Well the celebrations didn't go on too late after completing the challenge yesterday. To be honest, we were both knackered and there wasn't any people in the Hotel bar (apart from the dog and his owner) so a few drinks, few games of pool, and some TV time was had. A nice relaxing night.

The next morning it was a bit of a lay in for us (made a change) but even though breakfast wasn't til 8:30am we still woke at 7am, albeit, with a bit of a headache. We had a slightly lighter breakfast than normal, as calories weren't really needed so think our bodies suffered from some shock. As FH mentioned, today was a treat as Dunnet Head was to be visited but without Panniers! And what a difference it made. Even with gammy knees we still managed to average silly speeds and was hill climbing at around 18mph. Dunnet Head was well worth doing and I think we both agreed that Lizard Point and Dunnet Head were more picturesque than LE/JOG. Pictures were taken and we headed back to the hotel for our bags.

The next journey was from Castletown to Thurso to get the first train. The whole mornings trip ending at Thurso had amounted to around another 25 miles to the journey. We searched the town trying to find the train station and soon asked for help from a local. Both FH and myself couldn't understand a word she said; I'm not sure if it was the strong Scotish accent or if she had been drinking as there was a definite slur in her voice.

We located the station, then once we had realised there was nothing there other than a track, set off to find a tea shop. Quick refreshments were had and then it was back to the train station to next be attacked by a bloody wasp. It wouldn't leave us alone. Now FH's mohawk on the helmet trick did seem to have one small downfall. Every bloody insect in the UK thought we were the biggest flowers they had ever seen!

The first train was a bit boring really, like most trains I guess, but it gave us both time to reflect and relax. FH had what he referred to as a 'power nap’, which was very social of him. I tried but think I was still buzzing from it all. I think that it had sunk in more today than it did at the finish post yesterday.

When arriving at Inverness we were faced with a problem of killing time with bikes and luggage on hand. Not great when there is nowhere to leave them. Well, FH up to his usual antics, managed to swing us a room in a very grand hotel for the bikes, and we soon got settled and had a few bottles of wine over a 3 course dinner. Now I know it doesn't take a lot to impress me but as well as great food, lovely wine, and a very grand entrance hall and stairs, this hotel had the most amazing toilets. It doesn't take a lot you know...

There was a mad, last minute dash for a booze shop and then it was try to cram 4 bikes into a train booth only fit for 3! Well worth every penny spent on reserving a bike place on the train ScotRail !!

Once on the train we found our room and bunk and although the size of shoe box it was quite funny. It felt like a school trip and kind of added to the whole fun, 'time to wind down' atmosphere that I think we both needed. I decided to take top bunk for two reasons: 1) FH above me on a bunk with his leg weighing more than my body didn't fill me with confidence, 2) FH started leaking what can only be described as post food 'nerve gas'. Didn't want that leaking through the mattress. As it happened, the room filled up quite quickly with this gas and it was soon time to make our way to the First Class car to 'mingle'.

Again as FH has mentioned, we were as welcome as a wart on your knackers. Lots of people unable to see as their head was so far up their own arse. Anyway, after a few hours of drinking and of feeling rather uncomfortable followed by winding up a 'lovely' couple we headed back to our room. More drinking occurred there and I don't remember a great deal other than FH dancing to his tune of the trip 'Firestarter'. (This time we had the proper tune, not the Aled Jones version FH made up on our travels). He really is a complete nutter but was very funny. I think he actually fell asleep to this as he woke to a flat battery on his phone where he left it playing. Our neighbours must have loved us.

The morning came all too quick and FH didn't disappoint by getting up to his usual tactics of waking, farting and destroying the room in the style of a tornado. We got off the train, only to struggle to find what end of the train the bikes were at. After lots of walking, bikes located, we then found out FH had left his Fat Head on the pillow and forgot where his Garmin was!

On the roads of London it soon became apparent that the challenge was over. FH soon had to turn off to take his route so we shook hands and I headed off to find Liverpool Street. Well, I nearly missed it but recognised a shop I walk past each day so made an emergency stop. I boarded my train and cycled the last leg of my journey from Broxbourne to get home around 9:30am. It was great to be home even though I felt a bit weird; everything seemed so different as though I'd been away for months. The best part was seeing the loved ones again and many hugs were had with a few days to recoup now before going back to work.

