We planned to zip into Tesco this morning to charge the car and pick up lunch provisions. We did indeed get to Tesco; however, it appears that charging the car there required an APP to pay. Sigh.
So back to Melrose where the charging station had a tap and pay displayed. There was a car charging there already, and we waited over an hour for the owner to return. We were growly by then, and the young lady discovered that her charge had failed due to a malfunction. After minutes of struggle and calls to the helpline, she offered to fill our car if we let her fill hers first. This was fortuitous as we discovered that the tap and pay is not for credit cards. I had to create and account, set up ACH transfer and enable NFC on my phone to " tap and go". We will try that out next!
So back to Melrose where the charging station had a tap and pay displayed. There was a car charging there already, and we waited over an hour for the owner to return. We were growly by then, and the young lady discovered that her charge had failed due to a malfunction. After minutes of struggle and calls to the helpline, she offered to fill our car if we let her fill hers first. This was fortuitous as we discovered that the tap and pay is not for credit cards. I had to create and account, set up ACH transfer and enable NFC on my phone to " tap and go". We will try that out next!
Elation.
By 2 pm we had encountered two angels: one at the hotel who threw our dirty clothes into their machine for us to pick up later, and the lady at the car park. It is good for the heart and mind to be the recipient of kindness.
Contemplation.
Finally on our way for the day, we headed to Dryburgh Abbey.
Built in 1150, burned in 1320, and purchased by the Earl of Buchan in 1780 and conserved, this Cistercian monastery is quieter, less pretentious and assuming than Melrose. It's subtle beauty and contemplative setting was hard to leave, even in the rain.
The Earl collected and planted a forest of trees which are now reaching their apex. Their huge presence, the songs of the birds, the spring flowers all added to the ambience of the place which encouraged thought and consideration.
Blue in front of an Atlas Cedar.
This yew tree was in situ when the Abbey was built in 1150.
Then a quick stroll up the Tweed to the Pavillion of the Muse of Nature, a folly of sorts by the Earl.
