Introduction
How the 'Three Generation' crossing began
I first began to look at the possibilities of a three generation crossing in 1996 when I spent some time with my eldest grandson both in the Brecon Beacons and around Newtonmore. One thing I was sure of was that Nigel, who would be 18 and eligible in 1999, had all the physical powers necessary for a crossing. However it was my opinion that for an 18 year old some form of stimulus might be needed in the form of an occasional chicken and chips, and game of pool, to ease the tension on some evenings.
I was already planning a crossing with Kevin one of my sons in 1998. It was his twin brother Richard, father of Nigel who would be making the 1999 three generation crossing. So I planned to solo, as most of my crossings were, in 1997 and test out a route that would not only be interesting to Richard and Nigel but would also contain enough vital ingredients for Nigel to have a little respite on some evenings.
The route I chose was from Oban to St Cyrus via Glen Kinglass, Forest of Rannoch, Blair Atholl, Braemar, Ballater, Mount Keen and on to St Cyrus. By following this route it was possible for social evenings to be had at Bridge of Awe,Tummel Bridge, Blair Atholl, Braemar, Ballater, and finally at North Water Bridge - as it turned out, on the night of the European Cup Final.
I was aware that the Matheson family, old Iain being a good friend of mine, were going to make an attempt for a three generation crossing in 1998. We decided that whether they succeeded or not we would still carry out our plan. After all a three generation crossing was always going to be an achievement. With Kevin in 1998 we were at the Lodge Hotel, Newtonmore when Iain senior had to withdraw due to a knee problem. It gave me no satisfaction that my old friend had dropped out and we shared a dram or three that evening and Iain wished me luck for 1999.
So in November 1998 we got the good news from Roger that our application had been accepted for 1999 and we could start our planning.
The three of us met at Oban on the 13th May, Richard and Nigel by air and rail and yours truly by car as Marian was to go on to Newtonmore for 10 days, only bringing us supplies at Blair Atholl and Braemar.
