A storm cloud over Wick as I approach at the end of the day.
What seems to be a typical Caithness scene. Relatively flat land with a mixture of new and derelict farmhouses.
The flags are out for me in Lybster - but they were not too enthusiastic, only managing 2 strings of flags!
How the well dressed walker combats rain and strong winds - self portrait. This season's style is to wear a floppy cricket cap under the hood of a waterproof - remember where you heard it first!The walk today was almost abandoned. The weather forecast of heavy rain and gale force winds was reasonably accurate this morning. When I got out of the car at my start point (Dunbeath) the wind was so strong that I almost got back into the car. However I decided to give it a few miles to see how it went - agreeing to meet Jean down the road in case I decided to call it a day. The wind was only really bad in unprotected areas near the clifftops- fortunately there were only a few of these. I therefore decided to carry on with my plan to reach Wick which was a total walk of 21 miles today.
The weather in fact relented shortly before lunch with the wind dying away and the rain turning to intermittent showers. There were some heavy showers around - some of them thundery (see the photo above) but my luck was in and they all missed me, but it did encourage me to hurry along to ensure that I stayed dry. The weather has made me realise that the rosy view that I had of Sutherland and Caithness was based on the fact that the weather has been excellent. Now that I have seen bad weather in July and how it changed the feel of the place, I can only wonder what it would be like to live here in the winter.
The day started well with a phone call from Phil informing me that Captain's day at the golf club had raised over £800 for the BHF. Don't forget that donations can still be made to the justgiving page or by sending me a cheque.
As thought yesterday I am starting to see more endtoenders. There is a smug feeling of oneupmanship when meeting people going south, in all their innocence, when I have almost finished the walk. However when talking to two girls on their second walking day I did feel a little bit of envy of what enjoyment and challenges they have to look forward to over the next couple of months.
Tomorrow I have about 17 miles from Wick to reach John O'Groats (I have checked and the JOG council use a capital O) and I hope to reach the end of my odyssey at about 3.00pm. The champagne will be served at about 3.05pm! As mentioned I also plan to walk to Duncansby Head which I regard as a bit of gilding of the lily - but I may as well go there whilst in the area!
Thanks to all of you who have sent me messages of support in the last few days - in particular Martin, Phil, Sue, Julie and Lisa - KBW's to you all!
"Happy is the man who has acquired the love of walking for its own sake." - WJ Holland
Cheers
Keith
