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Day 12 has been a day of physical success and mental confusion which has had me giggling all afternoon.

The tide came in yesterday early evening and left me feeling significantly uncomfortable but as the children bounced back home off the bus after school hockey practice the tide of discomfort swept back out to sea and with it the fog immediately swept back out and lifted. The children’s positive energy brought me back but I was definitely tired and a little off sorts this morning. Nonetheless if I was to beat the beast I had to stick to the plan and cycle back to Bridge of Allan to get the blood pumping, complete the 3 mile Darn Walk and film the cycle ride back through the Keir Cawdor estate to show you the view and prove that I got up that hill without getting off the bike and walking.

The bike ride to Bridge of Allan was on tired legs and a still numb bum but was without incident. Bridge of Allan was looking beautiful with the flowers in full bloom and the Darn Walk along the Allan water was beckoning. Hats off to triathlon competitors jumping off a bike and running or vice verce. It took a while to get the legs used to walking again as I tripped over non existant trip hazards on the pavement in Bridge of Allan but soon enough the legs were working and I had a great walk.

This bench sits outside the Stevenson cave which is said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island.
I saw the cave said to have inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write Treasure Island and the delightful carved wooden bench outside it pictured here. I enjoyed the Allan river and the peace of the woods. No-one else seen and it wasn’t until getting back to the bike in the car park did I have an opportunity to hand out another flyer!!

I got ready to cycle back home and fitted the GoPro to my helmet. Once off the main road to start the route back through the countryside the hilarity started but I had no idea until I got home!?! The mist was clinging to the hills so I was not able to show you all the great views I had promised yesterday but I could show you the very steep hill and prove that I did actually manage to get up it without stopping so I switched on the camera and set off talking to you all the way: apologising for my rather heavy breathing as I got to the top of the hill, discussing the sweet country scents of fields of crops mixed with horse and cattle manure, chatting to friendly horses that trotted over to say hello, pointing out the delightful turreted towers of Blair Drummond house, giving it a theatrical weeeeeeeeeeeee as I wizzed down the hill and then apologising profusely for the bumpy camera work as my back wheel kicked out on the gravely but very steep and fun track. I think I even proclaimed how great it was to be alive and enjoying such splendour as I had spread around about me. I was smuggly content with the most excellent footage that the daring descent, coupled with my childlike giggles as I whooshed extra fast through deep puddles, would have made. I arrived home and excitedly uploaded the camera footage on to the computer………….

I had taken a picture of my knees!! I wasn’t on video mode I was on picture mode!! It must have been as I fumbled around to press the record button on the camera which was now on the top of my helmet. I must have somehow adjusted the setting and instead just taken a picture of my knees as I looked down to reach the camera. What an idiot!!!

I had even done a 2 mile detour just to show you the natural phenomenon that is the pig tree. A tree that has grown quite naturally to look exactly like a pig on it’s haunches. But I had a fabulous day and thoroughly enjoyed taking you on the journey with me. It is just such a shame that you will not be able to see it!!

Before I go I would like to wish Sandra Drummond a very happy 40th Birthday!! Have a wonderful evening and a pain free morning!!

The challenge in numbers total since the start:
Days completed: 12
Total Miles Cycled: 44
Total Miles Walked: 48
Total Miles covered under own steam: 92
Total Height Gained under own steam: 3,061 feet
Mountains Climbed: 1
Days of Conservation Activity: 1
Organ tunes learnt and performed: 4
People Met and Hands Shaken: 33
Pills popped: 60

Numbers continue to grow slowly!!

If you see me around do please give a cheery hello and shake my hand or toot your horn and give a cheery wave to show your support and encourage me on.

Thank you all for your incredible comments and support. Please continue to spread the word.

Thank you

Yours aye

Archie