Boats in the Air & Mythical Beasts

 SONG - Myth - Celtic Music

Heading north from Glasgow to Stirling we had some time to explore before going to our next lodging for the evening. So we took a small detour to the Falkirk Wheel and Kelpies.  But first I have to share with you that it’s our grandson, Charlie’s second birthday today! Not to worry though, we will celebrate when we return home. He is such an enthusiastic and sweet little boy who tries to keep up with his big brother at every turn!

Happy Birthday Sweet Charlie!

Our first stop was the Falkirk Wheel that connects the Forth and Clyde Canals with the Union Canal and is the only rotating boat lift in the world. 

Signage at the site state that it could turn itself with the energy from just 4 teapots because it’s engineered so well and expertly balanced.  They also state that it could hold 100 elephants!

The gate opens up,  asking sure the water levels are the same inside the holding tank as it is in the canal, and the boat glides in. 

The giant gears begin rotating the boat and another holding container full of water & a potential boat above. 

The device raises one boat up and lowers another. 

Once both boats are where they should be the gates go up or down depending on where they are - top or bottom and the gates open to release the boats to sail happily on their way. 

As we were leaving we noticed several narrow boats on another canal. They were beautiful and fun to watch - along with a mama swan on her nest and daddy swan on the lookout. I saw a crow come close and boy did he go after it!

On towards the Kelpies……

The Kelpies are mythical water creatures that can turn into humans.  And they represent the horses in the Scottish culture.  The sculpture was made by Andy Scott and unveiled in 2014.

Just incredible

We then traveled further north to Stirling so Mr. B could do some of his family tree research but after contacting the minister of the town near Stirling, he found out that they didn’t have the records he was looking for nor could he go into the cemetery where his relatives were probably buried due to unsafe conditions (most of the headstones were toppled over).  So since we already had reservations there we decided to visit Stirling Castle and see what else we might take in.

Our home for the next two nights and it looks like something out of Harry Potter, doesn’t it?

“I solemnly swear I’m up to no good”

- Harry Potter