Saturday, 28 March 2009

Travis & Scott Go Firefighting!







HI Folks
Scott and I went for a visit to Motherwell fire station today. Trek team member Lindsay is a firefighter with Strathclyde Fire & Rescue at Motherwell and invited us over to meet the watch. Great time for some photos with the fire engine. So thanks to the red watch, enjoyed my time with you. Aldo gave me a new name of firehouse dog!! Think I will stick to Travis, no danger of singed paws!

We also went to get me some lovely goodies for the trek courtesy of the civil service sports council fund. So thanks for that.

Please keep registering for the walk, the more the merrier! Thanks to everyone for their donations and support.
Woof woof
Travis

Friday, 27 March 2009

Trek Team Visit Ibrox

Hi folks
Had a visit to Ibrox yesterday with Scott and some of the team to do some important security stuff. So a big thank you to Carol and Allister for their time and all the effort they are putting in to make the finale to Legendstrek a great one.

My personal bodyguards, the Royal Marines, will be escorting us all the way along Paisley Road West to the main stand at Ibrox to complete our trek. A great photo opportunity and you never know who might turn up! More details of the last day will be on the homepage so please have a look.

We have had it confirmed that the trek team are going onto the Ibrox pitch at half time. The team got a bit excited at that news!

Carol is also organising a press conference from Ibrox next week, details of which will be confirmed very soon.

We also have another legend joining us on Friday 10th, former midfield maestro Bobby Russell.

Huge thanks to everyone for their continuing support and donations. If you want to join us on any of the days please register, details are on the homepage.
woof woof
Travis

Thursday, 26 March 2009

The LegendsTrek Line Up

FRIDAY 3rd April - gathering in Fort William at Alexandra Milton Hotel
Q & A with Terry Hurlock and Arthur Newman.

SATURDAY 4th April - walking with Terry, Arthur and Harold Davis
Q & A at McDonald Hotel Kinlochleven with Terry, Gordon Dalziel and Harold Davis.

SUNDAY 5th April - walking with Terry and Gordon Dalziel
Q & A in Bridge of Orchy Hotel with Terry, Gordon and Mark Hateley.

MONDAY 6th April - walking with Terry and Mark Hateley
Q & A at Bridge of Orchy Hotel with Terry, Mark and Gordon Durie.

TUESDAY 7th April - walking with Terry and Gordon Durie
Q & A at Ben Moore Lodge Hotel, Crainlarich with Terry and Gordon Durie.

WEDNESDAY 8th April
- walking with Terry and Alex Rae
Q & A at Ardlui Hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond with Terry, Alex and Andy Goram.

THURSDAY 9th April - walking with Terry and Andy Goram
Q & A at the Winnock Hotel, Drymen with Terry and Andy.

FRIDAY 10th April - walking with Terry and Bobby Russell
Q & A at the Winnock Hotel, Drymen with Terry, Smeato (others to be confirmed).

SATURDAY 11th April - walking with Terry, Smeato and others to be exclusively confirmed on this site very soon, followed by end of trek party in "Wee Rangers Club" Edminston Drive with legends, details on site soon.

Questions & Answer sessions will start around 7.30/ 8pm each night.

Walking starts 9am sharp each day with the exception of the last day (11th) which will start at 8am.

Any questions please email the trek team on legendstrek@blueyonder.co.uk

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

Legendstrek goes to Faslane

Well guys another busy weekend has flown by and we’re another step closer to the kick off.

