Day 12: You need to leave to be able to return

Today has been an emotional day in many ways. I was first up this morning, I think the need to get under-way once more was knorring at me a little. It has been an amazing stay. Somewhere I have not thought of before, but somewhere that I would dearly love to return to in the not to distant future. I packed up my bags, sorted the kit, showered, shaved and got myself ready beofre anyone else had risen. I was nervous with adrenaline... it really was time to get going. Please don't get me wrong, the hospitality, friendship and kindness that I have been shown whilst on the island has been out of this world. Everyone smiles. You forget yourself, there is no sense of time or being and you just have to go with it. Wonderful.

I had a chance to say goodbye to Quentin before I left, and Nick, Bumble and John all came to see me off. It was like a second family and we all felt a little pull as I rode away from the house. The engine roared in to life, the wheels started turning and I smiled. I couldn't help myself... Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Somerset and Home. Just 9 days remain. I said my goodbyes at the quayside, and for one final time Nick's family asked me to stay for one more night (with a smile). I turned to the ferry and I was away...

Ullapool is one of those places, its a stop gap. You know it should be more and perhaps with a little more time on my hands I'd find it a wonderful place to visit, but not today. I fuelled the bike and rode away... Fort William was approximately 4 hrs ride and the rain had started once again.

This is a journey I really enjoy. As you make your way through the winding hills, you reach inevitable goals and one of those is Ness. I joined the A82 at Drumnadrochit (to you and I, that is where the Loch Ness visitors centre is) and I smiled. Familiar territory. I followed the same road for 2 or 3 miles and as you see the first signs for Fort William you round a bend. I was feeling a little hungry and I knew what was coming, so I looked for the layby on the right...

The layby has gone now, replaced by a car park, but in the same place as it was 10 or 11 yrs ago is the same chip-shop Aly and I ate at when we were on our 5day holiday (when we renewed our vows), and the chips are still bloody good.

I rode on through the rain and wind, a little happier a little brighter and knowing that a bed was just 60miles further on.