Robert Murray Stamp Shop                 Page 19                           Summer 2004 Price List

The Caledonian Challenge 2004.

In a moment of mild insanity I agreed some months ago to join a team to enter this annual event. I’d heard about it before, but never seriously considered actually doing it. What does it involve ?  Well, simply, walking 54 miles. That’s all. Except it’s not just any old 54 miles – these are some very hilly miles !  And . . . you have to try to do the whole thing within 24 hours. That’s all.

Our team consisted of six – four walkers, and two “support team”. All of us know each other through playing Scottish traditional music together, hence our team name the “4 Four-Tunes”. We put in some practice walks, did a lot of talking about food and equipment and transport and stuff, then on Saturday 19 June the big day was upon us. We’d travelled up to Fort William the previous day, and were in the 11am starting group. About 1,300 people took part overall, many from corporate teams.

The walk itself ?  Well, what a strange mixed experience. The route is the northern section of the West Highland Way, from Fort William to the north end of Loch Lomond – and the scenery is just stunning. Being there, on foot, often well away from roads and habitation just doubles the power of the landscape. The walk was divided into five sections, and we were able to meet up with our support team (with the shop van) at these checkpoints – welcome stops to fuel up on food and drink, get changes of clothing, and (eeaugh !) check our feet. As the miles passed, these checkpoints became less like cheerful meeting places, and more like casualty clearance centres. The dark hours (although that was really only about midnight to 3am) were tough walking – much less relaxing when you have to take care with every step.

However, all four of us finished and collected our “gold” medals. I’ve been asked a number of times if I would do it again. I’ve yet to give an answer.

The whole thing was in aid of charity – our team has raised over £2,000 for the Scottish Community Foundation, which gives grants to many smaller charities, projects, and organisations.

My thanks to everybody in any way involved – the organisers, our team/support team, customers and friends who either gave money or raffle prizes, a very supportive family, and everybody who has taken an interest.

By the way, it’s not too late to donate. Either by getting some money to us here at the shop, or you can do it online at www.caledonianchallenge.com/sponsorship – then choose our team name “4 FourTunes”. Thanks !

Robert Murray Stamp Shop 5 & 6 Inverleith Gardens Edinburgh  Scotland EH3 5PU Tel. 0131 552 1220 or 0131 478 7021 UK local rate number 0845 0500 886 Homepage; www.stamp-shop.com Email; murray@stamp-shop.com	How to Order Mail Orders are accepted by post, telephone, email, or fax. We accept payments by cash, cheque, Visa/MasterCard, Switch/Delta, and some foreign currencies. Basically, we charge [the advertised price of the goods] plus [the actual price of postage] plus [50p per order handling charge].  Full details can be seen at our How to Order page.	Our Shop is open five days each week, and customers are always, of course, welcome. We carry very wide stocks of the whole world - much, much more than is listed on our website.
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