Dedicated to a wonderful Mother Jean Noble 31/5/1929 - 20/8/2007 - may we never take our mothers for granted. - Goodbye Mum

UNITED KINGDOM PAGE 6 SCOTLAND SEPTEMBER 2007

For the moment, the following Sovereign Territories form the U.K.

England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Some may say America (and this is probably true of the moment) BUT, historically, no other nation has had an effect on the world greater than the United Kingdom, It's language links billions of people. It's laws form a basis for many nations. It once ruled over 25% of the worlds people. Like it or hate it, the British Empire, the largest formal Empire the world has ever known, will never be equalled, unless the dynamics of the world change dramatically. It is responsible for a disproportionate amount of the worlds innovations in all areas of human endeavour. It's people now inhabit the far corners of the globe.

1^st September 2007 Bush camp about 12k's from Bettyhill to Thurso
Approx. 42k's Average Speed unknown kph Cycling time unknown Minutes Max speed unknown Data lost

Total kilometres ridden mainland Scotland 243 Kilometres Average speed of 9.66KPH Cycling time 25hrs 8 Minutes (Lee's Stat's)

Awoke to a surprisingly mild day with NO rain... WoW!!! Then rode the entire journey with the BEST “tailwind” we have ever had... Had it not been very hilly the times would have been superb! We are now in Thurso and have booked our ferry to Orkney... Too many cyclists told us that “John 'O Groats was just a windswept, overpriced nothing... We took them at their collective word and did not bother cycling the extra few miles “Just to say we had been there”.

Today's ride saw us go past the “Dooraey” <sp> Nuclear Reactor... It's been there a while and looks dated.

We were passed by over 24 Cyclists today :-)

In fairness to us most had a support vehicle (So no weight) and ALL were staying in hotels (etc..)

We are staying in “Sandra's” Backpacker Hostel tonight with laundry and shower.. They are tiny rooms – no windows but at $AUD75.00 per night it is the best anyone can get for the money.. Great communal kitchen with good company to share a coffee with.

ORKNEY(Scotland)

2^nd September 2007 Thurso to Orkney
Approx. 7.36k's Average Speed 8.11 kph Cycling time 54 Minutes Max speed 34kph

Met the owner of “Sharons” (the backpacker hostel) this morning and discussed the price discrepancy from their brochure, to what was charged at the reception “desk” (a difference of $AUD12.00). Said he understood how this can be upsetting – but did nothing about it. Our bikes were kept in what looked like a dungeon – but they stayed safe..

Cycling today was only to and from the ferry... Our bikes were lashed to the rear side of the cargo hold.

as the North Sea is notoriously rough – and today was no exception... The skipper said he will add to our comfort by taking an extra 15 minutes and heading into wind as much as possible...

Just coming into Stromness harbour - Lee did not feed the fish this time :-)

We got absolutely drowned after we got off, with torrential rain and no time to get our wet gear on.

Stromness is a pretty town, viewing it from the sea, we look forward to exploring

The C/van park is the cleanest, cheapest, and best we have stayed at so far in Scotland....

and now we go and impose ourselves on the people of Orkney Scotland – Catchya later...

3^rd September 2007 Stromness on the island of Orkney

Rest day – first of the new season

Thought we would explore the fascinating town of Stromness. Plus do a little maintenance on the bikes that has cropped up. 

4^th September 2007 Stromness to Evie

Approx. 38.00k's Average Speed 9.63kph Cycling time 3Hrs 56 Minutes Max speed 56kph

Atrocious weather caused us to cut short our distance goals today. Just after we left Stromness..

We got absolutely soaked through to the skin and very cold Orkney has a treeless bleakness about it. In some ways like a “moonscape”, however, the landscape is lush at ground level.

Due to too much rain this year it is looking like some crops may “spoil”. Thinking of last summer, when we cycled across our country, Australia and the terrible drought.

We found a C/van park (If one can call it that) here are its prices..

Our tent is getting a work out with the wind and rain just now so this diary entry will be brief Catchya tomorrow..

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