Where's the map? Day 2

Winkston Farm, Peebles - great place to stay however, it would appear to be a black hole for maps.  We turned the whole bedroom upside down - emptied panniers that were packed and on the bike ready for an 8:30 am start.  No sign of our map or our written instructions. Jan, our hostess, did however soften the blow of the map by donating £5.  This reminds us - thanks to Sophie and Freya for their donation via the virginmoneygiving site - readers are welcome to do the same by clicking on the button to the left of this post.

Our suspicions lie with Micky, the cat, his markings
tell us that he's an unusual cat.....

Anyway, we found a page of map that would get us there and then the team were relying on Nic's memory for the written instructions.

We really love this part of Scotland, great scenery,quiet lanes, respectful drivers.  It also an acknowledged centre for lovers of mountain biking.  Hooray! thought Nic we're passing Traquair there'll be bike shops, there'll be arm warmers.  Arm warmers are a complete necessity - we've discovered - goosebumps on goosebumps with a short sleeved jersey and sweaty and uncomfortable with a jacket on.

This seat and one portaloo are the total amenities at Traquair!

No arm warmers then with big dark clouds rolling around the hills - brrrr!

National Cycle Route 1 took us along the Tweed before it then took us on a restricted road at Yair - hmm, bumpy but good cyclo-cross training for Jake.  The end of the bumps brought conciliation of The Airy Fairy - outdoor, self-service coffee stop - thank goodness.

Lack of detailed directions meant we ended up in Selkirk - another unscheduled town and another climb - to over 1000ft. Nic dropped her phone - disaster, smashed screen, sad face. We were put right by Sandy Bruce, a fellow cyclist who also donated £5. The plus point, as with Lanark, is the fabulous scenery and Jake met up with Molly, the puppy and we had a collective photo opportunity.

Almost at top of Selkirk ascent - 11 week Molly
probably a better climber than us!

A well recommended route, beautiful.  We dodged ominous grey clouds all day, bar one shower, and even needed the sun-cream on one occasion.  Met up with fellow cyclists en route to Crailing (they'd been staying at the B&B in Kirk Yetholm - small world).  Crailing to Morebattle was a hard slog with tired legs - probably need to return with fresh legs because views and hares spectacular.

Fantastic welcome at Mill House from Clare, David, Hannah & Logan.  Jake disappeared for a couple of hours, playing with Logan & came back even grubbier - brilliant, just what he needed.

Footnote, for those in the know:  After 57 miles cycling, who would insist on wide open windows because "It's a bit stuffy?"

Off to the seaside tomorrow.