Your Latest Update Folks

Hi Folks
Thought I would let you know how things are going with the trek gang, including this canine legend. Had to visit the dreaded vets today but came away quite pleased at my treatment. According to Dr Crawford my ailment is akin to a sports injury that happens to aw the top atheletes! Respect where it is due, so now have to continue resting - so the master plan has worked and have some more time off work, so where has the sunshine gone to??

Thanks to all you lovely people out there, friends and fans alike for all messages of support and get well cards. Been great but remember I like a bonio too!! Although Scott says a medicinal malt might help as well!!

Plans for Trav Fest 09 are going fantastic. Will be an awesome night. In the meantime thanks to web master Stevie for setting up Trav Fest 09, more to be found here:

www.myspace.com/travisfestlive

2 great bands on the bill and a lot more to be confirmed as well as some celebs to join us celebrating a tremendous year of fundraising in the excellent surroundings of the Ferry moored there on the Clyde!

Thanks to the Legends Trek supporters from far and wide with continued support and those lucky enough to grab the limited stock in the shop, still some items left, get in thee folks!!

There will be a promo as from tomorrow night, Wednesday for a full week advertising the documentary of the year, Walking With Legends on Rangers TV. It'll be hosted on youtube soon so we'll post a link for anyone not subscribed to the station. The programme is an hour long and will be aired for the first time on Wed 6th May at 8.30pm, get the popcorn and vimto in folks!!
Soon after which we'll be pleased to offer supporters a professionally produced copy pawographed by myself for a donation via the site, more news of which on its way!!

Plenty more news coming soon

Woof woof
Travis

Walking With Legends Premiere

Hi folks
The good news is that I am feeling great that week off in the sunshine has clearly helped sort out this canine legend. Not that I will be telling Scott, I could get used to this pampered life!! But have to get back in the saddle (or harness in my case) soon, missing all my work buddies. So here's the rest of the news.........

WALKING WITH LEGENDS, the documentary, starring moi, is to have its worldwide exclusive premiere on Rangers TV 6th May at 830pm for an hour. Don't miss it. And if you do or want to view it again we have boxed editions coming up for sale, pawographed personally by me!

TRAV FEST 09 will be held on 12th June at the Renfrew Ferry. Full details of the bands, times etc will be posted on the site soon so keep checking. Can you get ear defenders for pooches??? Am sure it will be a great night so keep that date free and come and join all the gang.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMVOcNBF5mc check out the link to a brilliant slide show, showing some of the photos leading up to and on the trek. Remember to leave your comments, great to hear from everyone.

As always huge thanks to everyone from all over the world for their continued support and donations to this trek. We couldn't do it without you all so cheers.

Woof woof
Travis

Latest Travis News

Hi Folks
A wee update for you all, with the latest news and theres lots of it!! I for one am still on a rest period. Been a real hardship enjoying the sunshine this week, but its good for my recovery which is going great. Will be fighting fit and ready for them hills again before you know it. At least I didn't win the bendy spoon Derek!

Have to thank you all again for your support and donations. Its been fantastic the response from everyone. We still don't have a total as yet as pledges still coming in. As soon as we gather all that lovely dosh in we can let you know how much and how many pups we will be able to sponsor.

We have lots of items that have came in from around Britain's football and rugby clubs. The auction for these will be announced soon so keep checking the website.

Rangers TV - the showing of the documentary will be announced soon. Thought I would have at least a red carpet, premier night, etc,etc!! No??, well can I at least get an extra bonio for my starring role??? If anyone would like to enjoy a copy of the RTV documentary, you will be able to get one from next week for a wee donation to the Travistrek fund.

***LIMITED STOCK*** On all the merchandise so if you want some Travis goodies get them quick.

If anyone wants to share their photos or videos from our adventure on the West Highland Way could you send them onto us. If you need a snail mail address to send any discs etc, please email and we will send it onto you.

And finally, our latest exclusive news is Trav Fest. A fantastic night of music with indie bands down at the Renfrew Ferry. Details to be released soon. Trekking is one thing Scott but I draw the line at drumming!! And you are definitely not singing!

Thanks again everybody, am off to continue my sunbathing.
Woof woof
Travis

Post Trek Blues!!