Monday was our much anticipated trip to Faslane with Andy “The Goalie” Goram to meet our supporters and friends from the Marines. After a fascinating health and safety briefing (have to say guys the carpet wasn’t half as comfy as the one at Scottish parliament, a dog of my importance has standards you know!!) we were lined up against a wall and shot, by cameras for our passes that is! Anyway security is pretty tight up there and of course those subs are being expertly guarded by our Elite Force 24/7 so don’t even think about it you baddies you won’t stand a chance against our boys (certainly glad they’re on our side!!) There were a few photo opportunities (more pics to follow soon) then Scott, the Goalie and the rest of the team were kitted out in Gore Tex head to toe (the vital statistics are another closely guarded secret I was told!) They then all headed out to the boats and I stayed behind and had a very pleasant bowl of water provided by the lovely Lorraine who is my new best friend and catered to my every whim. Well the Scottish weather didn’t disappoint and it lurched from bucketing it down with rain to glorious sunshine many times through the afternoon. Neil was the poor bloke charged with taking the team out and showing them the ropes and judging by the squeals I think he succeeded in scaring the pants of them with his crazy driving skills (well done Neil, I owe you a pint, I try scaring Scott all the time by taking him to the edge of cliffs but folks keep saving him!!) Anyway the gang had a fantastic time and we were all looked after and made feel really welcome by all the Marines and of course Colour Sergeant Billy Rodgers was there to show us around and “borrow” some gear for the trek on a permanent basis! Thanks again boys for a truly memorable day we can’t wait to see all of you that can make it on the trek!

Sunday, 22 March 2009

Legendstrek update with only two weeks til kick off



Well Guys, less than 2 weeks til kick off and loads of news to catch up on!

Firstly, well done everyone who made it out of their beds bright and early this morning to get in training and sample the pace that me and the team travel at! As usual the Pentlands didn't disappoint and the weather was errm “blustery” as the lady said on the telly. Has to be said that guide dogs don’t make good kites and Brenda and Mabel did a fantastic job of keeping their knitted bonnets on up at the top of that first hill there!! Arthur and Herbert were seen to have to hold on to one another in order not to slip and damage their new hip replacements. Needless to say the home made jam sandwiches and warm pot of tea provided by Larkhall WRVS were much appreciated by all those that made such a sterling effort to turn out on a less than pleasant Mothering Sunday morning!!!

Anyway the usual Travis trekkers plus new convert Derek and ex logistics manager Martin had a great walk today and we all managed to return weary but injury free!!

Tomorrow is another big day. Scott is getting all excited about the prospect of getting to play on the boats at Faslane, personally I’m a little worried it might make his new hair doo a bit fuzzy (thanks to Elaine and Carrie for sponsoring his trendy new barnet by the way) We are all looking forward to meeting the Royal Marines from Fleet Protection Services and the “Goalie” himself Andy Goram is coming along to get measured for a pair of designer combat flip flops and a some desert storm long johns, look out for the footage of this on Rangers TV in the near future!

News on the final day, unfortunately Ted McMinn has had to pull out due technical problems, but don’t worry guys there are plenty of other stars to meet that day, keep tuned for exclusive news coming soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I mentioned on the ShoutBox, logistics for the final day are a bit tricky. We will be meeting at Harry Ramsdens at 11am and hoping to move off at 11.30. We will be led all the way to Ibrox by Hamish from the Royal Marine Regimental Pipe Band and of course our Nation Flag and the Marine Standard.

The end of Trek party will be held at the Wee Rangers Club (next to the stadium) from 19.00 til the wee small hours or until the bar runs dry, news about how you can secure your tickets to follow soon.

Thanks Scott and my colleagues who bought the majority of the 500 Travis lollies that were shipped directly from Blackpool, the new batch will be winging its way up the M6 shortly and also thanks to Big Grant and the guys from the San Francisco Rangers supporters club for their generous donation. It is truly humbling even for a dog as famous as me to know that we have such tremendous support from far and wide as well as the unbelievable continued support from the TravisTrek old faithful.

Limited stock is still available in the shop so get in there quick to avoid disappointment.

Woof Woof for now

Travis

Friday, 20 March 2009

JOIN US FOR A TRAINING DAY THIS SUNDAY

Hi Folks,
Well the count down has really started, not long to go now!! Scott and the team are planning a training day this Sunday (22nd), on the Pentlands hills, one of my favourite walks. We plan an early start so get the alarm clocks set and come and join us.

Meeting point is at the Flotterstone Visitor Centre. Time 0800hrs for an 0815hrs kick off. You cant miss me, I will be the waggy tailed excited lab just rearing to go so dont be late!!!

To get to the centre, head through Carnwath, join the A702, takes about an hour from Larkie.

Our planned route is to walk up Turnhouse, Carnethy and Scald Law hills. And if we are feeling energetic East and West Kip too before heading back down to the Loganlea and Glencorse resevoirs. The road past the resevoirs is about 5km and it takes us back to the car park. The walk takes approx 4 hours.

