Day 19 Across the Forth

A second consequetive bright start must mean the weather God is relenting, but why? We pay no homage and only curse.   The sign-fairy compensates however and the route to the Forth Bridge is messy and confusing. But when across it is another milestone passed and the Highlands beckon - though only after the circumnavigation of Dunfermline.

 A play area (but golf prohibited) provides a fuel stop, accompanied by the drone of Sunday lawn mowing from the overlooking detached houses. What do the residents make of two lycra-clad 58 year olds downing pork pies, bananas and cereal bars, eyeing up potential (de-) watering places in a nearby copse?

The signposted distance to Kinross twice increases, suggesting we have become so weary (or so fit?) that we've begun cycling in a time warp. But we do arrive and friends John and Heather welcome us with coffee, energy bars and warnings of midges ahead - it's been a great year for them and proliferation barely describes the effect of their liking for the conditions.

A beautful run over the hill to Perth removes the sense of foreboding that threatened and as a deluge threatens we make it to the Asda cafe with moments to spare before the heavens open and we are entertained through the window by mad dashes to cars to deposit shopping and children. It is becoming something of a habit watching bouncing rain from supermarket cafes, having done likewise the previous evening. Jane arrives with replacement clothing and yet more tasty bites from M&S - many thanks. 

The shower passes, the sun returns and it's alongside the Tay for a few miles before beginning to climb out of the valley - whereupon shower 2 arrives, only to pass over victimless as we shelter beneath the abnormally large porch of a house on a hill. The owner arrives as we leave and takes our improvisation in reasonably good spirits as we thank him for the use of his shelter.

Thence sunnily to Dunkeld where a debate about whether or not to camp is settled by the arrival of a midge cloud - we find a homely Inn within yards and a second consequetive B&B finishes the active part of the day, the weather God having twice vented its fury but thwarted for once - twice!

Another milestone has been reached today. The 1000 mile mark. It feels good to have achieved this and we get a boost to help us on our way. 

Cribbage-England restore a point to lead by 3. 

Miles today, 62.