Day 1 Sunday 26th July 2009

Up with the lark this morning. The boys set off at 7:20am we waved them off, weather overcast and a strong head wind. The girls returned to strike camp, unfortunately it didn't matter that the boys were not with us we still struggled to get everything in the car. We finally left to catch the boys 8:55am they had motored on, we caught them up at 28miles just as the first spot of rain arrived so waterproofs on and drink bottles swapped. Even more rain, then on to Berriedale, 43miles now, guess what even more rain fell from the sky, we boiled the kettle for their cup-a-soup stop and got soaking wet, freezing cold, we still hadn't had any breakfast and they promised us a summer holiday, call this a summer holiday!!! We were told to find somewhere dry like a cafe so off we set. At 63 miles we arrive at Brora, we were still looking for a cafe still no sign of one, saw a distillery which luckly for the boys was closed!! Then we found a car park with a pub and waited and half an hour later they arrived rain had almost stopped so they didn't want to stop for long so tuna pasta for one and spicy chicken pasta for the other, then off again, now only about 20 miles to Dornoch. We caught them up and had a photo shoot at Dunrobin Castle by now the rain was back. But as we got nearer to Dornoch the sun broke through the cloud and literally as we got out of the car to pay at the campsite it was glorious sunshine. At the pitch blowing a gale but the sun still shone. Wrestled with tent quite a lot, it is bigger that us, what a laugh and a pretty good workout to boot!! As tent wrestling was in progress, one happy camper commented on our vehicle and wanted to know who Terry was? We said Who?! Our Knight in shining armour came to the rescue in the shape of Graham from Sterling who has left the wife at home working and he's camping with the children, who helped with tent wrestling until the boys arrived at just before 3pm with a smile on their face. Day 1 riding over, dry out began. Fabulous neighbours, Reena and Harold have very kindly leant us their portable washing line to dry cycling gear. We are at Dornoch Caravan and Camping Park, The Links. Amazing scenery, the sea one side, a light aircraft airfield another side, golf course on the 3rd side and golf club house the other. Tonight we are sponsored by Richard Carter, Painter and Decorator, Thank you very much.
P.S. After the best hot chocolate in world, made especially after hours at the Castle Hotel, Dornoch we met a couple of Brownies from Motherwell, walking past our tent who gave us a donation in our box they were Stephanie and Danielle with Mum Dorothy and their friend Lisa. Nice to meet you girls, put your Devon Star on your sash.