Vacations to Go



 Home

 Leavenworth Celebration

Christmas at Disneyland-2008

Future Trips:

 New England 2009

 British Isles Invasion-2010

France Option

 Ireland Option



Maui and Kauai-2011 or Alaska/
Caribbean Cruise


Trips for Friends:

 Spectacular Yellowstone-2009


Optional Trips:
Long Trips-

Florida Sights

 Great Britain on the Run-2008

Ireland

plus Key West Attractions or Key West Restaurants

Hawaii

 Oregon
Coast-a-Thon

 Oregon Coast from Rockaway Beach North and South

Oregon Coast Websites for Vacation Rentals

 Waterton-Glacier National Park

Yellowstone National
Park-Long
Trip

 

Short Trips:

 Ainworth Hot Springs

 Glacier in a Weekend

 Lighthousing Around Puget Sound

 Seattle-Whidbey Island Adventure-2006

 A Week in Walt Disney World-2008

Yellowstone National
Park-
Short Trip




British Isles Invasion





 *Add on Ireland before the trip or France after the trip

Option 1:      
Day 1      
 

Depart:

 Spokane  
 

Arrive:

 Edinburgh  
 

Lodge:
Boreland Lodge Hotel-
31/33 Boreland Road,
Inverkeithing,
Fife, KY11 1DA
£84 a night, 1 double, 2 single beds, ensuite-shower, hair dryer, TV, coffee/tea maker, traditional Scottish breakfast. 15 car parking		  
       
Option 2:   Ireland Option before this option  
Day 8      
 

Depart:

 Dingle  
    (Take N86.  At Tralee change to N21 going east.  It will eventually turn in to N20.  Enter N7 at Limerick.  At Portlaoise it will become M7.  At Naas it will go back to N7 all the way to Dublin.)  
 

Arrive:

 Dublin 208
 

Do:

 Fly to Edinburgh  
    (From the airport enter Glascoe Rd going west, crossing the road and turning right.  Enter the M6 going north.  Take exit 1A onto A8000 going north.  Enter A90 going north and across the bay.  Take the 2nd exit onto A921 going to the 3rd exit on the roundabout.  At the roundabout take the last exit onto Chapel Place.  Turn left/east on Boreland Rd.)  
 

Lodge:

 Boreland Lodge  

Day 2/9      
 

See:
Palace of Holyroodhouse   -BHP £8.80 9:30-6:00
Built in 1529 to accommodate James V and his French wife, Mary of Guise.  Mary Queen of Scots saw the murder of her trusted Italian secretary, David Rizzio, by her jealous husband, Lord Darnley, from the tower in 1566.  She had married him a year earlier here in the chapel.  Bonnie Prince Charlie held court here in 1745 in the Jacobite uprising.  The present queen now spends a week here each year.  The Royal Apartments are used for investitures and banquets when the Queen visits.  Includes a one-hour audio guide.  You’ll learn which of the kings featured in the 110 portraits lining the Great Gallery were real or fictional, what touches were added to the bedchambers to flatter King Charles II, and why the exiled Comte d’Artois took refuge in the palace.  There is also a re-enactment of the murder of Mary Queen of Scots secretary. 
After exiting, you’re free to stroll through the ruined abbey and the queen’s gardens.  Note that the wonderful trip up Arthur’s Seat starts just across the street from the gardens.		  
    Royal Museum of Scotland - Free (10-5)
Built in 1866, this museum holds Scotland’s international collections.  Exhibits includes examples from the applied arts and sciences.  European art from the 1200 to 1800 is on the first floor while the second floor exhibits rare scientific instruments.  Geological specimens and Eastern decorative arts are on the top floor.		  
   
Greyfriars Bobby
On an old drinking fountain near the gateway to Greyfriars Church and across the street from the Museum of Scotland (George IV St), stands the statue of a little Skye terrier.   This commemorates the dog, who for 14 years guarded the grave of his master, John Gray, who died in 1858.  The people of Edinburgh fed him until his death in 1872.  He was also granted citizenship to prevent him being destroyed as a stray.  Every business nearby is named for the pooch that put the fidelity into Fido. 		  
    Arthur’s Seat Hike
From the parking lot below the Palace of Holyroodhouse, there are two trailheads.  Take the wide path on the left (easier grade through the abbey ruins and “Hunter’s Bog.”) Hike up to the top of the 822 foot remains of an extinct volcano.  Its name stems from a little-known legend that King Arthur watched his army's defeat of the Picts from there.		  
 

