The latest from George Burley, Scotland Football Manager:
Let’s start by saying the walk is an incredible challenge – but like with any challenge (including football) a positive outlook is essential. I’m used to dealing with my Scotland team on the pitch but I’ve found today that there are lots of similarities between our national squad and the walking team.
I’ve witnessed a real energy and focus on the job. Everyone, including myself knows that the walk is for an excellent cause and the end goal is to raise as much money as possible for the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation. Every step is a great feat; it signifies the money that has been raised and I know that I and the team share the same thought.
We reached the half way point today and I was delighted to be part of a team that motivated and encouraged each other throughout the day. We completed 20 gruelling miles in just less than eight hours and it was certainly a day of two halves – the morning, steady, structured and straightforward, the second somewhat different.
Events kicked off just after lunch. Graham Bradford and Stephen Woodhouse, regional general managers were chased by a cow who was guarding her calves. Their pace certainly quickened at that point – perhaps they just wanted to be the first through the door at the Green Welly Cafe where an eagerly awaited lunch greeted us – I highly recommend it. We also ‘saved’ a walker who had fallen into the Loch. Never underestimate the perils of this walk. We all went to her aid and after a quick tidy up, a donation of refreshments and a walker’s pole she was happily on her way until we met her again during our lunch stop.
Spirits remained high and we arrived safely at the Bridge of Orchy just before darkness fell. The end game isn’t over just yet, but the team are definitely winning…
More on the walk tomorrow…
