THE ASTUTE TRAVELLER

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, famous for its castle, is also famous for its cultural cele- brations, particularly in August.

That's the month when the pres- tigious Edinburgh International Festival, featuring dance, music, and drama, is joined by festivais devoted to “fringe” theatre, jazz, and film.

As well, August is the month for the famed Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The tattoo is Scotland's largest, best-attended outdoor event, with an audience of more than 200,000.

This year’s tattoo, to be held. from Aug. 5 to 27, will mark the 200th anniversary of the Gordon Highlanders, one of the country’s oldest and best-known regiments. Among the performers will be a B.C. group, the Delta Police Pipe Band.

Edinburgh is a madhouse during the festivals, so if you take one in

WS

be strre to rela afterwards in the tranquil Scottish country side,

South of Edinburgh, between it and England, is the pastoral Borders region.

Sprinkled throughout this lovely rural landseape are the remains of tour magnificent (2he-century abbeys well worth visiting -- Jedburgh, Dryburgh, Kelso and Melrose, which has been partially restored,

This is Sir Walter Scott country (he’s buried at Dryburghy. Visit his home, Abbotsford, and take in Scott's View: from high ona hill- top, the prolific 19th-century poet and novelist liked to adinire the River Tweed wending its way through braes of green,

For more information, contact the British Tourist Authority, ELT Avenue Rd., Ste. 430, Toronto, Ont. MSR 338 or call (416) 925- 6326,

In March, British Airways began year-round daily non-stop service between Vancouver and London's Heathrow airport, with connections to Edinburgh. For more information call toll-free: (800) 668-1080.

If you want to relive the days of the Klondike gold rush, Sea to Sky Trails of Delta has a 10-day excur- sion that follows the fortune seck- ers” route from Skagway to Dawson City.

The trip includes van travel from Whitchorse to Skagway, a five-day, 53-km trek over the Chilkoot Pass, and a van ride to Dawson City, the hub of the 1890s gold rush.

Len Webster, Sea to Sky's owner and tour leader, says the hike’s level of difficulty is six ona scale of one to 10, but adds, “It's suitable for novices as there's only

Photo Judi Lees

™ THE PARTIALLY restored Melrose Abbey is one of four magnif- icent (2th-century abbeys sprinkied throughout the lovely rural landscape of the Borders region in Scotland.

TRAVEL August is the month for a visit to Scotland Judi

one difficult day. when we actually goover the pass.”

Rich in wildlife aud history, the trail is strewn with renminants of those carly diss. Webster. a former history teacher, lias researched the gold rush and bas aaty stories ta tell.

Meals, equipment, and professional guides are provided: participants bring their personal gear. Cost is $995, Departuie is from Whitehorse.

For more information, contact Sea to Sky ‘Trails, HI7IS Bist Ave, Delta, H.C. V4C 7H7. The tele- phone and fax number is 594-7701.

The epitome of nostalgia train travel is the Pride of Africa. The classic steam train operates regular- ly on the Cape Town- Johannesburg-Pretoria route, but this summer it will offer an “Edwardian Safari,” a 12-day,

6,100 hat escursion from Cape Town to Dates Salaun,

Departure date is July 16, and the journeys includes visits to view wildlife tn famous Krager National

66 Rich in wildlife and histary,

the trail is strewn with remnants of those early days, 99

Park, stops for golf, and a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.

The return journey begins July 29, The Edwardian-era train, impeccably restored, has deluxe accommodation for 23 couples. Price of the journey is US$6,500 one way, which includes meals, sightseving, and guest lecturers.

For more information: SAFNA Vacations (Canada) Ltd., 3265

Wharton Way, Ste. 1. Mississauga, Qa LAX 2X9 or call. toll-free, (800) 465-3692,

Much closer to home, Amtrak began a high-speed. luxury-class train service between Seattle and Portland on April L. The three-hour trip includes movies, white-linen meal ser- vice, complimentary papers and coffee.

The return fare is $US42. The 200-pas- senger train is the first step in a plan to establish a high- speed, luxury rai] service between Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver.

Ifall goes well, a four-hour Vancouver to Seattle run should begin this October.

Vancouver has been without a passenger rail link to Seattle since Amtrak discontinued its service in 1981. For more information call Amtrak, toll-free, (800) 872-7245,

In celebration of our 25th anniversary, we want to honor a North Shore Newspaper carrier, once a month, for five months.

Heres how you can help.

NOMINATION FORM

To nominate your favorite carrier simply fill out this form.

~ Who is your peak carrier?

if you don't know their name, tell us your address and the day of the week the carrier delivers.

What makes this individual a peok achiever?

Drop off, fax or mail to the North Shore News: 1139 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, 8.C. V7M 2H4

Fax 985-1435

Mark all entries: PEAK PERFORMERS CONTEST ENTRY.