Day 44: South Queensferry - EDI 🛫 - Cramond

We got up very early, which is something I detest almost as much as dog food. But today it was necessary, because Tito Joan had his flight to Barcelona at 10, and from where we slept to Edinburgh airport isn't that far, but...

But there was a fair set up near the airport!
Yes, a big fair, with a Ferris wheel and everything. It's called the Royal Highland Show and it's a mix of agricultural fair, flea market, and exhibition of very fat tractors. Result: a monumental traffic jam and the 15-minute journey turned into more than 40.

To avoid repeating the torture of paying 14 pounds for 8 minutes in the official parking, this time we went to the Long Stay Parking, which has half an hour free and, most importantly: it fits tall vehicles like our camper. The bad thing is that you have to walk a good distance to the terminal, and on top of that, it's poorly signposted. We were going faster with Google Maps than with the airport signs. And not a single sad zebra crossing in good condition!

We said goodbye to Tito Joan at the terminal. It was quick, because between the sadness and the stress of the traffic jam, we weren't in the mood for long speeches. I tried to cheer him up with a lick, but it came out more like a sigh. We knew he had to go, that Tita Rosa is unwell, but it left us all a little soft.

After leaving him, we ran back to the parking, because the clock was already marking the end of the 30 free minutes. But… surprise! The machine to validate the ticket was sealed with black tape, there were no signs explaining what to do, and nobody knew anything. Result: now, after the half hour, we would have to pay 10 pounds.

But, of course, Papi Edu is not one to give up easily. So with his best "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" face, he found an alternative route through the normal exit, dodging the barrier and obstacles, and we rolled out quietly on the grass and the sidewalk. And without paying! (And without running anyone over, don't worry.)

After this maneuver, we refueled with diesel at the Morrisons gas station and looked for a quiet place to spend the day. The first one looked nice, next to a forest, but it was full of midges (those tiny vampires that drive you crazy). So on to something else.

Thanks to Park4night, we found a kind of long road by the sea, with a few campers parked. It's in front of the Firth of Forth, and right in front is Cramond Island. The weather was perfect, so we lay down and sat in the sun next to the camper, like happy lizards.

After lunch, we went on an excursion to Cramond Island. It's a magical place because at low tide you can walk on the sea. Well, on what is now a gigantic beach full of puddles. I got my paws wet, of course, and Papi Edu took off his shoes to cross where there was already a little water or treacherous mud.

We climbed the paths of the island, and there were remains of a World War II bunker, and the most famous thing: the "dragon's teeth".
And what's that? Well, a row of pointed concrete blocks, placed on the coast to prevent enemy ships from landing. They look like the fangs of a giant beast sleeping among seaweed.

We returned by the official path that connects the island with the mainland, and which, at high tide, is completely covered by water. On one side of the path are the dragon's teeth, which seem to watch over those who cross. And then we walked along the promenade, with people with dogs, bikes, children running and old women with closed umbrellas using them as walking sticks. Very picturesque.

We spent the afternoon quietly, next to the camper, still sunbathing, although now without Tito Joan there was a void. But at least we are in a beautiful place, calm, and surrounded by sea and sky. And we're staying here to sleep.