Saturday 3 February 2007

Saturday and some Pics


Today was long but it is one I will likely never forget. 9 of us, including Dr. Beaty, left St. Andrews at 11 and caught a bus to Anstruthers (pronounced Insters), about a 25 minute ride. Anstruthers is a small fishing village nestled on the SE coast of the kingdom of Fife (similar to a state in the USA?). We arrived there in time for lunch, where we ate at a small fish and chips place. The UK is known for its good fish and chips (and little other foods) and this place was, according to the signs, voted #1 the last two years running. The food was certainly good, although I was expecting something a little more incredible for its popularity and for 7 pounds ($14), a little more than Long John Silvers. Food here and all over the European Union is incredibly expensive! After a good meal, we walked along the coast 4 and 3/4 miles toward the NE to another fishing village, Crail. There is a walking path, the Fife Coastal Path, that runs the majority of the Fife coast, and we walked a portion of this. The walk was beautiful, the sea was rough and breaking against the shore although the weather was clear. There were a couple of fishing boats just outside of the breakers that I am certainly glad I was not on, as my stomach couldn't have handled these seas. The rocks along the coast were massive and eroded by both wind and rain, so they had a number of caves and crevasses to explore. The hills to our left were either grazed by sheep or covered in heather, and I did notice some deer sign, although did not see any. We arrived in Crail, and then, after a short break, 5 of us decided to attempt to continue along the path towards Kingsbarns, the next coastal village with a bus stop. About 1 and 1/2 miles into it, however, we realized that we would soon run out of daylight so turned back to Crail. There, we watched Scotland lost to England in Rugby sitting at a pub surrounded by locals, it was quite an experience. The group of us are considering going to Edinburgh next weekend to watch Scotland play Wales. Finally, we caught a bus back to St. Andrews and I am here in the hall, exhausted and finishing this post. Hope you all are enjoying it. My digital camera has broken, everytime I try and zoom in it freezes, so I am a little low on pictures. Also, it is somewhat difficult to post pictures on this blog so I am going to try and get something linked up or figure something out, until then, here are a couple of pictures.


Here is my room, looking in from the doorway. Just to the left out of sight is a closet and sink.




This is the Sporting complex, where the sports are played (and a small disc golf course) and the building in the background is part of the complex.




The harbor at Anstruthers, just across the street from the fish and chips place.

Somewhere between Anstruthers and Crail

Some of our hiking group at Anstruthers



3 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, what a day. We could have picked your room by the obvious signs of occupancy. It reminds me of a room in our home. Your day sounds fantastic and should start your week off right. Mom and I attended a Superbowl party with Janet Lay and friends. We had a grand time and one of the couples had ordered a Chicago Cheese cake which we enjoyed. Chef Ben entertained his group with Wings and such and Luke spent the evening at FBC at a youth party. Jessie hung out with friends, Ben and FBC at different times. Now we have gathered back at home and are preparing for the week. We hope and pray that you have a great one. Thanks for the pictures, More later, dad

Wes said...

What a view! I have read that modern civilization evolved from Scotland. At least that is what the actor, Ewan McGregor (Star Wars) says.

Take advantage of your time in Scotland. It will pass by quickly.

Study well Lad
King Wes

Brad Knapp said...

Sweet set up! Thanks for sharing the stories--vicariously hiking along the Scottish coast is a real treat to a guy trapped in a law library!

Cheers,
Brad