Dawn Chorus, what’s that? No need to worry, it’s just many of the troops have ‘gas’ problems.
ITN and Junior were certainly on song as the Dawn Chorus was in full effect. There cannot be any possible way the day could start in any other fashion with these two Midlanders together.
With the start point being where we had finished the night before i.e. The Cairn Hotel in Carrbridge, it was 1,2,3,4 down the road, past the Landmark Centre and on towards Aviemore. The aim of the day was to cover over 20 miles to reach our rendezvous at the North end of the Tromie Pass. This would mean we’d covered almost 50 miles in the first 2 days, simply through walking. Mental!
Bronson stayed on the bus with UA, and it was to prove a regular place for Bronson for the rest of the week. Elvis found this day took its toll on his feet and the blisters were coming fast for many of the troops. Perhaps the footwear may have been better arranged? Nice, polished black shoes rather than proper walking boots is not the way to complete a 160 mile walk.
Anyway, with Bronson marking his territory on the bus, we proceeded towards Aviemore following an off-road path alongside the Strathspey Preserved Railway. ITN was certainly reflecting on his childhood days once he heard Thomas the Tank’s whistle echo through the trees. A quick snap shot and an ambush set-up. The trees, moss and heather certainly created a fantastic hide-away for the perfect ambush.
This track through the trees seemed to last forever, and the feet were starting to hurt on the stoned walk way. Canary was particularly finding this day to be his worst. The sight of the Hilton Hotel never seemed to get any nearer, and we were all starting to think that this path was never going to end.
The first 10 miles of the day complete, and a quick stop off was indeed to order of the day. It wasn’t long until UA was on hand to refresh us with water, stock us up with banana’s and cereal bars and we were again out on our own.
Uncle Albert headed off towards Newtonmore, which was to be our overnight destination. The Newtonmore Hostel certainly proved to be our second decent night in a row.
We came out of Aviemore in high spirits, and Elvis jumped on the bus at this stage. ITN and Junior were leading Canary, and the distance between them all was getting greater. Canary proving the earlier point that this was his worst day.
Reminders of the old ‘Derek and Clive’ were to be seen from North to South, and the sight of an old shack advertising horns was something else. ITN had to make a note, and was indeed tooting his own horn outside… 50? More like 15!
Awaiting Canary, ITN and Junior set off slow in order for him to catch up. The pace of the leading 2 proved tough for CC to handle as he drifted further behind. UA, Elvis and Bronson at this stage, were staying in touch with ITN so we could keep tabs on CC, UA was never far away, and was staying with Canary for most of the final 5 miles.
ITN broke free of Junior, who was more interested in the scenery and his walkman than keeping up with the former long-distance runner. Junior’s pace was improving as the beat of his music continued to urge the wee-man forward. A quick call to Canary and a pass on the bus from UA et all, and Junior was near the end.
ITN finished the day some 25 minutes ahead of Junior, and Canary a good 2 miles before that. All were awaiting Canary, who was struggling with bad knees and a very sore blister.
We had made It to Trommie Bridge in good time, and we had broken the back of the walk for the rest of the week. With around 50 miles covered in the first 2 days, and 110 still to do with 4.5 days left, the anticipation of the final day was starting to sink in.
So, onto the Hostel, where the Tennents was in full flow and a game of Black Haggis was to commence. Junior, who had never even heard of the game, let alone played it, was to win this game by some 200 points – The game being the Scottish equivalent to the Hearts PC-Card game. UA particularly enjoying the event, from which much whisky and beer was available for all to enjoy. Pizza was on order for the local eatery, with Bronson and Elvis requiring a tip for the collection – cheeky feckers!…
We were forced then to enjoy a pint in the local, where even more alcohol was on offer, and a call from the Doctor was in order. No, I don’t mean the local GP (although Juniors gas problems were cause for concern), but the former Dr Who himself, Tom Baker - now a local at the local where he now resides.
The Hostel was modern, comfortable and very cold in the morning. Perhaps this was due to the window needing to be left open as an evening chorus was in effect, especially on the top bunk.
ITN, Junior and Canary planning a route for Tuesday, our shortest day of the week, found a direct path, all off-road, to Blair Athol. It was then agreed that a 28 mile non-stop off-road hike was in order to cut out a few miles on Wednesday, and leave us with around 80 miles left in just 3.5 days.