Day around Stirling

 Today we experienced local Highland games.  I think we thought it was going to be a bigger deal than it actually was.  How much of it was because it was the first year back after COVID, we'll never know.  But we did have a good time and it was fun to do such a local thing.  We had a hard time finding the designated parking where we could catch a shuttle bus to the games.  We finally found the place where they were being held and just parked on the street a few blocks away.  Ends up that we have VIP tickets which allows us to sit in a tent with picnic tables, drinks, sandwiches, fruit, home made desserts. 

 

We decide to go over to the area with the dancing competition going on.  There are little girls who have already competed but continue to practice.  There is someone who plays the same tune on the bagpipes for each group of 5-6 girls.  I think they are going from youngest to oldest.  

We then wander over to the track and field section.  The start with the amateurs.  There are a few from the US, a 72-year-old man, a local favorite.  The commentator is quite amusing and supportive of people's efforts.  Later the big boys come on.  I think that most of it is a show of strength.  The pole throwing appeared to be the most challenging.  

We didn't stay to the bitter end and awards ceremony but continued on to see the Falkirk wheel The rotating boat lift  connects the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde.  Falkirk wheel

It was a short drive to the sculptures of the huge Kelpies.  Kelpies are mythical horses that reside in all Scottish lochs and bodies of water. They really are quite impressive and beautiful.  After taking a series of pictures, we head back to our "home" in Stirling. 

 We're in search of vegetables for dinner and end up at a Greek place where we have souvlaki and Greek salad.  

We make one last stop at the Curly Coo Pub to visit Mandy and try out some beers.  Marilyn, Melodie and I sample several beers.  You can guess that I chose one of the dark stouts.  And Connie stuck with her favorite new whisky.  Back up the hill and to bed.