The Kingfisher

Yet another pub. :-) After leaving the Old Mill Inn, we walked down the High Street in Pitlochrie taking a quick peek in windows & just enjoying the simple, pleasant ambience of this high-energy little town. It was late enough that shops were closing, so there was no shopping to do, but the pubs were still open. We located this one, the Kingfisher, and stepped in for a draught. A pint of the 80 shilling for me and a half shandy for the wee wife. As we sat there enjoying our drinks, an older gentleman informed us that a "very loud" group was soon to start playing and we were sitting right in front of their speakers. We finished our drinks and left soon after, neither of us were up for a "very loud" group and we still had a ways to drive to get to Killiecrankie. Wastrel On! (Listening To: (Reach Up For the) Sunrise by Duran Duran)

Eating in Pitlochrie

Finally finishing with the Falkirk Wheel (well worth a visit), we took to the road again. A quick stop in a small nameless (only because I've forgotten) hamlet so my dear wife can visit an antique store and I can quench a dry throat was the only thing between us & Pitlochrie. A marvelous, if very trendy/touristy destination is Pitlochrie. Many hours, I'm sure, could be spent traversing its streets and shops & pubs and distilleries. But, since we were going to be back here later in the week, we didn't stay over long. We gathered a quick bite & drink at the Old Mill Inn (I've taken, at this point, to photographing every place I've had a drink) and then took a short walk. Lovely, very pleasant weather but the city itself was a little crowded. We soon departed for Killiecrankie. Wastrel On! (listening to: High Hopes by Pink Floyd)

Atop the Wheel

After arriving at the top of the wheel, we made a short journey up the canal; through a tunnel that ran underneath the Antonine Wall we travelled at 4 mph (the maximum on British Canals) to the upper lock. The upper lock is the 1st of 3 locks on this part of the canal system. The Falkirk Wheel is the middle lock and replaces 11 previous locks. Prior to the Wheel being erected, the trip from the top lock to the bottom lock took approximately 10 hours. Now the entire trip can be completed in just under an hour. This photo was taken from the top of the wheel on our return journey looking out over the valley. Next to our boat is a small canal cruiser. There are numerous companies that hire these boats out for excursions of any length. Marita Beth & I are considering, seriously, a Calendonia Canal Cruise when next we visit Scotland. Hire a boat for a few days and slowly traverse the canal system stopping at villages and spots of interest along the way. I think it could be great fun. (Listening to: The Beautiful Ones by Mariah Carey)

The Milwaukee Irish Festival

Took a short break from my travelogue to visit the Bristol Renaissance Festival and the Milwaukee Irish Fest. The Milwaukee Irish Festival celebrated its 25th year this past weekend. It has truly placed itself in the annals of great festivals and great venues. It's held at the Henry W. Maier Festival [Summerfest] Grounds at 200 North Harbor Drive Milwaukee, WI 53202 on the banks of Lake Michigan. The Milwaukee Irish Festival boasts one of the best lineups of Irish (or otherwise Celtic-influenced) music anywhere. Perhaps the InterCeltique Musique Festival in France may have a larger lineup, but I've not been to it, so I stand by my personal critique. Over the years I have seen some truly outstanding groups: some internationally acclaimed, some purely local with little hope of bursting onto the international scene, but brilliant musicians in their own right. This year, I was treated to the Brigid's Cross, The Young Dubliner's, The Wolftones, Schooner Fare, Green Fields of America, Wolfstone & Off Kilter. And these are just the groups I physically saw. I heard many more from a distance as I passed by. My main complaint about the festival is that the Miller Brewing Company has a stranglehold on the grounds and Guinness (Bass, Harp &c.) are not present. You can purchase all of the Guinness paraphenalia you want from many of the hundreds of vendors selling wares. However, you can NOT buy a Guinness stout on the grounds. Thank goodness that Leinenkugel and Sprecher and Lakefront beers all have a presence. All in all it's worth your visit. Wastrel On!