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Posts about the 2017 TGO Challenge
As agreed last night, breakfast is taken at the first opportunity. Supplies are gathered from the local shop and we sign out. Early. Andy even admits it on the sign-out sheet, saying "it's only 15 minutes". I take a more cowardly approach, adding 5 minutes and annotating "Andy made me!". We're off, up the minor … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Day 1 – “Releasing the Handbrake”
Three attempts at packing have been made. The first in my ULA Circuit, then I deliberately unpack everything and try it in the Mariposa. I think I prefer the Circuit on this occasion and restore the kit to the original bag. There's not much in it, but the carry in the Circuit feels a bit … Continue reading TGO Challenge 2017: Days -1 and 0 – Getting to the Start
The rucksack is packed, my resupply parcel is on its way to Aviemore, and some fresh pants are on their way to Montrose for that feeling of luxury after a fortnight of nether region "crop rotation". Those I'm leaving behind have been provisioned for the next 10 days and after that they'll no doubt turn to … Continue reading Up for the Challenge
I hadn't heard anything back about my amended TGO route sheet for the best part of a month, so I chased it up. No news turned out to be good news, and HQ confirmed it was signed off. So here it is in all its glory. The accommodation is all booked, so now all I … Continue reading Done and Dusted
“Many thanks for your application for the 38th Great Outdoors Challenge. We are delighted to inform you that you have a place on the 2017 Event,” appeared at the start of an email I, and over 300 others, received one day in early November. It threw me into an immediate panic. I'd half expected for my … Continue reading The Start of Something…