They're Off!!!!! 30 miles to go!!

[Black Rat]

Well started shift early, got to Oke 0705 (just in time to miss brekkers! ). Mist, drizzle, usual Oke clag but spirits lifted by the sight of the old and bold chompimg at the bit!

Few quick dits, handshakes and............

El Prez barks "Away my beauties", (well it could have been booties), but indeed they DID make a beautiful sight as they yomped out of Battle Camp and onto the high moor!

All the very best to you guys and gals! Will update later if I can!

ps great to put faces to some of the rascals!!

[John_D]

Thank,s for that ,Black Rat.

I look foreward to your update,

Aye

John_D

[JR]

Cheers Black Rat Keep us up to date.Aye JR

[JulesB]

As its now 1436 some of them should be nearing the hallucination stages by now......

[harry hackedoff]

Spoke to Rob last night as he was acting main gate sentry( Ratso and his crew had just turned up) all were very excited but wanted to know ,
1) where`s scran,
2)where`s the bar,
3) where`s me pit,
No change there, then

Spoke again this morning, at 0720, troops spent most of night training in the bar. Rob said they were hoovering the pints down, last minute bid to top up on electrolytes, I `spose From the background chatter, they all seemed well enough after a night on the piss. Parry gave them a "three, two, one," and a mighty roar of "Mornin Harry Hackedoff" had me in stitches. Then they were offski, weather was overcast but dry, with a promise of sun later on. Endex due at about 1800, then back to Okey for a curry.
Good luck to `em, they`ve another sesh ahead, with thirsts sharpened by the days excertions and the after-affects of the curry

Aye, Harry

[harry hackedoff]

Latest from the Moor, 1600.
Rob says wind is 25 kts, increasing, Westerly. Vis down to 800 metres, decreasing. Cloudbase lowering. Oh, yes er, it`s pissing down.
Rob was at the top of Hexworthy Hill, with the troops ETA there at 1630-ish. Because of the deteriorating weather situation, Endex will be once they arrive at his location. Of 32 starters, ten(ish) have retired with the usual lower leg injuries, with 22(ish) due to finish at Hexworthy. A distance of twenty-four miles. All in excellant spirits with loads of droll humour and taking the piss being the order of the day. ABI is ripping into them all( not seriously, of course) for not going the full thirty, and Rob says the Man Of The Match is Flo, (well done her )
They are walking as a single group so are moving at the pace of the slowest. A couple of guys and an ML from 40, together with our own Bootneck are leading.
Rob says they don`t have access to a land line, so it`s unlikely that any phots will be posted tonight. However, Derek is off homers as he is still jet-lagged, so you never know
Depending on my insomnia, there will be a further update in around three hours
Aye,

[Black Rat]

UPDATE AS OF 1620HRS LOCAL!

Just spoke to Rob with all going well!

Yompers a few miles off of HEXWORTHY but weather not looking to good with clag, rain and low cloud. Rob says wind gusting up to 25kts (which is blowy for you non avaitors!).

A decision is to be made at Hexworthy to see if conditions allow for the yomp to continue to the end.

Remember its SAFETY FIRST!

For those who were not able to make it, I can tell you that the start was an emotional sight and as I rode off the wind caught me visor and brought tears to my eyes, and I dont mind admitting it!

[Black Rat]

How the f*$k does Harry manage to post an update before me when he lives half way around the world????????!!!!!!!!!!

[rabby]

Especially when its what, 4am there, the guy's a machine!

[Andy O'Pray]

I have just got up in this neck of the woods and after reading this thread, I am already knackered. The weather is certainly not working to their advantage, but that's what makes it even more impressive.

Aye - Andy

[harry hackedoff]

Black Rat,I use the force Fraternal salutations, by the way
And yes, I am a machine. A SEX Machine

Given the age of some of the participants, 24 miles on the Moor in these conditions, in around nine hours is bloody good going.
Well done them
Morning Andy enjoy yer Saturday mate.
Aye,

[John_D]

HARRY

You forgot the main ingredient " SCOUSE POWER "

Aye

John_D

[harry hackedoff]

Latest update,1955,
Tried Rob`s phone, no answer. Switched to plan B and rang Sticks. Sounded like him and Parry were having a ships shower.
All back in Okey, safe and sound, shit shave shower and shoe-shine routine and straight into the mess. Spoke to Derek, Si Bywaters, Trev and Sully, who were obviously having a great night.Bastards, all of them . Sully shared transport back to Okey with Yorkie, who absolutely insisted that Sully shared his bottle of Bells. Did you know Sully is fluent in Spanish?Sounds like a great night is in prospect. Well done and enjoy yerselvs, all.
Big well done to the Paramedics from Redruth, two of whom actually walked every step of the way.
Speaking to Rob throughout the day and Sticks, but most of all speaking to the blokes, I have a fair grasp of what went on.
Can I be the first to congratulate all concerned with the organization today. But most of all, to Rob. Well done mate, for making today the success that it is. Bootnecks, doncha just lov`em
Wish I was there, instead of typing about it,
Night all
Aye,
PS, The oldest participant, today, first did the thirty miler in 1951.
Old Bootnecks never die, you have to beat them to death with a stick

[Andy O'Pray]

Well done guys. Don't forget to have a few extra drinkies so that you don't stiffen up in the morning. No! El Prez, not that kind of stiffen up.

Aye - Andy.

[Black Rat]

To the young guys out there hoping to join soon.....

The oldest participant, today, first did the thirty miler in 1951.

Once a Marine........


OUTSTANDING!