Away in the Distance

As we shot down whatever small road we were on headed toward Killiecrankie, we espied this beautiful structure far in the distance in a vale. I pulled over into a layby and ran across the road to get this photo. While I was taking photographs, my wife was attempting to place a name to the structure. We believe that it is part of the Gleneagles Estate. If I made multi millions of dollars in a years time, we'd have tried to find it, but since I don't, it just wasn't worth the attempt. I had no desire, this early in the trip, to be treated shabbily. The return trip across the road was very nearly my last as I glanced left than right to cross the road and stepped out into the path of a rushing car. Luckily, years of soccer have provided me with pretty quick reflexes and I retreated quickly to the shoulder narrowly avoiding the kiss of a car. Note to self at that point. Glance Right then Left. Nothing like a brush with death/injury to force you to take a new perspective on things. Wastrel On! (Listening To: When I Touch You by Travis Tritt)

Riding the Wheel

Another view of the sheer impressiveness of the structure. This one was taken through the plexi-glass ceiling of our boat, just as we start the ascension. Take note of the beautiful sky, we were not to see that colour blue very often on this trip. Wastrel On! (Listening To: Green, White & Gold by Linda Rutherford & Celtic Fire)

Back to the Falkirk Wheel

After spending the morning at Callendar House, we retreated back down the road to the Falkirk Wheel. Of course, we had a wee bit of stress involved due to a family (also from Texas) who informed us that they had stood in line for nearly 6 hours to ride this thing. A brief discussion between the two of us resulted in making the drive anyway. I mean when were we going to get another chance to ride the famous Falkirk Wheel? And it's not uncommon for tourists to be completely incorrect in their time estimates. Luckily, they were. We had perhaps a 20 minute wait, during which time Marita Beth had a very expensive sandwich from the on-premises deli and I had a Stella Artois. Now it's our turn. We walk onto the boat that seats approximately 60 souls. Our boat was almost half full. The boat is enclosed but the ceiling and side are plexi-glass to afford you a view of the massive structure. Pretty impressive. A tourguide informs us that it takes approximately 4 1/2 minutes to make the rotation and that each gondola (the area in which our boat rests during the rotation) can hold approximately 11 tons. This one contraption takes the place of 11 locks in what was once a 13 lock system in this part of the canal system. It is a government funded enterprise and there is no fee for canal travellers to pay. We tourists take care of most of that for them. More photos tomorrow. Wastrel On! (Listening To: I'm Looking For My Mind by Merle Haggard)