Inverness to Helmsdale - 68 miles

A fine but grey start to the day as I set out through a busy Inverness up the A9 and across the Beauly Firth over a large suspension bridge. The road then climbs up over the Black Isle and then heads for the east coast of the North sea which it hugs all the way up to John O Groats. I had the unusual experience this morning of freewheeling down hill for about three miles and I though "well this is easy". It did not last long as we then returned to the ups and downs of the coast road. Normal service had been resumed. I met a large group of end to enders today who were returning back to England by cycling through Ireland, better them than me! I passed them again on the road later on and did not see them again. As you get further up the coast you start to see  oil rigs out to sea and it comes as abit of a surprise. This is wild windy countryside with lots of birds of prey on the wing. I have also seen lots of Hooded crows hanging round with other members of the crow family. I also met a very fit 72 year old cyclist who was cycling form Essex to JOG. He was a retired Baptist minister and so we had lots of things to talk about on the way. He had problems with his disc brakes so I left him at Golspie at the cycle shop to see if he could get them repaired. Tomorrow involves some very difficult climbing for the first four miles so I think some pasta and an early night is required!