Back to real life

Yet another stroke of luck. This week is Melrose' week. All the border towns do it, a bit like Wakes week in our part of the world. And although we missed the horses on the 'Ride Out' last night, we were privileged to see (and hear) the procession, led by the pipes and drums (in fancy dress). Well, it was actually led by two policemen on bicycles!

Yesterday morning saw them roaring to go (all things are relative). We got off to an early start, managed to miss the Queens Baton (just) and made good progress through the Borders and down the M6 with only 2 short breaks. Returned the hire car to Buxton for them to drive us home ( fantastic service Enterprise - cant fault you on either leg).

Well........there were balloons (60th and congratulations) bunting, banners and cake. Yes, mum's birthday cake (which never did show up) has been reincarnated as congrats. cake, and very nice it was too. Sally had really gone to town and our luck held with the weather for us all to enjoy a wonderful BBQ. Milly and I played lots, and she seems to have realized that barking at me doesn't work and has stopped it. In turn, I have accepted that she doesn't want to play ball and have stopped throwing it at her.

Mum got up at the normal time to take me for my walk and told dad to stay in bed and have a lie in. When we got back there he was - fully dressed and upright. Turned out that the shearers had rung to say they were coming to shear the sheep this morning, so off we had to go to round them up. Naturally, they were as far away as they could be! Anyway, job done.

One thing about it, when you only have 2 sets of clothes (a wear and a spare) there isn't a lot of washing to do when you get back from a 3 month holiday. There is, however, a mountain of post, and a heap of parcels that have arrived from Lands End to John O Groats, as they gradually reduced the load on the way up.

Uh oh - mum wants a word!

"I just want you all to know about this little soldier of ours. Shortly before we left on the walk, Madge was diagnosed with epilepsy. We had discussions with the vet (and got a second opinion) and they both agreed, that so long as she wasn't having them frequently, and was given plenty of time to recover post-fit, she would be alright. They also agreed that the fits were probably worse for us to witness, than for Madge, to whom it would probably seem like a bad dream. She had 2 fits whilst we were away, each time in the early hours, giving her loads of time and, as luck would have it the following days walk was shorter than the norm. She hasn't put a paw wrong throughout the entire walk and we are both very proud of her achievement. She is a true star."

Good lord, we only went for a walk!

M
x

THE END

Not the last one!

Hi everybody

Well, we got back this afternoon, and there was the most amazing welcome which is still going on. The consensus is, that I should carry on for a few days to let you all down gently, so I'm going back to the party and will tell you all about it tomorrow. Now there's a cliffhanger for you!

Make sure you log in .

M
x

Life after LEJOG

Eventually, we left Inverness at 11.00, an hour late for one reason or another - largely delays with the car.

Bearing in mind that neither of them have driven for more than 3 months it was a claw biting moment and I must admit to covering my eyes with my paws. However, dad negotiated Inverness very well, it being a much larger city than we had anticipated.

After 28 miles, and in the absence of a flask, the elders decided to stop at the Continental ski town of Aviemore for coffee. They knew where they were making for - it's a walking shop (that took some negotiating because they both still think that they have to look for gear for the walk - it's going to take time!) with a cafe on top. The cafe has a balcony, which on a lovely day like today (should have gone for a walk!) is a very nice place to sit. So, there they are, they've ordered their coffee and cake and enjoying the sunshine looking at the mountains that still have a fair amount of snow on them, when a car alarm sounds. I don't know why, but when a mobile phone goes (regardless of the tone) or a car alarm, dad always assumes it's his. This time he was right....I only got up for a drink of water for goodness sake.

Dad returned to the car and couldn't figure out how to turn off the internal scanner. After 10 minutes, mum rang to see if he'd absconded, and when he said he was reading the instruction book, she decided to eat her cake and drink her coffee which was now tepid. After another 10 minutes she rang again and suggested he come and have his, and she would sit with me, or else move the car to within sight of the cafe. In the end he decided to leave me to it (thanks dad), but somehow, and it's taken them a while to work out how, he had fixed it.

