The problem with posting these messages to our loved ones back in the land of the living are numerous. I have my Campaign Office Furniture assembled by Guptha and he invariably supplies me with a low grade ink that is quite not my shade. A sound thrashing and remonstrance sends him out into the wilds to secure a reasonable match to Quink blue/black. I do believe I have even caught him mixing the stuff over an open wood fire with the other lads. I turn a blind eye. This is not the first post I have had to re-write due to so-called ‘Word Press’ failure on what is called, I am told, the ‘Internet’.
But here goes.
Another beautiful sunny hot day, so good of Scotland to accommodate us with this fine weather. Most understanding, especially as the ride was so hard. Uphill for the first half, along what used to be the old A9 (now called the B 923872893764) Instead of widening this old road it was handed over to us cyclists whilst they press-ganged a squad of hooligans to build a new shiny road next to the old one. Though this did mean that several petrol stations called it a day (fig 1) their carcasses add to the ghost-road charm and the feint white lines and extricated cat’s eyes look like a Highway Code Palimset. I dread to think of how many motorists have died on these ghostly stretches, and how many are dieing on the modern versions too.
Half way meant picnic, of course, rations were low, but we made do with bread and mustard bought as far back as Tewkesbury, plus assorted remnants from last nights feast. A quick snooze by a babbling stream and all wa good for the descent into Aviemore, choosing the new A9 as it appeared deserted. A recent article in the Scottish Times has resulted in crowds lining the streets hurling flowers, abuse and kisses at us as we plough ahead through the forest of hands and bells and whistles. The French shout ‘Chappeau’, here they shout ‘O’Shanter’ instead.
Aviemore looks like Andorra out of season. I shall try not to think about that, we are exhausted and all in need of sleep, if tomorrows report fails to make it, it is because of computers, not because of ink and paper supplies.
P.S. there is no P. S.
