Day 5 - Falkirk Rest Day

This was an actual planned-for rest day.  After a good breakfast, I went back to the room to do some laundry in the sink so that it would have enough time to dry.  Now, when I arrived yesterday, I asked about nearby or on-site laundry facilities.  There is a laundry service, but it was too expensive for my liking.  I decided that I didn't feel like spending well over 10 pounds to do 2 pairs of hiking pants and 3 shirts, so I did it myself.

I was picked up about 1230 by my friend Michael and his kids and we headed toward Falkirk Centre to hunt down some lunch.  After pizza (and for me, a stop at Boots pharmacy to pick up some paper first aid tape), we headed to Blackness Castle, where we wandered the ramparts in the wind and cold rain.  Michael found out that the woman working at the shop/ticket office was from the Outer Hebrides and grew up speaking Gaelic, so naturally, I went in for a bit of conversation.  Such a treat to talk with a native speaker!

Michael and 2 of the munchkins at Blackness Castle.

 Off in the distance, through the rain, is the Forth Rail Bridge.

We headed straight to the Helix Park then, home of the Kelpies.  They are 90-foot tall tributes to the horses that towed barges along Scotland's canals.  They are simply beautiful and awe-inspiring and wonderful.

Quick stop at McDonald's for supper (hey, I was with little kids), then back to the hotel to get things ready for tomorrow.  Only 8.5 miles to Linlithgow.  I can do that.  :)