Day 8

We're only in Bonny Scotland!
We've now cycled the length of England. About 500 miles in all.
It was a tough day today. The first 35 miles covered some pretty hilly terrain and whilst it was good to get back in the hills my constant wrong turns up ruddy big hills took it's toll on our legs and by dinner we were pretty heavy limbed. Luckily the last 30 miles were easier and we managed a nice 18.5mph over a 23mile stretch which is testimony to the progress we've all made in fitness.
My bum hurts.
Again, somehow we managed to evade the rain until later in the day and by then the promise of a nice warm shower was close enough for the rain not to matter.
We saw 2 stoats; 3 foals; 180 cows; 23 calves, 651 sheeps and 400 little sheeps ... And a hamster but that might not count as it was in Carlisle's "World of Pets" window. Oh and we also saw a doggy in the window but that was yesterday and in Preston and also doesn't qualify.
Some words on "Cream 17" coffee shop in Shap. Ignorant; unfriendly; big; nosed and waitress should do it. We were delighted to meet Jayne, Deb, Paul and Joe at the coffee shop. The last time we'd met was on King Harrys ferry back in Cornwall all those days ago. They were well on track with their LEJOG and in good spirits. Their trip will take them up the East coast so it's unlikely we'll see them again which is a relief cos we've nicked their bikes and most of their possessions.
We arrived at Gretna to be greated by Eddie's lovely partner Kaye, baby Lauren and Harry the little monster who stole all my Jelly babies. It'll be a shame to say goodbye in the morning but we have more miles to do. 60 odd I think on what should, weather permiting be the easiest section of the trip. To Cumnock near Kilmarnock,
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