I certainly contacted him the day before last year to confirm I would be there, but I had also contacted him in advance to put my name on the list. It must be nice to have an idea at least of how many passengers he may have and when, although Gordon does have to go out of his way during the grim weather to get everyone across. He does a fabulous job!

he does indeed do a fabulous job ! best wishes all.

What would we do without him!
Was there ever a time in Challenge history before Gordon and his boat and what was the alternative?
Doesn't bear thinking about if he decides to retire.....

Well some Challengers have gone across by helicopter and canoe so there are options!

I have a vague recollection of the great Hamish Broon tieing his backpack in a bin liner and using it as a float to dog paddle across Loch Ness at its narrowest point near the outflow. Also useful where the Carnoch runs into Loch Nevis when, not if, gravity defeats the bridge.