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On the Sunday morning we were due to set off we could not believe our eyes when we looked out the window and saw all the snow falling. The weather forecast had been right for once - winter really had come back - fantastic - what a time to do so! So leaving the Church that morning there was a sense of "Well this is it - this is really happening - there is no going back". I had a very strong sense of panic but also of excitement.

When we arrived at the Beech Tree Inn in Dumgoyne for a short break to be told we still had about 4 to 5 miles still to walk I really regretted having left from the Church. If only we had left from Milngavie we could be in Drymen now! With every footstep thereafter I thought of a Radox bath at the Hotel. Guess what, Alan and I had the only room without a bath!!!! We only had a shower. It was not until we all met for dinner when everyone was enthusing about the hot soaks they had in their baths that we realised there were baths on the premises!

The next morning we were all prepared for the next stage. Even through the various aches and pains we were still able to smile.

As the week went on more aches and pains developed. Sore knees. Sore ankles. Achilles problems. Very few blisters strangely enough. Thankfully not enough to make us give up. For every painful step you took you remembered the reason why you were doing it - for charity and the Church.

For me the week was made up of laughing at myself, laughing at others, laughing with others, crying on my own, screaming on my own. Feeling high, feeling low. Losing my sense of humour, finding it again, the emotions went up and down just like the hills and paths we were on.

No, enjoy is not the right word but my goodness the feeling of achievement when you finish the whole walk was indescribable. We were also blessed with the weather we had that week. I do not think we could have had better conditions. And the scenery. Wow. Photographs do not do it justice.

The next question that seems to be asked is "Would you do it again?" I don't think so but we are thinking about the Great Glen Walk from Fort William to Inverness. Anyone wishing to join us let us know! "Would we recommend it?" Yes. Definitely.

Thanks to Mark Chatham for his idea and for updating the website every day with photos sent via mobile phones. We would also like to thank those who supported us along the way. Aileen McCoo and her two sons, Fraser and Lewis along with Vanessa Pullan who drove up to Bridge of Orchy for the day. To Ann and Matt Rodden for the welcome we received in Fort William. It was wonderful. To those who sent various texts of encouragement along the way.

Here are some examples of text messages received:-

Rev. Tom Wilson - "Of course you realise we will require more evidence than just a few staged photos. We have heard rumours that a pink limo has been taking you from point to point"
And after the Devil's staircase "Aye the buses struggle with that climb. Soon be at another pub so don't worry too much"

Lewis Faryma - "One last push" (I did wonder if I was in the labour suite when I received this one!!!)
"Always look on the bright side of life - doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo"
"Tell the injured that everything belongs to God. All strength. Hope. Love. How great a blessing He places on those who go forth in His name for His purpose. He directs their feet and leads them into this glorious love. For neither can aching ankles or anything else hold us back from it. We pray for you."

Robert Brown (Heating Engineer) - "Yippee for Band Aids"

Ann Rodden - "Thinking about you all with each step. Keep taking the positive pills….. and pain killers"

Tricia Beck - "Not long now until you get to the end. Just think of the hot shower"

David Hain - "Did you sing "Devil went down to Georgia" while on the Devil's Staircase"

Fiona Proctor - "Still praying for fine weather for you all. Will also pray for stamina"

Amy Souter - "Go for it Alan Pam and Co. You are nearly there. Today's song is head, shoulders, knees and toes"
"What about Abba - Super Trouper or Keep on Running"

Vicky Glen - "Yeah - Best wishes to all of you"

Dorothy Pullan - "Hi, Well done to everyone. Hope to see you all tomorrow. Prayers as always"

Marion Brown - "Well done to you all"

And many more.

Thank you everyone.
Pam Gibbon,
Church Secretary.

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