2018 SCOTLAND! The adventure Begins in Edinburgh!

Back quite a few months, a friend mentioned the TGO Challenge.  A hike across Scotland.  WHY NOT? I asked... when the application time came, I applied.  I was on the waitlist and soon was on the paid and accepted list.  I had my pack, tent, sleeping bag, stove, everything I needed.  In the meantime, I had quit my job, planning a move back to my small town of Mitchell from Bend, hunting a house, still taking college classes, bunking at my previous landlords home while trying to keep my son happy while he lived in town patiently waiting for a house to open up for us in town.  I had planned to hike and get in shape for this trip, knowing my route would be 184 miles across a country I had no clue about or what to expect.  Weather was harsh, time was harsh, colds, allergies.. needless to say, I did NOT get conditioned enough for a wildland trek across Scotland.  I went anyway!!  I had planned for just over a month vacation for this once in a lifetime experience.  I dont regret anything on this trip.  It was so amazing I still pinch myself to see if I really went.   So... lets get on with this adventure.
I started my adventure April 28, 2018 and flew to Boston to see my friends there for a few days.  May 3rd, I flew from Providence Rhode Island to Edinburgh Scotland.  AMAZING!!! I didnt get much sleep due to a night flight, where the sun came up REALLY quick after going down.  I was glued to the window as we flew over Scotland.  The green rolling hills, the flowing creeks and lochs so far down below.  I saw my first castle from the air.  Landing in Edinburgh, I got my first passport stamp and when the man asked why I was there, I said I am here to hike the TGO Challenge.  He said GOOD FOR YOU... Have an amazing time!  I exchanged my money and headed to the bus the money man said would take me into town.  I got off the bus on Princess Street and when the bus drove away, I saw the castle.  There up on the hill above me just looking down at me with a smile and a WELCOME TO SCOTLAND wave.  Ok, maybe jetlag was settling in and I had no clue how to get to where I needed to be.  After asking a nice kilted man on the corner where I could find the Cowgate Hostel, I headed up and over the hill.  Not realizing I was at the Royal Mile, I headed down to find my bed... Thankfully it was ready for me and I took a quick nap.  I then headed out to explore with a city map from the front desk.  I found the castle, then went on to find the print shop scene location from Outlander Season 3.  I found food, and took a million pictures and back to sleep another nap in my bunk.    That night, after meeting some amazing girls in my room, we watched the party unfold from across the street, from our kitchen window.  Fun music to listen to and snacked on my shortbread cookies.

 Day 2 - Outlander Tour

Hopped on a bus, and toured different castles and the highlands.  Had an amazing day.  Saw so many sites from Outlander filming.  Castle Leoch, otherwise known as Doune Castle... and more.