Day 10 - Oban to Fort Augustus

29/5 Oban to Fort Augustus
The day was forcast for rain all day but no rain at breakfast. Grey and overcast but looking like rain. Things were looking up.
At an 8.00 am breakfast again no talk of backsides. Our delicate skins have hardened. During breakfast OWO commented that CFE and I were not your normal touring cyclists. CFE agreed saying that we haven't seen anyone else on their drops. We decided that there is a gap in the touring cycling fraternity for Touring cyclists with attitude. CFE and TVR are therefore now founder members of the new T.W.AT touring group for "Touring With Attitude"
Watch out for our new book and website!
After breakfast we were packed and ready to go. CFE was anxious and OWO likened him to a caged lion. OWO on the other hand was likened to a caged sloth!
We said O revoir to Oban (ok au revoir) and fought our way to Fort Augustus with fortitude, especially the climb out of Oban.
Once on the top the going was easier and rewarding with beautiful countryside. We passed by lochs, castles and over many bridges to arrive at Fort William where we lunched at about 15.00 ish. On the way to FW we were passed by over 100 motorcycles in 8 groups. Each rider was clad in a garment of pink in aid of MacMillian Breast Cancer. Most of the riders were woman and they were on their way to Inverness.  We had chance to talk to several who were waiting for their group. The last vehicle to pass us was a van with a trailer with the website breastwayround. CFE explained that the van and trailer were needed for when things went tits up!
Another event enroute occurred when photographing from one of the bridges. OWO dropped a glove - we all thought it was lost but CFE with his long arms managed to lie on the bridge and retrieve the glove from below the carriageway. OWO has become wiser!
After a long lunch (due to slow service) we had to pick up a couple of extra pieces of clothing whilst in FW and whilst cycling down the High Street I was asked by a friendly police officer to get off my bike and walk. I did as instructed but does this now mean I have effectively failed cycling the entire lengh of the country? I will leave you to decide.
Leaving FW it began to rain and the 30+ miles to Fort Augustus was wet. Little chance of admiring the loch views due to low cloud so CFE and I just put out heads down and formalised our new sport, by twatting.
We arrived in Fort Augustus at about 6.30 and the landlady offered to wash and dry our soaking wet clothes. A result again! We just had to wait for OWO to arrive. 25 minutes later a phone call from OWO allowed us to give him precise directions to the B&B.
After resting and showering we went into town in the rain. CFE & OWO having only brought sandals and Crocks, open shoes. I could wear my cycling shoes which were relatively dry. Most places in town were full but we eventually found somewhere after trudging through the rain.
Now my friend Kevin has regularly suggested when in Scotland I should try Haggis, Neeps & Tatties. Well Kev I have had this as a starter for the last two evenings. One with drambui sauce and one with whiskey sauce and thoroughly enjoyed it. Am I Scottish now????
Over the meal we discussed how we were all feeling after 10 days. OWO was tired with aching muscles. CFE said tired but allright and I am feeling less tired than I thought I would be but my thigh muscles are sore and the hills now seem longer. They are no trouble getting over but harder than the first few days.
Today was 79.3 miles over 9 hours 22 mins, 5 hours 56 in the saddle. Climbing only 736 metres. 
Tomorrow was the big one as places to stay are few and far between. Helmsdale on the east coast is 97 miles away. We arranged for an early breakfast for 7.00 am. It was going to be a long day and it was hammering it down outside. Bet you wish you were here, don't you?