Flett Trek 2009 - the 20th!

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The twentieth Flett Trek was in serious doubt as particularly severe weather conditions throughout the “Long Isle’s” two week freeze and fresh snow falls threatened the annual trot …. and swim! However as fate would have it the expected snow fall forecast didn’t start to fall till much later in the day and the road clearances also aided travel to and form Harris for the 20^th Flett Trek.

A half Dozen do the full route

While the Trek did indeed go ahead the runners got under way in full daylight as the drive south was just that bit slower in keeping with the road conditions. (So well done Yogi for that.)

Jonny and Ross through the first glen  followed by Coinneach, Neil & Emma

Jonny and Ross on a fast decent on the fresh snow on the track below Goromul

On arrival at the main road at Urgha between Tarbert and Scalpay there was a surprisingly fortifying sup form Neil from his one pint milk container! It did appear to be apple juice in colour, but the taste was more akin to that supplied by St Bernard rescue dogs! It turned out to be a warming “drop” from Islay! Neil and Emma visiting Harris for the festive period and members of the famous Bellahouston Harriers club will be forever remembered as the milk man and lady carrying special delivery! (Also the nutter’s that turned up in shorts … Neil previously played rugby … say no more!) Great effort both, see you at some Heb3 race in 2010!

Now the real climb begins!

Sprinter Ruairidh and Pat opt to dress warm – walk and try to keep en route

 … no luck then lads!

By the time the runners got the bealach between Trollamul and Beinn Tharsuinn the snow was driving across the path and the walkers tracks that had only passed through 15 minutes earlier were gone! White out at the cairn!

Walker’s graffiti the cairn …. In good taste!

Runners toast the cairn – Neil holds Islay supplies aloft!

And on the low ground … it’s time to take the annual tip!

Tony wants to stage winter Aquathon!

The Flett Trek! A Mountain Top Experience!

And some seriously good rest/warmth and soup!

Thanks to Janetta and Adrienne for their soup and especially to Kathleen and Ethel who had to pull out of the days fun but still took the time to make soup and deliver to the Flett Trekers! Cheers to Yogi driving and together with Murdo Pesh for the real ly appreciated efforts in the kitchen prep and more especially clean up …. What another fine day!

See you Hogmanay 2010!