Photographic Extravaganza II

Sorry for the big delay. I know that many of you have been on tenterhooks awaiting this follow-up compilation. However, I was hit badly with a flu-bug, and had other things to deal with, but now, here it is: 

Spot the obvious mistake -  Hmmm: Preparation!?

Then why bother?

Top Scottish government approved!?  

Oooops!

 That's the reason that I'm a bit knacked!

Finally into the Highlands, and I'm confronted with a foreign language!! 

It's been a bad year, agriculturally!

Great ball, and fish, control!

Bit blurry, but that was the way I felt, at that stage!

I hope they don't get them mixed up!

Farmer's sense of humour - love the uPVC double-glazed windows! 

Now that is what I really need!

Those who know the road profile between Helmsdale & Dunbeath will appreciate!

A long yellow pipe

More Yellow pipe

This is between Wick and John O’Groats.

It brought back more memories

They construct miles of pipeline on a railway, and then tow it out to the North Sea. 

The weather was really rough as I walked towards John O’Groats

However this was the wonderful rainbow that spurred me on!

It was so all-encompassing, that I had to take 3 shots to get it all in!! 

This is I, at John O’Groats.

I’m telling the German tourist which button to press

- but I guess he beat me to it!   

 

The final haul

Friday 15^th Oct.

It was a cold, bleak morning, and to be honest, it didn’t get much better, as one was also greeted with frequent wind-sweep showers, most of the day.  

When I reached Wick, I eventually managed to find a B&B, where I was able to drop off my back-pack, and change into my trainers – bliss!

As I walked the last 17 miles to JOG, it was like: pilgrim’s experience when his load rolled away; walking on air; on the wings of a dove!  OK… but it was certainly a lot better!!

I’ll finish the story, after I’ve posted my second “Photographic Extravaganza” – once I’ve got them sorted out [probably tomorrow].        

Ichabod

Thurs 14^th Oct.

I wanted to get as near to Wick as I could, today. So I headed off, quite early.

I lunched in a nice restaurant, on the outskirts of Dunbeath which had good food, and an excellent sea-view.

I pressed on, but could not find accommodation, this time. So I spent the night in an deserted building belonging to an abandoned Church, about 7 miles from Wick. It was a cold night, and the sky was visible through the roof, in many places, but it was one on my more comfortable nights, as there was straw on the floor. I guess a farmer was going to move in livestock fairly soon.    

Spotter’s Badge

“Washers, washer, everywhere

Lot’s been dropped, I think.”

It is amazing, but almost everyday, I've seen – and often more than once – small washers at the roadside. I know that they are used in crash barriers, but they are much bigger, and I’ve also seen quite a few of them.

It reminded me of that fable, where I think rice grains are changed into gold [?].

However I didn’t pick any up, after my “lucky penny experience” :{

I can only think that some LEJOG folks have deliberately dropped them! Any ideas?

Wed 13th

Passed through Golspie – a very nice place, where I enjoyed a good lunch – then on to the northern side of Helmsdale where I spent the night, just off the roadside in my tent – as no obvious accommodation available.  

Memories

Tues 12^th Oct.
Had an early start. Passed Invergordon [Cromarty Firth] which brought back many memories. It was the main place for rig maintenance; refit; and “stacking,” at that time. I remember the very fast tides. I was taking a rig out, but you sign responsibility of the rig, over to the pilot whilst the channel is negotiated. The tide was on the turn, and the poor old pilot was sprinting from one side of barge-control, to the other, checking that we were within the boundaries. I think he was very glad to sign the logbook over, when we reached open water!

Had a nice lunch in Tain, before crossing the Dornoch Firth. I was looking for a place to camp, when I suddenly came across yet another inn – Trentham Hotel – open!! What a difference from further south – they must be more resilient or even, “thrawn” further north!  It was only £25 – even better!

PS I forgot to mention that the other day, I passed a sign to “Bogindour." It immediately brought a smile to my face, as it reminded me of a few Scotsman that I’ve known in the past.  

**STOP PRESS**

Reached J.O. GROANS @ 16:00, Fri 15th Oct.
Will update my "Blog of the Slog" over the next week or so.
It was like a Chevvy Chase "Grisworld Experience" - the place was virtually deserted.
Oh well.