A wee refreshment can then be enjoyed at the Flotterstone Inn. So come and join us, for a cracking day on the hills where you can meet the team and ask them questions about the trek.And dont forget your cameras folks as there is fine views from the hills.

Woof Woof
Travis

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

Important Information for ANYONE wanting to walk


Hi guys, thanks for all the continued support and donations, the shop is up and running now so get shopping for your limited edition LegendsTrek merchandise while stocks last. Travis Lollies will also soon be available so there’s something for everyone, even if you can only spare a pound. Hope you all got you copies of the Scottish Sun today, page 44 is the only part that really matters!!

Now sorry to get all serious but we have to emphasise just how important it is that you register if you are thinking of walking, this is so that we can order you your commemorative T-Shirt but also so that we can communicate ESSENTIAL information for the walk. Part of the team walked the last section of the Trek today to get timings and it has to be said that logistics are going to be a bit of a headache that day!!!!

Woof Woof

Travis

Saturday, 14 March 2009

More Info on the speed march

Achnacarry Speed March

During the Second World War, it was the first hurdle for volunteers for commando training. Achnacarry House (Castle Commando) and grounds were used as Britain’s principal Commando training establishment. The initial march took place when volunteers arrived at Spean Bridge Railway station. Heavy kit would be placed upon waiting transport and troops were forced to march to the gates of Achnacarry house carrying their fighting order weighing 36lbs. The time allowed for the 6.9-mile route was 1 hour with failed recruits being RTU’d (returned to unit). The course consists of a 6.9-mile road march climbing around 400 feet out of Spean Bridge Station passing the Commando Memorial after the 1.5-mile mark. The last mile being a steady incline and a drop to the house resulting in a few sprint finishes at the end.

The modern version dates back to 1996 with the participants raising money for the Commando Benevolent Fund and The Airborne forces Charity.


Achnacarry & The Commandos

Achnacarry Castle hereditary seat of the Clan Cameron, was invaded and ravaged by the Duke of Cumberland's army after the Jacobite Rising of 1745. In 1942, two hundred years later it was once again occupied by the British Army, when "Commando Training" was born and the Commando Basic Training Centre was established there.

Sir Donald Cameron of Locheil and his family, moved into voluntary exile at a nearby house at Clunes and along with local residents watched as the Allied troops were trained.

Although there had been Commando units before 1942, Winston Churchill personally ordered the raising of this elite force back in the summer of 1940. Although previous specialist training had been given, it had proved unsatisfactory and it was decided that one centre was needed to ensure a regular flow of trained troops. Achnacarry was chosen as the location of this important Centre.

After arrival at the Centre, the trainees were taught tactics, war techniques, and devised many new ones. The trainees used the latest weapons and equipment and trained to be experts in handling captured weapons. They were also taught unarmed combat and survival skills in the unpredictable mountain climate of Lochaber.
Ben Nevis (4,406 feet), Britain's highest mountain was only an 18 mile run from Achnacarry, reaching the summit only one of the challenges for a day's training. Deep dark lochs, River Arkaig in flood were used to acquire skills in handling small boats and practice assault landings.

Night training was greatly emphasised, darkness was an ally the Commandos were trained to exploit this. Live ammunition, always used at the Centre, to provide battle conditions involved risks and sadly a number of trainees were killed during training. All officers and other ranks received the same training. Trainees who did not achieve the high standards were (RTU'd) returned to units. Those who completed the training received the coveted Green Beret. Achnacarry separated the men from the boys. American, French, Belgian, Norwegian, Polish, German (Jewish) and Dutch allied troops were trained at Achnacarry.

The Commandos were awarded 38 battle honours, 8 Victoria Crosses, 37 Distinguished Service Orders (9 with bars), 162 Military Crosses (13 with bars) and 218 Military Medals, some of the battles they fought were the bloodiest of the Second World War.

