Saturday 11 September

Did I mention it was raining most of yesterday? - and um, yes, it's raining today - oh joy! Peter and I have a DISCUSSION re route today. We are at the head of Loch Ness (see pic - did you spot a movement there? No? Are you sure?) Choices are: A82 on the west side of the Loch (drawing in of breath by anyone you speak to about it); or the east side, which is a much quieter and more scenic route. They both have nasty climbs but the latter takes you into Inverness then we'd have to go partway on A9, also an horrendous road for bikes and a longer route for us. Peter favours original route, I favour more scenic route. We are at a petrol station/store discussing, when another cyclist comes over for a chat. He is doing JOGLE and set himself 10 days to do it. After talking to him and as Peter gets twitchy without a route to follow, we decide on original route. At that moment someone who had just put petrol in his motorbike drops it. Very embarrassing for him - but we've all been there! Off we peddle up the A82 and see signs saying 'beware cyclists' - nice of them to prepare the way for us! (Actually there was a Loch Ness cycle and runner race being held today.) Cycled 11 miles up this road in the rain to Drumnadrochit. Stop here for a drink. We leave the A82 here and head for Milton on a quieter road, then up the killer hill towards Beauly. The trick to this hill is NOT to have a hot chocolate with cream, marshmallows and a flake before tackling it! Get off 2/3 of the way up and push for a bit, then bravely tackle the rest before a downhill coast. Got to Muir of Ord - our destination for today. Such a romantic sounding name for an uninspiring town! Try to find a B&B but No Vacancies signs everywhere. Get our foot in the door at one place, but the phone goes just before the girl of the house takes us upstairs. It's Mum - she's not taking anyone tonight, they're going to a party tonight. Grrr . . . We go back to the hotel with a no vacancy sign and I go in and ask if they know