Some things that will stay with me forever:

The Road is Long...

I'm a Firestarter (sung in an Aled Jones stylie)

The smell of that room on the train!

The noises from FH every night and day

The way FH could destroy a B&B

Sievey Boot Camp


Many, many more but each and every one a wonderful memory.

Pinhead

 

 
 
We agreed last night at dinner that an earlier start would be good. Yesterday seemed long and as we had more miles to do it seemed to make sense. We usually left around 9 ish so settled on 8:30. Now usually FH would be up and ready, waiting for me which I know he loves but today I had a surprise for him. The alarm went off at 6:45am and I was up and at 'em straight away. I don't think he could quite believe his eyes. Breakfast was at 7:15 and then it was back to the room. Well, I was ready packed and set to leave by 8:10 and this would have given us a good early start for the long day ahead. But no; this is where FH looses his glove! First he blames me, then checks my bags. I hunted heigh and low for the blasted thing and turned the room upside down. After the place looked like a tornado had been through it, as well as the hosts and guests having also got involved in the commotion, the  'clown' finds it attached to his backside via the Velcro that had decided to grip his lycra shorts! Queue Pinhead rant made worse by FH thinking this was all rather comical. You can image the scene. Not the start we had hoped for.

Any how, on the road by 8:30, we set off at a good pace as the first 20 miles or so was smooth, fairly flat and very picturesque. We had made very good time. This was where it started to go downhill. The first was when FH did a disappearing act on a hill. I got to the top and after talking to him, looked behind to find him gone. I figured he had stopped for a picture as he often does but after 10 mins or so started to get concerned. On begrudgingly descending the same hill he was sat at the bottom bike upturned not looking too amused. Puncture time. First one of the trip too and on the last day! Anyway, fixed, moved on.

Next the weather started to turn. Queue Pinhead rant no. 2. It got cold, wet and windy and what made it worse was the fact for two days before the wind was blowing from the west. Today it changed to smack us in the face from the east. And was it cold.

Problem no. 3, the knee. Now it had been sore and painful for a few days but today marked the day when it was ready to give up, just unfortunately 50 miles short of the post. The pain was unbearable at times but very constant. Not helped by the constant ringing in my ears of FH's moto 'Pain is temporary, pride is for life'.

We had a quick lunch stop at around 40 miles which was about half way. This was needed; one for the food and two for the time to ease the knee. But starting again always feels worse. For me the worse part of being in the highlands is the relentless, unforgiving landscape. Cycling for 50 miles with no sign of life, no house, car, person was mentally numbing. You feel like you're getting nowhere because you're in the middle of it! FH once again helping the mood with 'Just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling' (in the style of Dorey from Finding Nemo).

The last 30 miles were really hard for me. Staying mentally strong is so difficult when you know you are physically in trouble and that you are in terms of distance, so close.

When we finally saw the John O'Groats sign it did lift our mood slightly. We battled on and when arriving we headed to the famous signpost. Once we had dismounted we were told by a lady we hadn't crossed the official line. When seeing the 'Finish' painted on the road a mad dash to remount and cross it nearly ended up with FH falling off his bike. My words of encouragement were 'don't make us look like amateurs now'. We crossed the line to applause from the public and promptly followed by pictures a plenty. As if by fate, at that moment Richard and David (Judy to FH) appeared to also cross the line. These were the guys we met 16 days ago at the very first b&b. It was great to meet them again and hear their stories etc. We all congratulated each other and even shared a small glass of champagne with them. More photos just for good measure. It was at this point when David was greeted by his wife and baby son, I first felt a bit emotional about it all and it really started to hit home what we had achieved. I text my loved ones back home and have to confess had a little tear in my eye. We had done it and what an amazing feeling. All the highs, lows, places, people, the pain, the laughs, the memories, will stay with me forever.

Our hotel tonight is Castletown Hotel and we were warmly greeted on arrival. A lovely welcome had also been left for FH and myself (by my wonderful lady Amanda and my two kids Sophie and Rebecca), by way of a bottle of champagne and a few 'Well Done' cards from my family. These were promptly opened and a toast was made. Thank you to you all for these, they made a really lovely surprise.

Thankfully a carvery dinner is on the cards tonight (well it is Sunday) and the plates were piled high. Dessert followed in a similar fashion! Then the bar! Let the good times roll (and not the bike wheels for at least a month!)
 
