Time for reflection and a final blogpost will no doubt take a few weeks.
As we prepare to come together at Frances and Dave's with our family's to share the weeks experiences I am sure we are all thinking about how proud we are of our friend.
The latest count is sitting at £1521.73 an amazing amount for a worthwhile cause.
http://www.justgiving.com/Frances-Graham if you fancy adding to this.
The experiences and memories we gained will never be forgotten and I am sure we will treasure them.
Keep your eyes open for when we share the best part of this challenge.
Thank you for following and supporting us.
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Day 6 and it was nearly in the bag.
A pretty relaxed start to day 6 with the boys eating breakfast alfresco and Myra's car getting packed full! Although we decided that we could not fit the last 2 bottles if water in Myra's car so we would just have to carry them with us.
After saying bye to Myra & the boys who were driving to Fort William we stopped for sandwiches whilst chatting to the Jamieson's then headed off.
The climb out of Kinlochleven wasn't too bad and we mad good progress and kept up the usual chat with who we met. A coffee stop kept us fresh but it was quite exposed so it was short. Today's walking was on slightly harder terrain underfoot but spirits were high. I think everyone was in countdown mode and we decided that halfway would be a good time to stop and have lunch. It was there that we would see Ben, Tim, Lou & Mike for the last time as they laughed at us sharing tap water with our sandwiches they made a donation to the already growing collection.
Post lunch it really was just enjoy the last miles, admire the scenery & reflect on what had been a great week. As we got closer Myra and the boys came to meet us and as we approached Fort William we saw Dave, Andy & Calum with Scamp come towards us. It was a slow stroll through Fort William to the end meeting 2 men & the nice dog on the way. We realised we had lost some of the we will finish first bets but I don't think any of us cared.
Emotions were running high as the end neared and it felt like a fantastic achievement for us all. There was plenty of bubbly water, snacks, congratulations & photographs to end the walk. We greeted and congratulated all those who came in as we waited there before grabbing a bite to eat AND you guessed it more tap water.......
After saying bye to Myra & the boys who were driving to Fort William we stopped for sandwiches whilst chatting to the Jamieson's then headed off.
The climb out of Kinlochleven wasn't too bad and we mad good progress and kept up the usual chat with who we met. A coffee stop kept us fresh but it was quite exposed so it was short. Today's walking was on slightly harder terrain underfoot but spirits were high. I think everyone was in countdown mode and we decided that halfway would be a good time to stop and have lunch. It was there that we would see Ben, Tim, Lou & Mike for the last time as they laughed at us sharing tap water with our sandwiches they made a donation to the already growing collection.
Post lunch it really was just enjoy the last miles, admire the scenery & reflect on what had been a great week. As we got closer Myra and the boys came to meet us and as we approached Fort William we saw Dave, Andy & Calum with Scamp come towards us. It was a slow stroll through Fort William to the end meeting 2 men & the nice dog on the way. We realised we had lost some of the we will finish first bets but I don't think any of us cared.
Emotions were running high as the end neared and it felt like a fantastic achievement for us all. There was plenty of bubbly water, snacks, congratulations & photographs to end the walk. We greeted and congratulated all those who came in as we waited there before grabbing a bite to eat AND you guessed it more tap water.......
Day 5 and the hills were alive
Day 5 didn't quite dawn as bright as previous days and we were going to be setting off in the snow, a definite change from the glorious sunshine the night before. After a bit of shower trauma for Susan we headed up to the Glencoe cafe for a bite of breakfast before setting off for Kingshouse.
It was a short walk to Kingshouse where we stopped for a photo opportunity. Today's team consisted if the usual 3 plus Nicola, Myra, Daniel, Scott and Levi. It was a pleasant stroll to the bottom of the Devil's staircase where we stopped to top up Frances's caffeine levels, this is a necessity! We all enjoyed our snacks and drinks and the chit chat with all our newfound friends who passed us.
It was the usual cry of onwards and upwards and we tackled that just fine. A bit of a chit chat with Lou & Mike passed a few miles before it was time to pause for lunch. What seemed like a sheltered spot turned out to be a raging wind tunnel which left some of us a tad chilly!
After lunch we marched on a bit and had an interesting time following the hydro power/water pipes and investigating different bits and pieces.
All downhill into kinlochleven where we settled into our very comfortable wigwams and had a much needed shower(some people's were warmer than others! Sorry for hogging the hot water). A few glasses of water later and the usual array of snacks were consumed whilst waiting on Donna & Janice to arrive with Drew who was picking up Nicola & dropping Susan at Glencoe. After Susan returned and we bored the others to death with stories of our week we all headed to the Tailrace Inn. The atmosphere in here was really good as was the food & surprisingly the tap water was lovely so much so we managed to finish off all the supplies of the white variety!! There was a definite last night feeling and we had a great time with those we had met along the way. Quite possibly the funniest parts of the night were Scott's innocent comment and his new found card playing skills with our German friends!
Back to the wigwams where really it should have been bedtime but there was some fizzy water that really could not be left behind!!
All in all another great day. The friends list is just too long now!
It was a short walk to Kingshouse where we stopped for a photo opportunity. Today's team consisted if the usual 3 plus Nicola, Myra, Daniel, Scott and Levi. It was a pleasant stroll to the bottom of the Devil's staircase where we stopped to top up Frances's caffeine levels, this is a necessity! We all enjoyed our snacks and drinks and the chit chat with all our newfound friends who passed us.
It was the usual cry of onwards and upwards and we tackled that just fine. A bit of a chit chat with Lou & Mike passed a few miles before it was time to pause for lunch. What seemed like a sheltered spot turned out to be a raging wind tunnel which left some of us a tad chilly!
After lunch we marched on a bit and had an interesting time following the hydro power/water pipes and investigating different bits and pieces.
All downhill into kinlochleven where we settled into our very comfortable wigwams and had a much needed shower(some people's were warmer than others! Sorry for hogging the hot water). A few glasses of water later and the usual array of snacks were consumed whilst waiting on Donna & Janice to arrive with Drew who was picking up Nicola & dropping Susan at Glencoe. After Susan returned and we bored the others to death with stories of our week we all headed to the Tailrace Inn. The atmosphere in here was really good as was the food & surprisingly the tap water was lovely so much so we managed to finish off all the supplies of the white variety!! There was a definite last night feeling and we had a great time with those we had met along the way. Quite possibly the funniest parts of the night were Scott's innocent comment and his new found card playing skills with our German friends!
Back to the wigwams where really it should have been bedtime but there was some fizzy water that really could not be left behind!!
All in all another great day. The friends list is just too long now!
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Day 5 and the hills were alive
An hour long blog post was composed & I lost it!!!
It will come..... Later
It will come..... Later
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Day 4 and then there was more.
Day 4 dawned bright & cheery(well Susan certainly was). Susan has been practising making cups of tea, more practise required.
Nicola arrived & the 5 of us set off for our days walking, it was a short walk as we stopped at The Green Welly. Fully stocked up we went on our way.
We were extremely lucky with the weather as we made our way to Bridge of Orchy hotel where we had coffee, cakes & a chat with other walkers. After refuelling it was onwards and upwards to cross Rannoch moor.
In short today has been good company, great scenery, cracking weather & plenty of opportunity for alfresco dining & panoramic photo's.
As Glencoe mountain resort came into view we were joined by Myra, Daniel, Scott & Levi. We quickly set up camp outside the hobbit houses and had a refreshing glass of tap water before we heading into the cafe for a bite to eat.
We were joined briefly by Ian who had come to collect Joelle. We were given more kind donations en route today.
Pleased to report we are all well and raring to go.
Nicola arrived & the 5 of us set off for our days walking, it was a short walk as we stopped at The Green Welly. Fully stocked up we went on our way.
We were extremely lucky with the weather as we made our way to Bridge of Orchy hotel where we had coffee, cakes & a chat with other walkers. After refuelling it was onwards and upwards to cross Rannoch moor.
In short today has been good company, great scenery, cracking weather & plenty of opportunity for alfresco dining & panoramic photo's.
As Glencoe mountain resort came into view we were joined by Myra, Daniel, Scott & Levi. We quickly set up camp outside the hobbit houses and had a refreshing glass of tap water before we heading into the cafe for a bite to eat.
We were joined briefly by Ian who had come to collect Joelle. We were given more kind donations en route today.