The world famous Commando Memorial stands proudly high above Spean Bridge. The three gigantic bronze figures stand proud in battledress, woollen caps and climbing boots looking across the Great Glen. The 17 foot high Memorial was designed by Scott Sutherland from Dundee College of Art in 1949, and unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother in 1952. Hundreds of veteran Commandos make the annual pilgrimage to attend the Service of Remembrance and Wreath Laying held at the Memorial in November.

The Commando Association was granted the Freedom of Fort William and Lochaber in 1993. The illuminated Scroll is on display together with a range of memorabilia and photographs in the Commando Exhibition in the Spean Bridge Hotel.

LegendsTrek attracts support from Number 10!!


Wow! We've got support from number 10!
Came home from work yesterday to find a letter from Downing Street, letter of support to Scott and the team from Gordon Brown The Prime Minister of Great Britain himself!
Appears he had heard about our endeavours from David Blunkett and Legends Trek team member Julie, will get the letter scanned and uploaded soon folks, we thank Gordon for his kind support!!

Got news last night that our site shop will be live soon folks, thanks to Stephen for his work on the site this year, cheers mucker!

This morning it was time to meet up with some of the gang we had not walked with for a wee while, Steely drove and Martin joined us for a yomp up Tinto hill. We love Tinto hill, we do, if you've not tried it get up there folks! We tackled the "normal" route directly from the car park, the winds got stronger as we battered on to the top, invograting for mind body and soul Scott muttered;
Plenty laughs of previous outing with the lads and all looking forward to the forthcoming wee walk in the country, can you believe its less than 3 weeks to kick off now???

Still some snow on the top of this South Lanarkshire hill, the winds on the way down were similar to what we "enjoyed" a few weeks ago on the Pentlands, some would say crazy but the gang loved it!!

Thanks to the trekkers continuing to register on line via the site, keep the names and numbers coming folks we really need to get a number of how many are joining this once in a lifetime adventure.

Off for some heavy zed's and chilling before an early start on another hill tomorrow!

woof woof


Trav

Friday, 13 March 2009

Rangers Media also support LegendsTrek

Follow the link to this fantastic piece

http://home.rangersmedia.co.uk/index.php/articles-mainmenu-2/15-supporters/830-travis-trek-2009-walking-with-rangers-legends

legendstrek on BBC website

Have a look at this piece on the BBC website!

http://news.bbc.co.uk:80/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7939499.stm

Thursday, 12 March 2009

LegendTrek hits facebook and bebo

Anyone on facebook or bebo, feel feel to join the groups that have been created for us (cheers Rab!!!)

Just follow these links

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=8788569033
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=54824109842

LegendsTrek goes to Parliment

Travelled through to Edinburgh with Legends Trek member Shona, got all excited when seen Scott getting his rucksack boots and walking gear on, but gutted when found out he was only filling it with flyers and stuff to take through to see some dudes in suits at the Parliament lol;
I much prefer them hills folks!!
We headed over to grab fellow Legendstrek.co.uk member Lindsay from the fire station, complete in his fireman’s gear from the station at Motherwell!

We met Don, Billy and Gena and Jane from Guide dogs over at the Holyrood Parliament buildings and the guys got shown around.
Karen Gillian, the local MSP had invited us over to help promote this now monster of a trek, thanks Karen!
I had a good doze on the extra thick shag pile carpet as first ministers questions was happening lol;
We went downstairs and Karen invited us to all the MSP's, loads of names but cannot remember them all folks, plenty pics to come real soon!
Highlight for the bluenose corner was bumping into the 1 and only Mr. Graeme Souness - he gave me a good cuddle and done us a wee youtube clip, will give you a shout when its uploaded gang!
Thanks for helping out Graeme, and the boys thank you for the Gers memories, legend is what they kept muttering!

Rangers TV were there to do some stuff for the forthcoming Legends Trek documentary, a bit will be on RTV next week as Michael interviewed Scott and Karen in the Holyrood building, will give you a shout when its on troops;
Felt like a move star in my own house today as Michael and Chris came back to some filming with Scott and me in the wee blue flat lol;

Thanks to all the kind on line donations today, and the generous donation from big Neil in Toronto, cheers big man!

