Annandale Thurso

Off to the next hostel, Sandra's in Thurso where I got a private room as there were no dorms left. At last a good nights sleep! Sandra's hostel was fairly small but I still managed to bump into a group of about 12 guys who stayed at Casrbisdale Castle the night ...

... the A99 along the East coast stopping occasionally to take a photo or two. I got to John O'Groats around 3pm and there was not much going on, just a few cyclists coming in from their Lands End trip and having their photos taken around the famous sign post. I sneaked a picture of the sign while the man wasn't watching and then headed off to the Stacks of Duncansby just about 2 miles from John O'Groats for a few more pictures.

... cake and tea - "Will you not be having another cake Charlie?" If you insist!

An inspection of my right foot reveals a two-inch blood blister all down one side! That'll make the going easier...

What made me smile today:

Sunshine
The nice barmaid at The Portland Arms
Their delicious shortbread
The names of the villages - Thrumster, Occumster and Lybster. Must be because they are Norse!

... briefly and I decide to continue back to the A99 as the off-road route for the next section describes climbing over fences and walls - too much for me with a heavy pack!

A group of cyclists peddling their final few miles nod in recognition. Suddenly one stops: "Are you walking to Land's End? Wow! That's amazing! You're mad!". I thank him for his kind words and congratulate ...

... a friendly B&B. I think I'm going to need this as some days I won't be smiling much!

It's early evening by the time I arrive in J O'G and there is a beautiful pink sunset. Camera in hand, I get a couple of shots of the harbour, the Last House and the view over to Stroma and the Orkneys. Having exhausted the delights of J O'G in about five minutes, I turn in for an early night as my departure looms...

... room at the B&B- it really is a very nice outlook with a big old house in the distance on top of some cliffs. Breakfast things even include Vegemite for your toast although toast and cereal is about the extent of the choice- not like our Dublin accomodation which still takes the cake for best brekky on our trip so far. The ferry crossing to the Oarkney Islands is only 40mins and the water was very calm. There are quite a few seabirds ...

... which was probably the most amazing scenery all day. The area around Loch Ness (no sign of Nessie, though we had a good look from the ruined but still pretty Urquhart Castle on the banks of the Loch) is also very pretty, though with less rugged mountain peaks. Loch Ness is one of the larger lakes and you can sail through it now, though you'll have to navigate the Locks, but luckily all the bridges over the waters swing now (interesting to watch ...

The English east coast is lined with magical spots where the deep north sea meets the slab reef and churns out some glorious waves. On a rare occasion: when the east coast swell hits, the winds blow gently offshore, the car starts, planets align etc. - some of the breaks can be world class and almost devoid of crowds. Surfing in the era of ever improving neoprene has brought surfing into a new ice age, the never-ending endless summer style search for the perfect wave has expanded ...

... of us. On arrival we were greeted by the rest of the guys: Kevin, Anthony, Stuart and Chris. After the usual attemot at youth hostel sleep; being subjected to trying to sleep in the same room as 7 other men with all the snoring, ******* etc that entails we managed to dodge miss busybody and all the hoorah Henries that were staying in the hostel and get straight out to John O'Groats for 9am.... Day 0 Miles: 15

... our feet as they slowly creep closer. The sun was setting a bit and through the clouds came a lovely orange, purple, and yellow sunset. On part of the beach a pinkish, red seaweed comes in through the waves making the waves look deep purple. Very pretty and peaceful. 5km on the sand is much more difficult than running on the road, but the scenery makes it all worth it. We took a tour of the coast as well. We picked up ...