Bass Rock

 When Mom and dad were here in May, we went on a day boat trip to Bass Rock, which is famous for its huge colony of gannets. The weather had improved a bit but it was still chilly.

On the boat.

Quick trip to Joss rock before going to Bass.

Bass rock.

Bass rock lighthouse.

A lot of birds.

There weren't as many birds as normal due to bird flu last year but it was better than people expected so the birds are coming back.

We warmed up with fish and chips back in North Berwick and then drove home, stopping at Gullane Bay on the way. Mom had a nap in the car while dad and I went on a walk to the beach. It about 3 miles to the beach but a nice walk and wonderful beach.

Falkirk wheel

 Once again I am have been lazy updating this. Mid September I went on a 10 road trip around bits of Scotland with Mom and Dad. They came up a few days before we left and had fun around Edinburgh (mainly along the coast) while I worked. 

On the way to Ayrshire, we stopped off at the Falkirk wheel and then went over to the Kelpies. 

I didn't take many photos of the wheel which is a rotating boat lift wheel which moves narrow boats up 24m and 11m, joining the Forth and Clyde Canal (from Glasgow) to the Union canal (from Edinburgh). 

We took the trip up and back on the boat but it was pretty packed and as you can see true Scottish weather.

Portsmouth Historic Harbour

We stayed in a caravan on Hayling Island, just to the east of Portsmouth. The main reason for this part of the trip was to go to the historical dock yard in Portsmouth. Dad loves ships and the history so this was a no brainer. 

The first stop was the H.M.S Warrior. It was built as the biggest warship but was more of a deterrent and never fired a shot. (I am a little blood thirsty so it was a bit disappointing.)

Cat o nine tails.

The steam room was quite impressive and there was a very nice guy there who explained what went on. The job of stoking the boilers was a hot a dirty job but they worked shorter hours and were given baths every day (they got so dirty, they had too). Plus it was quite well paid so not a bad job to have.

The saddest lion I have ever seen.

Copy of the giant one in San Diego.

Second stop was Lord Nelson's H.M.S Victory, the one which was part of the battle of Waterloo. They fixed it so this is the exact ship.

Gang way.

That's a big Anchor.

And a small bed. 

Nelson had a better bed.

And the general crew got very little room

We also went on HMS M.33, a small ship used during WWII.

Lunch.

On the new, looking at the old.