Day 15 - John o' Groats!

The final day arrived and it was happy yet sad. The last 2 weeks had gotten us used to no television, limited internet and plenty of fresh air and exercise. During the night, it had rained on and off and the wind was particularly strong. The poor guy camping next to us looked like he was staying in a one man sheet held together with a few broken branches. I was surprised to see it still standing in the morning.
We set off with extra layers on. It was only 13C but with wind chill that brought it down to 9C. Unlike day 1, mother nature was on our side for the final day. The rain, although still threatening, had disappeared and the strong wind was heading directly east, following where we were also going. The final push to the end was actually not difficult. The terrain was relatively flat even if a little bleak, but it meant we could really speed along knowing that our goal was getting closer by the second. We followed the coast and stopped for lunch at Thurso. The place was very busy, which seemed unusual compared to the miles of nothingness surrounding it. After lunch, we used the re-fuel to race along the final few miles and crank the bikes into top gear all the way. We were considering doing a slight detour to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the British mainland. However, the wind was so strong and the dark clouds threatening that we just wanted to get to the end and enjoy the victory. We reached John o' Groats early afternoon and we were surprised by how much was going on there. Paul had been some years ago when there was just a rotting hotel, but now there were cafes, luxury cabins, shops, a revamped hotel and regular ferry crossings to the Orkneys.
We had our photos taken by the sign, which is currently a sore point with the locals as the land owners are considering moving it and the suggestion has not been welcomed.

Reaching the finish was a great feeling. It's something to tick off the bucket list and to feel good about the achievement and raising money for charity. It certainly hasn't put us off cycling and I know Paul is already itching to find the next challenge. So we'll keep you posted!