Dumfries, Scotland

Yesterday's train ride was memorably scenic: steep valleys, austere peaks, barren and remote, not even many sheep. Did see an antlered deer as the train rolled through this desolate area.

Glenfinnan viaduct was a marvel.
And it was fun to talk with my seatmates Dave and his mother Tracy, returning to the Lake District from hiking and camping on the small islands off Skye.

The train was delayed due to a problem with the swinging bridge over the canal near Fort William, which meant I missed the connection in Glasgow I'd hoped to make, had to wait 1 1/2 hours for the next train to Dumfries, ended up riding at dusk to my B&B outside of town. The friendly "land laddie" host, Ewan Maxwell, has been a finalist for landlady of the year. A very thick accent adds to his charm.

Today I rode a 46 mile loop to Castle Douglas and back on farm roads and bikepaths, warm murky day, buggy, more cows then sheep on rolling pastures. Tomorrow Hadrian's wall.