JOGLE 5 Day 1 Wed 9 May 12

Ian and I arrived at Gatwick on time.  Di drove me to the airport and Ian took the train and arrived first (A first).  We received a frosty reception from the Flybe check in as we hadn't used the electronic check in machine. We were worried our bags would be too heavy or classed as too big and then be made to pay extra for hold baggage. We were ok and passed the checks. Security was interesting. Ian got frisked and I had to empty my bag so that my small jar of Manuka honey could be confiscated. The flight to Inverness went well and we landed on time and caught a taxi into town. We arranged to drop some gear off in the left luggage room at the Royal Highland Hotel to collect when we stay there in a week’s  time. We had lunch at Bella Italia where unfortunately my 2 for 1 voucher from Flybe was way out of date. We went for a short stroll around Inverness and found a Holland and Barratt. I stocked up on my Manuka honey and because they had a penny sale I was able to get them to keep the second jar behind the counter for me to collect next week - how good is that? The train to Wick took four hours and went through some magnificent scenery. Arriving at Wick we were met by our pre-booked taxi and went straight to John O Groats. On arrival we explored the area took all the photos but not any proper ones by the sign as the photographer was not there. Apparently the photographer turns up by apppintment only, so it seems. The local shop keeper who was also a fireman and part of the coastguard had created his own signs which we used. The views of the Orkneys were spectacular. The weather was cold but sunny and it stayed light most of the night. We were staying at the Sea View Hotel.  The Hotel had a building across the road which had been recently modernised and was very omfortable with a good shower.  The evening meal was nice as was the breakfast.