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Greetings fellow adventurers, Yannic here, ready to share a tale of twists, turns, and a ruined castle named Yester. Allyson and I embarked on a cycling escapade, armed with excitement about Yester Castle’s location, and it’s army of goblins, but blissfully unaware of the unexpected challenges that awaited us.

The Plan

Allyson, always the diligent researcher, had pinpointed Yester Castle’s exact location – nestled 1+1⁄2 miles southeast of the quaint village of Gifford in East Lothian, Scotland. Our trusty bikes, carefully chosen and modified for such adventures, beckoned us for what we anticipated would be an epic day in the saddle.

The Execution

With enthusiasm as our fuel, we pedalled tirelessly, taking in the beauty of the Scottish countryside. The landscape unfolded like pages from an ancient book, with villages, country paths, fields, and woods setting the scene of our journey. However, as the sky painted itself with hues of grey, a precursor to the whims of Scottish weather, we ventured through a final stretch of woodland. The castle loomed near, just half a mile away, yet exhaustion clung to us like an uninvited shadow.

Getting Lost

Little did we know, my trusty Wahoo, which I had praised in numerous tech guides, decided to chart its own path. Yes, I actually got the map to lad this time, but that wasn’t the issue here. Our digital guide misled us down a path that dwindled to an inaccessible trail. Hours into our ride, the frustration began to nibble at our spirits.

In our zeal, we opted to traverse Yester Estate, a decision spurred by my hopeful navigation. The lush greenery of the estate, though enchanting, was a stark reminder that we had veered from our intended path.

Our detour through Yester Estate unveiled an unexpected scene – an opulent country house with its display of luxury cars. This surreal encounter left us pondering our location, yet the adventure was far from over.

Confronted by a locked gate and the onset of rain, Allyson’s apprehension mirrored my own. Yet, in our moment of uncertainty, kindness showed its face. A local resident guided us towards the main gate, a reminder that serendipity often accompanies the most unplanned adventures.

With dusk encroaching and energy waning, we opted to save the castle adventure for another day. The comfort of home and the company of our loyal four-legged friend, Brighid, beckoned.

Conclusion

Though we returned home without laying eyes on Yester Castle, the day was far from a defeat. It became a cherished memory, a tale of misadventure, and a testament to the unpredictable nature of exploration. Allyson’s thorough research and my penchant for tech had guided us well, but sometimes, the road less travelled reveals lessons and stories far greater than the intended destination.

We will have to return another day…