Day 13
Wednesday 20 May - on the road again - North Water Bridge to St Cyrus & Montrose
In the morning my tent was wet, but the day started and remained dry. The last day walking. Not too far down the road I stopped for a chat with Gordon Bruce, an ex-gamekeeper, who was mowing the grass of a fine looking house. He had seen many Challengers over the years. He told me about the days when he was in the forces and when he was a gamekeeper. We spent around 20 minutes just chatting - very interesting.
The roads to St Cyrus are over rambling hills - low level hills. St Cyrus appeared and then it was the final act. Down to the sea. It's a long way down! A quick paddle - boots on and then back to the cafe. Here, Mick and Gayle and John Manning were in mid-order. The next bus to Montrose was about ten minutes away. I had little cash left so I worked someting for £5 - the minimum credit card payment - and wolfed it down just in time to get out for the bus.
The bus spewed us out in the town and we made our way to Challenge Control in the Park Hotel. There was Alan Hardy sorting out the T shirts etc., and Roger - the spider at the centre of his web. It was great to meet Roger at last. The bar was well stocked with Challengers and I passed away a few pints in good company before heading for the Montrose campsite. Andrew, Jean Nigel and lynn were among many who were there. The talk got round to food and so a vague plan was hatched. The pub and then Bombay Dreams - or, Bombay Delight, if your memory is not too good. It was a kind of open invite - not to be missed: especially, after the Panmuir night.
Later, Alistair, Jon, Mick, Gayle, Andy, Kate, Nigel, Lynn and I sat round a table at the Bombay Dreams and had a really good meal, a really good chat, in very good company.
