It had now become clear who the chief snorer was and the dawn chorus was again in full swing. We had all sat around the table discussing the plan for the day, and Elvis and Bronson agreed they should not take part in the days walking. Bronson had previously retired at the 8 mile mark, whilst Elvis also dropped out after around 50 miles. Proof was there for all to see that this was not some stroll in the park’ but a task requiring major training and proper preparations.
So, it was all aboard the bus and then down the road to the finish point from the day before - the Athol Arms Hotel. Unfortunately, this pub isn’t open at 8am, but Gringo and Mrs Gringo were ready to go on their first full day in the Highland March.
ITN was away first, and decided this was an ideal day for running. He donned his trainers and sped off towards the finish. Mr and Mrs Gringo were catching up on the week of gossip so far, and Canary was back with us for what was to be a fairly good day overall.
We took the back roads off the A9 and were taking it slow to start with. Our legs still aching from the days before, the signposts were indicating how far we had done and how far it was to go!
ITN called in at a resting point at Ballinluig where he took on board some refreshments and left a message for his following troops.
Everyone reached Ballinluig in good time, and it was here when Mrs Gringo decided to call it a day. Her legs were simply too small to cope with the demands of the Scottish hills and roads!
Gringo and Junior shot some pool and gained their message from ITN. A quick beer and a packet of crisps and on the road again they were. The hike poles were assisting both and Canary was back on the bus for a second day in a row. The old A9 – now National Cycle Route 7 – was to be our company all the way into Dunkeld.
This seemed to be a very quick and short day, and it wasn’t long until our mobile phones flashed with text messages saying ITN had arrived safe and sound at the pub in Dunkeld. With ITN not having a mobile phone, he was more used to borrowing from others, and sending messages from other people’s.
The bus was parked out the front of the establishment until the troops were assembled again. The bags dumped on board and the beer was now flowing smoothly. UA seemed to really enjoy his day of varied company on board the bus, and was delighted to be able to let down his remaining hair and create the second HM Huddle of the week. Proclaimers, 500 Miles was blaring out from the Juke Box and Guinness was the drink for most. Gringo sticking to the Real Ales whilst Junior decided a pint of ice-cold Irn Bru was in order to quench the thirst.
Pool tables again were spotted, and the mention of a Highland March Pool Championship was muttered. Bronson and ITN were doing their best to keep Junior at bay, whilst UA, Canary and the other Gringo’s were chatting merrily away. Elvis, still suffering from the blistered feet, tried to make his way round the pool table and to the bar and was clearly struggling to hide his agony.
Pitlochry was the overnight stopping point, where the B&B’s were on the agenda. Booking the accommodation proved to be a major task for the HM team leader, and separate accommodation was again needed.