York and Edinburgh on a mission

In the autumn of 2016 a special mission necessitated a road trip to Edinburgh. 

We used the opportunity to stop over in York. 

Walking around the historic Minster quarter and Stonegate in the early morning, the streets were still deserted and few shops yet open.

At the Shambles, the market was just starting to trade

Finally we could breakfast at the famous Betty's tea room

before exploring the magnificent York Minster

and admiring Constantine, whose accession as Roman Emperor took place in this spot in AD 306, his languishing hand lazily plucking at more territory.

Back on the road we made a pitstop to view Antony Gormley's Angel of the North from up close

... and by early afternoon we were in Edinburgh, enjoying the autumn sunshine in Princes Street Gardens 

             Views to Edinburgh castle from Princes Street Gardens

and coffee below the Scott monument

Next day we walked to Stockbridge where The Ginbowlers were in fine form, with full audience participation, for a late brunch outdoors

There was a final visit to Armchair Books, book lovers' heaven ...

before we focused on our real mission here ...

picking up this sweet pup from his Edinburgh home-from-home sojourn, to escort him back to London - 

York and Edinburgh, UK, October 2016