In the Highlands!

Did I expect to make it here today? I admit my confidence was badly shaken
over the last few days. But I write now from Pitlochry, on the southern
fringe of the Cairngorms, after a frisky 60 miles from Edinburgh through
cold drizzle and wind, unable to see the high peaks around and ahead of me,
and facing the prospect of tomorrow's 84-miler to Inverness with something
approaching eagerness. The muscles, of course, were not tired today, and
the countryside was attractive without being harsh. All in all, I may have
earned a glass of the local distillate tonight.

Thanks for all your input

Many of you have posted supportive comments since learning of my knee
problem. Here's the situation now. I saw a nurse and a doctor yesyterday at
Galashiels, and the doctor even suggested I could increase the dosage of
the painkillers from what I had thought was the maximum. Anyway, by the
time that lot was over, any hopes I might have half-entertained of cycling
that day were out the door. So we drove to Edinburgh, had a good meeting
with the neuro-oncology researchers at the Western General Hospital, a
delightful dinner with members of the local Brain Tumour Action Group, and
loads of encouragement all round. Today I'm trying my luck again with the
bike. Destination Pitlochry. Wish me luck.