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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Sunday, 8 September 2019

Renewal of vows at Gretna Gereen maybe?

Typical, now that we are about to leave Scotland the weather has improved considerably.  Yep, today we returned to England via Gretna Green. I did mention about renewing our vows to Ian but got a definite NO from my other half. Wonder why???? Anyway, before we reached Gretna I rather fancied going to  Drumlanrig Castle. Took nearly 2 hours to get to Dumfriesshire as part of the A76 was closed causing a huge detour to get back onto it. But for once the sun shone all day and we continued listening to the Harry Potter audiobook to pass the time.

Once at the Drumlanrig I was amazed at how pricy it was to go in. £10 each for the castle and £4.50 each to walk the grounds. As we wanted to see the place and to get rid of the Scottish pound notes Ian pulled out £30 to give to the man in the kiosk. But he rejected most of the money stating that only the grounds were open; the castle had closed to the public at the end of August!

Although we couldn't see the castle, the grounds were extensive and plenty of walks to interest us.




This rustic summerhouse has been made from split logs and twisted roots, 




The Heather hut. Inside was heather that had been woven into wall coverings.


At Gretna, we found a pub stop. On one side was the M74 and the other the railway. Hmmm, methinks we may be in for a disturbed night!


And wildlife,




Unknown moth. Thanks to Paul he has identified this moth as a Silver Y






2 comments:

Paul Clark said...

Hi Irene

It's raining here today - please don't bring the Scottish weather home with you!

I've entered easier "Mystery Moth" competitions in the past than the challenge set by your photos today. Not one picture of the upperwings to help me out! Nevertheless, there are some clues, not least the chequerboarding on the fringes of its left hand side wings, which are more strongly marked than its right hand side wings which seem slightly deformed, the fact it's feeding by day, and the ruffed effect behind its head (most noticeable in the first photo). Taken together I think we've got a Silver Y, which is getting quite worn and has probably lived through some pretty inclement weather. Please don't now post a classic pose from above photo that will prove me wrong!

Safe journey home.

Paul

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks Paul. I couldnt get the upperwings, damm thing moved every way except the way I wanted it to move! I bow to your knowledge and will place a caption on the first photo

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