bekisman
21-Jul-11, 15:58
John 'O Groats, fair enough there's been a thread about the 'artwork' on the old hotel, but really John O Groats is world famous, everyone and their granny comes to John O Groats..
Of course living up here I don't see the place like the average visitor. But I did last evening.
Yesterday, Mrs Beks was doing a 21 mile training walk from Thurso to JOG via the back roads - for her End to End next September. At just gone 6pm, she walked down the road from the Seaview Hotel, first thing we see is a sandwich board on the pavement, proclaiming; "Fish & Chips" in the harbour.. hmm that would be nice we think..
Just by the harbour yet another sandwich board left out; same message.. Actually get to the harbour and find that the people who run the snack wagon locked up and left long ago, not giving a toss about their misleading signs..
Never mind, maybe could get a cuppa, surely at 6pm in a tourist hotspot like JOG there will be somewhere open? nah of course not, this lot do a nine til five routine..
There were two German tour buses turned up whilst we were there; looking for 'something'. Give it it's do, the First and Last Shop WAS open, but little comfort for any refreshments..
Mrs Beks needed the loo, ah, we know it's 20p to use em, but hey, what's a few pence? Nope, these are closed and actually shuttered!..
By perchance I glanced behind the Tourist Information Centre and discover that the area is a human waste dumping ground which stank to high heaven..
Oh look a group of five cyclists peddle in and do the customary pose at the 'Finish line' on the road (because of course the bloke with the 'official signpost' has gone home).. They attempt to enter a cafe there - to get their logbooks stamped - but of course that's closed too.. They ask us where the toilets are; "closed" we say in unison, our word causing complete incomprehension..
To compound the embarrassment we are asked by thee individual Germans where the toilets are and where can they get coffee..
31 years ago Mrs Beks and I cycled into JOG from Lands End, and I tell you what, nothing has really changed.. This 9-5 mentality may well work in a town, but good god, this is a famous landmark, there must have been at least 300 people milling about, with nothing to do. A bit of business acumen in this honey-pot would make 'em all rich - after all it IS the height of the Tourist Season.
The Bogs? Ok have the 20p toilets during the day, but open up a small one (free) for out of hours, I'm sure if they can have 'em open 24-7 in Melvich, Bettyhill, Tongue etc, they can manage it at JOG?..
So I suppose my initial words "they don't have a clue' stands up really well..
Of course living up here I don't see the place like the average visitor. But I did last evening.
Yesterday, Mrs Beks was doing a 21 mile training walk from Thurso to JOG via the back roads - for her End to End next September. At just gone 6pm, she walked down the road from the Seaview Hotel, first thing we see is a sandwich board on the pavement, proclaiming; "Fish & Chips" in the harbour.. hmm that would be nice we think..
Just by the harbour yet another sandwich board left out; same message.. Actually get to the harbour and find that the people who run the snack wagon locked up and left long ago, not giving a toss about their misleading signs..
Never mind, maybe could get a cuppa, surely at 6pm in a tourist hotspot like JOG there will be somewhere open? nah of course not, this lot do a nine til five routine..
There were two German tour buses turned up whilst we were there; looking for 'something'. Give it it's do, the First and Last Shop WAS open, but little comfort for any refreshments..
Mrs Beks needed the loo, ah, we know it's 20p to use em, but hey, what's a few pence? Nope, these are closed and actually shuttered!..
By perchance I glanced behind the Tourist Information Centre and discover that the area is a human waste dumping ground which stank to high heaven..
Oh look a group of five cyclists peddle in and do the customary pose at the 'Finish line' on the road (because of course the bloke with the 'official signpost' has gone home).. They attempt to enter a cafe there - to get their logbooks stamped - but of course that's closed too.. They ask us where the toilets are; "closed" we say in unison, our word causing complete incomprehension..
To compound the embarrassment we are asked by thee individual Germans where the toilets are and where can they get coffee..
31 years ago Mrs Beks and I cycled into JOG from Lands End, and I tell you what, nothing has really changed.. This 9-5 mentality may well work in a town, but good god, this is a famous landmark, there must have been at least 300 people milling about, with nothing to do. A bit of business acumen in this honey-pot would make 'em all rich - after all it IS the height of the Tourist Season.
The Bogs? Ok have the 20p toilets during the day, but open up a small one (free) for out of hours, I'm sure if they can have 'em open 24-7 in Melvich, Bettyhill, Tongue etc, they can manage it at JOG?..
So I suppose my initial words "they don't have a clue' stands up really well..