Well folks the trek is officially over and we're all trying to return to a bit of normality.

It's taken this long just to get to the computer after climbing over the piles of Scott's dirty washing (don't remember laundry maid being on the guide dog syllabus either by the way!)

Even though I wasn't there for the full duration of the walk (my Oscar is in the post I’ve heard for that winning performance!) Scott has told me about all the fantastic people that they met along the way and the laughs and banter that went on until the wee small hours.

Keep tuning into the blog as I’ll update it bit by bit in between putting Scott's smalls in the wash but for now I'd just like to say a huge thank you to all involved in making the Trek such a fantastic success and for looking after my Scott so well in my absence.


Thanks to the merchandise and PR team that was Julie and Phil Anderson. Not only did they put a great effort in during the Trek, going ahead and setting up the stall and banners but also Julie has put in a lot of work behind the scenes writing to companies and public figures to raise awareness and therefore more lovely money for the Trek.

Another big thank you the Shona and Lindsay who not only had the huge job of ferrying the Legends (and Scott and H) around but also went ahead and got us all checked in and sorted so that the walkers could just collapse (in the bar!) on arrival. In addition to this they also were a huge part of the team that helped to organise the Trek and did a lot of the running around to get pre Trek issues sorted.

Thank you to you guys who came out and walked whether just for a day (or half a day Mr Goalie!!)or for the full week. The casualty list is somewhat lengthy and includes around 5 mobile phones 7-8 toe nails, countless blisters, about 10 walkers that had to drop out at one point or another, 2 in hospital, 1 with a stukky for 16 weeks who gets the bendy spoon for the best injury by the way Derek!! Of course a big thank you to the legends that came out every day especially "Sir" Terry Hurlock who completed the whole 100 miles!!

Speaking of the Rangers connection we must also say a big thank you to Carol Patton at Ibrox for helping with all Rangers stuff which was a huge help and really went to make Scott's dream come true. Also to Michael Douglas from Rangers TV who did a fantastic job of filming the whole of the Trek and indeed the run up to the Trek, I'm sure the Michael did 2 West Highland Ways with all the running around he did to get the best shots.

Finally the biggest thanks and hats off all round must go to the Royal Marines (and not to forget the Navy representative Gregg) who not only did a first rate job of organising logistics (and snacks Linda and Amy)but also kept moral up on a day to day and mile by mile basis with the banter and crazy stories. A special thanks must go to Rab and Billy for keeping Scott and Helen safe on the most challenging day on the East banks of Loch Lomand and the debate will rage on about who came up with the banister idea (I'll say no more as I feel it may be patented at some time in the future!!)and also to Don for all his help in the run up to the trek coz believe me guys this took some organising folks there was many a day when my tea was late on the table!! Also a big mention to big John and his big bergan that he carried throughout the whole trek, we never did find out what was in it but I can confirm now that the rumours where not true and it was not me hitching a lift!

I'm off to bed now so speak soon.

Woof woof

Travis

On Our Way Home

Well we are just about to head back to larkie. Lots more news and picture to sort out and post on the blog.

Huge thanks must go to Sir Arnold Clark and the girls at the rental office in Motherwell. A people carrier was provided for the week. We all behaved and am sure there are no speeding tickets!!!

Photo as promised, lots more to get on a disc for you girls,(and we did get a sunny day one!!!)

woof woof
Travis

THE ROAD TO IBROX

Wow
What a day, the gang all made it safely to the end yesterday. AWESOME!! Each and everyone involved is a legend. We have so many people to thank and we will but hey theres a party to be had tonight.

The walk along paisley road west was fab. Scott and I were reunited for a wee while and it was great to see him. Helen has been just fab as my stand in. Thanks to everybody involved in that today, all the guide dog workers/walkers we had a great time. The marines escorted us all the way, Hamish piping us in, totally brilliant.

The walk onto Ibrox was an emotional one, all involved were totally awed. C/Sgt Rodgers gave us some tactical manoeuvres to negotiate the circle!!And he managed to lead the way without any dodgy map reading!! lol

The gang and guests are all enjoying the do at the wee rangers club. I made an appearance to keep my fans happy but have now retired to enjoy some pampering at the hotel.

