The final blog................

So my blogged friends, we find ourselves heading south, away from John O'Groats. They have made it! 1000 miles for SADS UK in memory of Ria. WOW! Despite the fog and constant rain in the morning they made it all the way!!!!

This morning we were up at 6am for a 7am start. This would have been fine had it not been for the fact that our campsite was uncomfortably positioned between a large A-road and a train track which kept us awake. When all the issues with grounded transportation were over, we were soon mistaken for people we were not. As soon as our heads hit the pillow, a pair of army planes began circling and zooming above our heads. Loudly. At first we believed that this may be a result of the boys ever growing beards, which are making them suspicious and rather Taliban-like, and then we thought that perhaps Michael's continuing wind had caused his tent to become so insulated that it was picked up on their heat seeking radar - whatever it was it was very annoying. Joe suggested that perhaps we were in the middle of an army airfield and the pilots were practicing. He was probably right as after half an hour all noise dissapeared.

Talking of air fields and noise - I was rudely awakened by bowels this morning. At first I blamed Michael in a 'boy who cried wolf' manner, but then I heard some child like giggling coming from the direction of Alex's tent. It was clear he was to blame though he soon denied it.

Oh. I forgot to mention some good news from yesterday. As we awoke in the morning Alex had a phone call from Joe. Having thought that Joe had sat on his mobile Alex looked confused. Alex always looks confused. We then realised someone had found Joe's missing mobile and was calling his dad. It turns out some old crone from Bolton le Sands had been busy drying Joe's wet phone out having found it in a lay-by - perhaps left on the roof of the car we think. Anyway he will be posting it to Joe's parents house. Good news indeed and sorry to anyone who has tried to contact Joe in the last few days!

In other news:
Michael and Joe had their last emotional scooby-snack stop in Wick. There was a seagull who tried to eat their jelly baby, but Joe's beady jelly baby eye led him to react super quick and flick the gull away. No damage was done. The say "Having rescued the distressed jelly baby from it's final moments, before eating it, we decided to experiment a little, exploring which bits of scooby-snacks the Scottish seagulls prefer. Clear winner - sweetened coconut."

In financial news:
Still no sponsorship from any of the Irvine boys.

Rudest man of the day:
The guy who owned the campsite at John O'Groats who wouldn't let me pay for the boys to have a shower. Out of principle please do not stay there. We also met a guy who apparently 'owned' the John O'Groats signpost and made a living charging people to have pictures taken by it. When I asked him if we could take pictures ourselves and explained about the charity he said we could if we donated to his charity pot. Apparently 1000 miles and 3000 quid was not enough of a donation!

Best bit of the ride:
The last 2 miles coasting in to John O'Groats. Though they were dissapointed not to have visited Hill O'Many Stanes, which they would have liked. Michael already has enough stains of his own to deal with.

Talking of Michael's stains...

Wind update:
Today the boys passed a sign warning of strong side winds which caused a great deal of confusion as before now Mike has only been able to produce back and head wind. This new type of wind caused him great excitement. Despite a clear morning, after a fry up and two black puddings there was an evident increase in gusts by the afternoon. This was dis-gust-ing.

Quote of the day: From Michael: 'I create more exhaust fumes than an old banger.'
Relationship between Martha and the tents: Deceased.
Relationship between Joe and bike: On a trial separation for a week with the hope of reuniting in the near future.

I am so very proud of the boys. Without their funny stories and inspiration this blog would not have been possible. I would also like to big up ALex for letting me boss him around snce arriving at camp. He has beena superstar and the best father in law ever. As this is the boys adventure I will now sign off and hand over to the boys so that thye can type their final words.......bye all, Martha xxxxx

Michael and Joe:

"We would like to thank all of you for your support and kindness over the last 12 days. In particular, we want to give our biggest thanks to Martha. Without her support and help this trip would not have been half as enjoyable and comfortable as it has been. Martha gave us free hotels, great campsites and hostels to die for. The experience has been a joy from beginning to end. Every moment will be remembered for life."

Thank you all for sticking with us...