17. Day 13. 20th June. Dingwall to Wick

Nearing the top of the climb out of Helmsdale

Views along the A99

Overnighted at the National Hotel in Dingwall . The previous evening's steak & ale pie was fine .
Was down for breakfast at 7.30 and saw one of the cooks bring in an impressively large pot of porridge . The contents were not quite as impressive - lumpy porridge . Had two bowls .
The two poached eggs duly arrived - hard boiled . Ate eddible bits and made a quick exit .
For the first time on this cycle, the wind was not against me and I made a fast start covering the first 20 miles at an avg speed of 14mph . The wind then picked up somewhat but remained to the side or slightly helping .
The A9 turned out to be OK - mostly level with moderate undulations .
There is a murderous long climb out of Helmsdale - but I managed to cycle it .

The last 20m to Wick are across exposed moorland and the side wind was severe with heavy horizontal drizzle as I approached the town . Found a nice place to stay with the help of the local B&B network . Excited , as only 18m to do the next day .
Stats;
Distance 96m
Avg speed 11.1mph
Max speed 42mph
Cumulative distance 1035m