Finally To Felixstow

Since leaving Whitby, it has been an easy ride back to Felixstow to get Olga ready to send home. A castle on the way and lots more glorious countryside to ride through.

It was a bit of a relief to get back as every now and then Olga has started to have a bit of a miss and backfire. Not good. Either she is telling me she has had enough or doesn't want to go home. I think enough.

A few photos from Felixstowe.

Our last day was to catch up with the washing and give Olga a bath. The washing of the clothes was easy, Olga not so. Give her a wash and she refused to start again. Much fiddling and she would fire then stop.  May have to drag her to the container depot.

Anyway. Would I do it again on an old bike, sidecar. YES. She did have her moments and a few problems but after 6000 very hard kilometres who wouldn't.

GOOD GIRL.

Last episode. THE END.

Whitby and Steam Train

In 2007 we rode into Whitby, had a very quick look and thought it would be a nice place to visit next time. We weren't wrong. It is a smallish coastal town with a church ruin that dates back a hell of a long time and the town where a young James Cook learnt to sail a boat. A fair bit of history and very scenic.

We spent 3 nights there, as a day trip on a steam train was in order. This isn't only a tourist train but is used every day to commute between towns. Very slow and relaxing.

Across the moors heading further South.

Starting to get a bit industrial, as we are out of the hills and getting close to the coastal flats. Lots of power stations in the middle of paddocks. Still nice to ride through.

Olga is going perfectly. Maybe she has got her second wind and wants to do another lap. Lets see how she behaves over the next few days.

Next stop Felixstowe.

Further South

We spent a full day looking around Braemar. You could spend weeks in this area if you were into bush walking and climbing or just soaking up the scenery, however South we go. In 2007 we were snowed on when the maximum temp for the day was 3. Guess where we rode through? Yep, the same valleys and ski fields.  STEEP.

Next stop was for 2 nights in Sterling where they have (believe it or not) a bloody castle. Those who have seen Brave Heart will know of William Wallace.This is where he gave the Poms a flogging.

We braved commuting and caught a train into Edinburgh. Good move. The place was FULL. There was a military thing on all weekend with parades and displays, the local show and people every where  That includes us 2. We tried a bus tour but traffic jams put an end to that so we got off and walked. Nice place to visit but didn't bother with the castle, too many people and it is apparently like this all the time. On the train and home to Sterling.

The Prime Minister of Britain, David Cameron, was there to see us.

South again, passing the Falkirk Wheel. It lifts and lowers boats to the different levels in the canals. Probably You Tube Falkirk Wheel to see it work.

Next stop was a walled town called Berwick-upon-Tweed. Nice.

 

Today's ride was mostly major A roads, however Olga performed beautifully in the traffic. She must know she is getting close to going home. A week till we get her ready for shipping, still a lot can happen between now and then.

Next story from Whitby, where Captain Cook came from.

From Skye to Braemar

 

We left Skye to head East to the Scottish coast then to go South. The scenery changed dramatically from steep hills to flat farmland.  We had not been to this part of Scotland in 2007, so all was new.

 

A room with a view.

Our B and B in Nairn.

We followed the coast around from Inverness to Aberdeen.

From Aberdeen we headed inland again to the hills. Much more scenic and surprisingly a bit drier.  More bloody castles, rivers and a bit of snow.

Balmoral Castle. The queen was out, probably shopping or shooting deer, so she missed out on having a cuppa with us. Her loss.

All is going well. Olga is behaving, however she has a bit of a backfire when riding slow in the wet.  So, ride fast.