They then managed 50 miles down to Pitlochry and House of Brura before making excuses to wander round. We've never seen it before, but H of B has a special area in the car park for dogs. It is covered with a green net to reflect the sun and there are several taps to fill up dog bowls - what a great idea - shame people can't read and it was almost full of cars with no dogs!

To give him credit, dad tried every which way to get mum to buy something nice to wear, but she said she wasn't ready to be a normal human yet (well after 60 years it's not like to happen now!) and didn't want anything. I think the visit to Inverness M&S yesterday freaked her out. He went wild and bought a belt!

Onward towards Melrose then. Just outside Edinburgh, we began to see matrix signs decreeing 'Queens Baton EastLothian hold ups'. Mum, who was driving at the time (sometimes my paws are just not big enough) asked if this would effect us. Dad got the map book out that he had purchased at a service station (dad and maps are nothing parted!) and busied himself looking for the town of .....Queens Baton!!!!!!!!!!!

We've evetually made it to Melrose. I think they might be better at planning a days walking than driving, but it'll come to them.

Home tomorrow and my footballs - Yay!!!!!!

I'd just like to thank everybody who has contributed to the charities, we are so grateful. If you have enjoyed my blog and you haven't donated, could I be really cheeky and ask you to consider doing so. We think it's not bad value for almost daily entertainment for 3 months! And they are, all three, great causes.

M
x

PS Mum saw an otter today.............thank goodness!

More later?

Hi everyone

I'm sure you will appreciate, that today has been quite a day. None of us slept that well with all the excitement. Then there WAS the excitement. We had a 4 hour train journey down to Inverness, and although I went to sleep, the elders couldn't settle to sitting in one position for such a long time in a very very hot train carriage.

We are now in our hotel, and the poor old dears are a bit tired. So if you don't mind, I will give you a full update sometime tomorrow. I have been asked to keep going until we get home on Wednesday.

Thank you so much everybody for all your wonderful messages. It means such a lot to us and we shall really miss all the banter that has been flying around for the last 3 months.

Night night- I'm off for me Burns.

M
x

Job done

More later

Penultimate day

Well tomorrow is the big one, certainly not in length, but in context.

We had a wonderful B&B last night. A consumate professional. The room was airy, light, spacious, well decorated with the en suite to match. It was ground floor, with a good decking area outside, perfect for a dog who needed to go out with her parents. Mum said the bed was as near to home as they have come across and with a good breakfast to boot, we have decided to give it the best B&B of the walk award.

Today was another day of long straight road, and although dad says not, mum is convinced the Romans must have been here. It's probably just like the Somerset levels, it's the only way to traverse the bog. That said the scenery has been pleasant with a sumptuous variety of wild flowers, including; wild orchids, bacon and egg, lily and meadowsweet, the latter even overpowering the gorse with its strong perfume.

During the journey, we came across another auction mart, which dad is certain must be the furthest north in the UK. I looked at mum, mum looked at me, and we agreed. We crossed the last cattle grid (thank goodness) and I spotted quite a few deer, obtaining loads more brownie points in the process.

I've been told that tomorrow I will be off deer and on to whales and porpoise (in her dreams), but I'll give it my best shot.

Once more we had some difficulty in finding somewhere to take luncheon, but eventually they founda couple of fire hydrants to perch on. I don't think they were very comfortable because I was aroused from my midday slumber far too soon.

Tonight's accommodation was booked by dad. When he rang our destination of choice, it was fully booked, but the lady very kindly rang a friend to see if she would take us and dad duly took down the details. As you know, postcodes can cover a number of properties, particularly in this part of the world, so having found the right road, off we went in search of the right house. Of course it always helps if you have the name right, and about a mile into this process, mum thought it would be a good idea to ring for directions only to find that we had gone about half a mile too far. No matter, and I think this is maybe the time to say that dad's navigation has been exemplary, we have never been more than 200 yards off track on the entire journey, and mum and I think he's done a brilliant job. Until tonight!

As we were walking along this last stretch, a car stopped in front of us and 2 people and a Westie jumped out. It was Paul, and his wife Chris, who we last met at the Sutherland/Caithness border. They have been following the blog and figured out where we would be and came out to meet us. It was so kind of them, and they made sure that we found the B&B before leaving us.