Do:

Military Tattoo -  €13 to €44 (Mon-Fri 9 p.m., Sat 7:30 and 10:30 w/fireworks) 		 
    (From the airport enter Glascoe Rd going west, crossing the road and turning right.  Enter the M6 going north.  Take exit 1A onto A8000 going north.  Enter A90 going north and across the bay.  Take the 2nd exit onto A921 going to the 3rd exit on the roundabout.  At the roundabout take the last exit onto Chapel Place.  Turn left/east on Boreland Rd.)  
 

Lodge:
Boreland Lodge Hotel-
31/33 Boreland Road,
Inverkeithing,
Fife, KY11 1DA
£84 a night, 1 double, 2 single beds, ensuite-shower, hair dryer, TV, coffee/tea maker, traditional Scottish breakfast. 15 car parking		  
       
Day 3/10      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Inverkeithing  
    (Take M90 north.  Enter A9 and continue north. Take exit B9177, which will turn into B9006/Culloden Rd.)   
 

Arrive:

 Dollar  
    Gaol Gu Brath Letterbox  

12:00 a.m.

Arrive:

 Inverness 153
    Battle of Culloden BHP-free/£10 (9-6)-Visitor Center with 16 min. film, wander through a furnished old cottage and the battlegrounds.  (included with fee) The Hour of Battle (Tactical Tour, 1hr) - Short Guided Tour (Overview, 30mins) - A walk over the moor (Overview, 1hr) -The Battle of Culloden  (April 16, 1746) was the final clash between the French-supported Jacobites and the Hanoverian British Government in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. It was the last battle to be fought on mainland Britain. Culloden brought the Jacobite cause—to restore the House of Stuart to the throne of the Kingdom of Great Britain—to a decisive defeat.
The Jacobites — the majority of them Highland Scots, although containing significant numbers of Lowland forces — supported the claim of James Francis Edward Stuart (aka "The Old Pretender") to the throne; the government army, under the Duke of Cumberland, younger son of the Hanoverian sovereign, King George II, supported his father's cause. It too included significant numbers of Highland Scots, as well as Scottish Lowlanders and some English troops.
The aftermath of the battle was brutal and earned the victorious general the name "Butcher" Cumberland. Charles Edward Stuart eventually left Britain and went to Rome, never to attempt to take the throne again. Civil penalties were also severe. New laws attacked the Highlanders' clan system, and Highland dress was outlawed.		  
    (Go southwest on A82.)  

1:30 p.m.

Arrive:

 Drumnadrochit 16
 

See:
Loch Ness Exhibition Centre- £5.95 (9-6) A hi-tech multi-media presentation leads you through 7 themed areas and through 500 million years of history.  Using a highly effective mix of lasers, digital projection and special effects Loch Ness charts the history of the monster by exploring Scotland's geological past, its folklore and the various research projects carried out on the loch. It also reveals the discoveries of some of that research including the environmental fingerprints left in the loch's layers by both nature and mankind.		  
   
The Clansman Gift Company- fine quality gifts from the shores of Loch Ness in The Highlands of Scotland. We have sourced only the best suppliers from all over Scotland to enable us to offer you traditional Scottish and Nessie themed gifts and keepsakes or that special gift for any occasion.		  
   
Urquhart Castle BHP/£6.50 (9:30-6)  the Centre features an outstanding array of medieval artifacts found at the castle. Visitors can relax in the café and visit the shop with its local crafts. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom and toilets on one level. Stunning views of the loch can be obtained from visitor centre veranda.		  
    Nessie Letterbox  
    Fort Augustus- many shops and restaurants 20
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 4/11      
 

See:
Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre- Free (9:30-5:30)  A small but unique venue showcasing the history of the Caledonian Canal from its beginnings to its present day rejuvenation.  Find out why, when and how the canal was built. Use our touch screen computer to explore the network of local walks and cycle routes. Watch the lock keepers guide the boats through the dramatic flight of locks. See how locks help boats travel uphill . Enjoy a meal at one of the lockside pubs and cafes 		 
    Fort William  
 

See:
Neptune's Staircase		  
 

Arrive:

 Fort William  
 

See:

    
 

Depart:

 Fort William  
    (Go west on A681 on A830 to Glenfinnian.)  
   
Glenfinnan Viaduct- Train bridge in Harry Potter movies		 14
 

Arrive:

 Fort William 14
    (  
 

Arrive:

 Glasgow 87
 

Do:

 Lunch  
 

Depart:

 Glasgow  
    (  
 

Arrive:

 Carlisle 92
 

Lodge:
Courtfield Guest House £75.00
169 Warwick Rd.
Carlisle  CA1 1LP
01228 522767
2 Singles and 1 double, ensuite, tea/coffeemaker, hair dryer, alarm clock, parking, TV in lounge		  
       
Day 5/12      

9:25 a.m.

