I had to pull out of the Challenge on Thursday with a stomach bug, but I really enjoyed myself up to that point, even stormy Sunday.

I'd like to thank those that I met with and walked with along the way.

In particular, the Fowkes family, with whom i walked on the latter part of day one, guiding me through the intricacies of Taynuilt , Lee Wells and Tony Bowe, who were a huge help on Tuesday on my long day to catch up with my schedule and to Stan Appleton and Emma Warbrick, who were good company. I also enjoyed the company of Jane Eggleston, Dave Godfrey and William Burton.

There are many others that I could mention that I met along the way. You've all given me good memories, where there could have been bitter ones over having to pull out.

I'd also like to give a little plug to the Dalwhinnie Bunkhouse and restaurant. Ron and Marilyn (?) were wonderfully hospitable to us all on Wednesday and Thursday. The food is incredibly good value. I hope they make a success of their venture. They deserve to. Dalwhinnie is no longer a black hole, but one where you can be sure of a warm welcome if it is on your itinerary.

Best wishes to all still on the Challenge. I'll apply again, although I may have to wait until 2014.

My Challenge report is now on my blog http://blogpackinglight.wordpress.com/

I was shocked when I heard you had had to pull out - you seemed so uber fit. Hope we will see you on another Challenge. Hope you have recovered from the stomach bug

Thanks, Jane. It was enjoyable to meet and walk with you and the others. I'll be back, if not next year, the year after.

Robin,


Very sorry indeed to hear that you had to pull out and hope your condition was not partly brought on by the endless, desperate circuits of Oban looking for the local Co-op shop!

Look forward to meeting up again on your next Challenge.

Colin

Thanks Colin, it was a pleasure to meet you and help to guide you out of Oban

The enjoyment of my days walking both with other Challengers and on my own more than offset the disappointment of getting ill and having to withdraw. As everyone says, the combination of stunning landscape and wonderful people are what make the Challenge so good.

I shall be applying again. In the meantime, Google Maps is good for urban navigation

Hi Robin,

Thanks for the write-up - enjoyed. Our paths didn't cross (I'm sure I would have recognised you in the Wiggie's waders and umbrella ensemble) but some good photos.

I've read the comments on your blog and think you were a bit touchy about the 'troll' - he or she may not have been making a personal dig at you but just expressing a different approach to the Challenge. After all, none us need to justify why we take part, or why we decide to abandon. If it was a troll, you've given them the satisfaction of biting, which suggests that they have touched a raw nerve?

Best regards Jules

Along with other bloggers, I do suffer occasionally from trolls. It's a risk when you write about personal things and issues.

In the interests of openness, I don't censor as I feel it is against the spirit of the Internet. It does mean that comments like *TBT* require a response.

If *TBT* is a Challenger then he/she certainly exhibits a very different attitude and spirit to other Challengers I've met and who have commented on my blog. Unfortunately, the Internet seems to throw up a number of Mr Angry types.

It was interesting to read that there were a record number of drop outs this year, which tells its own story.