Job Done

Sorry for the silence, no signal at Bettyhill and no time at John O Groats!!
Yes it's all over, the cyclists crossed the line around 4pm on Saturday to the sound of Alexander piping "Scotland the Brave"
It was quite a moment and great to see so many people had made the effort to make the long journey to John O Groats.
Bettyhill was a total revelation for me, I have never seen a beach like it, and to have the whole thing to myself was just what the doctor ordered.
My room was lush and to have a big double bed with lovely crisp white sheets was amazing after the RV "shelf"....thanks James!
The last day started as all the others had done, breakfast, banana and mars bar distribution, "have a nice day" etc etc I had company in the shape of Alexander and we set off for Thurso. About 5 miles out of Bettyhill David phoned to tell me Neil's bike was GASSED!!! and could I go back and pick him up.
The sight of Neil at the side of the road with a very broken bike was a very sorry one and to happen on the last day was all the worse.
The bike was repaired in Thurso, but not in time for him to join the others at the end.
Left all afternoon to experience the delights of Thurso and many bakers.....
After the big finish we all retired to play "how many people can we get in one static caravan"......19 i think it was!
We had a great meal out, then more celebration back at the caravan
Took me back to my theatre days and a good after show party!
The party continued till the wee small hours and there were a few sore heads yesterday!!
Back to work today....156 emails to deal with!
I know I didn't cycle one single mile but I still have a great sense of achievement and I'm so glad I took the time out to do it.
This was my "largish" birthday treat to myself, and what a treat it was!
I saw some breathtaking sights, really gorgeous countryside, scary motorways, HUGE bridges, BIG hills, lush campsites, two ferries and wonderful unspoilt beaches.
I've got a couple of big thanks to do.....James and Megan held the fort at home, without their support I wouldn't have been able to go and switch off from it all.
Everyone at Castlehill who have kept my stuff ticking over meaning I had a relatively stress free first day back.
All my friends who phoned and texted, I always had someone to talk to if I needed an offload!!
Last but not least.....David and Alec, right from the very beginning you made me feel very much part of the team, and I knew you felt the RV and me were an essential part of the challenge.
My role changed somewhat when the other team members arrived, and the RV was an all together busier place after that!!
These last three weeks will stay with me for a long time.
The RV went back to Dee Valley tonight, and I hope to pick up my "tiny" new car tomorrow. I will miss having my "house on my back" as it were, it taught me a bit about how much "stuff" we have and do not need.
By the way.......Sheila Duthie, thank you for the daily "tasks", I'm only sorry I didn't have the chance to complete more of them..and a huge big thanks for the morning "thought for the day"
David was at the point that when he heard my phone first thing in the morning he always said...."That's Sheila!"
Bless you Sheila xxx
Thanks for reading the blog and the comments.
See you at the next challenge.......
Love
Shaz
xxxx