Depart:

 Carlisle  
 

Do:

 AD 122 Bus £6.50 Day Pass to hop on and off  

10:10 a.m.

Arrive:

 Birdoswald  
 

See:
Birdoswald Roman Fort BHP/ £4.50 (10-5)  		 
 

Walk:
Hadrian's Wall 		 
 

Arrive:

 Gilsland  
 

Do:

 Lunch  
 

Depart:

 Gilsland  

12:46 p.m.

Do:

 Bus  

1:33 p.m.

Arrive:

 Housesteads  
 

Do:

 Housesteads to Once Brewed Walk  
 

See:
Housesteads Roman Fort BHP/£4.50 (10-6) Tea Room, parking, toilet and bus stop.  The most complete surviving Roman Fort in Britain.  It has 800 men with a thriving civil community.  Iincludes granaries, barracks, a hospital and even a multi-seated latrine. There is also a museum, which shows how Housesteads once looked. 		 
   


Vindolanda £5.20 (10-6) Bookshop, cafe, picnic, toilet
The Roman army appears to have occupied the site of Vindolanda around AD 85, after the Governor, Agricola, had brought the northern tribes to bay at the battle of Mons Graupius. The Romans called the place 'Vindolanda', as many documents and an inscription confirm, perhaps because they were turning into Latin an existing native name, thought to mean 'white lawns' or something similar. The fort guarded the central section of the vital east to west supply route, known now as the Stanegate, and when the Wall was built some 40 year later, Vindolanda took its place between Housesteads and Great Chesters as a Wall fort. The early forts were built in timber, and required replacement every seven to eight years, even if there was no change in garrison, and the fifth such fort was constructed early in Hadrian's reign.
The remains of these early forts now lie some two to six metres below the present turf, protected by the later remains of stone structures. The Roman army custom of laying down a clean cover of clay and turf over demolished structures before rebuilding has created anaerobic conditions in many areas, and the lack of oxygen has led to the survival of almost everything that has been lost or discarded at the time. The Museum, in the valley just to the east of the site of the stone fort already holds a vast range of leather goods, textiles, wooden objects, bronze and iron objects. But the most highly prized of all are the slivers of wood, covered in spidery ink writing - the official and private correspondence of the men and women who lived at Vindolanda nearly 2000 years ago. Their accounts, military documents, leave requests and even drawings all date to the year immediately before the construction of Hadrian's Wall, and they form the earliest archive of written material in British history.		  
   
Once Brewed National Park Centre- Food, toilet, parking and bus stop.  The Centre features exhibitions, a video theatre, souvenirs, books, maps and a comprehensive information service. Once Brewed is set near some of the best sections of Hadrian's Wall, and is an ideal base for exploring on foot		  

4:48 p.m.
7:06 p.m.

Do:

 Bus  

6:10 p.m.
8:01 p.m.

Arrive:

 Carlisle  
 

Lodge:
Courtfield Guest House £75.00
169 Warwick Rd.
Carlisle  CA1 1LP
01228 522767
2 Singles and 1 double, ensuite, tea/coffeemaker, hair dryer, alarm clock, parking, TV in lounge		  
       
Day 6/13      
 

Depart:

 Carlisle  
    (Take Warwick/A69 east.  Go south on the M6.  At Penrith go southeast on A66.  When it ends, go south on A1/A6136.  Take exit 47/A59 east to York.)  
 

Arrive:

 York 145
 

Do:

 Walk the York wall  

9:30 a.m.

See:
York Minster Abbey (9:30-5)
Entry to the Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt (includes free audio tour) £4.00
Entry to the Tower £4.00 
 Entry to the Minster and Tower £7.50
Do Everything Ticket £9.00
  You have arrived just in time for a short tour of the Minster.
Tower:  Climbing the 275 steps to the top of the central tower is an exhilarating experience. You will pass the Minster's medieval pinnacles and gargoyles and see over its rooftops. At the top you will have the best view of the city's ancient streets.  From the highest point in the city you can see far over the surrounding countryside, from the White Horse at Kilburn to the Yorkshire Wolds.
Undercroft:  Descending into the Undercroft is like stepping back in time. When the Central Tower was in serious risk of collapse in the late 1960s work was done to shore up its foundations.  Workers found the remains of buildings that once existed on this site. You can see the ancient remains discovered beneath the present Minster when archaeologists worked on one of the most important sites in England.
Café: Situated within the splendour of St William's College, our 80 seat licensed restaurant offers a wide selection of home-made dishes, prepared daily from fresh ingredients.  With pavement and courtyard seating during the summer months, enjoy a freshly ground coffee, light snack or full meal amongst these magnificent surroundings with the Minster towering above.  We are open from 10.00am to 5.00pm and in the evening from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
275 steps up to the top of the tower passing gargoyles and seeing over the treetops.  Explore the undercroft where buildings that once existed on the site can be seen.  Guided tour 9-4 are free and last l l/2 hours online 		 
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 7/14      
 

See:

 Shops  

2:00 p.m.

