Linlithno!

Well the pizza arrived, and we almost got we wanted (dad forgot mum's tomatoes) and it was entirely edible. Too much of it, and they discussed putting it in the fridge to save for breakfast (like somebody else we know!) but decided porridge would be better for them. The planned family movie went a bit wrong when dad and I went to sleep (it's really funny because dad sings in tune in his sleep) but mum thoroughly enjoyed 'Saving Mr Banks' all on her own - peaceful apart from the vocal interruptions previously referred to.

We were privileged to meet 81 year old Tony Rathbone from Keswick, who is cycling LEJOG with his friend. What a trooper. He kindly asked if I would have my photograph taken with him (never let the truth get in the way of a good story).

Jean, who runs this immaculate site at Linwater, has continued to help us above and beyond and we really can't thank her enough for her support. She has some gorgeous sheep dog pups for sale, and mum was tempted, but dad said one wouldn't fit in her backpack - thank goodness for that, don't want to share my Burns with anybody else!

All day today we have been on the Union Canal. This is completely flat having been built on the same contour line and is known as the Mathematical River, for as well as being at the same height, it is also the same width and depth. Easy walking, but it doesn't half meander around?

The towpath was the subject of substantial renovation as part of a millennium project, so we wrongly assumed that we would be able to graze along the way. Failing that, Linlithgow was only 11 miles away. What we hadn't reckoned with, was that West Lothian Council have decreed that dogs are not allowed in any premises that serve food. This was a little bit awkward as it was raining, so even the pavement cafés were out.

So on to Aran House, 3 miles west of Linlithgow where we had arranged bed, breakfast and evening meal. We had had a call on Thursday night from the owner to tell us that she had messed up her holiday arrangements and would we mind having continental breakfast, or perhaps we would like to cancel. We had had particular difficulty booking for this evening, as the dog friendly welcome extends to B&Bs, so we said we would stay anyway. Last night mum realised she had booked dinner, so she rang back, to find that our landlady had left, and handed over to the farm manager. He assured us that we had a bed, but evening meal was off. Beginning not to like Linlithgow - even if it was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

We continue on the canals tomorrow.

Keep spreading the word.

M
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