After an good breakfast, we were well looked after by Sandy at Bencorragh House, we headed for the starting point. Four other End to Enders were there, they were hardy souls though, carrying their own clothes in panniers! We set off not long after them after taking the obligatory photos. We would have liked to have the John O'Groats signpost in the picture but that had been removed by the owner in case it got stolen! He was not around to replace it and charge us for the privilege of taking photos as he probably considered it unlikely that people would set off into that wind!
The first 50 miles was very unpleasant from a cycling perspective but the scenery was absolutely fabulous. Initially it was very flat, with no trees or hedges, which gave us no shelter from the wind. However the hills began to build and by the time we turned south there were some serious hills on the horizon.
Cycling along the River Navar , which feeds Loch Navar, was joyous. Sheltered from the wind, flat, sunny and very beautiful. It only lasted 15 miles or so but oh was it fun. We were joined by the four who set off before us. Good lads cycling for the Anthony Nolan Trust as one had just received a bone marrow transplant after spending three months in intensive care. All off a sudden the numerous aches and pains I had faded slightly. They stopped before us and left us with an 8 mile climb to the Crask Inn. We may well see them again as they are doing the ride in 12 days as well.
We arrived at the Crask Inn to find some rather basic accommodation. However there was hot water, the heating was on and an excellent meal awaiting us. Main courses were around £8 and starters and desserts were £3! We pushed the boat out and had starters and desserts! We then retiried to our "bunk house" over the road! There are effectively only two properties in Crask, the pub and our bunk house, and so the pub as usual is the centre of village life! I have no idea how many miles you could see in any direction but it was a lot, even at 10.30 pm!
Now for some facts:
Stats for the day - 84 miles covered and c6,000 feet climbed. Average speed a low of 11.4 mph
Ale and Arse report - McEwans 70 shillings this time, no other choices I'm afraid. Perfectly drinkable but more choice and local beers needed. As for the latter a slightly bruised peach!
Porridge report - a little thin and milky but quite tasty. This category will I suspect finish as we leave Scotland, probably to be replaced by Road Rage Report! We have had the luxury of cycling on largely deserted roads but we know that will change so we will enjoy it while we can. The only issues we have had is with timber lorries who seem to think they rule the world.
Nature Watch - not a lot of birds around and those that were flying were going so fast in the wind I couldn't tell what they were. Did see a dead snake on the road, and a dead snake is the best type of snake! At the Crask Inn a Highland heffer had given birth earlier in the day. They were just outside the dining room window and with a hint of irony we were admiring mother and calf as we tucked into our steak pie!
Weather report - covered above and no idea for Wednesday except we were told that it's winds from the SW gusting up to 25 mph. Yup you guessed it we are heading SW!
PS - sorry its late, no internet access last night!
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