Part 3 - Bridge of Orchy to Fort William

Bridge of Orchy

It's always tricky getting parked here but we found a space behind the road right up near the gate (this fact will be relevant!)

The Bearded One got the wee stove going and I was having a semi- snooze. The Runner wasn't due in yet. A few runners arrived and were being looked after by their backup. But one particular runner caught my eye. He was standing at the back of his vehicle (obviously thinking it was private) when all of a sudden the woman beside him took off his shorts and underwear! If she wasn't his wife then it was a VERY good friend. Like a child, he stood and she stripped him until he was butt naked. The Bearded One had seen this too and stage whispered "Quick, get the camera out!" Sadly as I fumbled to get the camera ready he had his pants back on. I don't know who he was but he was wearing a Carnethy vest! At least runners have nice bums!

There was also a wee dog running about, getting in the way of the cars. I think it may have been with the campers. It was in serious danger of being run over. Although someone (who shall remain nameless) suggested a swift kick towards the river might be a solution!

While we waited for The Runner I chatted to The Pastor's backup crew. One of them went to school with The Runner! It's a small world indeed.

The Runner had another quick stop here and took soup with him to walk over the hill.

Kingshouse

Parking was a bit crazy here but got a decent space. Again, I tried to snooze but it was hopeless. The Bearded One filled up the flasks as this was the last place we could do it. He runs with The Runner from here.

Again I spent a lot of time chatting to other backup crews. It amazed me how many people recognised me from the DVD and knew about The Runner.

After he left I popped into the hotel with the intention of buying some food. I didn't because of the notice on the door which basically said "Get lost if you're a camper or walker and want to use our toilets!" I always spend some money here and use the toilets with a clear conscience but that notice really annoyed me. Most of their business is generated from the Way being right on their doorstep. Sadly many other businesses on the Way seem to have the same attitude.

Kinlochleven

By this time the car has taken on a peculiar odour. I tried to wrap the wet clothes in a plastic bag and bury it deep in a backpack. It didn't work.

BT arrived on his way up to manning the Lundavra checkpoint. He saw some people eating fish suppers and wondered if it would be a good idea to take some up to The Runner and The Bearded One as they came down into the town. Short answer - NO!

After yet another brief stop, I packed up the car and BT made me a fresh coffee on his gas stove. It was brilliant! I popped into the health centre for a quick toilet stop and heard someone say "Ask The Runner's wife, she knows the way!" One of the backup crews was looking for directions to Lundavra. I told them to follow me as I was just going there.

Lundavra

The road up to Lundavra is dreadful. Single track, passing places, hills, corners and nutters coming towards you at 50 mph thinking they won't meet anyone cos it's a quiet road! About a mile and a half before you get to the checkpoint, I came over a hill and saw a plume of smoke rising into the sky. Uncle Dunc had lit his beacon to guide us in! BT's photo on the forum sums it up beautifully!

When The Runner arrived at Lundavra he was feeling really good. The end was in sight. He felt so much better than The Bearded One who was feeling so sick he dropped out. I've known The Bearded One for 17 years and I've never seen him look so bad at any race. The Runner did the last 7 miles on his own.

Fort William!

The Bearded One and I quickly checked into the Travel Inn (separate rooms although one year we all shared a family room and pretended that The Hippy Chick was my mum!) We then drove up to car park outside the town to see The Runner coming. I'd never been up there before.

The Bearded One managed to run with The Runner to the leisure centre where a crowd (including The Pastor's Wife) cheered him in. He smashed his PB by a staggering 28 mins! I was so proud. I still didn't give him a kiss tho! That was left to another good friend.

After his shower he had a post race massage by the aptly named Angels. It was painful but made a huge difference to his legs the next day.

We made it back to the hotel room and were about to have a coffee when we realised the bar was open until midnight. We dragged ourselves next door and ordered a pint of lager and a G&T. We were so tired we almost nodded off stitting at the table. We didn't finish our drinks but congratulated ourselves on making last orders!

We got back to the room and I went straight to bed. I was in such a deep sleep I didn't hear The Runner get back up, have a bath, go for a walk or go back up to the leisure centre at 5 o'clock to see more runners come in!

Next installment - full Scottish breakfast, prizegiving, boxes, broken down cars and Indian call centres!