 
It's grim up north, that much was apparent this morning leaving The Bluebell House b&b. This on the other hand was really wonderful and the hosts Neil and Margaret were fantastic. A lovely place with bags of character and would recommend.

On the road it was just a day of plodding on through the drizzle that stayed with us for most of the day. It was one of our coldest days but wind was low so it didn't really feel it. Maybe the 4 layers had something to do with it.

Our first stop was a bike shop coming out of Inverness to purchase a buff. Valuable bit of kit this and proved a good purchase with the cold winds keeping them off my face. Just wish I had got on weeks ago!

Now days like this need a highlight as it can be a bit miserable cycling in the rain. Today's was being joined by a team of LEJOGers that were also on our route and also meeting up with two fellas that we met the first day at our b&b back in Cornwall. This was great to catch up with them and chat with everyone as it completely takes your mind of the challenge. It also made me and Fathead realise we are not the only ones that behave like a married couple! We stopped for tea and cake with the guys and it made a refreshing change to the schedule.

The rest of the day was a bit dull really, firstly due to the weather and also due to the fact most places up here are like ghost towns. We stopped at one place and all 4 members of the village were in the local. We went in for a cuppa and let's just say they don't really like outsiders. Quickest tea we've had I can tell you. All inbreeds!

The day today was around 78 miles so quite a long one. The knees played up towards the end of the day as well as stomach pains just for good measure. This made the last 25 miles or so really difficult for me and it was hard to push on. This wasn't helped by the fact we were literally in the middle of nowhere and it was like a scene from a film where you see carcasses on the side of the road and tumbleweeds. The moment that really helped towards the end was FH signalling to stop. Once pulling up he informed me by shake of hand we had officially cycled 1000 miles. This was quite a special moment and in itself is a massive goal/achievement for me.

Tomorrow is the last day and a long one, around 90 miles I think. It's going to take a lot to get there but I'm sure we can do it now.
 
Loch and Ore! 09/17/2010
 
When waking this morning there was only one thing on my mind. No, not that! Although... Anyway! Today was the day when we both knew we had the climb. This was the big one which was to reach over 4 miles before a long decent. Surprisingly, I was quite looking forward to it. Not just the hill but knowing the day also held a visit to Lock Ness and hopefully some breathtaking views.

We got sorted after breakfast at what has to be said was a slightly disappointing b&b (nothing like the picture, think it was taken by a professional from another county!) and made tracks out of Fort William. The first site was Ben Nevis. Now it has to be said it wasn't as menacing as I had expected but I don't think the hazy morning conditions did it justice. Anyhow, after Fathead nearly killing us both by turning across a car to get a picture of it, we carried on. Now we next did a FH special and went the opposite way to the sign for Inverness but it soon came good, even though we both felt it wasn't right. This led to some lovely country back roads to warm up with and some glorious morning views.

The first proper stop was meant to be half way at Fort Augustus. This is where it went a bit wrong. By this time I'm usually craving something sweet with a cuppa, but we suddenly came across a rather big climb. Now I thought this was the start of the climb but FH didn't. As it turned out somehow we had missed Fort Augustus and gone straight onto 'that hill'. Now the climb was relentless. All 4.5 miles of it. Now I have no idea how long it took us but I know it was a fair while. It went on and on. Even FH made a remark about how long it went on. As if things couldn't have got any worse when spinning in bottom gear for 4.5 miles, a bee decided to attack me early on causing me to speed of in true Pinhead defence, screaming like a girl and doubling my power output. Not good when you're meant to be pacing!

Finally we reached the top, 400m of climb over 4.5 miles. We both felt it, but it was worth every ache for the views alone. We got a few piccies for the album and then started our decent. To be honest this wasn't as great as we had hoped. Top speeds were ready to be shattered but alas the declines were more long and gentle than steep and straight.

After passing some more amazing scenery we came to a rest at the Waterfall cafe where we had tea and cake for a top up of the battery. Once charged we headed off to Lock Ness.

When we first got a glimpse at Lock Ness it was all exciting and felt a bit special but once we got nearer to it after coming down the mountain which had earlier climbed we both agreed it was just another lock, nice, but we had seen prettier. Nether the less it was lovely to be there.

Now one thing I had remarked a few times on the trip that I wanted to see was a red squirrel. We had already seen the seals on the rocks and seeing them in the wild just makes it more memorable. As we rode along a red flash leapt from a bush in front of us to cross the road. We both see it and immediately stopped knowing what it was. It mounted the base of a nearby tree and after a rubbish attempt by me to try and fool it into moving round the tree so that FH could get a picture it vanished without a trace. No sooner had we left and carried on our way the same thing happened again. A great thing to see, just wish the little beggars would keep still.

The mood was good today, lots of high sprit and laughter. The weather has helped immensely and with only 2 days left, the hill climb definitely put a spring in our step. With knees still iffy, relief probably helped this knowing we had made it over the top. Tiredness is definitely setting in and I think even FH is showing signs now of a little fatigue. Think two weeks with me is taking it's toll on him!

Accommodation tonight is Bluebell guest house and it is very nice indeed. Well recommended. The local Waterside pub was our choice for grub and whilst watching the owners feed the local ducks from the River Ness, I tried my first lump of venison tonight. A pleasant change but still prefer the good old fillet of beef.
 
News at 10! 09/16/2010
 
Today; in the style of a news reader:

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

When walking into a post office this morning to post some unwanted drink supplies back home, the songs heard were 'Road to Hell' by Chris Rea and 'It's raining, it's pooring' by unknown. This left the duo with a grim outlook on the day ahead.

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

Physically the first half of the 75 mile journey today was hard going for Pinhead. The suspect right knee has worsened and any pressure applied was starting to show. An application of deep heat helped the situation but concerns are growing for tomorrows big climb.

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

A proper lunch was enjoyed today rather than the usual pitstop at Benderlock. Soup was leek and potatoe, followed by tea and a sticky pecan slice. So good that a second was purchased for the road ahead. Certainly put a spring in Pinhead's step.

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

After around 2/3 of the journey covered, Pinhead was joined by a hover fly on the cross bar. Named 'squishy' he road with the duo for around 6 miles. The added weight however was extra pressure on Pinhead's knees.

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

Drivers in Scotland are being advised to slow down after a near miss on the  A82 where a cyclist narrowly escaped being hit by a blissfully unaware coach driver. FH & PH are looking for this man and will rip his !#*!ing head off if they catch up with him.

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

A new road survey has been released today that shows Scotish roads are the bumpiest in Britain. One stretch of the A85 is so bad, a cyclist from Hoddesdon, Herts has already booked in for dental treatment and limb replacements even before returning from his trip. When asked what he through of the roads currently he replied 'Beep! Beep! Beep!' (sensored)

Dah dah dah, dah dah!

And finally, the weather today! After days of hellish conditions, the wind remained at a more gental pace. The sun shone through and gradually warmed up mid Scotland which later pushed through to the Highlands. This coincided with the arrival of Fathead & Pinhead who were on there LEJOG challenge. They are tonight in Fort William.

Think I'm going mad out here...
 
 
Leaving the hotel this morning I was filled with doubt and had got myself ready for another day of bad weather (as much as you can anyway). As it turned out the first 20 miles were fairly hard going due to the strong winds but these soon died off to reveal a day of sun and reasonable conditions.

Highlights today:

Some big climbs early on in gail force winds proved hard going and energy sapping. These made the first 20 miles go on forever, not good for morale.

A ferry journey was needed today from Gourock to Dunoon which gave us time to recuperate after the first 20 miles and made a pleasant change to use some other means of transport! Also did wonders to rest my backside which is now sporting signs of sever abuse (and not from FH!)

One of the best highlights so far - as we cycled along Lock Fyne we were privileged to see wild seals sunbathing on the rocks at the side. They were very weary as we were only around 25 feet away. FH tried to get some pictures (see piccies) but it was quite hard.

I nearly died - whilst seal watching, 2 coaches came hurtling round the bend and the second one nearly wiped me out. I jumped onto the curb and dragged my bike with me seconds before he filled the space with a rather hefty coach. Wasn't impressed as you can imagine!

Hotel tonight is The George in Inveraray. Lovely village, great hotel, food superb. Very nice castle that looks like something from a childrens book (see piccies).
 
 
Well after an awful day and a very pleasant evening in Jennie's Rigg House B&B, surely things were on the up? Well not exactly. When the curtains were spread this morning it was fairly windy, but dry. After yesterday's weather we were exhausted, and to top it all FH had been up all night as sickness a dog. So let's just say neither of us were fit to leave for a days cycling.