The situation is stunning, and we have wonderful views of the Pentalnd Firth, And Stroma Island.

We are hoping to reach JOG late morning tomorrow and as soon as we can find wifi or a strong enough mobile signal, we will send you a brief blog to let you know we have arrived. From there we will go on to Thurso to catch the train to Inverness where we will overnight.

Keep logging in and sending your wonderful messages, we just love to hear from you all.

M
x

Penultimate map!

Yes. Dad got out today's map - no 57, with only one more in the bag to go.

We went in to breakfast this morning, overseen by the night porter, who had apparently made all the preparations, cooked breakfast, now festering on the hot plate, making the tea, and waiting on. They weren't very busy, but the food was good with a particularly well stocked cold buffet (happy mum). When he brought our tea, he asked for the room no, and said he had a receipt for us in respect of our bill. Ma and pa looked a bit vacant because they hadn't paid the bill, and off the man went to retrieve said evidence. Whilst he was away, they got quite excited, thinking that maybe some kind benefactor (they didn't run to who that might be, because this was a late booking and nobody knew where we were) had seen to the bill, and they amused their little minds trying to guess. Needless to say when it came, the receipt was on dad's credit card that had been swiped on arrival. A bit sharp, we thought, but maybe they have been caught by pesky end-to-enders in the past.

Anyway, our taxi duly arrived on time and off we went, back to where we finished yesterday, to walk the 14 miles to Watten. We happily left the A99 (which is what the A9 turns into) to join a quiet single track road that services a few crofts and a very large wind farm.

We weren't very far in, when our farming correspondent noticed a group of Charolais (that's a breed of cattle) heifers (young cows) who came to their fence to say hello. I must admit, I don't know much about cattle, but they did look a picture. Mum said wouldn't it be nice to meet the farmer and congratulate him. Be careful what you wish for. About half a mile further on, a four wheel drive vehicle pulled up, out jumped the driver for a little chat (as you do). Dad managed to get the conversation round to farming (as he does) and it turned out they were his cattle.

5 miles in and we came to the Grey Cairns of Camster. Although they have been rebuilt, and there is some debate as to there authenticity amongst the experts, the cairns are fascinating. They are burial chambers from 5000 years ago and although the provenance of the building might be in doubt, there is no doubt that, they were indeed burial sites, evidenced by excavations.

During the course of the last 3 months, we have done really well at finding places to stop for a break; some of them as ordinary and comfortable as a bench, a pretty dodgy stone seat put together by dad, a cricket pavilion, a horse jump, a plank of wood (that dad lifted to make sure there were no skulking adders, just a vole - nearly got him too!) etc. alas today, there was just nothing, the choice was wet grass or Tarmac. So they decided to practice being D of E candidates and spread themselves all over the road. I pretended not to be with them and turned my back on them to eat my Burns.

Just as we came in to Watten. A gentleman tending his garden engaged us in conversation. Part of his garden housed a Cold War bunker. He told us that the MOD stripped all the contents out during the time of the first Gulf War, and apparently, sent the bunk beds out to our boys in Iraq. How apt it is to be thinking about that, when once more we are concerned about terrorist activity in that country, and our thoughts inevitably turn to the troops who lost their lives, and wellbeing in the previous conflicts and how we might be able to assist.

Tomorrow, we head up towards the top in readiness to make the final assault on John O Porridge (just love that name Mr T) on Monday morning. Please please please keep logging in - it's another long Tarmac one tomorrow.

M
x

Pitter patter

Our caravan was just fine last night....until it started to rain cats and dogs just as we went to bed. Just off to sleep when the patter of tiny feet awoke mum - she is absolutely convinced that it was all the red squirrels and pine martens she hasn't seen, having a party on the roof. Even when dad pointed out that there were no trees she did not concede. No sooner had that finished than the flip flop of the seagulls commenced. Could be a tetchy day!

By breakfast, the rain had stopped and left behind it a 'strong' sea fret - the type that gets into everything leaving it damp, but not wet, and restricting visibility. They both got dressed up in all their waterproofs (and me) on top of which they applied their high vis. coats, and, as a finishing touch, dad put his head torch on flashing. It's alright you all laughing, I had to walk alongside them.

