A hearty breakfast was had by all, followed by a last team photo before the off, it was evident from the early stages that several members of the team were in some considerable pain as the group slowly splintered into different paced groups, Adam, as usual was off like a rocket even leaving the Romanian in a cloud of dust!!!
Most of the final route was on tarmac which made the pace reasonably fast but also ardous on our feet. It wasn't too long though before we hit some tracks and footpaths over a hill, again the Romanians navigating was somewhat questionable...a path on his map failed to materialise so some trudging round fields and over some rickety fenses ensued!!! It even felt like the rabbits were out to get us by hiding the entrances to their burrows buried in the undergrowth as we dismounted some rusty barbed wire fences.
We were soon back onto the quiet country lanes passing through some very picturesque villages, enhanced further by the glourious sunshine, some very generous people donated en-route, one lady stopping her car to hand over her donation after earlier spotting us entering Cupar.
Eventually after 5 days walking, much pain and many blisters the sign was there....Welcome to St Andrews!! we were there at last.....or so we thought, Greg had a piccie taken kissing the sign, his happines was soon short lived as it became evident that whoever had erected the sign had put it on the extreme outskirts of town, we still had a couple of miles to go!!!!
Where we found the strength to go on is still a mystery, we did a quick check with everyone to make sure we all finished at the same place, unfortunately no answer came from the bear, he was apparently gassing to his wife to keep him going.....an event that would later cause him to walk a few extra very painful yards!!!
After what felt like an eternity, the finishing post was in sight, Ma Bells in St Andrews! As the rest of the team members gathered there was still no sign of the Bear, but after a quick call and directions he arrived about 10 minuites later, more of a Grizzly Bear for a change after making his way to the Cathedral instead of the Pub!!!
Many drinks and moans followed throughout the night as some more serious charity collecting was completed, the residents of St Andrews giving very generously to the cause!!
A great time was had by all throughout the week although all were glad that it had finally finished, and everyone made it in one piece (excluding the feet anyway).
Thank you to all for your support and donations, it will be very gratefully received by MNDA!!!
The Rambling Cockatrices
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