We opened the door to leave around our normal time and I peaked round it half hoping we'd been snowed in. However, no snow, just blisteringly cold and strong gales. Well as real as I'm sitting here now, no sooner did we leave did it start raining. Straight away I knew we were in for a naf day, but not to the extent that we had.

Today was the shortest day of the trip, roughly just under 50 miles so it should have been a walk in the park. The weather got worse and worse until we were barely moving with the wind against us. Then the real stuff came down. Now imagine being dropped into an ice cold bath and then randomly pelted to death with ice cubes and you'll start to understand what we had to cycle through for what seemed like years. I couldn't see even though I had glasses on, and the 'hail' still managed to get round the glasses to blind me (just for good measure). I feel the cold as FH will more than vouch for now, probably more than most. I was literally frozen and was finding it hard to move my legs and arms. This is even though I had a base layer, jersey, windproof jacket and another jacket on! It was so cold it took my breath away as we cycled and I struggled to breath and cycle. It was all I could do to not fall off.

After about half way, the rain did finally stop but the wind still remained to let us know who was in charge. I stopped at this point to put on my fingered gloves as I was unable to change gears due to the lack of feeling in my hands. Now sympathy is not one of FH's strong points and while i struggled to put my gloves on hands i couldn't feel FH shouted abuse at me like 'hurry up, theres more rain coming' and generally just giggled at me. All very helpful stuff. We carried on our way and it continued.

Now imagine the scene. We have had this awful weather for nearly 2 days. I lost it, and started shouting expletives at mother nature, nothing that should be repeated on this site. FH remarked that I'd only p*ss her off, and like magic the wind gave us another battering.

The only stop we made today, due to the fact neither of us wanted to be out in it any longer than needed, was in Galston in a little food shop. We had a lovely hot brew and some piping hot chips to share. Very welcome after what we'd endured. Even if it's not exactly pro cycling grub!

After a very long day (or what seemed one anyway) we arrived at our ffffrrrreeeeeee accommodation! Any is this needed or what! Checked in, bikes secure, into the room and straight to the Jacuzzi! Steam room was very hot, too hot for me, but short time in there followed by jacuzzi bath until wrinkled. Pinhead - done (said in the style of Gordon Ramsey).

We are now just writing up the blogs and getting ready for dinner and a drink. I'm gonna say a quick prayer tonight. I'm not usually a religious man but I think we need some Devine help from old Jimmy Jesus up there as otherwise we could be in for another grueller tomorrow.
 
 
Today - in a word - Shite (amost other words I probably shouldn't use)

Our B&B last night was really lovely and after our breakfast we set off in conditions that started out much the same as day 4 (I think it was day 4, seems an eternity ago now). Mother Nature has been pretty fair with us so far but today she really gave us a hoofing and threw everything she had at us bar the snow! We cycled for roughly 7 hours today and in that time it stopped raining briefly for about 30mins. Needless to say we didn't get any photos and in terms of enjoyment it wasn't the best. We did have a chuckle at times but it really was entertain yourselves to keep going. The thing today that really made it hard work was the absolute gail force winds we've had. At times we were pedalling down hill in easy gears as the wind was blowing against us and stopping us! This has to be the toughest day so far in terms of conditions.

The good news is tonight we arrived at the Rigg House and it is tremendous. We were greeted by Jenny who as well as getting the bikes put away, stuck the kettle on and washed all our clothes. The shoes were put next to the old stove fire in the lounge and we sat there drinking our tea and warming our cockles. The room is amazing and the whole house is really lovely, tonnes of character, fireplaces, chesterfields, big windows, beautiful views (or at least would be if it stopped bloody raining!) The icing on the cake was the roast beef dinner and hot dessert Jenny prepared for us which was a touch as both me and FH were a bit worried we was in the middle of nowhere, which was nice! There is no way we are going out there again tonight. I'm sitting in front of the stove at the moment typing this after a great dinner, letting it go down. Tonight was a good night.

 
 
Today's cycling was mostly in Cumbria! The lakes are glorious and scenery has to be seen to be believed. Thankfully the weather today has held off and we have had a reasonably warm, sunny day.