Back to our good friend the A9 and into the Flow Country, the largest expanse of peat and wetland in Europe - in other words, bog, but of immense environmental value. On we marched, and it wasn't long before the camera was out, and she was snapping away at a herd of deer - hinds and their youngsters - that I had identified for her. She was particularly taken with the backdrop of the North Sea. Then dad said wasn't it odd that people farmed deer in Scotland. What said she. He then pointed out that the yellow ear tags, and 9' high fencing round the paddock were a bit of give-away! Bubble burst (again) hey ho!

We passed Latheronwheel, a small harbour town similar to Dunbeath and on to Lybster. All these towns, that are hardly bigger than villages, have their own small harbours that in times gone by have been major fishing ports in their day. At the turn of the 20th century, Lybster employed more than 3000 people just to get the fish on the dock, before processing and marketing had even begun. Today there are just 4 small boats going out for prawns, crabs and lobsters.

We have been travelling through Clan Gunn territory today - their clan motto - 'Either peace or war' - no messing there then.

We met an Australian yesterday, walking for wheelchairs for the disabled in Madagascar. He believes in the see and be seen motto too!

When we got to Lybster, it was taxi time again. Nobody in that grand metropolis would take me, so off to Wick we went, ready to return in the morning to walk on a minor road to Watten. I know we're getting close now - mum did a Sainsburys order last night, and dad washed his socks (at last)!!

Please keep logging in.

M
x

The final county

First of all, let's clear dad's name. He did offer mum his clean socks, but she insisted he keep them because she hasn't got blisters. Besides which, it's academic, putting dry socks into wet boots does not mean that socks stay dry! Confucius he say.

We set out from Helmsdale, fed, watered, rested and dry. Along the A9, which wasn't quite as bad as expected, mainly because there wasn't as much traffic around as we expected. Although there did seem to be a plethora of waste lorries going north and timber wagons going south. Quite different aromas! Rubbish at the side of the road was rife and apart from the usual; crisp packets, plastic bottles (Mrs Innocence has only just worked out why some of them appear to have water in them - thanks fellas), there were also, a teaspoon, a fork, and tricky for me, loads and loads of broken glass!

We passed the memorial to the last wolf to be killed in Scotland -sad!

We bypassed the remains of the clearance village at Badbea. In the early 1800s major landowners in Scotland decided it would be a good idea to clear all the crofters off their land and replace them with large flocks of sheep. The crofters moved to small ares of land on the periphery of the estates and built villages which were soon deserted as there was no longer a means of earning a living, and many moved to the colony's. The landowners failed to make a profit with the sheep (no change there then!) and the crofts and the villages fell into dereliction.

At a layby on the Sutherland/Caithness border (yes, we're into the final county), we met Paul from the tourist board, who very kindly took our photograph - mum says it's just for the family album - yes the shorts are back!

And so to Berriedale. Everyone keeps telling us about Berriedale - it's the last big hill before JOG, but I think we must have become accustomed because it really wasn't too bad. And at the top, a red deer stag just passing the time of day in the trees at the side of the road.

The route was relatively straightforward into Dunbeath and in the final 6 miles we were reacquainted the wonderful call of curlew and lapwing, sounds we have not heard for a few weeks.

We passed yet another castle (Dunbeath) dad wants to buy - mum said no - meany!

We're in a caravan again tonight. Well it's actually a static, with lounge, kitchen, bathroom and 2 bedrooms - positively palatial.

On to Lybster tomorrow - our last death defying day on the A9 and just a short one. The time is drawing near and we are getting huge encouragement from motorists, and also from all of you. Please keep logging in every day.

M
x

Oh I still like to be beside the seaside!

Having made detailed enquiries on the web, and of the locals, dad was confident that we could negotiate most of today's walk to Helmsdale off the dreaded A9.

Off we capered across Brora golf course, a very pleasant links course right against the shore line, and for a good mile all was well. Those who have one of my little cards, may like to know that the photograph on the reverse was taken on Brora beach.

We climbed fences, forded streams, crossed railways, rode rapids, scrambled across boulders and scaled cliffs (admittedly small ones). We were marauded by oyster catchers and arctic terns, spat at by nesting seagulls, and given the most wonderful entertainment by a colony of seals, who having been disturbed from their sunbathing, returned to the sea and stayed with us, just yards from the beach for about a mile.

