Encounter with the Loch Ness Monster

The wake up call we were expecting, turned out to be Rick our driver saying he was waiting downstairs.  Oops.  After throwing on some clothes and stopping by Starbucks for juice and muffins, we were off to see the Scottish borders.  One of the most modern sights, the Falkirk Wheel was our first destination.  Built to commemorate the Millennium, it connects the Union Canal and the Forth & Clyde Canal which were originally connected by a series of 11 locks.  It is the worlds first and only rotating boat lift.  The project cost 84.6 million pounds which in dollars would be double that figure.  Since its completion in 2002, it has become quite the tourist attraction.  We boarded a "gondola" and took a 45 minute ride that took us from one canal to the other and back again. The grounds are completely accessible to the wheelchair but we didn't take the time to explore. 

Six hundred years earlier, Stirling Castle was built atop a volcanic crag near the Forth River.  Theories speculate that the legend of Camelot is based on a castle here during King Arthur's conquest of parts of Scotland in the 6th Century. 

There weren't any roundtables in sight, but we managed to find a picnic table to sit and enjoy lunch.  Kelly's meal was the best!  Jenny was even jealous and tried to sneak a few bites....OK more than a few.  The castle wasn't completely accessible but every effort was made to make our visit enjoyable.  A courtesy van, wheelchair accessible and all, took us to the main square atop Castle Hill. The main Palace was closed got refurbishment but we visited the Royal Chapel and the Great Hall.   In the gardens, we met high school students trying to dress the part of 18th century castle life.  They were thrilled to have their picture taken with Kelly.

 

 

 

 

Rik dropped us off a few blocks up the Royal Mile from our hotel so we could catch a glimpse at the inside of St. Giles Cathedral.  This site was involved with John Knox's Calvinist reformation in the late 16th century abolishing Catholism.   Mom's interest was wavering at this point so we decided it was time to eat.

We went to Wannaburger for burgers and shakes.  I know we can be picky eaters but the meat had a strange taste and the milkshakes didn't taste anything like at home.  Following dinner, we walked the Royal Mile looking for the perfect souvenir at a reasonable price.  We bought absolutely nothing!  Mom was much more interested in getting outside to be entertained by street performers preparing for the big Fringe festival.  Being in Loch Ness country, we decided to attend the "3D experience" and we were completely disappointed.  Just like the legend it was a big waste of time.