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)