Pleased to report we are all well and raring to go.
Monday, 8 April 2013
Day 3 & we are as happy as can be.
Evening 2 was spent in The Top Bunk Bistro which was very nice and we would highly recommend it. Frances was serenaded by German friends who played happy birthday on the guitar while she blew out the candle and ate her cake. The Jamieson's joined us to enjoy our chat.
Day 3 dawned and yet again we were not overly bright & breezy. As soon as we woke up we had our daily lyrics from Penny. We had a lovely breakfast in the bunkhouse before Frances organised a taxi to the start of today's walk. The first part of today's was had going, challenging but good. We stopped for coffee and chatted to our friends with the dog.
Just before lunch Ben & Tim tried to overtake us but that wasn't happening so we slowed them with our charm. Lunch was in The Drovers which was nice where we met our friends from the hottub. After food & a small glass of wine we spoke to The Jamieson's.
After lunch the walk got slightly more stressful with the addition of way too many cows! I made the sensible decision to climb a fence and scramble through the trees.We also met lovely Irish people who kindly made a donation.
Another coffee stop & a chat with our friends with the nice dog. We had wonderful views at this point but the sun was setting and it was getting slightly chillier.
By the time we crossed the road I had a single mission to be finished for the day. Graham with an "H" caught us up on his way to buy sausages.
We arrived at our hobbit house and shortly after Jeff, Sav & Levi came for a visit. Joelle has joined us now & we all headed out for fish, chips & wine.
We are all currently having a history lesson from Frances before we head to bed.
This will be difficult but here is our friends count:- 2 oap's, The Jamiesons, a survey man, 2 Chinese cyclists, 4 camping guys,a group of 6 with sore feet, 3 polish boys, a woman from milngavie who made a donation, a man who took our photo,3 girls from Dundee, a South African couple, 4 German boys, Ben, Tim, their Dad & his friend, 2 nice men with a dog, a boring couple with a nice dog, 3 Irish walkers who helped me pass the cows!
Day 3 dawned and yet again we were not overly bright & breezy. As soon as we woke up we had our daily lyrics from Penny. We had a lovely breakfast in the bunkhouse before Frances organised a taxi to the start of today's walk. The first part of today's was had going, challenging but good. We stopped for coffee and chatted to our friends with the dog.
Just before lunch Ben & Tim tried to overtake us but that wasn't happening so we slowed them with our charm. Lunch was in The Drovers which was nice where we met our friends from the hottub. After food & a small glass of wine we spoke to The Jamieson's.
After lunch the walk got slightly more stressful with the addition of way too many cows! I made the sensible decision to climb a fence and scramble through the trees.We also met lovely Irish people who kindly made a donation.
Another coffee stop & a chat with our friends with the nice dog. We had wonderful views at this point but the sun was setting and it was getting slightly chillier.
By the time we crossed the road I had a single mission to be finished for the day. Graham with an "H" caught us up on his way to buy sausages.
We arrived at our hobbit house and shortly after Jeff, Sav & Levi came for a visit. Joelle has joined us now & we all headed out for fish, chips & wine.
We are all currently having a history lesson from Frances before we head to bed.
This will be difficult but here is our friends count:- 2 oap's, The Jamiesons, a survey man, 2 Chinese cyclists, 4 camping guys,a group of 6 with sore feet, 3 polish boys, a woman from milngavie who made a donation, a man who took our photo,3 girls from Dundee, a South African couple, 4 German boys, Ben, Tim, their Dad & his friend, 2 nice men with a dog, a boring couple with a nice dog, 3 Irish walkers who helped me pass the cows!
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Day 2 and the sun is still shining through
The evening of night 1 was spent at Betty's who was most accommodating. We went to The Oak Tree Inn for dinner lubricated by lots of tap water(those who know us will understand).
Morning of day 2 dawned and we were up bright & breezy for breakfast.
Slightly earlier start than day 1!!!!!
We walked to Sallochy where the auld yin had her caffeine fix! We also experienced composting toilets! We were all composting virgins!!!
Onwards to rowardennan where a doorstop sandwich and wine revitalised the limbs to encourage us onwards to Inversnaid.
Today's phrase was definitely "it's only around the corner". We did opt to take the low road which we feel is the "right" way to complete the WHW!