Approximately 6 miles into our day we came to a river flowing across the beach and into the sea. About 30' wide and 2' deep. The alternative was to climb a steep embankment on to the railway, cross a bridge, and climb down a vertical cliff edge. I looked at mum, mum looked at me and mutiny was in the air. As the tide was going out, mum suggested we take a break and wait to see if it got easier as the tide receded. After about half an hour, it did look as though we might be able to ford the river, using the myriad of stones just below the surface (these were why we didn't just take boots and socks off and paddle it). I suppose it was bound to happen sometime. On the Dynamic Duo went, of course I just had to get my feet wet. Anyway, mum slipped in first, and then just walked across, dad was doing quite well, then he went in too.

Lunch was taken up the hill, with socks drying on the walking poles, boot inners removed and placed alongside the boots to dry out. Of course this meant we got a decent lunch break, not the usual, chuck it down your throat and move on! And as mum said it could have been worse, it could be raining.

As it started to rain, the soggy insoles were put in the soggy boots, and the soggy socks were replaced  on the cold wet feet. Mmmmm. Of course dad was able to put on his spare pair of socks that he always carries!!

It was at this point that the decision was made to rejoin our old freind, the A9 and we completed the rest of our journey to Helmsdale relatively uneventfully, apart from the odd dive into the brushwood at the side of the road, to avoid being run over.

We are beginning to get people peeping at us now, which could be because they are telling us to get out of the way, but mum and I prefer to think it is a gesture of support and she waves back, gleefully.

Dad keeps saying things like "when we do this again......." Mum and I pretend we haven't heard him. It's not been a bad day, and our B&B has 4 collies, that keep putting their noses under our door and sniffing. It's very exciting.

Long slog up to Dunbeath tomorrow, all the way on the A9. Not looking forward to it. Please, please keep logging in every day, we need to know you're there.

M
x

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!!!!

Today got off to a marvellous start. First of all there was an e mail from the electricity company with this quarter's bill - £6.73. So much better than last quarters estimated £1200+ that we were unable to check because we were away!

Then when ma 'n' pa went for breakfast and as they were walking downstairs, the receptionist said, without even a modicum of sarcasm 'Ah, are you the young couple doing the walk?' don't know who paid her, but if it's going to put them in that sort of mood - carry on!

Then, although it wasn't very nice to start with, against all the odds, the sun came out to play again.

And so we left Dornoch Golf Club in fine fettle and made our way up to Loch Fleet where we finished yesterday, at a place called The Mound. The first 4 miles were on the A9 which clearly dad had decided, wasn't to be messed about with, for we completed it to arrive in Golspie in just over an hour. Only 1 juggernaut overtook us, and that was coming in the opposite direction!

Golspie is a pleasant enough little village overlooked by 'wee Jimmy' a statue of a past Duke of Sutherland whose family own Dunrobin Castle up the road and probably at one time, most of the village. There we had a coffee break and got some bits and pieces for lunch.

Then......we walked down to the shoreline and that is where we have been for the rest of the day.

Shortly after leaving Golspie, we passed under the magnificent, and quite superior castle and pulled up for lunch, to sit on an old lobster box, to munch lunch whilst watching a fisherman bring in his lobster pots, empty them, bait them, and put them back in the sea.

A little further on we were able to walk on the beach where we have been royally entertained by an osprey dipping and diving to catch fish, taking them back to his nest and returning for more. What a gracious, capable and magnificent bird he is. At the same time we became aware of a colony of grey seals that had been left basking on the rocks as the tide ebbed. They looked so funny - each one occupying it's own rock, precariously yet perfectly balanced. Shelducks and Skuas with their young, herons, cormorants, it was difficult to know where to look.

A truly memorable day. One of the best we have had.

Helmsdale tomorrow and dad is doing his best to find another diversion like today's to avoid the A9. I forgot to tell you that the last few days have been a wee bit shorter than the estimates so mum and I think it must have been before he found out about us reducing his 14 mile measuring string (used to estimate daily walking lengths). Back on course now though!

