Getting High in the Highlands

Yesterday we had very high winds and some steep hills to climb so cycling conditions were not to good. The wind managed to bring down a tree across the road. All the cars were having to turn back but we being made of sterner stuff decide to take the challenge head on. I was hopping that the senior doctor would rush up and throw her body across the branches allowing me too push the bike across her prostrate body just as you see in the war films were the lead soldier falls over the barbed wire to allow his mates to run over him and storm the machine gun nest - but no such luck she flatly refused saying it was not here job to play the hero. I had to settle for her pulling back a few of the branches so I could carry the bike across. Another one of my dreams shattered.

 

One of the really great aspects of the journey so far is the brilliant people we are meeting. We stayed with Robrt Howden and his wife Day. They were a fantastic couple. Robert had been an estate factor ( like an estate manager) in his time and therefore knew a lot about the Highlands. Day helps manage the gardens at the Castle of Mey. On the night we stayed they went to a cocktail party at the Castle with Prince Charles. I was relieved to be told the next morning that they didn't have crab as it is still a sore point with the Senior Doctor after what happened in John O Groats - she can be one to hold a grudge as I found out a after the fallen tree affair. On hearing about our charity Robert and Day immediately gave us a donation. It was a real joy to meet them.

 

We  also stayed with Robert Macintosh. The B&B was really his wife's pride and joy but she had been taken seriously ill the week before our stay and was still in hospital. Despite this he honoured our booking and looked after us splendidly, even taking us to a local restaurant for dinner and picking us up afterwards. He also gave us a donation.  Great bloke. You can be proud of him Mrs M. You made the right choice there

 

Back to our travels. We went past the Crask Inn somewhere deep in the highlands. This is somewhat of a revered place to the cycling end to enders so we really felt a sense of belonging as we stopped for a coffee. I finally felt such a deep sense of belonging to the cycling fraternity I could even feel Lycra comimg on.

 

I' m amazed how well the Senior Doctor seems to be standing up to the rigours of the trip. No complaining just concentrated peddle power from the Stoker position (that's the name given to the person on the back seat of a tandem - the front seat is taken by the Captain. That's obviously were I sit!).

We did eventually find a cafe after what seemed like endless pedalling and stopped in for a quick tea. It was packed full of tourists on coach tours. When we left we found several of the afore mentioned tourists taking pictures of our bike. Bit of a let down however when I, as the owner of the bike, volunteered to take the reins to afford a more memorable pic only to be told that I was surpluses to requirements. As they say pride goweth  before a fall.

We have been following the NCN cycle routes some of the way. It takes you somewhat off the beaten track. The Senior Doctor suggested we do a bit of skinning dipping at one secluded spot but she soon came to her senses once I reminded her of the effects of hypothermia on old people, particularly if they occupy the Stocker position.

 

We are now in Fort William having a well deserved day off. Off to Glen Coe tomorrow. I trust all the remnants of the massacre will have been cleared away as the Senior Doctor's not keen of the sight of blood - It reminds her too much of work .

 

Finally thanks to everyone who has made a donation to our charity. If you haven't as yet done so please visit

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/DennisandUrsulasbikeride

To donate.