Thursday, October 24, 2013

Day 55: Thurso - Elgin

Cycle: 11.06km / 1hr1min / 10.82km/hr
Wednesday October 2

We have been very fortunate to find some incredible spots to pitch our tent, and often awake in the morning to glorious sunrises and views. Today was no exception. Thank you Scotland and your wild camp policies. 

We packed up quickly to get to the train station. Upon arrival, we found nothing. A closed station, and no one about. We really are at the end of the line. Twenty minutes later, another cyclist arrived and soon came over to chat. Mike Marshall had just finished a "solo" ride from Lands End to John O Groats (covering the length of the UK!). We boarded the train, and lo and behold we are sitting beside Mike. We thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Mike for the next few hours. We shared stories of our lives and current journey. The journey ended with an exchange of contact numbers and an invitation for us to contact him when we finally arrive in Portugal. This we will do!!

In Elgin we headed out to a campsite just outside of town, and for the first time we were told tents were not allowed..... seriously??!! Not wanting to wild camp a fourth night in a row, we stood in the middle of the caravan park, pulled out a bag of chips, filled our water containers, and lingered. Turns out dragging your feet pays off. Up walks Stewart (a mash up of Scotty and Captain Kirk), a little friendly chit chat and he walks on. Two minutes later, he's back, and we can camp there... free! We pitched our tent in a beautiful little spot along the river, and had a lovely relaxing evening of wine, chocolate, hot showers and the sounds of a babbling brook
Cooking breakfast as the sunrises in Thurso. Park benches are very useful
No shortage of beautiful sunrises.
Cliffs. Unbelievablty thin and regular Cathiness stone.
End of the line.
Mike Marshall, thinner than when he left! And needing a belt.