Some years ago, I and a few other locals I knew, headed out on an adventure into the Cairngorm's from Braemar side. One of the chappies very nice fella, was a Captain or Major in the Territory army, who insisted on leading the way, So off we troded. Some 5 miles in, he told us to rest a bit, while he scouted on ahead with his binoculars. Proper nice chap again I thought, but equally tiring listening to him telling us of his many adventures in the outer reaches of India.
When he came back he plopped down his rucksack, and walked around drinking his newly poured tea.
While he wasn't looking a good pal of mine equally fed up of him, placed 2 rather large stones into the bottom of his rucksack, which was close by.
Off we jolly go he said, waving to us relaxing in the nice mid day sun, soon we was more than 7 miles out, couple of the girls looked tired, so I called too the, said Captain, could we turn about soon for the sake of the poor lassies.
Only another mile to go he shouts, then we can rest up again. Which we did, again leaving his rucksack behind trodded off up the path.....Perfect another 2 large stones into the bottom of his rucksack ..soon he will notice, we thought.
It worked, 150 yards, he turned and said " Plenty for today chappies, lets head back, over this way", Okay lead on, right through a blooming marsh bog he led us....was not best pleased neither where the poor lassies.
We eventually found the correct route back, which was 10 miles further that anticipated for the day.
Strange thing is he never, noticed the stones, not even a change in his stride, so power to him he must have been fitter than we all thought...reckon on a good 15-20 kgs added.
But he did mention he must be getting rather old these days, and less fit, he struggled on the inclines a bit.....
We never heard from him after that 1 time.....wonder why?
=======
I have cut this from the opening post.
Richard
When he came back he plopped down his rucksack, and walked around drinking his newly poured tea.
While he wasn't looking a good pal of mine equally fed up of him, placed 2 rather large stones into the bottom of his rucksack, which was close by.
Off we jolly go he said, waving to us relaxing in the nice mid day sun, soon we was more than 7 miles out, couple of the girls looked tired, so I called too the, said Captain, could we turn about soon for the sake of the poor lassies.
Only another mile to go he shouts, then we can rest up again. Which we did, again leaving his rucksack behind trodded off up the path.....Perfect another 2 large stones into the bottom of his rucksack ..soon he will notice, we thought.
It worked, 150 yards, he turned and said " Plenty for today chappies, lets head back, over this way", Okay lead on, right through a blooming marsh bog he led us....was not best pleased neither where the poor lassies.
We eventually found the correct route back, which was 10 miles further that anticipated for the day.
Strange thing is he never, noticed the stones, not even a change in his stride, so power to him he must have been fitter than we all thought...reckon on a good 15-20 kgs added.
But he did mention he must be getting rather old these days, and less fit, he struggled on the inclines a bit.....
We never heard from him after that 1 time.....wonder why?
=======
I have cut this from the opening post.
Richard
Last edited by a moderator:
