That was, as our American Cuzzins would remark, Cruel and Unusual . . .

But seriously (HA!, Ed . . . ) since discovering Innov8s last year my life has become considerably simpler. I've just got back from three weeks in the Basque country and Western Pyrenees in conditions that would make this year's Challenge a walk in the park. My feets were good to go at all times. Rivers? Snowfields? Ho! Just walk straight through them. Curiously enough, our skin is waterproof . . .

I am surprised that on one has tried these on the challenge

Five Fingers

At least one Challenger must have...

I saw these footprints on the way to Fort Augustus on 15th May

Lost:

A blue Croc; size 10

Last seen heading downstream towards White Bridge.

Reward for finder.

BTW it was a left Croc.

I saw it the other day, on the Harwich to Hoek ferry. Not a single gull went near it.

Alligators ate all the crocs...

Which ferry was it, Carl?

Are you sure it was a blue one - size 10?

And, ............... left foot?

Umm ................ just remembered - I threw away the right one.

Huh. Such prejudice, Slow Man. I haven't actually tried Crocs, but in view of this thread, I think I'll acquire a bright scarlet pair for my 10th next year (most sociable route possible) and hang them outside my pack always.

I will be deterred only by a promise of pre-route-submission tip-off as to where the 2013 cheese-and-wine party is......

Good news for Croc aficionados!

Just back from a trip to the Picos de Europa - and guess what relaxing footwear the mountaineers wear after a hard day on the Naranjo de Bulnes?

Bright pink Crocs! The Refugio d'Urriellu has rows of 'em in racks by the entrance.

So, if you want to look like a hard man of the hills.

Think pink.

Think Crocs!

Scarlet is perfectly acceptable, Jean. The fatwa is principally directed toward the deeply unpleasant day-glo colours. If you have any doctrinal issues, address them to the usual channels . . .

"Curiously enough, our skin is waterproof . . ." I have been saying this for years so why the bother with Gortex jacket & over trousers, socks, gloves and hats when your skin is quite efficient at repelling water!

Perhaps we should all dare Grumps to give us a demo throughout next year's Challenge......even if the ambient temperature competes with this year's first 8 days.

(Mind you, days 10-14, we might all have been tempted.)

Don't do it, Jean. Grumpo needs no encouragement before removing undergarments in public places!