Day 13
Wednesday 24th May - Arbroath to Auchmithie
Early next morning, eventually giving in to bladder pressure, I crawled into the field in boxers, and untied walking boots. A vision indeed - and whilst kneeling to take care of my reason for getting out of my lovely warm sleeping bag, I was aware of a guy walking his dog along the coastal path towards us. Confident that he would pass by, I interrupted the operation. As he drew level with our tents, he stopped, fumbled a while then his arm appeared above the hedge as he threw something towards us. A petrol bomb! I kid you not folks, a lighted petrol bomb. Now whilst not unfamiliar with these being slung at me, I would normally be with lots of my buddies, dressed in blue and protected by shields. Not in boxers and boots. The grass was wet so it had no effect and indeed landed well short. Thank god I was up for a ...
I shouted to Dave and set off as fast as I could chasing him. He was a little surprised, and his dog, to see me heading out of the field towards him. He got to the car park ahead of me (I assume he had his shoes done up!) into a car and drove off. I noted the type etc.
We packed up and made our way to Montrose via Auchmithie, where we officially dipped our boots in the sea to finish, albeit somewhat overshadowed by the morning's events, and told control staff. The police arrived and duly recorded it. I heard nothing more.
Taking this final incident aside, I accept that our crossing was probably not to the purist's liking. Too much beer maybe... but we walked 100% of the way with our packs, had one hell of a good time in stunning scenery and amongst good friends, and in all the photos we seem to be smiling.
Cheers!!!
