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.