Aberdeen

11 hours on a crowded train does nothing for the flexibility of ancient legs. Stiff knees and cramping quads eased by the 1 mile ride from the station to Pat's friends.

I guess the journey was OK. Cross Country train was a little on the older side but adequate. It left on time and arrived on time - amazing if you consider it must be one of the longest train journeys in the country.

Pat led me, in the drizzle, from the staion to Ros & Normans pad where some smoked salmon canopes followed by a pheasant and beef casserole awaited, washed down by a couple of glasses of red. Mmm -my slimming world corset has been loosened!!

Today has been a sorting day, repacking after the train journey and buying the stuff we forgot to pack. Pat has had a quick turn round having just got home from a month in Kenya 4 days ago - just time to do the dhobe!

There are some fantastic granite buildings here - one of the best is Masrischal College, University of Aberdeen.

The statue is of Robert the Bruce and sitting on the bench is a 'pie lady' who snuck into the pic.

we catch an overnight ferry to Lerwick tonight then cyclie in the rain tomorrow.