Depart:

 York  
    (Take the A65 west.  At A1 go south.  Take the M1 west, then south.  At exit 42 enter the M62 going west.  At Warrington take the M6 south.  Enter M56 going west.  Take M53 to Chester.)  
 

Arrive:

 Chester 133
 

Lodge:

 

  
       
Day 8/15      
 

Depart:

 Chester  
    (Go south on A483.  Take exit A539 west.)  
 

Arrive:

 Llangollen 25
 

See:

 Llangollen-Shops on Castell
Llangollen Map:

1-Plas Newydd
3-Llangollen Bridge
5-Valle Crucis Abbey
6-Elisegs Pillar
10-Horseshoe Falls
12-Pontcysyllte Aqueduct		  
   
3-Llangollen Bridge- Built in 1345 by John Trevor I, Bishop of St Asaph.  The bridge was rebuilt in Elizabethan times and that structure remains to this day unaltered on the lower side and perfectly copied on the upper side when it was widened in 1873.		  
    (Turn left/west on Abbey Rd/A542.)   
   
5-Valle Crucis Abbey- BHP (10-5) The spectacular remains of Valle Crucis, this once proud Cistercian Abbey were built, probably on the site of earlier buildings, in c.1200 by a local Welshman, Madoc ap Gruffydd, Prince of Powys who lived at Dinas Bran Castle.   Dissolved in 1535, Valle Crucis Abbey quickly fell into disrepair and parts even became a farm during the 17th century.  A true sign of its once great importance was the discovery of the grave slab of Madog ap Gruffudd Fychan - great grandfather of the last true Welsh prince, Owain Glyndwr. This is now on display at the Abbey. 		 
   
6-Elisegs Pillar-Erected by Concenn, ruler of Powys in the 9th century, it was to commemorate his great grand father Eliseg, from whom the whole valley is named, who saved Powys from falling into the hands of the Saxons.  They are no longer visible but the antiquerian Elfyn Llwyd thankfully copied them on his tour of the area in the late 17th century. This inscription included many names which today are associated with the Arthurian legends.  Its present position is not the original one as it was moved during restoration. It can be found next to the A542 out of Llangollen on the way to the Horseshoe pass not far from Valle Crucis Abbey.		  
    (Drive back to the town and park the car.  Walk along the trail along the canal heading east/right. )  
   
12-Pontcysyllte Aqueduct-Claimed to be the greatest engineering feat of its type in the world, the Pontcysllte Aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford between 1795 and 1805.  It has an entire length of 1,007 feet and spans the entire Dee Valley on 18 mighty stone piers of exceptionally fine construction using local Cefn sandstone. There are a total of 19 arches, each spanning 45 feet and the water is carried in a cast iron trough whose sections were bolted together and sealed using lead and Welsh flannel.  The total cost of this magnificent structure was £47,000 18s 0d and thankfully, considering the building techniques of the time, only one man was killed during its whole construction.  Today you can either walk over the aqueduct along the path constructed for the working horses or hire a canal barge and take boat trip 126 feet above the fast flowing River Dee.		  
    (Walk back to town to look at the shops.)  
    The Old Tailor's Chocolate Shop-Come and choose from a vast selection of continental chocolates either loose or pre-packed.Whatever the occasion we have chocolates to suit. Traditional confectionery, Ice Creams and Jelly Beans all on offer.  (Corner of A5/Berwyn and Heoly Castell Rd/A539.)  
    Nice Things and Country Kitchen-Home made food and the gift shop (Go north on Castell/A539, then left on the first street Market.)  
 

Depart:

 Llangollen  
    (Go west on A5.)  
 

Arrive:

 Betws-y-Coed 31
 

See:

 Snowdonia National Park  
   
Swallow Falls £1 (9-5)  5 minute walk.  Food at Swallow Falls Hotel nearby		  
    (Continue on A5.  At A4086 continue west.) 23
 

Arrive:

 Caernarfon  
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 9/16      

9:30 a.m.