Loads more news,pics to follow. Massive thanks to everyone for their support, donations, help, we all really appreciate it.

Cheers and woof woof
Travis

CHANGE OF PLANS FOR THE LAST DAY

Hi Folks
The weary gang made it all safely back last night. Tricky conditions underfoot but they are a spirited lot, so well done team. Huge praise must go to Helen for her excellant guiding of Scott, although he has to decipher her thingy from thing!!

Change of plans folks for the last day. Logistically its turning into an impossibility to walk the 5 miles from Carbeth to Milngavie on Saturday and get to
Harry Ramsdens on time for the return to Ibrox. So the walk will be finished today at Milngavie. Thats right folks its a twenty miler today!!!

Apologies to anyone that wanted to walk on Saturday but you can still join us for the walk along Paisley Road West on Saturday.

Woof woof
Travis

A Wee Update

Hi Folks
The gang will all be leg weary tonight but am sure a couple of refreshments will liven them up!!! Hope to update you on their day real soon.

Andy and Terry enjoyed the game with everybody at Ardlui Hotel last night. We had a brilliant competition last night among the marines. Shocking tanks on the pool table!! The victor in the mighty battle was Don Matheson. And he was mighty pleased with his winning prize of a bottle of malt.

Thanks for your continuing support and donations everybody is so grateful.
Woof woof
Travis
ps will get photos onsite soon and the video of Christian

Day Five Over Half Way There

Hi Folks
Got a phone update from Scott, hes in the bar with the Goalie!! Day Five now completed and the gang all enjoying a wee refreshment or two!

A few soggy feet today, weather a bit mixed but getting better, well that's what they think!!

The Drovers provided an enjoyable reprieve half way through the walk today. Billy had regaled his bear story to us all at the Bridge of Orchy. He nearly repeated his actions when he came face to face with his nemesis at the Drovers. To his great relief it was stuffed. Photo to follow!

The team then marched merrily forward to the crossing point for the Ardlui ferry. Having safely reached dry land all the team are now looking forward to the match tonight.

Apologies to all for the late postings, internet access not so hot. So a big thanks to the handsome big Scott, manager of the Ardlui Hotel, for allowing the team to use his pc.
Woof woof
Travis

Day Four

Hi Folks
Lets talk firstly about the most important one on this Trek, me!! Had a little visit to the vets and am now on r & r for the time being. Basically am on my hols with granny Liz, enjoying being pampered. All updates on the phone, my only worry is who will keep that unruly lot in line when I am not there!!

The fourth day started in rather wet weather that didnt stop!! The prepared marines, one of which had makeshift waterproofs out of bin bags!! Standards lads!! Trust was restored in Colour Sgt Billy, guided all safely on the correct route!! Helen, my trusted stand in is doing a sterling job with Scott.

We all enjoyed the hospitality in Crianlarich in two hotels. The Ben More Lodge provided fab entertainment, Billy redeemed himself once again with one or two wee songs!

The Crianlarich Hotel generously donated some accomadation and that was much appreciated. So thanks for that.

So far the body count is 5 mobiles, 3 toe nails, 5 walkers and Simon's tongue got a rest for a day!!

Woof woof
Travis

Day three of LegendsTrek under our belts!

Hi folks, well that's the third day over with and I managed to get another day off (tee hee, the chocolate oscar is in the post!!) any way the room in the bridge of orchy hotel is very comfortable and I have been treated like royalty (as a dog of my standing should of course!) I have spent my day today with Ann and Jim who were my predecessor Ike's puppy walkers so I have been finding out all about him and what a flipping easy life he had with Scott!!! Hmph I'm not happy at all, how come he got to take him to the doctors and back and I trail the length and breadth of Great Britain!!

Well those mad fools battered on today although I have to say that there was a make shift blister clinic set up in the car park at the Kings House Hotel before they set off and a few more nasty sore wans acquired throughout the day, there is now a competition on to see the more war wounded throughout the week and I have been well surpassed by Shona's blood filled sock and Simon's immense blisters which are aiming to cover his entire foot by the end of the week it seems!

