Jogle Blogle – The Final Countdown

The reporting of the final leg of the Jogle will be delayed due to the Blogler having to travel to Cornwall to witness the climax of this unique event. Until then – a message from mission control (fitting on this 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon that we should be celebrating another monumental achievement). But – and just for a change – in all seriousness:-

We’re coming to the end of my brother Steve’s Jogle from John O’Groats to Land’s End including a version of the 3 peaks challenge in which he scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on his way past. He also walked the challenging South West Coastal Path and along the way has ascended and descended inclines equivalent to scaling Everest (from sea level – not base camp) five times over. He has walked nearly 1,200 miles in the process – much of that time with a serious leg infection, suffered from an insect bite early in the trek, which caused him a great deal of pain. Blisters, bloodied toenails and corns also sought to sabotage this unique event which he undertook to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of our father, Keith.

At the time of writing that effort has raised £8,200 and his just giving page will remain open for the foreseeable future in an attempt to amass even more for that noble cause. If you would still care to donate the link is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

For a good deal of the journey he has been joined by his wife Sue, who has threatened that he should never attempt anything like this again – unless she can do the whole thing with him. Sue has completed six hundred miles in her own right, an achievement which in all honesty also deserves our recognition and acclaim.

Also joining him at various key stages were his son Mike and daughter Rachael, as well as friends and family.

The walk which was three years in the planning and trained for extensively took a total of sixty five days, mostly off road using trails and paths along the length of Britain.

Excluding the six rest days, Steve has walked on average over twenty miles per day through rain and shine.

Staying along the way in an assortment of guest houses, AirBnB and budget hotels has meant a quite significant investment from Steve’s own pocket.

I have endeavoured to keep up with his walk by writing up his adventure in, ‘the Blogle,’ derived from his own account and photographs – for which I apologise now in taking quite so many liberties with the narrative. I do hope that in some small part you have enjoyed travelling along and thank you for your interactions during the journey.

I am sure that the Jogler would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have followed the story and those who have contributed so generously to the cause, including the key sponsors denoted on the official ‘Jogle’ shirt. 

Most of all I would just like to state for the record how immensely proud I am of this man who I am honoured to call my brother. He has achieved something memorable which few of us would even contemplate, let alone attempt and for that he should justifiably be well pleased with his efforts.

Thank you Steve for allowing us along on your journey. I know that Dad will have travelled every mile and every step with you. I’m also sure that as you finally pass the signpost pointing the way to the furthest point north by road, he will be waiting in spirit and that he will clear his throat with that characteristic double cough of his, rise to his feet, applaud loudly and pay you the highest accolade he knew for what you have accomplished as he cries out prfor all to hear, ‘Well done that man!’

 

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Jogle Blogle – Day 64

Contrary to expectations the penultimate Day 64 of the Jogle dawned bright and sunny. And even better, it stayed that way!

Leaving Portreath the Jogleress was tempted to go by Penny Farthing down to St. Ives. However they took the local lanes in an effort to save time as a rendezvous was planned later with the Jogleressette and Mini Jogler.

 

As the weather was much improved so was the quality of photos taken along the way.

Eventually they ended up on the good old South West Coastal Path, passing the lighthouse at Godrevy Beach and this chimney, surely the relic of an old tin mine.

They spent a pleasant hour wandering along the sands, pausing only to take silly photos. Sue must have snapped this as Steve was obviously playing the flute.

They spotted another fool in a flying tent, surely not the same guy who they saw entangled on Lord Hereford’s Knob (if you’ll pardon the expression).

Another national cycle route marker, I make that five now on the trip down from John O’Groats. At Hayle fortifications they spotted this stubby little cannon. Call that a cannon? We got proper cannons up here at Dudley Castle and to prove the point I shall be down to Land’s End tomorrow to replace St. Piran’s flag with a proper Black Country one.

See you Sunday bro.

There’s still time to contribute to Macmillan Cancer Support on Steve’s ‘just giving’ page at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

In the meantime here are the all important stats.

Mileage: 14.5   Total: 1160.2

Steps: 38,035    Total: 2,387,140

Time taken: 4 hours 43 minutes and 32 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 47

 

Abergavenny was left behind on Day 47 as the Jogler continued his journey south in great discomfort from his corns. He has had the foresight however to call ahead to Chepstow, his next port of call, and booked an appointment with the local hoof doctor.

 

 

 

Things are getting busier now and although still picturesque, not quite as enjoyable as he plays dodge the traffic. Indeed he stopped at a local bikers cafe and tried to blend in, but that was rather difficult on Shank’s Pony rather than a steel horse so he opted for a quick cuppa and a flap jack before he headed off to Raglan and lunch by the church

 

 

 

He limped to the top of Star Hill, but by now walking was a real problem and he had to rest frequently to relieve the pain in his feet.

In St. Arvans he chanced upon this restored Victorian drinking fountain.

And then on into Chepstow past the racecourse and to his digs for the night opposite the castle.

Grandad would have been so pleased that you were staying in his home town bro.

Out of deference to your tender sensibilities dear reader I will not post the frankly disturbing picture he sent me of his foot, nor of his blood soaked sock. Needless to say he is suffering greatly in pursuit of his ambition to walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End, raising money as he goes for Macmillan Cancer Support. See his just giving page at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  Let’s hope the chiropodist can sort him out in the morning.

Mileage: 23.1

Steps: 46,341

Time taken:8 hours 28 minutes and 14 seconds

Back to England tomorrow – join us then to see if the Jogler can make it!

