Wick to John O Groats 18

So the last day has arrived. 
Charlie and I ate and drank at Wetherspoons the high spot of Wick, last night. Not quite as good as Kendal but topped by a celebratory muscle relaxant. 
Up for 8 we breakfasted at the hotel and waited for the call from P and F telling us where they were. By 10.00 Charlie was getting antsy so we quit the hotel. Also checking out was one of the 600 also making his way to John O Groats. His description of what had been arranged sounded a logistical nightmare. Huge tent villages being set up at strategic points on the route. 
Headed off the centre of town to find a cafe where we could wait. Surprise no Costa or Starbucks so we had to settle for the local cafe frequented by young mothers and their children. After an anxious half our we eventually made contact; they were just crossing the Kessock bridge so would be another couple of hours. Despite my best efforts to sit tight we started off with a gentle stetch taking us out of Wick. A cloudy but otherwise fine day beckoned. 
The road was bleak but gentle and we were lulled into a false sense of security thinking it would be like that the whole way. Oh no! First it started raining not your honest straightforward rain but that persistent smir which soaks into your every weak spot. Then hills emerged not especially challenging but enough to cause some effort. But no worries with only 18 miles to cover it was a breeze. 
With less than a mile to cover we had no idea where P and F were so no sense of how long or where to wait. Actually the where was not difficult because there was only one place - nope not Starbucks John O Groats but the Seaview Hotel whose bar was open and already populated by locals for their first imbibe of the day. We also met the guy responsible for the tent city logistics and some others who had just finished. 
No phone signal easily available meant borrowing a phone and leaving a message to let them know we were waiting. After about 30 mins the car hove into view and we were off. 
A strange feeling we were on the final yards to completion. Past the tent city which looked impressive down the hill round a corner and there were Patricia and Faye with the saltire a bottle of champagne and a warm welcome. 
We finished at 1.15. It was very emotional for both of us after 17.5 days in the saddle 950 miles a bucketload of climbs lots of wonderful views and many great people will provide us with warm memories and lots of stories. 
Charlie is a great companion to share an experience with so easy to get on with full of conversation and humour he made the journey easy and fun. A big thanks. 
To Patricia and Faye the warmest of thanks for their encouragement and support the transport champagne and the picnic.
To family and friends who put us up fed our voracious appetites and helped us on our way thank you. 
To the many people who contributed to our charities and watched our progress thanks for your support. 
So Charlie what's next?