Ok, today was only 14 miles but it was a harder challenge than yesterday. We were all in good spirits as the sun was shining.
We arrived at Inversnaid bunkhouse and very quickly stripped off ready to jump into the hot tub! However The Jamiesons had beat us to it. After patiently waiting our turn we jumped in while Frances poured the wine! We made new girlfriends who were staying in the lodge(which Susan instantly wanted to stay in). A few bottles of wine down and we were then instructed to get out!!
So........ Here we are 2100 and having dinner in the Top bunk bistro with an abundance of tap water!
Hope you like the photo's
P.S this maybe the end of civilisation so we are making the most of it.
Morning of day 2 dawned and we were up bright & breezy for breakfast.
Slightly earlier start than day 1!!!!!
We walked to Sallochy where the auld yin had her caffeine fix! We also experienced composting toilets! We were all composting virgins!!!
Onwards to rowardennan where a doorstop sandwich and wine revitalised the limbs to encourage us onwards to Inversnaid.
Today's phrase was definitely "it's only around the corner". We did opt to take the low road which we feel is the "right" way to complete the WHW!
Ok, today was only 14 miles but it was a harder challenge than yesterday. We were all in good spirits as the sun was shining.
We arrived at Inversnaid bunkhouse and very quickly stripped off ready to jump into the hot tub! However The Jamiesons had beat us to it. After patiently waiting our turn we jumped in while Frances poured the wine! We made new girlfriends who were staying in the lodge(which Susan instantly wanted to stay in). A few bottles of wine down and we were then instructed to get out!!
So........ Here we are 2100 and having dinner in the Top bunk bistro with an abundance of tap water!
Hope you like the photo's
P.S this maybe the end of civilisation so we are making the most of it.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
The challenge has begun!
Day 1 didn't start quite as bright & breezy as we had planned!! I wonder why?
We managed a good breakfast before handing our bags over and taking the starting photo(see attached).
The sun was shining as we set off and headed for The Beech Tree Inn where we had a lovely soft drink(yes a soft drink) and cakes.
It was onwards to Drymen after refreshments where we visited The Clachan for a small wine and lunch.
We had a bit re tracing our steps as we found out there was a diversion in place so it was back into Drymen and up to Garadhban forest. Unfortunately we couldn't go over Conic hill as it is still closed for maintenance. However by the time we reached our B&B we were at nearly 20 miles.
Our B&B is very nice and we are currently refuelling with some bubbles & crisps.
Throughout the day we have met The Jamieson family, 3 Polish boys, 4 camping boys, 2 Chinese cyclists, an older man who took our photo, a kind woman from milngavie who gave us a donation & a man doing a survey who followed us to our coffee stop.
Tonight we are heading to The Oak Tree Inn.
We managed a good breakfast before handing our bags over and taking the starting photo(see attached).
The sun was shining as we set off and headed for The Beech Tree Inn where we had a lovely soft drink(yes a soft drink) and cakes.
It was onwards to Drymen after refreshments where we visited The Clachan for a small wine and lunch.
We had a bit re tracing our steps as we found out there was a diversion in place so it was back into Drymen and up to Garadhban forest. Unfortunately we couldn't go over Conic hill as it is still closed for maintenance. However by the time we reached our B&B we were at nearly 20 miles.
Our B&B is very nice and we are currently refuelling with some bubbles & crisps.
Throughout the day we have met The Jamieson family, 3 Polish boys, 4 camping boys, 2 Chinese cyclists, an older man who took our photo, a kind woman from milngavie who gave us a donation & a man doing a survey who followed us to our coffee stop.
Tonight we are heading to The Oak Tree Inn.
1st morning.
The sun is shining.
We are all re packed, fed & ready to go.
I hope the photo is not a sign of things to come.
We are all re packed, fed & ready to go.
I hope the photo is not a sign of things to come.
Friday, 5 April 2013
We are off!
Friday 1600(ish)
The time has come and we are ready to go. Lists ticked and bags packed.
Frances, Susan & I will enjoy a leisurely trip to Milngavie before chilling out tonight ready to start bright and breezy tomorrow, well that is after we fill Frances with coffee.
