Proud Mary

World's Only

Note that exactly 100 years ago today at 6:30 PM, every one of the 14 million telephones in North America was silent for one minute in honor of Alexander Graham Bell. As the inventor’s funeral commenced, all of AT&T’s and Bell System’s North American switchboards and switching stations suspended service. He was born just a couple blocks away from our flat here in Edinburgh. We have spent time in the nearby pub with his name on it.

Also in history, 1969 was a big year. Neal Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon and Creedence Clearwater Revival released their famous "Proud Mary" song. That's the song with the repeating lyrics, "Big wheel keep on turnin," which accurately describes the Falkirk Wheel we visited on a day trip. As the world's only rotating boat lift, we watched as that wheel kept on turning. Instead of a series of traditional locks to manage the water level difference between the Forth and Clyde canal and the Union canal, the Falkirk Wheel lifts boats 115 feet in a single operation. What would have traditionally taken upwards of a half-day to accomplish, is now done in only 15 minutes. Remarkable to see full-sized boats lifted, Ferris wheel style, water and all, such a great height.

Our visit here was unplanned and spontaneous, and almost unsuccessful. You see, we figured that since we were just a few miles away on another outing we could jump on one of the local town busses. However, a lack of proper prior planning produces particularly poor performance. Which bus? From where? At what time? And after we randomly boarded a bus, and asked the operator for assistance, the question became, "What did he say?" Super heavy Scottish brogue. Couldn't make out a word. Stayed on the bus until it stopped and everyone got off. Some kind lady took pity on us. Pointed us to a different bus. All is well.