We (Tracy, Kim, Mary and I) are back from our 24-day vacation to England and Scotland (well, Tracy and I are back, while Kim and Mary are now in Ireland with their family). We lucked out on the weather (hardly any rain, and very mild conditions the last week in Scotland). We helped the Queen set up the Platinum Jubilee (told her to fake a positive Covid test for Andrew). Got a great view of a Monty Python Castle (Castle Stalker, below). "Petted" giant horses. Visited lots of cool Cathedrals. Ate tons of great food. Emptied UK Bars of its Guinness pints. And, of course, one MaiTai injury for good measure. The group also had to survive some tough obstacles in the weeks leading up to our departure, and the trip was in jeopardy more than a few times in the days and even hours leading up to leaving. Details in the near future. Once I go through Tracy's 3 million photos, I'll get started on the report. Cheerio!

Just last night I was wondering how the trip was going. Looking forward to all the details, grim and otherwise

Hot Diggity, Tom! I'm along on this trip. What did you do this time?!

No, not an injury, Tom!

On for the ride

"No, not an injury, Tom!"

Not to give it away, but when you have an already fragile rotator cuff, don't do stupid things. But it wouldn't be our vacation if I didn't do something stupid. The real drama was the weeks (and even months) leading up to the trip. If any of the four of us were the superstitious type, we probably would have called off the trip (on more than one occasion).

I am glad you made it there and back and am looking forward to the details!

I haven't seen you in the Lounge for awhile and wondered what you were up to. What a lovely surprise to find this post.
(I haven't been keeping up with the Europe forum). Sorry you had problems but great to know you overcame them....Again!!

With readership of this thread certain to be in the many “k” range - thousands - it’s a good time to ask the mods to fix the little title typo. You can thank me later.

And may I add, Andrew’s COVID diagnosis was a stroke of genius = well done Tom! 👑

Signing on for this... can't wait!

Subscribed! Can't wait to read all about your adventures!

Guess the Stalker Castle photo was taken after a wee dram or two *
Looking forward to hearing more about the trip.

* I'm only jealous - every time I've been there it has been very atmospheric - hidden in mist or horizontal rain.

Yay! I love your trip reports (and they’ve inspired at least one of my own trips).

Yay! I've just started dipping my toe back into Fodor's after -- well, you can guess how long -- and not longer after I get a Tom trip report!

Listing to leeward, Tom? I’m along for the trip, too. Thanks in advance for an entertaining & interesting read!

Tracy and I were talking about our favorite mistake moments of the trip (and there were many), and I think our favorite was when I nearly caused an international incident in York. Had this happened in the United States, I might have had tasers aimed at me. God, I love traveling!

Can’t wait to hear your stories!

Tasers, Tom? You’d be lucky!

Great anticipation. TIA

Can't wait!