The 3 of us are really looking forward to the others joining us throughout the week.
Keep following us tomorrow is Milngavie to Balmaha approx. 18.5 miles including a wee trip over Conic hill.
Wish us luck.
The time has come and we are ready to go. Lists ticked and bags packed.
Frances, Susan & I will enjoy a leisurely trip to Milngavie before chilling out tonight ready to start bright and breezy tomorrow, well that is after we fill Frances with coffee.
The 3 of us are really looking forward to the others joining us throughout the week.
Keep following us tomorrow is Milngavie to Balmaha approx. 18.5 miles including a wee trip over Conic hill.
Wish us luck.
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
2 Days to go....
Today was the final time of meeting up before we leave on Friday. As Frances said all of a sudden it is very real.
All seems to be in place, kit lists ticked off and shared kit organised.
An update to the company is that Janice will join us on Wednesday night and walk the final stretch with us on Thursday.
Frances has pretty much completed all her training and we are all keen to get going now.
All seems to be in place, kit lists ticked off and shared kit organised.
An update to the company is that Janice will join us on Wednesday night and walk the final stretch with us on Thursday.
Frances has pretty much completed all her training and we are all keen to get going now.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
9 Days to go
The topic of Frances's big birthday arose some time ago and right from the start her wish was to walk the West Highland Way, fast forward many months and here we are with only 9 days left before we head off on this adventure.
As the time flew by plans were laid and bit by bit it started to come together. 2013 didn't start great for Frances with the decline of her father's health and ultimately his death in February. Sadly Frances is just one of the many affected by Alzheimer's disease. Frances has made the decision to spend the next year raising at least £1200 to support Alzheimer's research and one of the ways of achieving this is to walk the West Highland Way.
The WHW covers 97 miles of constantly changing terrain in the West of Scotland. On the 5th April we will set off to start this adventure.
Joining Frances for the full way is Susan and myself(Kerry). On the way we will have the company of Joelle, Nicola, Donna, Myra, Daniel, Scott and Levi.
We intend staying 5 nights and walking the way in 6 days. I am sure this will be a great challenge not least with the recent weather. In recent weeks Frances has put in a great amount of training and I know that she will tackle this head on with her usual "can do, will do" attitude and as her friends we are proud to be sharing this journey with her. I am sure there will be low moments and sad moments but also a lot of laughs and a sense of pride that we can support our friend who in turn is supporting others by fundraising for this charity. OH and I am sure there may be some wine along the way.
So the story so far.....
Dunblane to Milngavie for dinner and a sleep over
Milngavie to Balmaha
Balmaha to Inversnaid
Inversnaid to Tyndrum
Tyndrum to Glencoe
Glencoe to Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven to Fort William.
Accomodation booked and kit lists made all we need now is for the weather to improve.
Go Team Frances!
As the time flew by plans were laid and bit by bit it started to come together. 2013 didn't start great for Frances with the decline of her father's health and ultimately his death in February. Sadly Frances is just one of the many affected by Alzheimer's disease. Frances has made the decision to spend the next year raising at least £1200 to support Alzheimer's research and one of the ways of achieving this is to walk the West Highland Way.
The WHW covers 97 miles of constantly changing terrain in the West of Scotland. On the 5th April we will set off to start this adventure.
Joining Frances for the full way is Susan and myself(Kerry). On the way we will have the company of Joelle, Nicola, Donna, Myra, Daniel, Scott and Levi.
We intend staying 5 nights and walking the way in 6 days. I am sure this will be a great challenge not least with the recent weather. In recent weeks Frances has put in a great amount of training and I know that she will tackle this head on with her usual "can do, will do" attitude and as her friends we are proud to be sharing this journey with her. I am sure there will be low moments and sad moments but also a lot of laughs and a sense of pride that we can support our friend who in turn is supporting others by fundraising for this charity. OH and I am sure there may be some wine along the way.
So the story so far.....
Dunblane to Milngavie for dinner and a sleep over
Milngavie to Balmaha
Balmaha to Inversnaid
Inversnaid to Tyndrum
Tyndrum to Glencoe
Glencoe to Kinlochleven
Kinlochleven to Fort William.
Accomodation booked and kit lists made all we need now is for the weather to improve.
Go Team Frances!
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