A NEAT ZOO VISIT

                                   Several New Animals

       On our last day in Edinburgh we managed to squeeze in a visit to the Edinburgh zoo. Our days had been busy, and this day was no exception. We’d seen the gorgeous floral clock on our walk through the park, and although it was late in the day it was time for my LA zoo docent travel buddy to get us to the zoo.

It was too far to walk so we rode the local bus, as we had in the morning to the Britannia. At the zoo entrance my buddy got talking to the fellow and mentioned she was a LA zoo docent. What a pleasant surprise it was when, without hesitation, he sold us tickets at half price! We found everyone everywhere we went pleasant, friendly and helpful.

       We couldn’t have timed our visit better as we arrived about three minutes before the daily penguin parade. It was a hoot to watch the little penguins march around a predetermined course. The zoo has been in existence since 1913. New animals for us to see were the painted hunting dog, southern cassowary, red-necked wallaby, and a pigmy hippo that looked like a fat pig.

       Although we had a basic map, we were having trouble finding the painted hunting dog exhibit. When we spotted a fellow with a flashlight and a bunch of papers in his hand, we took him for a zoo employee and approached asking for directions. Bless his heart, he stopped what he was doing and sprinted up and down several paths, with us in tow double timing it behind him. Eventually he found the dogs. Talking to him at the pen fence we learned he was the zoo’s insurance man making his annual inspection!

      “We’re so sorry for interrupting your  work. When we saw your clipboard we mistakenly took you for a zoo employee. Thanks so much for taking the time to help us out,” I offered.

      Selma added, “I’ve never seen a painted hunting dog before.”

      “Nor have I, young lady. I learned something new today too. You ladies have a good time, and I’ll get back to work.”

       At that time I had never heard of a painted hunting dog, but leave it to my buddy to always find something new and exciting. The dogs are endangered and have multi colored coats reminiscent of camouflage. They were lean and had large ears that stood up much like an antenna. I may never see another one, but it was exciting to see the five that were in the pen.

      After reading the plaque and checking the map we moved on and had a delightful afternoon. Once back at the hotel it was a scramble to cleanup and dress for dinner.

STIRLING CASTLE

                           Site of Famous Battle

             The narrow winding road leading to Stirling Castle was flanked on one side with a low flagstone wall, but our driver expertly maneuvered the van over the narrow road, we learned that castles or forts were most often built on a hill, the rockier the better. Owners aimed for an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the countryside, and a water source was essential. If castles were built on more level ground they were surrounded by a water moat.

      Where you find a castle or fort you’re likely to find a palace nearby. The fortification was for protection and where everyone hurried to when threatened. The palace is where the owner lived.

         Stirling Castle’s strategic position made it the grandest prize in the Scot Wars of Independence in the late 13^th and early 14^th centuries. There is an old Scottish saying that whoever holds Stirling Castle, holds the kingdom. The castle, located at the country’s narrowest point, or ‘waist’, provides an excellent view at the top where one can see coast to coast. The lowest bridge over the River Forth is here which made it a preferred place to cross the river. Stirling Castle, rich in history, dates back to the Middle Ages and is the dividing line between the low lands and Highlands.

         The castle commands the countryside for miles around towering over several important battlefields of Scotland’s past including Stirling Bridge. In that battle, 1297, William Wallace outwitted and overpowered the English army enabling Robert the Bruce to overthrow the English in 1314 when he defeated England’s 20,000-man army with a mere 6000 troops. The statue of William Wallace can be seen from the castle.

The castle was the seat of both King James IV and James V, both of whom added to the castle. James V favored the Renaissance style, which was relatively unknown in Briton at that time. Mary Queen of Scots lived here the first four years of her life, and was crowned here. Bonnie Prince Charles’s army stopped here in 1746 after his defeat. The castle has been an army barracks and now is the headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.

       We wandered all through the castle and enjoyed fantastic views of the surrounding countryside on a very clear day. Seven battlefields and Stirling Bridge are visible from the castle.

      The ancient town of Stirling grew up around its castle. Much of the old city wall remains. It is now the central train and highway crossroads of the country and is only a short distance from many of the country’s attractions. It is a favorite getaway for people in Glasgow and Edinburgh, as it is just about half way between the two cities.