 Highland March 8 lived up to the expectation of being the most difficult event to date. In the 7-year history of Marching, the troops this year became the first to break the 200-mile barrier as they ventured North to Inverness from Ayr.
Inveness Caledonian Thistle had already been crowned Scottish First Division Champions before the off, as Dundee slipped up away to Raith Rovers to ensure they [Dundee] were out of the title race.
The title party was in full swing before Kick Off in Ayr as the Ship Inn provided pre-match soup and sandwiches, not to mention the customary pre-match beverage(s).
A 7-0 win for ICT gave the troops all the energy they needed to make their way North. The intention was to walk through the night as far as Rowerdennan, some 68 miles away, by the end of Sunday. After arriving at Lapwing Lodge at 3am Sunday Morning, trouble was 'afoot' as Chumba dropped out with a suspected broken foot - a pain of which he'd tollerated for at least 7 of the 31 miles so far. As A&E beconned for Chumba, the rest set off on what was now part 2 of stage one. The task now was a further 38 miles after just 3 hours sleep, in order to stay on schedule!
This pattern seemed to stay for the week as blisters, bad knees, hot and swollen feet, muscle cramps, not to mention the severe mental strength needed on certain stages, made Highland March 8 the most difficult to date when considering the 203 mile route. A route that would head on and off-road, up and down steep hillsides, ford accross fast flowing streams, and all within the company of Scotlands unpredicatble weather patterns.
Diary and Gallary to follow soon
|
