Day 5 Wick to Beattyhill

Had a great sleep so woke up fresh today. The rain was still coming down but we got up worked hard as a team and got the tent away despite the bombarding rain. The exhaust was rattling again so bobby stopped to get a spring washer at a local garage/supply store W&A Geddes. They were fab, allowed us to park inside out the rain and assited to tighten a bolt which we later found out was not the only one loose. The owner also gave us a donation. The generosity spurring us on. Off for breakfast at the wick Harbour cafe recommended by the staff at the garage. Full Scottish breakfast all round. The kids both tired today and testing our patience but after some food everyone felt better. We had planned to head to Sinclair Castle today despite the horrendous rain and winds. When we arrived the wind was driving the rain hard and within seconds of being out I was soaked through so decided not to do the walk. Today I was finding it tough, the weather despite not wanting to let it stop us it was….it was relentless. The rain was driving into the back and soaking the kids. It was also cold. We couldn’t put the rain curtains down at the front as they were steaming up and then we couldnt see anything. We had to do something though it was horrendous. Spirits low we headed back to Wick and into tesco for some pegs and towels. We managed to make a barrier between front and back to stop the driving rain getting in and soaking all our stuff and the kids. It worked, so we headed on towards John O Groats. The rain and wind was still relentless. This was begining to get tough mentally. It was so cold and there was just no views, driving was difficult and I also had a sore head. We finally arrived at John O Groats, kids hesitant to get out thetr comfy back seats as it was still raining but we did. The weather did eventually start to ease so we got some more pictures, visited gift shop and a hot chocolate to warm the bones. Heading west towards Dunnet head the rain was back but not as heavy this time. We got lots of waves and beeps heading there and met a lovely lady and her partner who stopped to chat. She said she had seen us 3times over the last few days and couldn’t catch the name on justgiving fast enough so was so chuffed she caught us. Gave her info and she donated. Also said everytime she seen us it made her day. Just a reminder of exactly why we are doing this to bring joy to people, raise awareness and funds for an amazing charity. We left here heading along the coast to melvich beach. Here the rain had eased and the winds that little but warmer. Spirits were a bit higher and we messed around on the beach. Beautiful wee place. Legs all stretched we continued down to bettyhill. This was a lovely drive. The hills starting to appear now and the lovely winding roads are amazing to drive on. Its making us more eager to get further west to see some other amazing drives. We arrived in bettyhill and are relieved not to be pitching the tent tonight. Good clean out of the tuktuks and gather ourselfs again. Charging all our electrical equipment but unfortunately no washing machine. Praying there is one at our next stop as we have alot of damp and dirty clothes.

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