After a ‘refreshing’ night in Braemar Shirley reflects on the previous 24 hours of food and wild dancing which took place at the evening party to the music of Bingo Wings. Whilst at Rucksacks Bunkhouse Jamie Morgan shares his enjoyment of the crossing and thoughts on the warm welcome they have all received at the hostel and Braemar generally.
After she makes it into town she enjoys the classic fish platter for which the Hungry Highlander is well known for and while there discusses gear and stoves with John Jocys and Munro hunting Challenge routes with Alistair Pooler. Sadly the Tomdoun Hotel is making itself less popular with Challengers this year and John gives it a damming report. However on a brighter side, Paddy Burrows tells a great story of a tent and a Stag fighting. Unfortunately with him and his wife still in it at the time!
On the long and winding road to Loch Callater Lodge she meets two legends staggering under the weight on cheese and wine, Alan Sloman and Phi Lambert. Andy picks his story up at Tarfside having walked through the Balmoral Estate to Ballater and after staying the night there, popping over Mount Keen to the hostel and the notorious Masons Arms.
The following day Shirley emerges from Loch Callater Lodge and the social haze which envelopes everyone who enters there, to find all the others had gone. After a rapid climb she catches up with the wine and cheese party for another social in the middle of nowhere, before heading to Tarfside encouraged with the promise of endless Bacon Sandwiches.
Andy is already there along with Cameron Mcneish, who apparently is quite enjoying his first Challenge! Naturally they discuss the contents of his rucksack and TGO things generally. The following day Shirley reflects once again on her food experience at Tarfside and the countless Bacon Butties she has enjoyed, as she starts her walk to Edzell along the riverside with Phil and Alan.
Andy, still ahead of her, meets Philip Werner a US blogger on route from Edzell to North Water Bridge who reflects on his impressions of the event which he came to hear about, via blogs and podcasts. Another lightweight enthusiast his gear choice encourages an interesting discussion.
Shirley arrives late as ever, but looking forward to seeing some friendly faces all resting before the final big push to the coast.