Soon the bus was drawing up at the slip in Colintraive, where the first difficulty of the day was to be encountered. After much negotiation with the Purser, the troops were allowed on board without a visa and some local currency was obtained at very advantageous rates, so said John. Such is the length of crossing that Davy Cherry just about had his fly down when the ramp hit the slip at Rhubodach. The gang took the chance to stock up on some valuable fluids in Rothesay, in preparation for the ordeal which lay ahead and not wanting to hold things up, they soon had Hughie driving round the island looking for the start point. The diesel was getting low before they found it – (why is there never a local around to ask when you need one?) and after a quick pose for a pic, off they went along the West Island Way .

         What a beautiful day it was and the route over the back of the island was a treat for all the many walkers from all airts and pairts of the Province. From up there you can see over to Arran, down the Clyde, up the Clyde, Inverkip and much of Bute , including the beautiful Loch Fad. Tommy, Buddy and Jimmy set off at a fair pace, which surely explains later events, when exhaustion was to take its savage toll. Much fluids were taken to stop dehydration, but for some reason both nurses present forgot abut the diuretic effects of the Uisge. Davy Sinclair and Margaret were close behind, Margaret obviously keen not to let John too far from sight. Davy Cherry kept that hardy, young, whipper snapper, John, his faither company, along with some of the other Tarbert 1306 lads.

         The crack was good along the way though a few of the lads drew some funny looks from other walkers out for the day. Tommy Angus thought it might be to do with Buddy, Davy S and Jimmy’s kilts or, perhaps it was more to do with Jimmy’s blond wig? Anyway, despite looking quite fetching, so Tommy said, Jimmy never got one decent proposal the whole day. Funnily enough once Buddy tried it on, the lad d ies were all over him like flies round you know what. Anyway, it wasn’t long before most of the seven miles had passed and Margaret was making use of the fisherman’s facilities to answer a call of nature at Loch Fad. About this time the boys thought there was a rumble of thunder, but whether the two were connected remains a mystery.

        Fortunately, the gang were escorted by a couple of well meaning sherpa’s, only too keen to give expert advice as to the prescribed route to take back to the Ludge, thus sending them on a wild goose chase of an extra ten miles – well, it felt like ten – over some wild terrain above Rothesay. Ever keen to take a shortcut, Tommy tried a suicidal vault over a six foot high, barbed wire fence and only just failed to make it. Ach well, the stitches will soon be out and there will hardly be a scar, eh, Tommy? With the scent of ham sandwiches in the air, the troops were soon into a sprint and ensconced in the Social Club of Lodge Rothesay, St John , No. 292. There they were treated to some fine food and refreshment/s and enjoyed a look round the beautiful lodge room they have there. Thank you for the hospitality 292!

        Time was wearing on and all too soon Hughie’s yellow charabanc was through customs and passport control and back on the mainland. Much against John’s wishes Hughie forced a stop on the waning walkers (try saying that when you’ve a few in you) at the famous Creggans Inn. Well, it’s even more famous now, or is that infamous? Quite what the two tourists who Jimmy tried to enlighten about the kilt and blond wig thought, is anybody’s guess. Next stop was Lucky Dave’s Bar, in Inveraray. What do you mean you have never heard of it? Just give Davy Cherry a wee call and he’ll soon put that right. Davy was soon dispensing large quantities of medication for any aches and pains which might be breaking through the already substantial anaesthesia. If we had one criticism Davy, it would have to be your whisky glasses are too small and would suggest getting a few more pint jugs for the measures you dispense.

         Anyway, things were getting kind’a hairy judging by Margaret’s expression when Davy crossed his legs in most unlady like manner, so it was time to hit the road for the final stretch. She was singing "The Road to the Isles" and judging by the look in her eyes, she’d just seen the "tangle o’ the Isles," never mind smelled it. A few bodies were shortly shovelled on and then back off the bus, into the Social Club and then the party really began. A fine crew of company then gave themselves some royal hospitality and entertainment, the likes of which you’d normally have to pay a fortune for. Ian MacKinnon, Sheena Nicolson and friends gave us some great songs and jokes into the late hours of the evening and Jimmy slept.

          So, all in all, a great day was had by everyone and once the hangovers had gone everyone agreed it had been a great success. Next time it is to be hoped a few more will enter into the spirit and enjoy the fun which such outings have and always will bring to those who take part. Hopefully, you have either collected or contributed to the fundraising which will go to the RNLI, ARMS & Dochas Centres, Lochgilphead and the Befrienders. Keep your eyes peeled for later in the year to find out how much was raised. A mention to Duggie and Libby who walked later in the day and thanks must also go to Hughie, our faithful driver and all who participated, or supported the event in any way.