See:
Caernarfon Castle BHP/£4.90   (9:30-6) - Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace.  It was finished in 1330.  Birthplace to the first English Prince of Wales, the tradition continues to this day, with the castle acting as the setting to the Investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales in 1969.  Shop and toilet		  

11:30 a.m.

Do:

 Lunch and Shops  

12:00 p.m.

Depart:

 Caernarfon  
    (Continue south on A487.  At Gellilydan go south on A470.   Just past Dogelleu go south on A487 again.  Just past Fishguard go south on A40.  At Haverfordwest go south on A4076.)  

3:30 p.m.

Arrive:

 Pembroke 165
 

See:
                                 Megaphobia
Oakwood Leisure Park £14.95 (10-10)		  
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 10/17      
 

Depart:

 Pembroke  
    (Take A477 east.  At St. Clears enter A40 going east, which becomes the M4.  Exit onto the A46 towards Bath.  Enter the A4 going east/left. Go left/south on A363.)    
 

Arrive:

 Bradford-upon-Avon 153
 

Do:

 Lunch- The Bunch of Grapes  
  Depart: Bradford-upon-Avon  
    (Continue southeast on A363.  Go left/west on A366.  At A36 go left/south.  At Salisbury go left/east on A303.)  
 

Do:

 Stonehenge BHP/£6.50 (9-7) 33
 

Depart:

 Stonehenge  
    (Continue east on A303.   
 

Arrive:

 London Heathrow Airport 70
 

Do:

 Return the car  
    Take train to Victoria Station  
 

Lodge:
Cherry Court Hotel 
23 Hugh Street
London, UK  SW1V  1QJ
www.cherrycourthotel.co.uk
FTea/coffee making, TV, digital phone, garden patio, fruit basket (4 pieces of fruit, packet of biscuits, cereal bar, and carton of orange juice), basement room with air conditioning, check in 2 p.m., checkout 10 a.m.
Reserved 3/24/07 Family Room 08/03 to 08/05, 2 Doubles 08/06
(44) 20 7828 2840		 (256)
       
Day
11-13/
18-20		      
 

See:

 London  
     
Buckingham Palace (9:45-6) £15.50 The State Rooms, Buckingham Palace Book online or telephone (+44) (0)20 7766 7300. A booking fee of £1.25 per ticket applies. All major credit cards accepted.		  
    Changing of the Guard  
    Harrod's Department Store - Monument to Princess Diane's boyfriend  
    Phantom of the Opera  
   
St. Paul's Cathedral BHP/£10.00 (8:30-4 last ticket)		  
   
Tower of London   £16.50  Sun,Mon 10-5:30, Tues-Sat 9-5:30
Yeoman Warder Tour-Free-Every 30 minutes for an hour.  Find out what it’s like to be a Yeoman Warder, as our world famous ‘Beefeaters’ share their personal stories with you at the Lanthorn Tower.
 New Armouries Restaurant-(10.00-17.00) provides a wide range of refreshments from morning coffee, salads, sandwiches and hot meals to afternoon tea. A children's menu is also available. All food is home-made daily on site. 
Tower Cafe and Kiosk-(9.00-17.00) provides hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
Paul' Kiosk-(8.00-18.00) Situated on the Wharf, outside the grounds of the Tower, Paul is a traditional French company providing sandwiches, savory and sweet tarts as well as drinks to take away.
The Tower Shop-The shop at the entrance to the Tower showcases an extensive range of souvenirs as well as gifts, jewelry and a large collection of books on the first floor. 
The Jewel House Shop-is located in the Lower Martin Tower where the Crown Jewels were displayed for 200 years from the mid-17th to the mid-19th century. It has a wide selection of costume jewellery as well as sterling silver and 9, 14 and 18 carat gold. All the jewellery is inspired by the Crown Jewels, including the Armills range (left), and is exclusive to the Jewel House Shop at the Tower of London.
The White Tower Shop-As visitors leave the White Tower they will discover this atmospheric shop located in the basement of the building. As the White Tower is the historical home of the Royal Armouries' collection of arms and armour, the shop takes up the theme with a wide selection of replica armour as well as other special treats for kids of all ages.
The Medieval Palace Shop-offers a range of medieval-style gifts including tapestries, cushions and stone gargoyles. 
The Beefeater Shop-The best-known members of the Tower of London's community are the Yeoman Warders, more popularly known as 'Beefeaters'. It has a delightful assortment of gifts all centered around the Yeoman Warder theme. There is something for everyone, from an exclusive range of china to soft toys including a cuddly raven!
You are free to take photographs within most of the Tower of London but we regret that photography and filming is not permitted inside the Jewel House, White Tower or in the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula.  		 
    Westminster Abbey- £12.00 (9:30-4:30) The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart.  
    Your Choice  
 

Lodge:
Cherry Court Hotel £120
Three Single & One Double Bed in basement, All the rooms have heating and tea/coffee-making facilities, colour televisions and Digital telephone system with facility of wake up call and voice mail. We provide a fruit basket for breakfast consisting of three or four pieces of fresh fruit, a small packet of biscuits, a cereal bar and a carton of orange juice.		  
       