Please keep logging in every day if you can. We think the next few days may be difficult for mobile and wifi, but please keep logging in - just in case.

M
x

Sealed with a kiss

Having rescued us from the teeth of doom on Saturday, the Mansfield Castle continued to look after us very well. A lovely slightly old fashioned hotel, with old fashioned values - just the ticket.

Wall to wall sunshine all day, commencing in the charming borough of Tain, and then out to do battle with the A9 - no pavements and plenty of traffic. We are going to have to watch our step for the next 4 days.

After dragging dad past the entrance to The Glenmorangie distillery, we walked on towards the Dornoch Firth Bridge. You know mum and bridges, well this one is about a mile long. It took dad and I about 20 minutes to cross it, and it took mum about 30. Why? Because there was an osprey overhead and apart from wanting to watch him she wanted to see him dive. Well you can't have everything. Nonetheless she was well pleased.

On the other side we stopped and sat by the the firth for a coffee break and they started reminiscing. Again. This time the topic was Lucozade, which they have begun to drink to give them some energy. Apparently, at one time, way back when, when they were children it was only given as a tonic when you were poorly. Mum said her mum would buy a bottle, and when it was finished, she was sent back to school. Regardless!

On to Dornoch. Another lovely town, with some great architectural features, including the smallest cathedral in Scotland. There we had half our lunch sitting on a bench in the town square, with lots of lovely shade to give us a break from the sun.

Then on to Skelbo where there is the remains of a derelict castle, but more importantly, Fleet Loch, a sea loch renowned for its seals and wildlife. Dad had promised mum a half hour stop here (and the second half of lunch) so that she could have a really good look - how unfortunate then, that the tide was out! Happily there was still plenty to see, particularly a colony of common seals basking on the sand banks. Birds included; oyster catchers, shelducks, curlews and lots of seagulls (she's not very good with those). What a happy mum.

Just 2 miles to finish back at the A9, ready to restart in the morning.

We are in to our final week. It's not an easy week and if you can find the time, it would be brilliant if as many of you as possible could log in each day. The thought that you are all reading the blog gives the three of us great pleasure and your support would be so much appreciated.

Keep logging in!

M
x

Hundreds and thousands!

I am SO excited - my charity, the Search and rescue Dogs Association has now benefitted from more than £1000 from all you lovely lovely people - thank you so much every body - I am just so thrilled, it is such a good cause. Couple that with the fact that we have today, passed through the 1000 mile mark, AND into our final hundred miles and it's looking good.

Not so good yesterday.

We got off to a good start, leaving the Lovat Hotel in the pretty town of Beauly, and we must thank them for their wonderful hospitality, for the last 3 nights they have looked after is really well.

In Dingwall mum went to get some super super strength hairspray in a pathetic effort to get her hair under control. She took one of those small cans to the counter, full walking gear on, boots, rucksack, poles, the works. Ah says the assistant we are doing hair products 3 for the price of 2 at the moment. Mum pointed to the rucksack and said no thanks. Would you like it in a bag said the assistant, mum pointed to the rucksack and said no thanks. Have you got a points card? said the assistant, mum pointed to the rucksack and said no. Would you like....mum pointed to the rucksack and.....!!

Our walk took us alongside the Cromarty Firth for the whole day. As we neared Evanton we looked up and spotted the Fyrish Monument (google it) on top of the hill overlooking Evanton, where we had arranged to meet the Yorkshire gang for lunch. After that, David walked with us for an hour which meant that mum could lose her rucksack in their car. When we joined up, they left us to make the long journey south but not before Rachel had presented us each with a bag of old fashioned sweeties to help us on our way - yes, even me. It's been wonderful to see you, people, thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to come up.

This is maybe a good time to thank everybody who has made the effort to visit us, walk with us, and eat with us. It has meant a great deal to us, and has always spurred us along. We're on our own now to the end, and thoughts of past visitations will be in our minds as we wander on.

We had some good spots yesterday, herons, red kites (didn't know they were up here) and oil rigs.