Trav


woof woof

Monday, 9 March 2009

LegendsTreks finds gold at the end of the Rainbows



Big thanks to 1st Warton Rainbows for their generous donation raised by their sponsored silence. Anyone with a six year old will know just how challenging this was for them!!
I loved meeting all the little gems and their thought provoking questions such as "when is Travis' birthday!" I'll expect my card in the the post girls!!

Woof woof and a big lick

Travis

Sunday, 8 March 2009




Big thanks to Colour SGT. Billy Rodgers from Fleet Support Service Royal Marine Faslane for kindly inviting me to become the first Guide Dog to take part in the famous "Spean Bridge Royal Marine Speed March" Becoming an honorary green beret is an honour, was a pleasure to become part of the British Military's famous Corps, and I salute each and every 1 of the gallant men of the Royal Marines for welcoming us up North today and making me, Shona and Scott feel welcome.
We'll soon have the official photos taken by Brian the Navy photographer on the site, will give you all a shout folks, of us all including Regimental SGT Major Mick and his dog too (they said it was a dog, personally I saw him tucking Little Red Riding Hoods cape in his rucksack but didn’t like to mention it to Scott!). We enjoyed the hike along through the street from the railway station as Billy told us the facts of this famous march. Apparently when the commando HQ was situated in he area the prospective commandos had to march, some with suitcases and boots, from the railway station after jumping off the train and march to the HQ in under 60 mins, a minute late and they were told to go back and try again next day, walking all the way back down hill and glen again!
The undulating route took us to the commando monument at Spean Bridge, where we firstly posed for photos with the new Legends Trek banner (thanks to Tony for sorting that out). An emotional place for so many, this historical monument had a freshly laid wreath to the fallen in past and present from the Royal Marines and SBS, the motto "United we will conquer" will stay fresh in our memory forever, especially for the forthcoming trek!!!!!
Shona and Scott blethered away to Billy Whizz all the way to the finish line some 7 miles up and down hill as Billy roared on the competitors, don’t worry folks, I kept my 3 going at a good speed, none of this slow walking lark when the Trav is around lol; I heard a good story about Billy and the Canadian grizzly, lets just say that Billy being nicknamed Billy Whizz and him being a good runner came in handy - more on that famous story to come from Billy soon!!

Plenty of good Scottish rain to keep us cool all the way up to the finish point at the house - more on the history of this event to follow as the 2 legged Legend Trek team members found it very interesting and have loads to tell you lot!
After that it was back to the monument in the mini bus with the lads from FPS for a team photo and thanks to Brian all these will be uploaded very soon folks, plenty uniforms on show Daisy!!!!!
We dried out in the Commando bar in Spean Bridge as the gang done some "networking" - aye right! lol;
A great day out in top class company, and looking forward to seeing a lot of them faces on the trek!
Some expert driving from Shona in shocking driving conditions got us home in safety, was I 1 hungry dog on my return home to the hamlet of Larky!!!!!

Thanks for the continued donations via Royal Mail, paypal and just giving and also all who are continuing to register, well done everyone!

Trav

woof woof

Saturday, 7 March 2009

Sir Jimmy Saville lends his supports to LegendsTrek



Sir Jimmy Saville, king of charities in Great Britain has kindly said "now then now then now then" and sent a very generous cheque to help legendstrek.co.uk! Sir Jimmy also sent a lovely letter wishing us and all at 45 Commando all the very best in our venture. Sir Jimmy for Prime Minister the legendstrek.co.uk team shout! We will have the letter scanned for all to see on the site real soon.
I'm off with Shona and Scott en route to Fort William area for the Royal Marine speed march, plenty photos and news to follow real soon folks!

Keep letting all know about our site and help make this venture the best success ever!


Trav


woof woof

Friday, 6 March 2009

Sponsored Pups






Pups

The tremendous success of Travis Trekking has ensured we have been lucky enough to sponsor and name 9 very special Guide Dogs, from wee bundles of fur to becoming an integral part of a blind person’s life somewhere in the UK.


Since after our first trek, The West Highland Way we named the sponsored pups after either a big supporter in that particular event of someone special in the life of Scott and the gang.
The West Highland Way pups were named Suzie and Lemmy.
Thanks to Suzie McGuire from Radio Clyde in Glasgow we got plenty air time and loads of publicity, Suzie even ensured that we had transport home from Fort William, after leaving home with nothing arranged, we’ll always be grateful to Suzie for that 1! She was even such a supporter that she came along to our after trek party heavily pregnant (check the photo ;) to MC it and bring along a whole load of raffle prizes from the station that has helped us so much!

