Sir Walter Scott was born on August 15 which is memorable to me because I was born on the 16th. Scott was a great writer who penned "Rob Roy" and "Ivanhoe".
The monument, which took four years to complete, is 200 feet 6 inches of sandstone adorned with characters from his stories.
From the outside the monument is dark and brooding - symbolic of some of Scott's stories. The inside has a spiral staircase of 287 steps with three levels to stop, rest, and take in the city. Ryan, Travis, and I decided to take on the daunting task of climbing to the top. We paid four pounds each and went on our way.
The steps to the first level were okay. The steps to the next level were okay. The steps to the last level were tight. There was barely room for one person to make the last 10-15 steps to the top finial. The final tier was lovely - I guess. I am afraid of heights and could not look down. It was enough for me and time to head down, but a "rush" of people decided to travel to the top too. Getting down was a job! I was on the verge of an anxiety attack but my friends kept me safe and sane with Travis often stopping in front of the windows so I did not have to see out.
We were told there was a certificate for each person who survived this daunting climb, so when we got to the bottom I wanted it. The certificate is pre-printed. I am number 0089100.
Only 89000 people have been up this monument since it's completion in 1844? Um...okay.
I was disappointed in the certificate; however, it was totally worth it. The sculpting alone is phenomenal; the detail and precision is breathtaking. I faced a fear and had friends there to help me through it.
How did I celebrate? Gellato
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