Dear Brownlees (ies), This is a copy of a poem I wrote to the group on our last day in Scotland. In spite of the fact that it isn't very good, they wanted me to share it with the list so that you would get a glimpse of our trip to that wonderful land of our heritage. I hope you don't mind receiving this. If you do..delete it now...with my apologies! There has already been some interest in organizing another tour in 2001. I have email addresses for many of you who expressed interest but who couldn't for one reason or another, join us this August. I am looking at early June of 2001. Since nothing has been set in stone yet...if you are interested and have a preference of dates, please let me know as soon as possible. Also, if you are interested in a future trip, please respond with your address, so I can contact you directly. Thanks! Sandy Brownlee Trip 2000 aka “Ye’ll be fair fleetin aboot” by Sandy Leyh (in the bus on the way to the Edinburgh Airport) On August 5th it all began >From afar we congregated We rendevouz’d in Glasgow At the Ewington - three star rated. Emilie lost her luggage Elaine and Betty did too But good sports all, they shrugged it off. What more could they do? Next day at Drumclog, we stood in the mist And listened while George orated “No Bishop, No King!” Now what does that mean? At Baxter’s our hunger was sated. In Ayr we found a lovely spot With beaches and history of Burns Norma told us of his life And Tam O’Shanter’s turns. We went to Culzean Castle The day was somewhat hazy The Brownlee boys are late again "They’re going to drive me crazy." George Russell was amazing He took us by the hand And imparted all his knowledge Of his beloved land. We had to get it all in The pace began to quicken Biggar and Strathaven Will they give us chicken? Glasgow, Paisley, Colmonell Lectures, concerts, tours Salmon, beef, and venison No time to be bored. A highlight was at Torfoot Farm We made off with the slate! What shall become of the homestead? What will be its fate? Then off and towards Abbotsford To see the house of Scott Norman and his U-turns Sackajawega...he’s not. Sandy Brownlie gave us lunch Maude is his companion The wine it poured, the food kept coming We missed the ship Britannia! Edinburgh was next in line People everywhere One day just was not enough To go where we would care Some opted for the history Some for Princes street Clark’s Shoes was always calling Frances Brownlie’s feet. The Tattoo was spectacular The seats were minuscule Zulus, Maories, piping bands With songs they learned in school. We said goodbye to three new friends Emy, Mark and Bill And headed North to sites unknown With heather on the hill. With several stops for coffee We made the Orkney ferry And crossed the Pentland Firth Our group of ten was merry. But happiness was fleeting Kirkwall was celebrating We got no sleep. We had no peace. We thought of abdicating. Sheena to the rescue With Peter by her side Maes Howe, Skail House, and Scara Brae. No wonder it’s Scotland’s pride. Next day we trekked to Deerness Point Our feet got awfully wet Imagine how those shipwrecked felt! We can’t repay the debt. The final chapter was Inverness We did not go directly We stopped to see the salmon jump We stopped to look for Nessie. But at the end was Culduthel And Inverness was waiting Organizing our luggage... Was a task that we were hating. When we return we shall be asked What was the best part? For each of us it’s different We won’t know where to start. To tell the tales of what we’ve seen Of what we’ve learned and folks we met And no one will believe us... That it wasn’t always wet. I hope someday you’ll all return to Scotland’s bonnie countryside A land and people we now view with gratitude and pride But til the time we meet again May your days be always bright With interesting cloud formations And rainbows in your sight. May you have no cause for sorrow And of laughter have no lack And as they say in Scotland A heartfelt, “Hast ye back!”