The ride today started by a massive shock to the system; climbing. Over the past few days we have not had too much of it, but as a result, have become accustomed to that. Well we were in for a shock. For almost the first 10 miles we had the mother of all mountains to climb. No time to warm up the muscles as it was literally only 2 miles from the b&b. We were both still sporting knee issues too which is also not really what you need. We found out after a while it is known as Kirkstone Pass. After the very slow start to the day, the one thing that has been consistent throughout this challenge became very apparent on Kirkstone, we now had a mammoth decent! Well boys will be boys and neither of us hesitated although after the thought had crossed our minds that we could have very easily died! The drops were amazing, a 20%, then a 13%, another 20% then another 13%. It was out of this world and although the views were still unbelievable, eyes were fixed on the road. We started the drop with cars behind us and left them well behind by the time we got to where the road started to flatten out at the bottom. I have to say this marked THE most exhilarating and exciting part of the trip so far for me and we were both grinning and laughing when we reached the bottom. I'd of done it all again if we didn't have another 50 miles to go. I am pleased to report that a new top speed was reached, 42.4 mph! That on a bike with panniers and 20lbs of extra weight is some achievement. Well chuffed.

The majority of the rest of the day was made up of lots of straight roads. Now these roads went on and on and on. I have never seen roads that went on for SO long. It became boring after a while (FH ain't much of a conversationist and if you do talk to him you have to make sure you're on the right side as he is mutten in one ear!). The other thing that wound us both up was the road surface. If anyone from the Cumbrian road services is reading this sort it out, this is enough to put anyone off cycling.

Just when we thought the weather was on our side, the thing that really got us today which we hadn't thought about was the head winds. At one point we were on flat straight roads in one of the easiest gears. It felt like we were towing a caravan!

Finally, at around 59 miles today we reached Scotland! The feeling of this as an achievement in itself was spectacular. We shook hands at the first welcome to Scotland sign and got some pictures to celebrate the occasion. See piccies.

We checked into our b&b tonight and are pleasantly surprised. Our host Susan, even offered to wash the clothes so FH got out of it again! It also means that won't have to panic as much about drying everything. What to do now...
 
 
Just a quick blog tonight as thought I'd have a night of celebrating the half way stage with chocolates and a Sprite. I really know how to live eh!

Today the weather was on and off more times than Fathead's jacket. Sun, rain, sun, rain, well you get the point.

In terms of distance today we have covered by my reckoning 68 miles. Now Fathead has a tendency to tell me at the beginning of the day the distance in Km's. But after converting it, it always works out more. I have learnt this now and am starting to get better at judging the 'true' distance for myself. I'm not sure if it's the Garmin or the Route Master!

In terms of facts and figures FH is doing a stat-a-thon tonight so check it out to be truly amazed by what we have achieved so far.

Signpost spotted today for 'SLOW - Panda's Zone' made me think of home. Some that know Amanda may know her as Panda and yes most of the time she is slow.

Spot of fishing again today. Nothing in terms of fish but nice to try again. I've now officially fished more in the last 8 days than in the last 2 years! I did catch one thing however, a tree on a cast much to FH's delight. It has been a while ;0)

In terms of my endurance I would say I'm improving. Today was the first day that I have been full of energy and could have gone on at the end of the day. Hills are becoming easier and that certainly showed on a few where I mistook my front middle ring for the 'granny'.

Unfortunately the challenge is taking it's toll on both myself and now FH. I have to date had strains on the backs of both my knees, a shoulder pain, aches in both thigh muscles, a blister on my finger, a blister on both feet, and now today a problem on the front of my right lower knee. So, once this challenge is done I will be registering myself disabled, and if anyone wishes to raise money for me in order to purchase a stair lift, please let me know.

FH has also developed a strain on his right knee and this is the first time I have seen him so subdued. I know he is worried about it as one thing I have learnt about him is he is a 'heart on sleeve' kind of guy. I tried to tell him tonight to take it easy and don't over do it and don't be too pig-headed to walk up a hill if it gets too much. Anyone who knows FH will know the response I got. I tried!

We arrived in the Lake District late today and Bowness-on-Windermere this evening. It's very picturesque and as luck would have it it's right next to Lake Windermere. If you stay at Windermere itself, it's not! Strange but true.

Fact for those at home; in a week's time tomorrow evening, we WILL have completed LEJOG! Not long now till I'm home. Missing you all very much.