All night, we listened to the pouring rain on the skylight in our loft room. The rain had stopped by the time we woke, but the ceiling was low and the air very damp.  We wanted to make it to Edinburgh today for a much needed day off, but it was at least 60 miles and with the threat of more rain, wind in our face, plus the hills sure to be awaiting, we were not confident it would happen.

The morning began with a mile long downhill with half as much up and that is when we stopped counting.  For the next ten miles we climbed, some tough grades, some minor, but always continuously up.   The trees on this ridge had managed to adapt to the continuous wind as had technology, the sheep, however, seemed quite indifferent.  At the ridge, before our drop the view was brilliant (English slang for awesome).  Two miles into our wonderful downhill a fork in the road had us pulling hard on our brakes.  The “bike course” pointed right towards the sea (which seemed questionable to us), but after our bike course excursion of yesterday, we had second thoughts.  A chat (included repeating the heavy Scotish brogue instructions three times) with a local advised the right fork “will be hell up, you need to go that way.”We went with his recommendation and choose the left leg of the fork.  Not sure if it was a short cut, but it was paved, the vista fabulous and we made forward progress……perfect!   Once back on the “course” the path led us along the highway and then turned to dirt.  Memories of yesterday returned; thankfully the path did not have dangerous, unseen ruts, just beautiful wildflowers.

Our pavement returned just before Dunbar, where we met Graham and Rose (on a bike holiday from Manchester) over coffee.With only 11 miles to the next town where there were accommodations, we frantically started searching for a place that would take us further.  Everything was booked unless we could make it to Edinburgh.  With less than half the mileage to the city completed by 1:00, we thought it wise to be happy with the last eleven miles.  Managed to slow down a bit, with the shorter day, and enjoy the incredible scenery and classic Scottish golf courses.We passed the Bass Rockpedaled along canals and beside more glorious fields.Our last few miles were not without struggle, with plenty of hills and wind in our face we were happy with our decision of staying in the next town.  The town of Haddington is quaint and very picturesquebut not a sole was around on this Sunday afternoon.  Headed through the village square and directly to our hotel, that just happened to have a tavern downstairs; perfect place to watch the finals of the World Cup.  We partied with the locals, enjoying Scottish pie and Scotch Whiskey; the evening sky was putting on a show as we headed upstairs at 9:30.

Traveln’ may slow down bit, thirs’ scotch to be drunk!