of transportation today, and as I write, she’s looking at options.  We decided we will take the train back.  

    I’m conflicted about taking my Nikon today.  The greatest chance of rain today is 50% at 1 p.m., which is good odds overall.  I have a rain cover for the camera, but experience has taught me wearing the camera in an urban setting is a clunky at best.  I’m also not sure about which coat to wear— my Barbour or my lighter rain coat.  Oh, decisions, decisions.  

    I just popped outside, and it’s drizzly and cool.  It doesn’t really help me with my decision because I hate being cold, and our room is very toasty, as we have the towel warmer on to help dry our clothes that we washed.  I’m thinking it’s a Barbour day.  It’s definitely an Irish hat day, too.

    Tara acquired train tickets there and back.  And we’re off!

    0852 ~ Dumbreck Station
    My optimism has no bounds!  I left the Nikon but grabbed my sunglasses!

    Our Hop On, Hop Off starts at ten, so we’ll have time to explore on our way to the pickup point. 

    1021 ~ Hop On, Hop Off Bus
    At Drumbreck station, we met a lovely Englishwoman named Sally.  Our train trip was short as it was only one stop to the city.  On our walk to the station, we followed two couples who also stayed at the castle.  When we got off the train, I asked them where they were off to, and they answered the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.  I said we were too and asked if we could tag along. They said of course and introduced themselves. I only remember half of each couple’s names ~ Gary and Denise. So I called one couple Ottawa and the other couple BC as they were from British Columbia.  They seemed very nice, especially BC.  

    Sally had directed us to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus picked up, but Ottawa (Denise’s husband) had asked someone else. The two instructions didn’t match up, and Ottawa was determined to have his way, so we all fell in line and promptly realized we were lost.  Tara got her phone out, and we eventually found where we needed to be and caught the bus, after having walked about two miles.  

    Sally had recommended a place for breakfast as we hadn’t had any. She said they had a nice tea that was a little expensive but worth a treat. I wasn’t hungry, but Tara was, so the plan was to find the bus, get off at the next stop, and walk back to the restaurant for breakfast. Unfortunately, by the time I realized where we were, we were several stops away. Worse still is that the Hop-On Hop-Off bus only goes in one direction, so in order to get back to where we started, we would have to make the whole loop. I could tell Tara was getting hungry, so after saying goodbye to Ottawa and BC, we got off at the Transportation Museum stop.  We found the café and had a lovely breakfast of toasted croissants with ham and cheese and coffee.   We then walked around the museum for a bit, but I was getting anxious as the rain was coming, and I wanted to see things before the showers came.  We stopped at the gift store where I bought a magnet, and Tara helped the Scottish economy and bought herself a lovely scarf.  We then headed out and caught the next Hop-On bus. 

    While we were on it, it started to rain. We were upstairs in the double-decker but found a seat over the cover and just enjoyed the rain.  We decided to wait out the rain by continuing on the loop.  The rain finally let up, so we eventually made our way to the Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis. 

    The cathedral was beautiful and had amazing stained-glass windows. I made my way into the nave and had a silent moment to myself.  Then, I found Tara, and we made our way to the Necropolis. 

    The Necropolis was amazing.  It’s on a hill overlooking the cathedral and the city.  The graves were beautiful, and I’ll have trouble figuring out which Celtic cross is my favorite. 

    We then just walked around the city. We made our way back near the train station and are now in a cozy bar, sipping local ale (St Mungus) and waiting for our pub grub (steak and ale pie for me, Balmoral chicken for Tara).

    We’ll eventually make our way back to the train station and then back to the hotel.

    I’m not sure what we are going to do tomorrow morning before we check out.  Dinner is here, more later.

    1943 Central Station, Glasgow
    Dinner was mighty yummy, and afterwards, we walked around in the City Center.  We spied an establishment called The Chocolate Hotel, and of course, we had to investigate.  Walls of chocolate treats greeted us, and the only responsible thing was to buy some, especially after Tara mentioned the antioxidant properties of dark chocolate. We also got a wonderful hot chocolate (ginger and chocolate for Tara, salted caramel and chocolate for me), with cocoa whip on top.   Delish!  We walked along some more, but the stores were mostly closed.  We headed back to Central Station and are waiting for the train. 

    Tomorrow morning, I think we’re going to ask for a late check out so we can take the train back into the city center and have breakfast at the tea shop Sally mentioned. Then, we’ll check out and  pick up the rental car.

    The plan is to head out of Glasgow towards Dalmally, which is where we’ll spend the night.  I had previously mapped out some stops on the way that looked interesting.  Hopefully, rain won’t be too big of a factor.

    I’m really quite fond of Glasgow and would come back in a heartbeat. It reminds me of Dublin but is more enjoyable.  I can’t say why that is exactly, though. 

    Tara seems to be enjoying herself, which makes me quite happy.

    2047 Sherbrooke Hotel
    I think we had a wonderful first full day in Scotland.  We saw a lot, and my watch says I had 17,517 steps.  Not bad for an old lady!

    Once I’m home, I’ll download more photos to my site, but this is a taste of Glasgow!  I will definitely be returning.

    Good night!

    ~K