Wednesday, 10 June 2009

Day 12 Blair Atholl - Inver

  • This has been without doubt the toughest day so far. Started well with 2 hours in the sun reaching Pitlochry by 9.15am (7 miles) where Al's hotel is and we met for coffee. From nowhere I had terrible doubts as to my ability to carry on, for some reason all the confidence fell away.
    Alistair went into rebuild mode which he is bloody good at and 2 hours later I headed back on the road
  • It rained, it poured and it hailed so hard it hurt, the waterproof failed and m-ye pants were bloody soaked too. This lasted for 4 hours. Selfishly again thoughts returned for long periods to Lucy the children the dog (who I miss more than I thought for) and home comforts. In the privacy of the hills of Trelimet and Guay I shed a tear for the things I didn't have with me. But onward I went. The physical is hard but achievable, its the mental strength that is challenging me enormously
  • The scenery really has begun to change with the hills getting smaller and more forests appearing. It is beautiful in a different way. Followed the Tay for 5 miles, very pretty, sadly no pictures today as it was far too wet to get the camera out
  • For the last 2 miles the rain relented and the sun almost appeared. Got buzzed by 4 tornadoes, hell they are quick, I bet they were home for tea before me!
  • The site is beautiful, the tent is erected on the bank of the Tay. I will get some pics in the morning if its dry.
  • Again Al let me use his room to bath and repair the feet, 4 toes were bleeding tonight although I know not why, can only presume wet socks didn't help, anyway running repairs done
  • So 200 miles passed 25% of days walking done or is it 770 miles to go. Do not know which sounds better.
  • The A9 and I have become good pals over the last 10 days but tonight we bade our farewells as from tomorrow I head across country in search of the lowlands
  • 28 miles tomorrow the biggest day so far, lets hope the sun shines!
  • Keep the blog responses coming, when I am struggling they genuinely help, knowing folk out the are behind me
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7 comments:

  1. Lucy at HQ11 June 2009 at 00:14

    Hi Honey
    Sorry did not get to talk tonight and that you had a tough day. As for all the things you are doing without, they will all still be here when you finish. Although you may choose to sleep inyour tent in the garden by then!!!!!!!!!Ha Ha
    We are all routing for you and sending all our love.
    Wish I could send you a spare pair of feet sounds like they would be handy for tomorrow
    Love you loads Lucy, Brad, Mel (who has just called and is almost home - due at 1am)Becki & Benji xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  2. Anonymous11 June 2009 at 10:32

    Hi Steve
    Get those toe nails cut!! Will stop them bleeding & falling off! Get the iodine on your blisters, that will cure them and take your mind off the pain your muscles are feeling - LOL.
    You know you have done enough training and you are most definately physically prepared. Totally agree with your comments on the doubts creeping in. Believe me Steve, you do have both the physical and mental capability for this - and you know I know more than most on this, on two fronts - you know where I am coming from! So proud of you doing this mate and you know mind over matter will prevail! You have inspired me to run London again next year or was that T saying I need to lose my beer belly! All the best and well done. Ian & T

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  3. Anonymous11 June 2009 at 11:35

    Hiya matey,
    Glad to hear that you have the camera out whenever possible - look forward to seeing the pictures to go with the words, but you are painting fantastic 'pictures' for us with your words.
    Keep it going son, you WILL do it

    Andrew

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  4. Anonymous11 June 2009 at 16:45

    Steve! We are closely watching your progress in bonny Scotland. All seems to be going well. Glad to hear that Simon got some blisters. Johnny topped up his tan and Tim had a lovely family break. We are looking forward to seeing you later in the month and as a bit of extra motivation for you you'll be pleased to know that our fax and photocopying receipts for the 45 days of your walk will all being going to Childrens Hospice which so far, as of today, stands at £140!

    See you soon

    David, Jane and all the gang at John Walker Insurance

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  5. Anonymous11 June 2009 at 18:25

    have been watching steve. just keep at it. you are doing a tremendous job. i hope the hospice appreciates it.
    looking forward to joining you in somerset
    god knows how you feel. i lost my toenail just doing 15 miles!
    will catch up soon
    rog.

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  6. Susan11 June 2009 at 21:44

    Hi Steve, glad to see that Hugh is still giving you encouragement on the fantasy golf front... mind you he's probably backing you on this as he's doing so dismally! Fantastic to hear that you are in Crieff now - it seems amazing that I left you in Aviemore on Sunday & now on Thursday you are in Crieff! Wow! Doing fantastic Mr W and thinking of you lots! Love from the Baldwin girls x

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  7. Anonymous11 June 2009 at 23:06

    Oh Steve, what a rough day! I am sure it couldn't get any worse - so the only way is up! Or, actually in your case its down - south of course - but you know what I mean! Had our Ladies Pamper night last night, it went really well, I was so pleased, and so knackered today! Two events in one week, but have raised over £1200 for the two so well chuffed! Will be booking the mountain soon - and am really inspired by how well you are doing. Keep it up Steve you are an excellent role model. Take care. Jill & Andy x

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