Hebridean Challenge Prologue

Hmm…. Where to start. Another glass of wine. My second Heb and very different from the first. Not quite as nerve-wracking and awe-inspiring but fabulous nonetheless.


Saturday: arrived on Barra after a pretty unpleasant and heaving ferry crossing (about a 6-er on the Rob-throw-up gauge). Linda suffered despite her pills; I headed for the loo just to be safe and fell asleep in the shower when I found the loo occupied. Meanwhile, Bill was away down the road to Norfolk via York with Heather, George and Biffo to visit families and have parties. Week before was strange – packing for Bill and the kids, sorting out Heb gear, wrestling with software and maps, trying not to train too much.

Also strange arriving in Castlebay – scene of some of the most intense emotions of our race the year before – Iain injured storming down off Sheaval, last leg out to Kisimul Castle and feelings of euphoria at completing the event – and now here we were arriving at another beginning. Drove across to Vatersay to camp on the dunes behind Vatersay beach. Fabulous location, great northern divers, auks, otters and seals in the bay. Calm blue water, endless beach and soft sand to pitch tents in.

Sunday: spent the day missing Bill and the kids and pottering around with gear. Pyro had a go in the lovely new red Inuk (and fortunately liked it); planning sessions with maps and coloured pens and flip charts and lots of scribbling. Kit checks, bike fixing, registration etc. Meeting familiar faces from last year and getting to know new ones. Early-ish bed and torrential rain and winds all night – not a good sleep despite relatively late start and long lie Mon AM.