Day 14      
Option 1:   Add on France Option  
 

Depart:

 London  
 

Do:

 Chunnel to Paris  
 

Arrive:

 Paris  
 

Lodge:

    
       
Option 2:      
Day 21      
 

Depart:

 London  
  Arrive: Spokane  



 


 

Black Gold (It's Good For You!)   LbNA #: 35236

Placed by: celtuscan (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)  
Placement date: Jul 28 2007  
State: Other International Found by: TesoroVita 
County: Other International Found date:  Feb 15 2008 
Nearest city: Dublin, IRELAND
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Background:
A Guiness Fermentation Plant, from 1904 to 1988 is now the 7 story museum dedicated to the history and making of a world famous beer. Located in the heart of the St. James Brewery, Guiness Storehouse is the Home of Guiness, where you discover what goes into the making of every pint!
The building is designed in the shape of a giant pint of Guiness, that, if full, would hold 14.3 Million Pints! As you make your way through the Storehouse, you will see the history of this drink, experience the Tasting Laboratory, have a chance to pour your own pint, and even have a pint at the Gravity Bar, where you can see incredible 360 Degree views of Dublin.

Clue: While on the tour of the Guiness Storehouse, while in the upper floors, look for the glass sign showing the "ROASTING" process. Behind the sign, is a David Brown & Sons antique process machine. Hidden behind, and near the rear back leg, secured with velcro, lies your prize. Because of the number of tourists around the area, please be discreet.

This is a microbox....there is no logbook or stamppad. But, if you find it, please let me know how it's doing.

 

 

Celtic Gryffin   LbNA #: 20913

Placed by: Illia (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)  
Placement date: Mar 15 2006  
State: Other International  
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Navan, Ireland
Number of boxes: 4

Clues

At the seat of the High Kings of Tara is a spot known as the Fairy Tree. The Hill of Tara has been an important and mystic site in Ireland since ancient times and it still attracts people looking for a little magic in their lives. The Fairy Tree is said to make you wishes come true if you leave a token for the Fairie folk.

Find the Fairy Tree (you'll need to walk past the mounds, look for a tree standing a little on it's own on a ridge, decked out in ribbons and charms) When you find the tree, stand facing it so that you can look back at the mounds. Look for the spot where coin offerings are left, behind a rock under the roots is your first box.

Next walk along the ridge, back toward the parking lot, until you have passed two more trees. After you have passed the second tree, turn back and face the Fairy Tree, then look at the tree you have just passed. A hollow in the tree sits waist high and deep inside is your second box (this one is in a bag rather than a hard container)

Continue on along the ridge until you have gone three additional trees. When you reach this tree, you will find a good spot to sit down at it's roots and gaze up at the seat of the king, and down at his domain. This tree grows on a flat rock that makes a ledge. Under the ledge, you will find the third box.

Your final box and the book to leave your mark is next. Stand up and look back at the Fairy Tree again, you will now notice an old, low rock wall. Walk towards the wall and find a large bramble growing on it. To the right of the brambles you will find, imbedded in the wall, the symbol of another religion deeply entrenched in Irish history. At her feet are two largish rocks that can be pulled away, the box lies beneath.


The Hill of Tara is a sacred spot, please be careful in taking and replacing these boxes so that they remain well hidden. Enjoy your journies in Ireland, we have cherished ours. Special thanks to Kreepy Kelli who made these beautiful stamps for us to place. If you visit Ireland, please plan to place a box as well as find one. Thanks

Happy Hunting!


 

Ducks in Dublin Series#4 The Hill of Tara   LbNA #: 14026

Placed by: illia (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)  
Placement date: Apr 30 2005  
State: Other International  
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Navan, Ireland
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

STATUS: Confirmed as of 07/22/05

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate
DISTANCE to LETTERBOX: 300 yards

DIRECTIONS: Prehistoric Hill of Tara is in Navan, Co Meath, Ireland, 12 km south of Navan off N3. Heading Northwest out of Dublin on the M3 you will turn West at the Hill of Tara sign. Following the road to the parking lot.

Opening Hours: Everyday

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ.

