Pilot: Auto
Today we spent the whole day along the Forth and Clyde Canal. It runs right behind the hotel we stayed at, so from virtually our first steps, that's where we needed to be. Not much call for our map reading skills today!
The biggest excitement came early when, after a couple of miles, we arrived at the Falkirk Wheel. This engineering marvel is the only rotating boat lift in the world. It was opened in 2002 and joins the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde Canal. Originally these canals were linked by a series of 11 locks, but they fell into disuse in the 1930s and were eventually filled in and built upon. When the plans were made at the Millennium to refurbish the canal link between Edinburgh and Glasgow, the planners wanted a dramatic, 21st century structure to relink the two canals. Mission accomplished! Look up Falkirk Wheel on YouTube to see how this thing works. It's amazing! (I don't know how to put a link in on the iPad) Unfortunately, it was not in operation this morning, but it was still very impressive.
The height difference between the two canals is 79 feet!
Beyond the wheel, it was just a long slog along the canal towpath. We deked off in Bonnybridge to pick up some groceries for lunch, but that was it. We did see some wildlife along the way.
We also saw this interestingly attired creature.
We think he might be related to this more sophisticated specimen, but it seems unlikely.
After about 6 miles, it became clear to Michael that the last two days (and 6 miles) had taken a toll. Blisters were pushing the walk from uncomfortable to painful, so he and Jan headed for a hotel near the canal to grab a cab to the hotel they are staying at. Since I'm still just in the uncomfortable zone, Al and I pushed on.
We finally made it to Kirkintilloch and found our hotel. We cabbed it out to Kincaid House, where Michael and Jan are staying, for dinner.
They had tended to the blisters and were looking very refreshed. Michael has wisely decided to skip walking tomorrow, and possibly the next day, to give his blisters a chance to heal and his feet a chance to rest. He'll meet the rest of us at our next stop, Strathblane. The walk to Strathblane is a short 9 or 10 miles, which should give us time to tour the nearby Glengoyne distillery. Funny how that worked out.
Still enjoying the blogs :) It is nice to see that you haven't lost your sense of humor along the way. I am loving the photos too. I especially like the urchins shown earlier (so cute!) and the plaque commemorating the birthplace of Scotty. You just never know what you're going to discover.
ReplyDeleteLaura
We had totally forgotten about your stroll across Great Britain and yesterday Aunt Linda came across one of Dawn's old emails with the link to your blog...we are doing our best to catch up to you...Aunt Linda has made it as far as Worcester and she mentioned something about the boobies while Uncle Bob is way back at Day 11...still dealing with the Devon mud...it's slippery...hope your travels are going well and I will do my best to catch up ASAP....Bob and Linda (in sunny Sooke)
ReplyDeleteCome on Larry, help me out with something sarcastic.
ReplyDeleteDawn and Al, did you not make Michael read the book about feet care? Maybe all he needs it to borrow a pair of Al's Injinji toe socks!
ReplyDeletePS: I am watching the European Darts Championship on TV and drinking some 18 yr Highland Park single malt as I type this. I am experiencing both English and Scottish culture without taking a single step! Didn't think of that in your months of planning did you?
(sarcastic enough Margaret?) :-)
The ONLY thing for blisters are Compeed plasters - they are truly brilliant. They are filled with a kind of gel and you stick them on and leave them on until they finally drop off (about 7-10 days). My boys use them for their long yomps and they are recommended by doctors - you'll find them in good chemists. Cannot recommend them highly enough to Michael - with whom I have great sympathy - I got some mega blisters stomping around St Andrews with Tom a couple of weeks ago and Compeed saved me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a wonderful journey via this Blog. Upon reading of the Falkirk Wheel and Julia's Compeed plaster suggestion, I felt is was time to join the Comments. My wife and I had been sent a video on the Wheel after being in Scotland and after driving from Stirling Castle to Rosslyn Chapel (in Roslin - go figure their spellings) on our final day in Scotland - thus would have crossed the path your are on (either Today's or Yesterday's route). Then, Julia from Knit Wits comment was a reminder to me to mention how we began following this Blog - in three weeks we shall be in Penzance - including on your day of arrival at John o'Groats - We began following your journey from the Camilla House Facebook page (we'll be staying a couple doors down at the Warwick House however) And, we shall be certain to visit Knit Wits and Julia while in Penzance.
ReplyDeleteBuon Camino (okay, different country - just substitute John o'Groats for Santiago - and Walk On
Oh! By the way! Be careful of those serene looking but apparently evil swans! (I'm also referring to your blog way back in the beginning of England.) There was an article in the GT a couple weeks ago (I'm saving it for you) about an experienced kayaker drowning after being attacked by a couple brutal swans! The story was shocking! Who knew? --Julie W
ReplyDelete