I really miss the TGO. The camaraderie is what got me. From the friendly banter on the train (Alan, Andrew & Lynsey)then at Mallaig (Fred do you want your picture?), Andy on the way to Sourlies who was willing to walk as slowly as I do. Clive and Grant (did you do any fishing?) who saw me right on the route to Glen Kingie, with help from Phil (I think) who steered me later in rain and gales to Tomdoun. Then a kindly, military map-reading genius who saved me from climbing Ben Tee quite unintentionally (wrong bealach). The challenger who offered a cuppa at Culra, which we couldn't stop for, followed by buying a round at Montrose instead (so sorry, name escapes me)but thank you. Such kindness from the hosts of Dalwhinnie Bunkhouse! Lots of friendly faces at Braemar sympathising with my "drama queen" limp (woe is me, torn ligaments). Highland hospitality of a room and meal offered when I only asked to camp and again a campsite on the lawn with dinner and a bath thrown in (dinner on the lawn, bath enjoyed in a more private location) Chris? I think who hovered discreetly when, just beyond Potarch I was inclined to lie down on the track and not get up again. The constant cheerfulness of Alan and Ian from Ireland who had me in stitches at every meeting, Di who tried to save me from getting lost (I got lost anyway) and Nik, who by asking "Are you Liz, folks have been asking if anyone had seen you?" made me feel like the most important person on the Challenge and got me into Ballater. Control (usually Roger) who re-routed me and said "There, there" whenever I phoned for reassurance. It has been a uniquely intense experience and there are too many incidents to mention but every smiling face, every kind word, every bit of encouragement did more to get me to the coast than the best kit and finest dehydrated mush could ever have done. Thanks to everyone who crossed my path. Do you think they'll let me on next year? PLEASE

I agree Liz. I have to say besides the challengers I met I had very long conversations with locals I bumped into often in the back of beyond. One retired farmer in Glen Esk told me so much of the local history, a head gamekeeper set me on a better course in Glen Dye,a fine lass who was a church minister enjoying her day off, we put the world to rights.
To escape from the dreaded O------s I'm thinking of doing a Cameron McN and walking east to west in August despite the midges, clegs and hunters. I wonder if Doha Jim will be envious.

You can but apply Liz.

It was great to meet you on the train on the way up.
And I am glad you had a great Challenge.
We told you it would be great

Here's to next year then

Wow, Liz - you encapsulated everything that is the Challenge in your posting. It left quite a lump in my throat.

I'm delighted you enjoyed it so much - you're clearly made of the right stuff, I could tell from the moment we met on the train....although sitting with Mssrs Walker, Sloman and Pooler could be the start of a slide down a very slippery slope!

I hope to see you next year....assuming (praying?) we both get on.

JJ

Liz - I'm glad to hear you had so much fun. I was surprise I didn't bump into you somewhere on route. Sounds like we will see you on the Challenge again soon!

JJ - Surely meeting you is the slippery slope not me!

Oh Lynsey, you say the nicest things!



JJ

JJ,

As they used to say in the helicopter business..... you are as smooth as greased weasel droppings when it comes to the ladies!!!!!


AofA

Hi Lynsey

Thanks for your comments, I enjoyed seeing pictures of you and the wee one on someone's blog. I stayed vaguely on route from Inverie to Braemar, apart from when I was lost, but torn ligaments required smooth and level so I re-routed to the Deeside Way (why is it called that, I only saw the river twice!) and hirpled into Aberdeen. However it doesn't matter how you get over as long as you do. You looked like you were having a good crossing in the pictures. Maybe see you next year! Liz

Liz I promise that's my normal walking speed! If you recall you caught up with me twice on the way to Sourlies.
Clive and Grant didn't get to do any fishing, indeed Grant offloaded the fishing rod part way across along with some other kit he wasn't using. Tough bloke. They got food poisoning and all sorts but still finished.
The camaraderie really surprised me and turned what could easily have been a 2 week slog into something I'll definitely do again, hopefully in 2014. With a lighter pack. And less food. And two good ankles!