Elie and Earlsferry

Having decided yesterday to extend our trip, Angela realised that she had not brought enough of one of John's medications. Not like her, she's usually pretty meticulous about such things. So, this morning we would have to head to nearby St. Andrews where there was a medical centre. Putting five pounds in the honesty box, we fired up Marge, leaving the Oyster Catchers sorting through the grass in front, and a variety of other birds sheltering in the crevices of the nearby sandstone rock. The journey was unpleasant, heavy rain and heavy traffic. What a contrast to yesterday's beautiful day in Edinburgh, we couldn't believe we'd been walking around in T-shirts. On the outskirts of St. Andrews a fuel station. Right Marge, cross the road, we're going in, just to top you up. Most of the pumps were out of action. Marge only needed a small amount and we felt guilty about filling her up, but she consumes quite a lot of fuel and we don't want to be caught out in more remote areas.

We arrived at the medical centre in St. Andrews just after noon. Let's get this problem sorted out. Easier said than done. We'll spare you the long story. Short story, you're in Scotland, we do things differently here. The same reason from the English side, you're in Scotland, they do things differently up there. Register as a temporary resident. No. Covid? After four hours of no, no, no, John went in to the pharmacy of the Morrisons supermarket opposite. Yes! That'll be five pounds please. Bargain, five pounds for nearly four hours of stress. That woman was an Angel he declared. Does she know we're in Scotland, and you're from England? Who cares Marge, get out of town quickly. After Shopping done and John sorted, we drove back along the coast road through East Neuk. Sorry Marge, we can't stop here, seafront parking is closed due to a golf tournament this week. Yes, we were in the land of golf.

On to Elie and Earlsferry. Excellent. Pretty town, reminded us of towns alongside the Loire river in France. Lovely views. And vans were welcome. Bingo! So, Marge has a dramatic sea view, the wind is strong, but not too strong.

Our neighbour in front is the van that was to the left of us last night. We just hope the wind speed doesn't increase too much during the night otherwise it might be a case of shake, rattle and roll.

West Wemyss Harbour

A bright warm start to the day in Edinburgh. But what happened in the night Marge? The person in the van behind us decided to run their engine from one to one thirty. It's the middle of the night for God's sake. Why? What should we do Marge? Not sure, you've squeezed me in between two vans. Decision, lets ride it out. Fortunately, there was no reoccurrence during the night. What's wrong with some people? 

We packed up quickly having changed our plans. We were going to cycle to Edinburgh old town but weren't happy about leaving Marge with her neighbour. So, we found some free parking close to Holyrood House. After negotiating the chaos of Edinburgh city centre, we parked Marge in a leafy street where the coaches were also parked. On the way in we passed by the tropical palm house of the royal botanic garden. Marge's view was Arthurs Seat. Enjoy Marge.

We walked pass the Princes Street gardens, which were beautiful and up to the castle. Impressive. Fantastic views.

Then along the Royal Mile down to the Scottish parliament building and the Palace of Holyrood House, then back through one of Edinburgh's old graveyards dating back to the eighteenth century.

Everywhere we had walked there was something historical to look at. We loved Edinburgh.

Leaving the city, we did not turn right to head towards Northumbria but left to cross the Forth road bridge. Why leave Scotland, there's still a lot for us to see and we don't need to be home for another month. Yesterday we had video call from our grandson Elliot just to remind him who we were. He cuddled a very large Peppa pig balloon in front of the camera. In your face grandparents. Seems like we've been replaced by a very large fictional pink pig. 

Early evening, we arrived at West Wemyss harbour, Fife, on the east coast. It's a pretty working harbour with a small village nearby complete with community pub. There is a well mown grass area for about four vans. Donation in the box of five pounds to go towards the upkeep of the harbour. Out in the Firth of Forth we can see the twinkling of lights from at least eight tankers.

All is peaceful, and we hope it stays that way tonight.

Edinburgh

All quiet at the wheel this morning. The visitor centre didn't open until 9.45 am so it was nice for us, and the few other vans that had not left early, to enjoy the site before it switched on its commercial side. Segway's, boat trips, wheel trips, Zorb balls, wood fired pizzas, ice cream and coffee.

Leaving this all behind we jumped on our bicycles and cycled along the Forth & Clyde canal to see the Kelpies.

As we approached them, we were awestruck. Fantastic. We arrived around ten thirty before the crowds and it paid off. We were able to take some fantastic photographs without too many people being in them. The commercial machine however was already switched on and we rewarded our four-mile cycle ride with refreshments.

The thirty-metre-high horse sculptures captivated us. We were glad we'd put a visit to see them into the loose itinerary we made before we left home. 

We left the Kelpies just as the visitors began to arrive in large numbers. Another four miles cycle back to Marge, powered by coffee and cake alongside the canal made us think of cycling in France. The Falkirk Wheel money machine was in full swing when we returned. John's description of the wheel was, a large piece of machinery that throws narrow boats about. Using the facilities in the visitor centre Angela was amused to see a poster showing the evacuation plan for the wheel. Not much use outside the lady's toilet if you hadn't spent a penny before boarding it. In the time we spent at the wheel, nearly twenty-four hours, we only saw four narrow boats use it, the rest of the time it was in use for boat trips.

Before we packed up Marge, we watched the wheel turn with two boats on board. Up at the viewpoint we could see them enter the tunnel on union canal. The tunnel was lit in multi-colours, it was like being at a seventies disco. 

Late afternoon before we left Falkirk. Marge had to be held back a little. Maximum speed 45 mph. Sometimes she can be a little bit thirsty. We read this morning that fuel is to be rationed to a maximum of thirty pounds worth per vehicle. You just sneaked in under the radar Marge with your forty something worth. 

Tonight, we are staying in Edinburgh right next to Fettes College an independent co-educational day and boarding school. In fact, it is supposed to be the best boarding school in Scotland, which is why the fictional James Bond attended it in his life story. The police headquarters are just around the corner, so behave Marge. There are four vans including Marge. The one in front of us is from Belgium.

The area is very smart. Lovely wide roads lined with fantastic Georgian houses and of course as expected a Waitrose supermarket. We walked around the block after our evening meal, peering in to the lives of the owners of these beautiful homes.

From where Marge is parked, we can see Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano and Edinburgh castle all lit up. Cost of our overnight stay in Edinburgh, nil. And we have one of the best seats in the house. 

Tomorrow we will probably cycle in to the city and along the Royal Mile. Edinburgh castle to the palace of Holyrood along the streets of the old town. Doesn't that Krankie woman live here. No Marge Janette Krankie lives in Torquay. Nicola Sturgeon lives here though.