(A) We saw a really cool beach this morning: Powillimount Beach. It was a mix of sand and shells, punctuated by interesting rock formations. It abuts a body of water called the Solway Firth, which connects to the Irish Sea. The way the rock strata were jutting up, it looked like they were formed by some serious geological action. The best part came at at the beach’s end… a sea cave! Well, more of a sea tunnel.
While we were there, the tide was approaching its high point. Portions of the beach that we walked on in order to get to the tunnel were under water when we walked back to the car. I wish I had a geologist with us, someone who could explain all the angles and layers and textures we saw.
Having worked up an appetite, we tasked Mia with finding us a restaurant. We’ve done the same with Ella while on vacation, and I’ve got to admit that both have done a really great job of finding wonderful places to eat.
The restaurant is on the Nith River, a beautiful setting. Inspired by the Scottish landscape, I decided to try haggis. It’s that dark stuff on the right side of the plate. It wasn’t what I expected, though I guess I didn’t really know what to expect. The texture was really nice. The flavor was interesting. I’d say it was gamey, but I’m not sure that’s it. All I know is that it tasted better on toast or with a bite of poached egg.
Ella ordered a drink called Irn-Bru, Scotland’s favorite soft drink. Mia asked for a sip, and I thought it looked nice alongside her orange hair.
From there, we visited the Robert Burns Center. Oh, I mean Centre.
Robert Burns is Scotland’s beloved poet. He died at the young age of 37, but before then he wrote poems that celebrate Scottish language and culture. There are lots of sites throughout Scotland relating to Burns. The one we visited — in Dumfries — relates to his final years. The bridge just downriver from the Centre is called the Buccleuch Street Bridge. It was built during the time of Robert the Bruce (14th century), and it’s the oldest multi-span bridge in Scotland.
Dramatic shoreline, haggis, Irn-Bru, Burns… it was a pretty Scottish day.