DAY 4 Fortrose Bay to Wick

Had planned to get up at 5am today. The high tide was due in at just after 6am so thought we could head along to chanory point to get another shot at seeing the dolphins. When the alarms went off, the rain was bouncing off the tent. In bad weather the dolphins tend to go deeper so it was decided just to stay in bed. Really gutted about this as they been really active the day we arrived but we missed them. Not being able to go back to sleep, I just got up, showered and ready. Once everyone else was up we took the tent down, it was raining heavy but we were determind that it wouldn’t stop us enjoying ourselfs. We just got out the campsite and a rattle was coming from Tilly. Bobby checked her over and noticed some screws a bit loose on exhaust. Once all tightening we set off up towards Cromarty. We had planned to get the ferry over. Had some breakfast first in a small cafe. The ferry only holds two cars and infront of us were two campervans. We would have a bit of a wait so headed down to skim some stones. Only one campervan got on so they waved for Tilly to head down. For the first time we were split up. Watching Tilly head off on the wee ferry boat was great, scurrying to get some pictures but I couldn’t get a good one, was quite funny though. We had to reverse off the other end and up the ramp, which was rather scary. Once back together we set off towards the Mermaid of the North. Very quiet wee place only one other couple and child there. Got some nice pictures and then off to Fearn Antiques as we had been invited to pass by. On arrival we were met by the owner. He headed to his garage only to pull out a few vintage vehicles. One which was the messerschmitt. Pretty cool to see one. Gave him a wee hurl in the tuktuk which he enjoyed. He was so kind and gave us some biscuits in a tuktuk tin, couple postcards and a donation. We left there feeling optimistic and onto our next stop, North Coast Coffee. The lovely owner invited us in and gave us all free drinks and cake. Beautiful wee shop, rustic seats outside and amazing gifts too. Well worth a visit! Had lots of people chatting to us about yhe adventure both inside and outside the shop with a few donations in the tin too. Today was going great but time was getting on. Off we headed again this time to meet my friend Fiona who had invited us all to her home. What great it was to finally get a comfy seat. She had made the most awesome red velvet cake, carrot cake and shortbread. We tucked in and caught up with each other but only briefly. She gave us the best brew we have had on this trip and it was a thought to leave as the weather was turning worse. We set off towards thrumster. The weather was bad, the winds were picking up and the rain heavy. We hit the hills at Berriedale and Helmsdale. So proud of the tuks. They pulled us up, albeit very slowly but we made it. We were being battered around and I was starting to feel the cold. We planned to go to whaligoe steps but you couldn’t even see the water and thought against it. Unfortunately the bell tent fell through and I was late on catching up with messages from the owner. The lovely lady at secret glamping offered us a room in her home but it would mean we would have to head bit further back the road we had just come along. Everyone was freezing cold and hungry so we decided to continue on. We got booked into Wick campsite. Pitched the tent in the rain before Bobby and I headed into Wick to pick up a few pizzas. Unbelievably we met a guy on route who also has a tuktuk. He was over the moon to see us and his enthusiasm and happiness at seeing us made a difficult afternoon/evening driving all worth it. Some donations off the people of Wick while waiting for pizza before heading back to the tent also helped lift our spirits. Pizza was amazing but I think everyone was feeling a bit tired so bedtime it was.

 508 total views,  1 views today