Hitting the very, very flat road we were pleased to discover our average speed was in excess of 18mph. A great start to a day that was going to see us covering over 69 miles. Uncle Phil described the terrain as "invigoratingly comfortable" and it certainly was; we covered over 20 miles before we stopped for our morning coffee and cake in Cromarty. We were particularly excited to see our first John O'Groats road sign since Land's End.
Then disaster struck. The Nigg Ferry wasn't running. To return to the bridge and use the alternative A9 route would add an extra 40 miles to our day.
Louise called the ferry company. We could tell by the reaction on her face that it wasn't good news. The ferry wasn't running as they didn't currently have a boat. Fiona was livid they hadn't updated their website as she'd checked it the previous night. (They've updated it following our complaint!) Needless to say there were a few expletives.
What do we do? Well that's easy; get the girls to smile sweetly at the local fisherman and hitch a ride. They were very obliging but explained they'd only just fixed the engine and it may conk out.
"Not to worry" said Louise and Amanda. "If you have oars we don't mind rowing." Not sure they believed us but they agreed to give us a lift! Only two people (plus their bikes) would fit on the boat. Louise and Amanda went first, then Steve and Fiona.
We tried to give our saviours, Eddie and Colin, a thank you but they refused. So we'll donate the money to Sue Ryder.
One thing we've really noticed here in Scotland is how wonderfully helpful and friendly everyone is. If you ever see someone in need, please give them a helping hand; you'll make their day and they will remember it for a long time.
We were on our way again - Amanda and Steve stopping to watch the seals before we hit the "dreaded" A9.
It was heads down to Helmsdale - arriving at our B&B by 6pm - not bad considering.
On to John O'Groats tomorrow...
Oh and never give a boy an iPhone when your conversation's not scintillating!!
Planned miles: 69.1
Actual miles: 69.5
Total miles: 1011.4 (yay!)
Punctures: 0
Steve's Helmet Humidity Index: 36% (remnants from yesterday, mainly)
Beer of the day: Orkney Ale
Sore Bottoms: Lots!!
No comments:
Post a Comment