Tuesday 8th.
Monday's dinner of curry in the K2, a restful night and excellent breakfast at the delightful Quayside B&B in Wick (www.quaysidewick.co.uk).
Tuesday morning we took ourselves off to the railway station to book the journey back to Inverness. Sadly, all bike slots were taken that day, so another day in Wick, and another evening at the Quayside. This train & bike thing is very frustrating; the train we eventually travelled on was practically empty but could not hold more than two bikes - madness!
Our day was not wasted. In fact, probably needed to start winding down after the ride. We took in the excellent Heritage Centre, visited the RNLI station, and the Pulteney distillery which was fascinating even for teetotallers like me. A short spin up to Tesco's to buy our tea (bikes go much better without the weight of those panniers), and an evening walk along the cliffs.
Wednesday 9th
Morning call back to Cheltenham, as it is my wife's birthday. Thankfuly the kids have remembered where I'd hidden her gifts.
8.13 train to Inverness, down through wild and spectacular moors and glens then back along the coast south of Helmsdale. Into Inverness at 12.13, and it is tipping down so we beat it to Morrisons cafe for a spot of lunch (some movable chairs, but not where we could keep an eye on the bikes). Then off along the narrow and very busy A96 to Ardesier and our final overnight stop. Afternoon spent at Fort George, and an evening walk along the Moray Firth where the noisy antics of a lone jet-skier scuppered our chances of spotting dolphins.
Thursday 10th
Two mile ride in the steady rain to the airport. Nick put his bike in the bag we'd brought along for the purpose. I, foolishly, accepted the offer of a free bike box and then proceeded to break the bike down to it's constituent atoms in order to fit in. Fun for me when I get home!
Flight was uneventful and the weather was there to meet us in Bristol. Arlene (Mrs Nick) kindly drove us back to Gloucester where my wife and kids met us. I have missed them all so much.
1 comment:
Ha - you haven't changed a bit "Leper" Evans. But it must be said this is a 2007 posting so the forty something turned 50 this year! Whoop! Whoop!.
Just been on the phone to Craig Waitt this morning after a 16 year gap.He asked if I knew what you were doing - so consider yourself googled.
Hope all is well in your world. Oulton Terrace seems more than a lifetime away. :)
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