Day 13 - into Scawtland

So, we made it across the border into Scotland with a bagpipe serenade from our new friend, Allan Smith (not to be confused with the eminent baritone who joined us in concerts in Edinbrrrrugh). No passport control. No foot-and-mouth disinfectant. The wonder of the border crossing was in fact Susie's realisation, 33 years too late, that the Union Jack is made up of a combo of the UK country flags. Bravo!

The next wonder of the penetration of Scotland was the instant friendliness encountered. This was highlighted, as Susie already mentioned, by the welcome given by Doug & Vera of Teviot Cycles in sorting her nipple issues. But it was also reinforced by the generosity of Hamish of Hamish & Co Jewellry of Hawick. SV2 co-pilot, mummy Woodbridge's eagle eyes, spotted Hamish's establishment over her (cold) asparagus quiche, which prompted her to see if should could tease off from her enlarged wedding finger one of her uncomfortably tight wedding bands. She abandoned quiche mid-mouthful and charged across the road to chez Hamish. Gill emerged victorious 10 minutes later with a semi-naked finger and a £20 donation for Song-Cycling from said generous shop proprieter. Thank you very much Hamish.

Swiftly to Melrose after fudge and fruit jellies and the left-overs of the asparagus quiche. Pat and Alastair Matthew hosted us for the evening in their spotless Gattonside home. Mummy Woodbridge was especially keen on the kitchen design. (NB: Gill has vast experience in kitchen planning and is available for consultation). Daddy Woodbridge was more interested in the wee drams Alastair had on offer. Naturally. Alastair kindly put together a jigsaw map of our route to Edinburgh which got us there safe and sound the following afternoon.