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 CommentsUncle Colin & Auntie Pam Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:16:18 At long last Scott. We have been waiting Blog and you have not dissappointed. All your family and friends must be very proud of you to complete this very difficult task. All the best Pam & Colin Mum & Ben Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:10:21 Well done Scott, we're very proud of you. Having read your blog daily we realised that this was not an easy task but you got through all the difficulties and finished with a smile on your face!!! Leave a Reply | AuthorScott Hamilton aka Pinhead! ArchivesSeptember 2010 Categories |
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