Lemmy was named after the superstar rocker from Motorhead, the kind of music Scott says is “very motivational and gets you out of bed in the morning” many might disagree lol;
We were lucky enough to meet Lemmy backstage at the world famous Barrowland in Glasgow after a gig. Lemmy proved to be a very intelligent man a big dog lover and was over the moon with the framed print we presented him with of his 4 legged namesake!

The Speyside Way saw us name more 3 pups. With Clyde FC being big supporters, the then management team of Graham Roberts and Joe Miller helping promote our trek and also give the Travis Trek fund a very kind donation from the players kitty it was only right that a pup should be name Clyde.
With many a tune going through Scott and the team’s heads as they trekked up all along the Speyside Way to the fishing town of Buckie there were many memorable songs.
1 of the soundtracks of the trek was without a doubt “Dignity” by Deacon Blue, with lead signer Ricky Ross kindly coming along to the after trek party we dedicated “Blue” the pup to this iconic Scottish band.
Another band whose songs stuck in the minds of the trekkers were the Stereophonics, we therefore named “Kelly” in dedication to the lead signer of the Welsh rockers, Kelly Jones.

The Southern Upland Way challenge saw a 2 further pups being named. With fantastic support coming from Radio Clyde’s breakfast DJ, George Bowie who kindly came along to the end of trek party, invited us into the station to be interviewed and helped promote this event we named “Bowie” in tribute to George’s help.

The now patron of Travis Trek has become such a legend with everyone he has met over the last couple of years and become such an integral part of Travis Trek, helping out whenever and wherever he can, it was an honour for us to name “Arthur” the pup in tribute to the former Rangers and Holland great. Arthur has done so much to help promote the events and again taking time out to take part on day 1 of this year’s event, he has shown exactly why he is such an ambassador for the game of football and a true gentleman.

The Pennine Way saw 2 pups being named after our 2 main big supporters and helpers. The Rangers Supporters Trust made it possible for Scott and Travis to launch the trek on the slopes of Ibrox Park, a dream for Scott! After a discussion with the board members of the RST the decision to name the pup after the late great Rangers, Motherwell and Scotland Legend Davie Cooper was taken.

With Thomas and Don from 45 Royal Marine Commando, based at Condor in Arbroath, supplying such support on this epic trek and making it all very possible with no hitches and ensuring we kept to very tight time schedules it was a pleasure to name a pup Condor in dedication to the base. The whole Travis Trek team now have very emotional ties with this elite Regiment of the British military and thank them for such brilliant, professional and efficient support and look forward to their help again this trek.
So folks, there you go with the history of the pups we have been lucky enough to sponsor.
We look forward to being able to name and sponsor more pups this time that will go on to change their owner’s life very much for the better,
like Ike and Travis have done for Scott.

Wednesday, 4 March 2009

Latest News

Well folks the donations are coming in thick and fast now but lets not rest on our laurels we need to keep the funds rolling in and make this trek a huge success (I’m not even sure that dogs have laurels but I heard one of my colleges at work is getting her lyrical waxed for charity, and that sounds painful enough!!)

Anyway another massively busy week, Scott tells me we’re off to do some filming for GMTV Scotland tomorrow, the “Sun” article will be out any time now, the piece in HMRC’s staff publication “pulse” has raised loads of interest and “Country Walking” magazine is also out tomorrow with another great article so we are looking forward to more donations and trekkers getting in touch to join us in the next week.

For those of you that weren’t there or those that don’t remember we unveiled our marvellous LegendsTrek banner at the recent MammaMia night (many thanks to Tony for sponsoring the banner), well keep an eye on the photo gallery to see the weird and wonderful places that we’re going to take it in the final few training weekends before the start of the Trek. We plan launch a competition to see if you can guess where we are. First to guess will win one of my goodie bags (don’t even try asking Scott for clues I make it my business never to give him too many details about where I’m taking him)

Anyway, I’m off for a bit of pampering before my TV appearance tomorrow, my head gets bigger by the day.

