Blimey, treats? Do I have to share? Steph won't be there until the 21st… and the kids are staying home to mind the house.

Robin & Sue & Roger & me will do our best… no promises mind!

And a warm welcome to all our first-time Challengers! You form one-third of our company, and are the folk who make this this the very best event, with continual new blood.

And us old-timers love new blood. We devour your entrails and gizzards! We lead you into the depths of The Unmentionable Mountains and lull you to sleep with nips of cask-strength before slipping away to alert our dear fiends, The Werewolves of The Upper Dulnain!

It is a fine thing, this Challenge, and I wish each and every one of you a mighty crossing and a grand finish. Let the party begin!

All the very best Mr Co-ordinator - may everyone phone in on time and may your worries be few!!!

Apparently the Buddha's last words to his followers were 'Walk on!'

Have a great crossing everybody, fingers crossed you get some good weather, last year certainly was a challenge.

Hoping to join you all again next year

Wow… Louise, we're made up! And stuffed!