We are staying at a small town called Milngavie.
The history of Milngavie dates back to at least 1600, when there was a mill here in a village known at the time as Millgay – remember how I told you to pronounce it yesterday? Makes sense now, right?
Today it is a suburb of Glasgow and known as the gateway to the West Highland Way. Not to mention it is super super cute.
We found the gate where we will be starting from in the morning and met our first fellow hiker to chat about why, where, and when.
We will be following mainly timber posts bearing the thistle-in-a- hexagon logo. Haven’t figured out what it means yet but I am sure we will.
Covid test update 2: we both received negative test results today so we are all set for the rest of the trip.
Dinner and packing tonight to prep for our first 12 mile hike tomorrow that yes-the trail leads us to the Glengoyne Distillary. Hikers on The Way are invited for a wee dram. I think we might just have to indulge to help us with the next 5.
We are heading to Drymen- weather? Who knows? They say just wait and see and it will happen when it happens. Talk to you then.
Karen's JOI 
Meanings and Symbolism of the Thistle Flower
Commonly known as the Scottish thistle and the national symbol of Scotland, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the thistle flower. Many legends surround it and the flower has several interpretations as well.
The thistle is often connected to negative symbolism:
The thistle is often used as a metaphor for inconvenience or trouble. A Spanish proverb goes: He that has a good harvest must be content with some thistles.
It symbolizes toughness, pain and aggression.
To be prickly as a thistle can mean to get angry quickly especially about criticism.
In Victorian times, the thistle was known as the flower of intrusion or used as a warning against unwanted meddling.
However, the thistle is also connected to positive symbolism:
The thistle represents overcoming adversity and difficult situations. It’s a symbol of resilience.
In Celtic regions, the thistle represents devotion, bravery, determination, and strength.
The thistle was one of the respected emblems of Lorraine, a region in northeastern France.
In the Basque region of France, the thistle is considered a symbol of protection. It is also called the “flower of the sun“ and the “herb of witches”. It’s used as protection against evildoers because people believe that witches cannot look directly at the sun. The thistle is often seen on the front doors of the homes of this region.
The flower’s pink and purple colors represent nobility and royalty.
🙂
Thank you. I reread the positive part again cause I needed it!