CLUES:

At the north end of the parking lot there is a gate that will let you into tne Hill of Tara property. Go through the gate and follow the path until you come to a stone wall surrounding a church and graveyard. Dont go over the wall, instead, keeping the wall on your left (St Patrick will be on you right)follow the wall around until you come to a white entracnce gate. From the corner walk 16 paces along the wall (with the wall still on your left) and turn to face the wall. In front of you on the other side of the wall will be a old tree with a large wart. Directly below the wart at the base of the wall is a hole with no grass growing in front of it. The box is at the back of the hole. You are probably going to have to stick your whole hand in this whole so maybe use caution or a stick to find the box.

Please remember to replace it carefully and make sure it will not slip out.

Happy hunting and enjoy beautiful County Meath.


 

Travelers Among You

Author: Reidling Trinity 
Location: Drogheda
Slane, MEA (Ireland)
Clue Last Updated: May 5, 2007
 
Status: active (Last found: Sep 29, 2007)

The Dowth passage cairn is not open to the public, though you can see it from the outside. From the N51 west from Drogheda, take the first left after the turn for the site of the Battle of the Boyne. It is on the left just after Dowth castle (under renovation at the time of planting), and just before the Glebe House B&B (my favorite in all of Ireland, if you stay there be sure to tell Elizabeth Kisma sent you!)

The cairn shows damage from early excavations and 19th century stone quarrying. It has fallen victim to treasure-hunters over the eyars, including the Vikings. The mound is about 275 feet across and nearly 50 feet high.

Nearby is the famous Newgrange & Knowth cairns which can be visited via a tour. Like Knowth, Dowth has two passages opposite each other: a north passage about 27 feet long and a shorter south passage about 11 feet long which faces towards Newgrange. The sun rises to illuminate the Newgrange chamber at winter solstice and at the end of the day it enters the south passage of the Dowth cairn at sunset. Though the passage and chamber are much smaller here than at Newgrange, the beam of light is much bigger. This chamber has one recess on the right. The stone forming the right side of this recess is decorated with circular symbols, and it is this stone that is illuminated at winter solstice sunset by the sunbeam.

The back stone of the main chamber and the stones either side of it are also decorated. In the days before and after the solistce, the beam of light at sunset travels across these symbols lighting them in turn. The entrance stone has a large circular hollow, which marks the position of the setting sun.

Dowth's alignment with the setting sun at the winter solstice is at the end of the sun cycle and the beginning of the longest night of the year, the darkest point of the year. Its mythology reflects this. It is said to have been built by the Druid Bresal who wanted to build a tower that would reach the sky, but due to complications, the tower was never finished, and it was given the name Dubhaigh meaning "darkness."

CLUE: Once you find the 'Dowth' signpost, park on the side of the road (the N51 from Drogheda to Slane). Climb through the double "V" cattle guard gate and continue up the gravel walkway. A stone wall runs to your right, a field to your left, the mound before you. From the double "V" gate, take 22 paces, which will bring you to a turn style gate. With your back to the gate pole, face the stone wall. Compass bearing is 38-40. Three paces should bring you to the stone wall. Directly on the other side is an ivy garnished tree with another tree directly behind it, giving the apperance that it is one tree with four large branches springing up from the trunk. The box is in between these two trees in a crevice-like opening, close to the ground. You'll have to climb over the fence to retrieve the box, but the wall is only waist high and easy to do so. There are no worries about being yelled at for tresspassing, though the box has been planted in secret. Please be sure to seal the box before replanting to be sure no wetness gets inside. Thanks!

We hope you enjoy the seven boxes we planted in Ireland (The North Star, Congrats!You Found It!, the 4-box Animal Power Series!, and Travelers Among you.)
 


Ducks in Dublin Series#1 The Raghnallach Letterbox   LbNA #: 14023

Placed by: illia (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)  
Placement date: May 1 2005  
State: Other International  
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Dublin, Ireland
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

STATUS: The letterbox is being updated 08/31/05

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate
DISTANCE to LETTERBOX: 35 yards

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Located in Ranelagh and extending to 1 hectare (2.47 acres), the gardens were originally part of 5 hectares of pleasure gardens developed in 1775 by a businessman who called them after Lord Ranelagh from Co. Wicklow. Lord Ranelagh had similar pleasure gardens beside the Thames in London. The first hot air balloon flight in Ireland was launched from the pleasure gardens by Richard Crosbie. The gardens were later sold to a teaching order of nuns and in 1840 the convent there became totally enclosed and the gardens forgotten.

