Final Post

Last night we had a very nice evening visiting with fellow challengers at the banquet. We mostly sat with Peter, Cody, and TJ, but we also spent some time with Immo, and some of our new friends from this year.

Team Canada!

It reminded us of why this event is such a unique experience. It’s amazing to see 300-400 strangers all coming together to go through a difficult but rewarding experience, all being supportive to one another, and all being open to new friends and relationships. I even think Mandy might be softening from her “This is my final crossing” theme!😁. She might be back for another one at some point in the future... 🤞🏻

A Few Random Thoughts:

Best pieces of kit: JM - Hoka boots were super cushiony, feet were much less sore than other trips, Mandy - Therm-a-Rest air mattress, wasn’t cold once or waterproof trousers: easy on and off, light, and waterproof!!  Both - The Katadyn water filtration system was top notch: easy to use, fast filtration, light to carry, and easy to store - highly recommended!

Kit we didn’t use once: gaiters (not sure why because we usually wear them most days), Mandy’s Scottish romance novel (was going to be read in the tent at night, but she must have been as tired as I was) UPDATE - The book was read in full on the airplane on the way home - wasn't worth the carrying 😠

Meal choices: Best - Salami, cheese, mustard flatbread sandwiches for lunch ~5 times. Worst - freeze dried shepherds pie (difficult to prepare, over-spiced)

Favourite location passed: JM - The Lairig Ghru, Mandy - Evening descent into Aviemore from the Monadhliath with views of Cairngorms and Lairig Ghru

Least favourite location: Tick infestation in Glen Strathfarrar


We are in Glasgow this evening all set for our flight home tomorrow. We are both excited to see the boys, and the kitties, and maybe get back to our normal routine for a bit. I want to thank everybody who has followed our blog, and all the kind words of support that we received during the crossing. It was very thoughtful and helpful, and really made a difference to us!! We want to especially thank our UK friends and family - Moira for spending the evening with us in Ballater, Howard for the supportive and very humorous e-mail messages, and Joyce our adoptive Scottish mum for her hospitality and constant encouragement. We love all of you guys, and might have been too miserable to make it across if it wasn’t for you!!!
I think that’s it for this trip!! Thanks again and goodnight!!