TGOC2020…virtually the forth bit

Another little hiccup / brain-fart / malfunction that is the #virtualTGOC space-time continuum: I woke up in the very early hours - in my frozen tent. Somehow I'd been transported to Loch Cuaich. How the hell did that happen?

What confused me more (bear in mind that I'm easily confused, even on a good day) was that at around 1am my tent lit up as if it was daylight - scary. It seems that poachers / lampers were oot 'n aboot.

I later learned that Mssrs Lambert & Alan Sloman were camped not too far away and heard / saw the same kerfuffle. Later in the morning, at a far more sensible time o'clock, there was the little matter of ascending the shapely Sgor Dearg and then the steep descent to Gaick Lodge and Loch an t-Seilich. Hard work considering it was first thing in the morning.

A second breakfast followed in a lovely sheltered gully by Allt Bhran (All Bran...?).

Peace and quite was shattered by the arrival of Keith Leonard and Terry Leyland. They didn't hang around.

Approaching Lochan an t-Sluic I spotted a couple of tents by the lochan: it was Angus McKinnon and Norrie. Gus kindly allowed me to snoop around his Akto, a new tent on me - a month later I'd bought my own.

The night was spent in Ruigh-aiteachain Bothy.

The next day's route followed the classic Feshie - Geldie path....where I inveitably fell into bad company once again: Steve Smith, Big n' Daft, Pauline Marshall & Bernie,- plus loads more!

It was a grand day to Whitebridge and a fine camp spot that night.

Tomorrow: Braemar!

TGOC2020…virtually the third bit.

This #virtualTGOC is something. I'd enjoyed a fearsomely fun night at the Melgarve Bothy Secret Ceilidh with Denis, Terry Leyland, Di Gerrard and many others....and somehow found myself pitching up outside Culra Bothy.

What happened there then? I blame strong drink. Well, it was the first time I'd met Denis...no other expanation needed. Pauline Marshall was busy carrying out repairs on the wounded:

The Rockin' Rev was ever so generous with his platy full of something very alcoholic, songs were sung, stories were told...and a fine evening was enjoyed by all.

Dalwhinnie and the hotel was the next stop. It was a bit of a yomp along the shore of Loch Ericht - and it was really quite hot.

Pauline Marshall and Bernie scooted off for a night in a comfy bed, c/o some friends (I wish I had friends like that!), The Rev endured emergency foot repairs, thanks to a certain GP who was passing.

Mr D. Brocklehurst Esq:

I met up with the lovely Brocklehursts once again, it's always a great pleasure to be in their company.

The Dalwhinnie Distillery:

And the hotel didn't sell proper beer. Oh well.

TGOC2020….virtually the second bit

Days 4 and 5 of my virtually virtual Challenge: 

The bunkhouse at the Tomdoun Hotel wasn't the most comfortable, but it was clean(ish) and it had a shower. 

Leaving on a chilly but bright and dry morning, Day 4's route wasn't particularly inspiring, mostly road walking to Invergarry for chips and beer. 

It was here, in the Invergarry Hotel Bar, that I met Bernie, Billy-Whizz and others for the first time. Was Pauline Marshall there? And Trudie Buttrick? Probably.

I let slip that I was aiming to be at Melgarve the next day.... and The Famous Secret Ceilidh. My fate was now sealed, there was no escape. I was kidnapped, taken to Glen Buck Bothy for a night of great fun, then onto Melgarve the next day, guided by Billy-Whizz. 

 Glen Buck Bothy

Kidnapped:

We stopped at Luib Chonnal Bothy for lunch out of the mizzle. In the bothy someone opened a tin of Heinz Beanz with Pork Sausages....I'm surprised that person got out alive! The smell was delicious....now that's something I thought I'd never say! 

The Melgarve bash was amazing. Terry Leyland had arranged for my melodeon to be transported to the bothy, Waggy's concertina too. 

I met so many 'famous' names, including Di Gerrard, Denis, Nev and Anne, Terry Leyland, Trudie Buttrick, Waggy... I'm told I really enjoyed myself - lots of great conversation, singing, music, food....and maybe the odd beer. Or rather more.

Next day, in the aftermath, we headed East (East is good) in the company of Nev & Anne. Nev was another who carried a huge pack – I was beginning to feel slightly less self-concious.

TGOC2020….virtually the first bit

 Virtual TGOC2020 - maybe

Kick-off was from home,taking the train from Manchester Deansgate to, ultimately, Mallaig. 

Impossibly young – too young to enter the Challenge?

Fort Bill to Mallaig, the most beautiful train journey anywhere?

It was my first long backpacking trip and I fell into the trap that all newbies fall into…I carried FAR to much gear – and it was damned heavy. Too heavy.

Day 1 of my Challenge...and the next couple of days: After an uncomfortable night in Sheena's Backpacking Hostel-type place (lots of nocturnal coughing, sniffing, grunting, farting, burping etc), it was time to sign out. 

L > R: Andrew Walker, Alan Hardy, Moi

Met up with Alan Hardy once again, he was carrying an impossibly large rucksack - almost as impossibly large as mine (although his was probably lighter than mine). Andrew went one way, heading for an unplanned helicopter ride, we went another. 

A lovely walk over Mam Barrisdale to camp on the shore of Loch Hourn where I met Sam for the first time. 

Heading East the next morning (East is good) via Kinloch Hourn to eventually camp at Alltbeithe (not THAT Alltbeithe, another one). The weather was closing in - fast - and the ground was distinctly tent-unfriendly. I spotted a tiny elevated flat area, *just* large enough to take the tent. The Saunders Spacepacker was up in double quick time, just as the heavens opened. Dinner was home-dehydrated pasta bolognese followed by rhubarb & custard - wonderful! 

The next day's destination was Tomdoun. Whilst en-route we found a pleasantly sun-shiny lunch stop on Mam na Seilg. I heard distant grunting and cursing, getting closer all the time - Keith Leonard soon introduced himself. Keith continued on his way, also heading to Tomdoun. 

We arrived at the hotel to find him wrapped around a pint. I ordered one - a moment before the bar closed for the afternoon. A very jolly evening followed....little did I realise that I was being drawn into such bad company