Here you are then, Vanessa.

You suggested I turn one of my posts on the food thread into a poem, so here it is. The content isn't quite identical; but the mood is definitely there. And if you detect a certain Kiplingesque style about it, well, I'm sure Uncle Rudi would be glad to know that there are others with Kipling blood in their veins who can write poetry!



It’s meant to be a Challenge, so it is
And you planned the route yourself, so you’ve no one else to blame,
Though the map says there’s a path where underfoot there’s just a bog
And the weatherman said “Sunny” but the glen is full of fog
So it’s hard to keep pretending that you’re jolly glad you came.

It’s meant to be a Challenge, so it is
Two hundred miles or more traversing Scotland West to East -
But the route’s your own invention, going where you choose to go
Meaning if the days are lengthy it’s because you made them so:
You planned a toilsome trudging penance ‘til that final Montrose feast!

It’s meant to be a Challenge, so it is
To be attempted quite regardless of the snow and wind and rain
Hopping burns (or wading torrents), squelching through the hags of peat
Camping wild or using bothies, burning what you can for heat
And ignoring blistered feet because - let’s face it - it’s just pain

It’s meant to be a Challenge, so it is
They said it, and they meant it, but until you reached Braemar
You were seriously doubting if you ever would come back
And resubmit yourself to torture by the walking pole and pack -
But of COURSE you’ll be returning: it’s the greatest thing, by far!

And I nearly missed it! Been down south for a few days supporting other half running round London last Sunday so haven't checked the board for a bit.

Thank you, Jeremy. You have cogitated and gestated to great effect. I shall print it off and take it with me on a little excursion this weekend to try out new tent and test rest of kit in the hills SE of Ullapool. Beinn Dearg, Seana Bhraig etc. There will be trials and tribulations, no doubt, but armed with your stirring words, I will battle through!

Glad you liked it, Vanessa. Sorry for my own reply in responding ... I've been away over Easter showing them Drumochter mountains what's what (and being shown what's what myself by the snow fields on the Drumochter mountains ... )