Doodlecat.com

Day 9

Saturday 16 May 2009 - the fleshpots of Braemar

It was still raining to start the morning. We were up and away by 0830 and soon bumped into others who had weathered the storm. Mar Lodge soon came into sight. Here, coffee and tea was on offer, so a brief stop was in order before proceeding to Braemar.

Just outside the Fife Arms I recognised Shirley Worrall's jacket; and Peewiglet too. Shirley had decided to buy her Cioch Glamaig following a piece I wrote on the notice board. We talked jackets before I moved on. I didn't realise at the time, but, Colin Ibbotson was with her.

I found a B&B with no single room - but there was a twin room with one Challenger in it. He was willing to share, I was informed. I decided - no. Then I was told there was a double room available - so, great.

Inside the Fife Arms                                                  photo © Gordon Green

On the way to the campsite - to pick up a parcel - I met John Manning who was looking for a room. I told him about the option of sharing the twin room and he jumped at the chance. It turned out the other twin was Alistair, who I had met on the first and subsequent days on the Challenge.

I popped down in to the village where I had an all day breakfast and chat with Vince. Vince was from the USA and had only heard about the Challenge three weeks earlier. Then it was a couple of pints in the Fife Arms where I also met Alan Jordan and Jan and Chris. Then back to the B&B for a shower and a rest. Then it was along to the Fish and Chip shop where all of the Challengers in Braemar seemed to be gathered. It was a long walk to the Moorfield House Hotel! Most of the time I spent in the bar - rather than in the Bingo Wings canopy. I chatted to quite a few others but memory fades names - sorry. I was good, in only having three pints of Trade Winds - a very tasty pint.

Back at the B&B we (Alistair, John and I) sat and chatted to a couple who had been cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats. Unfortunately, he had been advised not to continue. I never did register who had won the Eurovision song contest which was on the television in the background. Not that I was at all interested.