It was hard to say goodbye to Tosh the kitty, but we did so after a lovely breakfast at Sandhill House B&B. Faywen also got to feed their alpaca, Duke, an apple after breakfast! The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun shown on the crisp morning frost as we drove the 20 miles south to Alloway, Ayrshire. Alloway is the birthplace of the world famous poet Robert Burns. For those who may not know Burns, I bet you know at least one of his poetic songs…Auld Lang Syne! You can thank the Bard of Scotland for you New Years Eve tradition! He was born there on 25 January 1759 in a small farmer’s cottage. As young as 6 yrs. old he showed ability to write. He had a private tutor, Mr. Murdoch, who instilled a love of language and literature into the gifted lad. Robert Burns is one of the most influential poets in the world. In fact, President Abraham Lincoln could quote Burns and carried a small book of his verses along with a Bible in his pocket at all times.

We went into the Burns museum, which had artifacts from his family, correspondents, love interests, and his own personal items as well. It was a treat to see some of Burns’ original manuscripts, letters, and first edition publications. We left the museum and headed through the monument gardens to view a large Victorian Monument erected in his honor, then down a path and onto the Brig O’ Doon. This 18^th century stone bridge over the River Doon was made famous in Burns’ narrative poem Tam O’Shanter. In the poem, a drunk farmer named Tam meanders late one night down into the haunted Old Alloway Kirk graveyard where he sees a bunch of warlocks and witches dancing. He makes noises and the witch’s chase after Tam swiftly riding his horse Meg. He just crests the Brig O’ Doon when a witch grabs Meg’s tail and pulls in out! Witches cannot cross water and Tam makes it over the Brig just in the nick of time! The Brig was a bit icy, but we managed to cross it and then walk down the scenic river walk. There was a bit of fog illuminated by the sun over the old Brig.

Crossing the street and walking a block or so we found ourselves in the Old Alloway Kirk graveyard. The sun shown brilliantly and shadows danced on the old gravestones giving the old cemetery an otherworldly feel. We were the only people on the grounds and the kids dared each other to step inside an open mausoleum. No one would do it except me. I opened the door stepped inside crossed myself and walked in further. The roof had collapsed and the 10ft. x 10ft. mausoleum opened to the blue sky above. I guess the kids were impressed by their mother’s bravery and followed me inside, crossing themselves as they stepped over the threshold. As we peered into the old Kirk itself you could see the moss covered altar stone. I told the kids on the way out that they had just walked around in what is considered the most haunted graveyard in all of Scotland!

Our final stop on the Alloway Robert Burns tour was the cottage in which he was born. I’ve been there twice before, but it’s always humbling to see the two-room stone cottage with attached stables. The kids enjoyed seeing the bed where he was born and his first report card from age 6yrs. old. After walking round the town we crossed the street from the cottage and had a tea and various cakes and scones at the Poet’s Corner, a tiny teashop. The owner was a lovely lady from the area. Once warmed up with hot beverages we headed back to the car and drove through the rolling hills of the Lowlands driving towards Gretna Green. The fog set in about 20 miles north of Gretna Green.

Gretna Green is a little town right on the border between Scotland and England. Starting in 1754 young couples who wished to marry, but couldn’t due to various reasons would hop over the border and wed. Scotland had much more lax marriage laws than England. Today Gretna Green is still a destination for lovebirds or those wishing to renew their vows. By Scottish lay a blacksmith can marry folks. The marriage is considered binding, if a document is signed by the couple and witnesses.

Late in the evening we arrived in Easingwold, Yorkshire, England and the Oower House B&B.