And so it’s done.

The Scottish 6 days has been run, and all orienteers run ragged. The courses and terrain were difficult. Getting to the starts was even more difficult, with many competitors having more climb and distance to their starts, than their actual courses.

Off to the start. 1.87kms to go.

Follow your colour tape to the start.

Follow, what tapes?

Not pink tapes on the route to the start

Today’s event, the final day of competition, had a remote finish. So remote in fact, that even the loudspeakers couldn’t be heard. How stupid is that? With a little more thought, and perhaps an un-timed leg at the end to get competitors down a very steep rocky slope safely, and with a nice long chute to the finish punch, we all could have been able to cheer the runners in. Instead, most competitors finished their run and came down the hill to where the food, toilets and shops were to change and didn’t get to see anything.

First to arrive and the little red tent get prime position

The little red tent.

The little red tent attracts a stream of visitors

Life under the little red tent.

The morning dawned cool, with heavy mist hanging in the gullies, very Brigadoon-like and pretty. Cue in the eerie bagpipe music! Sunshine by lunchtime and 21 degrees, but watch out, the storms are coming. We will be driving to Glasgow on wet roads.

Pete’s enjoyed the orienteering, despite being, in his own words “knackered”. He’s worked very hard, made some unfortunate stuff-ups, but has had fun. “You wouldn’t be dead for quids” is how he described it!

Race 5 is done. Only one more to go.

Even the string course is tough

After the disappointment of day 1, I decided not to compete again. The terrain was just too difficult, too steep and put simply, I completely lost interest in the whole proceedings, although I did enjoy the sprint immensely.

SS6D Day 5

Some of the arena locations and approaches have been nothing short of wonderful.

Farm Castle at the arena entrance

Through the arch and across the stable yard

Leaving the arena, watch out for the Duchess’s carriage.

We’ve wished fond farewells to Christa and Rudi, Austrian friends who we met in Venice several years ago. We enjoyed dinner together last evening, and will catch up with Rudi in Venice again, in November. Christa has work commitments and will be unable to go. Rudi will share our accommodation. We’re staying in the same Palazzo as last time, on the Misericordia canal.

For a dedicated bunch of athletes, Orienteers spend a lot of time in the pub.

We’ve also been keeping up with Tina and Vic via email. They are in Inverness and surrounds, enjoying being tourists. They aren’t too far from us, only about 100 miles north (200 kms approx.) but our paths won’t cross.

Vic. Was it the scone or the sight of leaping Salmon?

Crossing the river Tey. Salmon leaping

Just a couple of days in Glasgow doing the tourist thing, and then we’re off to Iceland. Can’t wait.

Bye for now.

Next blog. Iceland. Who would have thought.

Ilze