Sorry our tracker did not record us today, not sure if it’s a battery issue but will change as soon as we get back into civilization.

Low sixties in the sunshine is amazingly warm; a refreshing change from the past couple of days. Our departure from Inverness was again along the Beauty Firth,but this time we followed the south edge. For twenty miles we enjoyed a relatively flat course, retracing the route our train had taken yesterday; seeing the prettier side of the train stops.It was not until about mile 25 that we started climbing and the legs got into the rhythm of climbing and dropping; finally if felt good to be in the saddle again. The crystal blue skies accentuated the colors of the fields and the horses had lost their shaggy manes. At 11:00 a.m. with 28 miles completed, we stopped at the last outpost before we reached our destination. Though much too early for lunch, we opted to eat for the sake of the energy we would need. These little roadside canteens have become a ducky favorite; amazing food always served by a friendly proprietor.  The climbing continued after lunch, but not too steep and the small downhills were enough for a break without giving back all we had just climbed.

We traveled from one beautiful loch to another, connected by streams that wove through the river valley.  Hills starting at the water’s edge and reached to the sky. Ripples in the water spoke of the breeze that had been riding along with us.  Took a rest along the water, peaceful in the middle of nowhere; unit two F-16 flew by so close we could see the colors of the pilot’s eyes; never have we been so close and we’ve had many fly-bys back at home.  Another short break at 50 miles, before we started our toughest climb; be it because it was at the end of the day, or because it was just darn tough.  As we rounded mile two of our uphill trek, the wind turned in our face.   The wind coming up the other side from the narrow cut was cooling and we knew that meant we were close to the crest.  As we turned the corner down, the sight was amazing.  The photograph does not convey what we saw as we took the photo on the way down, not willing to stop; one of THE prettiest sights we have seen.  At 2:00, we came to a stop at the foot of our hotel (note the flower pots)k,57 miles completed.

Today’s ride did a lot to raise the spirits.  So what if we are traveling to a tourist spot, on a Saturday, with NO reservation, Everything booked and having to pitch a tent with the midges in the rain.  Tonight we enjoy with steak stew and a bottle of red!