DIRECTIONS:
From the "Ranelagh/Raghnallach" Luas stop (once you decend the stairs) cross the road and veer left under the bridge. Soon you will come to a tunnel that the LUAS runs over. Go through the tunnel and you will find yourself in the tiny, beautiful Ranalagh Garden. Follow the main path past a small cottage until you come to a division in the path. Before you continue you might want to take a loop around the pond, say hello to our feathered friends (and toss them some bread) and notice the cross that commemorates the Carmelite Monastery that stood on this site from 1783 until 1975.

CLUES:
Now, for the box. Go back to the entrance where a tall black and white sign stands bearing the name garden. Face the sign then turn to your left. Walk 4 and a half paces (about 9 feet) then turn left again. Directly in front of you is a low rock wall covered with ivy. The box is hidden in a crevice in the wall about midway up. You'll have to poke around behind the ivy a bit but it is there. Please be sure that you rehide it well when you leave. Happy hunting.

Opening Hours: Everyday

Please remember to replace it carefully and make sure it will not slip out.

Happy hunting and enjoy the beautiful Ranelagh Gardens


 

The Gift Of Gab   LbNA #: 35237

Placed by: celtuscan (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)
Placement date: Jul 30 2007 Attempted
State: Other International July 8, 2008
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Cork, IRELAND
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Background: Blarney Castle was built nearly siz hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest Chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Not all of that has been welcome, as Good Queen Bess and Oliver Cromwell could testify. But over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.
Now, that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it, and you'll never again be at a loss for words. Everyone from Sir Walter Scott, to a host of American presidents, world leaders, and international entertainers have been eager to take advantage.

If people come for the Stone, many stay for the mystical and beautiful Rock Close and gardens. Time has its own rules here, and this is where you'll find what you seek.

Clues:
After parking at Blarney Castle and paying the fee, walk up to the castle, and go to the right, looking in the caves for signs of leprechans. COntinue around the castle, and if desired, hike to the top of the castle, through narrow and steep stone circular stairways to kiss the famous stone. Upon leaving the castle, walk by the stables, and then take a left to go to the picnic area. Continue around the walk to the Rock Close. Pass the Dolmen, and make a wish as you walk up and back down the steps with your eyes closed. Continue by the witches kitchen, and visit the Fairy Glade. As you exit the Rock Close, keep your eye out for a strange double tree in the middle of a lawn, with a horizontal limb, connecting two large limbs, and looking amazingly like a harp. As you face the tree, walk to the right down a path, and over a bridge, about 8 pages, buried underneath on the left side of the bridge lies the goal.

Replace it and hide it well from visitors and carekeepers.


 

Gaol Gu Brath   LbNA #: 31846

Placed by: AllAboutMyKids (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)  
Placement date: Jun 1 2007  
State: Other International  
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Edinburgh
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Gaol Gu Brath

On Friday June 1, 2007 we were married at Castle Campbell in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, UK.

We wanted to leave a type of legacy of our beautiful day in the form of a letterbox. The name of this box is the same inscription on our wedding bands. Gaol Gu Brath is Scottish Gaelic. Translated to English means Love Eternal.

Go to the town of Dollar and follow the directions to Castle Campbell. After parking in the car park start walking towards the castle. Shortly after leaving the car park you will be descending the first hill. If you look to your left there will be a clearing with a dramatic view of the castle. Close to the edge of the road is a tree stump with a hollow center. Watch your step as it is near a steep drop to the burn below. Reach into the stump and find the box. Please rehide well and contact me with your find. We do not live in the area so this box does not have anyone to do the upkeep.

Plan a picnic on the castle gardens and do explore the bottom right of the castle gardens. There is a stone archway that is out of view from the castle. You can walk under the arch and hear the two burns running at the bottom. This is my favorite place at the castle.




Nessie   LbNA #: 36275

Placed by: Esmerelda (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)
Placement date: Sep 25 2007  
State: Other International  
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Inverness
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Last week, Japanese scientists placed explosive detonators at the bottom of Lake Loch Ness to blow Nessie out of the water. Sir Godfrey of the Nessie Alliance summoned the help of Scotland's local wizards to cast a protective spell over the lake and its local residents and all those who seek for the peaceful existence of our underwater alli.

Esmerelda, Colorado Celt and Dread Kim of the Splendid Buccaneers helped Nessie find a safe place to hide near Uguhart Castle on Loch Ness. Nessie is waiting there for other peaceful letterboxers who seek our underwater alli.

In front of the castle find the sign which says something about a covered drying kiln. Or some kind of drying kiln. It was raining and my notes are smudged.

East of this sign about 40 paces is a huge tree. Nessie is on the other side of the tree under an enormous root. Sweet.

If you're doing the Jacobite cruise thing, this is just up the walkway from the docking area.


 

 

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