Excellent brekkie set me up nicely, but the discovery of a puncture created a bit of panic. I ran 1/2 a mile to try to catch the 08:30 ferry across to Nigg only to be told that the first one runs at 09:00 ish on a Sunday. Still this gave me time to fix the puncture, and somehow I managed to hand pump it up to almost max. pressure ( must've been something in yesterday's beer ). Rolled down to the ferry ramp and there in the water of the Cromarty Firth were the Dolphins ! They were quite a way away, but unmistakeable, especially when one or two decided to do the odd jump. A big bonus spot.
Cromarty shore along which the exciting jog took place and the puncture was mended ..
Spot the Dolphins ..
Very sketchy Dolphin video, look carefully just right of centre after about 10secs, the vague dark image was a Dolphin ( apologies for the quality of the video ) ...
The Ferry eventually arrived and popped me and a couple of bikers across to Nigg. Soon discovered that I wasn't on a good day, so decided to take it as easy as possible and just enjoy the scenery. Once onto the A9 heading on the East Coast I was once again blown along by a healthy tailwind. It was almost a shame to change direction to head off to Dornoch, but an exceptionally tasty Scone & Jam with a pot of tea in very fine china boosted my spirits.
Tasty Scone street at Dornoch ..
The American (owner ?) of the tea shop expressed an envy in my trip and recommended that I should follow the minor road around back to the A9. So I did, and along the edge of Loch Fleet spotted a whole host of Common Seals basking on a sand bank in the sun. Brilliant.
Loch Fleet views:
Looking inland ..
Common Seals hauled out on the sand bank ..
Back on the A9 pootled up the Coast enjoying the views of the Sea, and then Bras - lots of them, strung together in a continuous chain through Golspie. I caught up with the culprits on the edge of town and they explained that they were laying out a chain of bras from Golspie to Brora (about 6 miles) to raise money for the Raigmore Hospital Breast Cancer Unit in Inverness. ( See picture from 1000 mile point in previous post coincidence fans ).
Bras:
Beginning of the chain at Golspie ...
Chain continuing further up the road near the lovely named 'Doll' ...
I made them a modest donation in lieu of that afternoons cake/flapjack and continued up the road. ( turns out that the profile of the effort was raised when Prince Charles & Camilla stopped whilst driving south from a stay at the Castle of Mey ( nr. John o'Groats) and also made a donation. They completed and then removed the chain of over 8000 Bras later that day. Excellent effort ).
Enjoyed a quality jacket potato with cheese and beans on the harbour at Brora which helped me to roll into Helmsdale early afternoon. The proprietors at the B&B there were friendly and very helpful and recommended an evening meal at the local restaurant 'La Mirage'. Turns out this is an excellent chippie, with seating. Couldn't get a seat, but happily settled for a tasty takeaway Fish and Chip Supper.
Helmsdale ..
Stats:
Mileage 49.1
Total 1,075.0
Dolphins spotted 2 +
Seals spotted 10 +
Ferries 1
Punctures 1
Cheers,
Mat.
Sign pic:
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