P.S. thanks to my two legged colleges at work for their continued support, even more money in today from the footie cards!!

Woof Woof

Travis

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Traing Day At Tinto Sunday 1st March









Hi folks
Sorry for my delay in posting our most recent training diary, been busy checking out how we got there!!! Been to Tinto many times but not this way, wasn’t sure if Lindsay knew what he was doing, think he was just trying to impress with the map/compass!! So had a sneaky look myself, not easy with four paws!

On a lovely Sunday morning, me, Scott, Lindsay, Shona and Skye (no jealousy ladies but she is a lovely golden lab, not unlike yours truly!) were off to Wiston for a different route up to the Tinto summit. Covering about 10km in a circular route.
Headed up towards Tinto Hill from the south, by a steep assent to Pap Craig. Lots of scree, kind of like trying to ski uphill. Great fun if you’re a dog!! After the obligatory photo shoot we reached the trig point (700m).

After a well earned rest and a bonio i sent the team members off to give flyers to a small group of people at the cairn.
We set off this time westerly to Lochlyock hill (summit 529m) where we descended south off the hill to pick up the road back to Wiston.
So fab day of training for all, hope your all getting those boots on and practising!
Woof woof
Travis


Monday, 2 March 2009

Mamma Mia Update

Just a quick update as promised on the total raised from the Mamma Mia night! Well folks we broke the £1000 mark so well done everyone for digging deep and helping to raise that fantastic amount.
Again a huge thank you to Bob and Robert for their tremendous effort in organizing the night and making it such a success.

A big cheers to Tony for supplying our fabulous banner, keep a lookout on
the photo gallery to see the weird and wonderful places we take it to during our last few weeks of training

Woof woof for now

Trav

Joining the Trek

Hi Folks

We have been overwhelmed with the amount of people hoping to join us on our latest adventure. We are looking forward to welcoming you all on the trek. However as a result of the huge interest we are now asking for everyone to register prior to walking. This is to enable us to assign you your own walker number, order the right size t-shirt and have a lunch ready (not sharing my bonios with anyone!).

The cost of registration will be £10 and can be donated through the justgiving link which is available directly from the button on the site or by going to www.justgiving.con/legendstrek. The £10 can be knocked off your sponsorship money so don’t worry we’re not asking you to raise anymore than the £50 donation originally suggested although the more the merrier and just think of all the fab guide dogs like me that you are helping to pay for!!

As well as registering please send your contact details to legendstrek@blueyonder.co.uk so that one of the team can confirm your place.

Sponsor forms are easy to download from the front page of the website, just click on the “sponsor form” link under the pretty picture of me with my tongue hanging out!!

Also on that page is a disclaimer form please download,fill in and bring with you.

A few questions have been asked about what to bring on the walk. As a veteran of the WHW and many other treks am sure I can give you some hints. For me, I have a fur coat to keep me warm, four all terrain paws and a wagging tail to ensure the bonios keep coming. But for the mere humans among us!! Common sense apparently is the order of day. Remember those toe nails, Scott and Hoolit on that first trek!!!! I can say no more but that’s a tale to be told on this walk, another part of Travis Trek Folklore.

The excellent and official WHW website will give you lots of information on the Way and what to bring etc.
http://www.west-highland-way.co.uk/home.asp

Below are some common questions already asked. Hope it helps if not then please contact a Travis Trek team member at legendstrek@blueyonder.co.uk



Common Q & A

Q: Can I bring a carry oot??
A: Naw, but do bring plenty of water to drink.


Q: Are there any toilets on the Way?
A: Plenty, trees for the boys, bushes for the girls.


Q: Is it alright to wear trainers?
A: Sensible footwear, so supportive trainers are okay, nae gutties, stillettoes, wellies.


Q: Will the sun shine all day?
A: Hellooo!! Scotland!! Best bring the waterproofs, or kagool to the oldies among us.

Any other questions don’t hesitate to get in touch by emailing legendstrek@blueyonder.co.uk which will get you straight through to one of the legends trek team who will be happy to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.

Woof woof,

Travis