Laid to Rest

Well I was going back to the village of Laid, where I hitch-hiked from, to walk the missing section to rest in Durness. There is a bus once a week from Durness to Laid and it leaves on a Tuesday morning at 10.30. It had been another bitter night and I hadn’t slept through this one, waking up lots. Eight miles from Laid to rest today. Once you’ve made it up then milk it. Laid to rest. Laid to rest. The bus arrived on time.

  
The view down Loch Eriboll was again beautiful.

  
I walked back with a light heart and none of the usual focus on pace and targets. It was the last waltz of this tour. And the weather became blissful to match the occasion.

  
Drifting round from Loch Eriboll westwards onto the north coast again the views were beginning to get ridiculously good.

  
And looking back across the mouth of Loch Eriboll equally good.

  
It might look balmy but it’s still chilly, even when the wind drops. This is a seriously northern climate. I pulled into the Smoo Cave Hotel for lunch and had Haggis and Langoustines – two local delicacies. Absolute heaven for me. On the way back I spotted a sign that I didn’t know about or expect.

  
The link was explained.

  
   
 
I couldn’t help it. I sobbed my heart out. John, here as a kid, to grow to be a genius and inspiration to a generation and then to be ‘assassinated in New York in 1980’ by some half-witted Yanker. I said ‘sorry’ to the German couple behind me , and they were sympathetic. I got back to the campsite beach and loafed on the rocks for a while. 

Back at base which means that I’ve completed the North Highland Way that doesn’t exist. 118 miles (190kms). 

Small snack for tea and an early one. Another day tomorrow and maybe a tale to tell. 

Night night.

  
Forever young. We love you John. Laid to rest.