Our group was a lot bigger today as we were joined by a contingent from First Direct telephone banking,headed up by Scott's wee sister Sharon, I had to laugh (a lot)though when an hour after they started I saw them trailing back down the path having taken a wrong turn and gone two miles in the wrong direction (merrily lead by Colour Sergent Rogers by the way just in case anyone was in any doubt)which added an extra 4 miles to today's route for those that chose to take the long way back!!! Anyway, once they were on the right path (you can tell I'm not guiding can't you!!) they had a pretty easy time of it, except maybe Royal Marine Sgt Dion who took up the blindfold challenge today and did very well it has to be said!

Now we have to get a little serious and re emphasis that sense must prevail on this walk, if a hardened walker like me can pick up an injury on the first day then anyone that is not used to this outdoor lark has no chance. Please check the weather forecast before you come, dress appropriately (the lassy with wellies and a mini skirt will certainly back me up on that one)and if you don't think that you can manage it there is no shame in turning up for the last wee bit taking a few photos at the end and we will give you a certificate. We don't want any more injuries and we are not able to carry anyone down!!!

Quote from the week:

Sergeant Rab Murray (Celtic fan) has lent his boots out twice and has yet to find a Rangers player able to lace his boots!!

Catch you soon, I'm off to my bed. Woof Woof

Travis

Day two of LegendsTrek under our belts!

Hi Folks

Well thats the second day of Travistrek 5 walking with Legends just about over. Those two legged lot are just about to start blethering away again so I've taken the chance to sneek off while no one is looking to catch up with you guys. Well firstly I must just quell the fears of those that have heard that I wasn't on the walk today, worry not guys I'm fine, just picked up a wee war wound yesterday and was a wee bit stiff this morning so Scott decided not to take any chances and gave me the day off. Its all worked out for the best by the sound of it as Scott called the stand in Guide Dog Travis and seeing as it was his Mrs thats him on the floor tonight and me in the bed!! Seeing as I had the day off from guideing the team decided to give Royal Marine Don(who helps me guide Scott a bit)the day off too, but we turned the tables on him and Don had to do the whole section of the trek today with a blindfold on with Gregg from the Royal Navy guiding him. Well they slipped up a few time and I think Don got a few sore ones and was definatly a bit grumpy on the way down but they made it in one piece which was a fantastic effort on Dons part although we are still waiting for a quote from his that is suitable to put on a blog read by children and guide dog puppies!

Last nights Q&A with Scott and Gordon went fabulously well and Gordon seemed to enjoy himself today and was right up at the front leading the way with the Marines.Terry is putting in a stirling effort and despite looking a wee bit stiff he's also right up there at the front with a smile on his face the whole way. Mark Hately has arrived and will be walking tommorow along with the now seasoned crew of marines.

Another massive thanks to all those helping to make this Trek such a fantastic sucsess and for all the continued donations rolling in from all around the world

Well bye for now, I'm off to my bed

Woof Woof,

Travis

First Day of Legendstrek is Over

Hi Folks
While they are all doing their Q&A tonight, I have sneeked off to write a wee blog. What a start to the trek. Last night!! I was lucky enough to meet the legend that is Harold Davis. What a man. He has done so much in his life and we were honored to have him as part of the launch night. Thanks Harold (and his lovely wife Vi).

Anyway a good night was had by all!! And we even had enough time to sneek off to a wedding, courtesy of Billy (colour sgt Rogers). The guests were stunned to see Arthur Numan, Terry Hurlock and special guest Broxi Bear. Thanks everybody for your generous donations.

Walking today was in typical Scottish weather!!! Wet wet wet! And a bit cold! But we all made it eventually. And everybody now seems to be enjoying the hospitality at the Kinlochleven Hotel.

Am off to rest for tonight. As the rest of the team should be!! What time is that bar open??
Woof woof
Travis

First Minister Supports Scott & Travis

Scotlands First Minister, Alex Salmond has kindly sent a letter of support to Scott and myself. (Best not mention my snoozing through question time on our visit to Holyrood!!). Thanks for that. And huge thanks to everyone for their continuing donations and support. Counting the days, not long now folks....
Woof woof
Travis