Friday, September 27 – Day 1 – Falkirk to Polmont (Photos)
Sandy and Karin got groceries, Warren and Kim walked to the Falkirk Wheel
Met up with the gang 12:30-ish, and since the boat was ready, Alan started the boat handover tour immediately.
Falkirk wheel was more than expected. And the staff were amusing and direct. The first locks were deep and the tunnel was a challenge this early on in the trip. And the Sanderling is a fat pig.
Got groceries at Tesco in Redding. This is a HUGE Tesco, more like Costco.
Finally decided that we could make it to Polmont, and booked a meal at the Clairmont Inn. Good thing we booked, because we learned that they would stop serving food at 7:30. We pretty much drove the canalboat into the weeds just after Polmont, pounded in some anchors, and rushed off into town. We got there at 7:15. Good pub food.
We walked back to the boat in the dark and settled in for the night.
Kim and Karin learned how to convert the tables into beds.
Saturday, September 28 – Day 2 – Polmont to Ratho (Photos)
Goal was to get as close to Edinburgh as possible. And explore Linlithgow.
Breakfast was eat/drink whatever you feel like. We cast off and started motoring before people were done eating. No problem.
Avon Aqueduct
Filled up the water tank just before Linlithgow. It took a long time. No idea how we used that much water.
Linlithgow was beautiful. The church and castle were also excellent. The birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
We enjoyed the antique cars parked in the town square.
Home made ham sandwiches on the boat for lunch
Motored on thru many kayakers
Almond aqueduct
Tied up in Ratho
Karin and Sandy made a chicken curry for dinner
Sunday, September 29 – Day 3 – Ratho to Edinburgh (Photos)
Breakfast included crumpets toasted in the oven broiler
We took off while people were still in bed/breakfasting
In Hermiston, we crossed over the A720, a big highway
Canal got shallow and slow.
Crew vacuumed the kitchen and salon
Slatford Aqueduct
Filled up with water again in Polworth. Again took a long time. Sandy chatted up an older gentleman.
Tied up in Edinburgh, just outside the Leamington Lift Bridge
Wandered into the town (Dean Village, Stockbridge Market to grab a bite to eat while standing around, Scotsman Steps, Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral, Grey Friar’s Kirkyard)
Back to the boat, where Joan cooked a chicken curry for all
Monday, September 30 – Day 4– Exploring Edinburgh in the rain (Photos)
Forecasts were mixed. It rained.
Great walking Tour with Graeme of Yellow Umbrella Free Walking Tours. It rained.
We split up and explored separately. Sandy and Warren checked out Holyrood Palace. and the Abbey. Impressive contents, especially the rugs on the walls.
Super fancy dinner at Outsider for Joan’s birthday. Excellent.
Tuesday, October 1 – Day 5 – Edinburgh to Ratho (Photos)
Aqueducts and boats and rain and clouds.
Both of the toilets switched to red. Time for a pump-out. It turned back green. Decided to do the pump out regardless.
Scrambled eggs and bacon and toast for lunch.
Made a boo-boo and missed the moorings for Ratho. Found a winding hole 20 minutes farther on and pulled u-turn. Couldn’t get pumped out under 9 am the next day. No problem, we were pretty much done for the day anyways. We tied up and waited for dinner time.
Another excellent dinner, this time at the Bridge Inn in Ratho.
Wednesday, October 2 – Day 6 – Ratho to Winlithgow (Photos)
Went for our pump out at night. Had to spin the boat twice more, as each side had to be pumped out. No problem, we are getting better at spinning the boat around.
Started motoring. The usual awesome scenery.
Arrived in Winlithgow and walked the town again. Most stores seemed to have already closed, and it was only 5 pm.
Moored up halfway in a parking spot. Which seemed to be what others had done.
Chef Craig made an awesome lamb madras curry. We have lots left. Looking forward to eating it tomorrow.
Thursday, October 3 – Day 7 – Winlithgow to Falkirk (Photos)
Woke up to fog. Beautiful.
Quick trip to Tesco for bakery stuff and butter.
Started motoring in the fog at 8:30. Actually very pleasant and magical. Aqueducts in the fog even better.
Discovered we were ahead of schedule, so stopped in Redding for coffee. Kaylo’s didn’t look great, so we went back to Tesco’s. Awesome cafe upstairs.
Through the tunnel, through the big tall locks, and down the Falkirk Wheel. Enjoyed James, our lock-keeper for the wheel.
Headed down to Lock 16 for the winding hole, and Bill turned us around. Tied up nearby.
Walked most of the way down to the Kelpies, failed and were rescued by locals who took us to the Sparta Boxing Club for electrolytes. They also had their son, Rory, drive us back to the boat.
Friday, October 4 – Day 8 – Return the canal boat (Photos)
A quick breakfast on board, pack things up and motor the half hour back to the wheel
Warren and Bill took a taxi to Enterprise Rental, and then drove back to the wheel to pick up the rest of the rabble. Getting a taxi took 2 attempts, and wasted 45 minutes.