Then we got to Alness and our B&B for the night. You can imagine, I am sure, that we have had some pretty hairy experiences in the accommodation stakes, and we have spared you the gory details. Last nights abode had 58 excellent ratings on Trip Advisor, and that really should have told us something. When we got there the owners were out but had left a note on the door, telling us which room we should occupy. They had also left their two dachshunds lose. They were extremely vocal and were clearly very fond of the human ankle. Dad left mum and I outside whilst he went to locate the room, and lock the dogs out of the way. The all pervading smell of cigarette smoke was enough to knock you out. Once we had ploughed a furrow through the rubbish on the carpet (including a fine selection of toe nails) and layers of dust on every single flat surface, we got to the bed. It had quite clearly not been changed and nor had the bathroom been cleaned (for a long time). To cut a long story short, we were able to get a room at the hotel we are staying in tonight, and they sent one of their staff down to pick us up. Dad rang the B&B to tell them we wouldn't be staying. They said why. Dad said because it wasn't clean, and the man put the phone down on him!!

Anyway, all this made us very late getting in and that's why you didn't get a post last night, and I'm very sorry!

Today we have walked from Alness to Tain. We are near enough on Tarmac all the way to the end now but we have been on back road with very little traffic. The daffodils and primroses have given way to lupins,  rhododendrons and foxgloves all prevalent in the wild. Gorse and bluebells continue to sweeten the air with their wonderful aromas.

Tomorrow it's Skelbo.

Keep spreading the word.

M
x

Let them eat cake - just a quickie

There we all were having a snooze on our day off when I heard a voice from below. Yes, it was Rachel, David and Val come all the way from North Yorkshire, to brighten our day. And so they did.

Rachel had baked a magnificent cake, portraying our journey, although we had to remove some silver balls at the end 'cos we haven't finished yet.

They spent the afternoon and evening with us and it was just wonderful to see them. A real pick-us-up.

We have sent a whole load of 'stuff' back with them, including all our camping gear, and dad is undergoing severe withdrawal symptoms.

We will see them again tomorrow because David is going to walk with us a while which will be a really nice change.

Thank you all, it's been brilliant to see you.

Keep spreading the word.

M
x

The tide has turned

Over dinner last night, they were discussing the final part of the jigsaw, to get home - somewhere to stay on the way down. Dad's opening gambit was for a really nice hotel, and buy some new clothes on the way down. Mum was concerned because that would mean shoes make up and everything. Oh said dad, make up maybe, but I don't think you need shoes. Ian, she said (very patiently, in my view), I can't wear a frock with walking boots!

When asked for her opinion, the waitress said, oh yes and a bag, and jewellery, oh and a pedicure and manicure. He's gone a bit quieter on the subject now.

Today, we have walked to Dingwall. Nearly all Tarmac, but some pleasant countryside nonetheless. You know how we've kept going on about phone boxes. Well we passed a phone box graveyard today, with 6 of them in a very poor state of repair. Bless.

On the way,we went through Muir of Ord. This is a small market town which also has a distillery. They visited here on the Royal Scotsman 2 years ago. Dad remembers the distillery, mum recalls the visit to the stately home. Neither can remember the names. The village has a curious sign to the PCs which are said to be seasonal. Must be in season, because we managed to hunt them down.

A little further on we passed through Conon Bridge. As we were coming out of the other side, there was the sound of a car pulling up and a pipping horn. The car was driven by Angela, accompanied by her freind Mary, who had heard of our exploits in the village shop and were anxious to give us a donation. Thanks so much for making the effort 'girls'.

As we approached Dingwall, mum got her first glimpse of the sea proper, and dad was tempted by the auction mart. We were overtaken by 15 Italian mobile homes - could this be the support fleet for yesterday's Ferraris?

Those of you in the know, will be wondering why there has been no reference to the campsite on this beautiful summers day. Not. Last night, the old dears watched the weather forecast and decided it was time to throw in the tent. We did go to the campsite - to collect the final box from home and my last box of Burns, hailed a taxi and went back to the hotel. I'm not arguing, those two take up so much room! The site managers wers so kind, allowing us to dry our waterproofs in their tumble dryer, finding us a seat in the dry, offering us a cup of tea, and making a donation. Thanks so much boys.

Final rest day tomorrow.

Keep spreading the word.

M
x