NC500 - Done it...and got the T Shirt!!!

So lovely to catch up briefly by phone with Jon today. The campsite yesterday was in a less receptive spot than all the previous ones. But once they were up - and photographic evidence of Andy having breakfast, proved that was before 9am, they got on the road for Inverness. A brief coffee and sausage roll stop in the middle of nowhere, before arriving at just about midday to exchange luxury motorhome for Jon's car.

With a long drive ahead of them Jon had one more place he wanted to visit. The site of the Battle of Culloden, where on 16th April 1746, the Jacobites fought, but lost a battle to get their king back on the throne. Bonnie Prince Charlie then gave up and went back to France, leaving 1500 men dead...of course there is a lot more to it than that. I'm actually reading the second book in the Outlander series, which is set at this time, so quite envious of their trip today. The battle site has a memorial to the men who died, and those 1500 men I believe still lie buried in that spot. The battle lasted only one hour. What a waste of life.

They went in search of Highland coos, and had a little look in a shop. But don't expect presents...this is 3 blokes together remember! Then they got on the road south - next stop Dunfermline.

They got to Dunfermline in good time, and there, at the Travelodge met up with old neighbours of Andy's family, who now live in Bonny Scotland. Lovely that they were able to use the opportunity to see Andy while he was close by, and kind of them to make the journey from their home.

The boys are finishing their epic journey with a pint and a bite to eat together. Tomorrow Jon will drive them all back to our home in Norfolk, where Cath will be waiting to collect Andy and Martin, to save Jon that last 3 hour return trip from Herts to Norfolk.

I know lots of people have been reading this journal, so I have done my best to give a flavour of their trip, without actually being there. I feel like I have been there in part, and most definitely have been willing them on their way. I feel huge pride for these 3, Jon, Martin and Andy, who ultimately made it happen. But also for Andy's family, and friends who have overcome numerous obstacles in the run up, to make this dream come true for Andy. Who thought we would see him canoeing in his own inflatable canoe, on a Scottish Loch, or climbing down and then back up again, a daunting staircase of 361 steps on the side of a cliff, or treking for more than an hour through rivers of water in driving wind and rain? Probably, if we are honest, none of us! So thank you for letting me play a small part in recording your journey, it has been a privilege.

If you haven't already donated, and want to read about Andy's challenge, I will find a way to share that link again. TeensUnite a worthwhile cause, for whom Andy is raising money with his virtual 3 peaks challenge- whilst suffering himself the most evil of brain tumours. It has been said by many of his friends already, but Andy you truly are an inspiration to us all.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/andysvirtualthreepeaks