Day 11
Monday 18 May 2009 - wet way to go - Sheilin of Mark to Tarfside
The morning was dull and wet. Quite a few of my neighbours had already set off. It was going to be a compass bearing day. The mist and rain rolled down from the direction I was about to head into. I crossed the burn and struck off down the far bank where I met Alan Jordan, who was camped a distance away from the bothy. He was still packing up so I continued to make my way over the peat hags on a sort of compass bearing. Well, my navigation skills have improved since I've been coming up to Scotland, but, I would never say I was that good. Alan soon caught me up and we walked together; then we hit the track. In the mist, it was not much of a sight. A few more metres along the track and - the mist suddenly lifted. We could see where the track went; down into Glen Lee.
The mist went but the rain didn't go. It chucked it down. We popped into the Stables of Lee and met others (sorry - memory!!). Then a wet march down the track towards Tarfside. There seemed to be a race going on. Others were well ahead of us. Alan and I arrived at St. Droston's at 1300. We got the last proper room - sharing (others were able to grab sleeping space in the large hall nearby). Then the reknowned hospitality started. Bacon sandwiches, coffee and later cans of beer! No wonder St Droston's was so well frequented. There were loads of us there. (And I was a day ahead of my original schedule - the next day, I was told would be just as busy).
Various conversations ensued. Bill and I discussed Local Authorities. Kate Foley and Andy Howell sat by me and we talked about their podcasting gear, (so small) as well as my Cioch jacket and trousers. There was talk of a podcast, but I must admit - the beer had flowed down too well. At one point this imposing figure sat next to me and introduced himself. It was Pat Deane who explained that it was he who had been in his sleeping bag at the bothy on the first day - having been for a swim with Alistair. Pat had done a 7 previous Challenges and a swim across a swollen river did not put him off! Pat took a day to get sorted out, but decided to continue. I wondered if I could have carried on after such an experience.