Jogle Blogle – Day 35

Day 35 of the Jogle (it stands for John O’Groats, Land’s End in case you hadn’t figured it out yet) appears at first glance to be probably the most boring for Steve on his journey south so far, but for us followers I think that I’ve found an interesting little wrinkle that we could all make use of – so bear with me.

Continuing his charity walk for Macmillan Cancer Support, see link here to his just giving page: http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  Steve set out from his overnight stop at St. Helens (those of you who are old enough just heard Eddie Waring say ‘ Arrr St. ‘elans’ didn’t you – admit it!) and crossed the many arteries of the North West, the Mersey, The M56 up by Runcorn and the Manchester Ship Canal on the outskirts of Frodsham.

 

And after a long slog along his favoured surface, pavement, he arrived in Chester. Told you it was boring didn’t I? Never mind, I’ve a feeling tomorrow will be better.

 

 

Oh – and that little wrinkle I was going to tell you about – no it wasn’t a ruse to get you to read to the end of a boring post, honest! It seems that en route our Jogler stopped at Macky Dee’s in Runcorn and when he told them what he was doing they were so impressed that they gave him some free bottles of water. Similarly at Hope Corner in Runcorn they gave him a slice of Victoria Sponge. So – I figured out that we only have to get ourselves a Jogle tee shirt each and we can wander around all day getting freebies. Sounds like a plan to me, what do you think?

I’ll give you yesterday’s stats first, as I know you missed them:

Mileage: 31.5

Steps: 61749

Time taken 6:48:04 + 3:05:59

And today’s 

Mileage: 28.7                      Giving a total of: 634.63

Steps: 47,353                          Adding up to: 1,286,191

Time taken: 8 hours 55 minutes and 10 seconds.

 

Jogle Blogle – Day 28

Day 28 of the Jogle, my brother Steve’s walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End started well enough along the main road into Keswick, detours onto the forest track and views across to Catbells –  a particularly poignant location for our family.

As you are no doubt aware, having read previous Blogles – as revealed in the last couple of days the Jogler is struggling with a leg injury (what do you mean you haven’t read those two yet!? Go and stand in the corner with @KenPreston100 ! Yes, that’s him in the dunces cap, he hasn’t read any at all – I read his blog about his bloody comics! Bad Ken, bad bad Ken). Anyway Steve happened to pass and called into the local cottage hospital where he was seen by a nurse practitioner and doctor in less time than it takes to say ‘I’ve just spent 10 hours awaiting in the A & E department at Russell’s Hall Hospital and came back home unseen because I’d lost the will to live.’ He was diagnosed with ‘an infection, possibly due to an insect bite.’ Now I’m sorry, and I’m no doctor, but that doesn’t ring true to me. For my diagnosis see https://mistybooks.wordpress.com/2019/06/16/jogle-blogle-the-battle-of-good-vs-evil/ but be warned, I’ve made it as a separate post because the content is quite graphic and you wouldn’t want to let any young children inadvertently catch you reading it, would you? 

 

So, dispatched out into Keswick the Jogler celebrated his erroneous diagnosis with a medicinal gooseberry crumble (it’s only the hairs on a gusgog that stop it from being a grape – memories of Dad all around here, eh bro?). Fortunately, although the doctors verdict was flawed, the treatment turned out to be the same for what Steve actually had, so that’s all right then.

Feeling positive he returned to taking scenic shots along the way, Skiddaw, Blencathra and Helvellyn among them.

The most sensible road sign in the world

And the discovery that Cliff Richard and Sophie Ellis Bextor are entered into the 3:30 at Cartmell. 

 

 

 

 

Thirlmere used to supply Manchester with its water.

 

 

The obligatory wildlife shot of the day. Chickens! I ask you! I might as well have photographed my Sunday lunch! Still, I suppose he is in pain.

 

 

 

And finally he engaged first gear as he dropped down into Chapel Stile for the night.

 

 

 

 

Stats of the day were:

Mileage: 23.4                        Total: 48,583

Steps: 45,728                         Total: 991,676

Time taken: 7 hours 39 minutes and 9 seconds – impressive given the terrain and bad leg!

If you’d like to contribute to the cause, Steve’s just giving page for Macmillan Cancer Support is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Jogle Blogle – The Battle of Good vs Evil

DANGER: This post contains extremely graphic and upsetting content. It should only be read whilst wearing the correct PPE equipment in line with current health and safety guidelines – hard hat, hi-viz vest, safety glasses and safety boots. It is also recommended that you read this post with your eyes closed at all times and restrict your absorption of this post to no more than one sentence every four hours.

DISCLAIMER: The Blogler accepts no responsibility whatsoever for this post and by reading further you agree that you are doing so at your own risk.

Concerned about the increasing pain in his leg Steve sensibly called into the local cottage hospital en route to Keswick. There the doctor mistakenly diagnosed his condition as, ‘possibly an insect bite.’ Really doc?

Dear oh dear.

We all know the real reason don’t we loyal reader. If you’ve been Jogling along with us from the start (and if not, why not – especially you @KenPreston100 !) then the signs have been there since Day 1.

As we know, the Jogler set out from John O’Groats with an impediment intent on preventing him from getting to Land’s End, or at least determined that poor Steve would have to have at least one leg amputated and be forced to hop most of the way.

Let us examine the photographic evidence.

 

The one antlered stag was an obvious portent – if this had been an episode of Game of Thrones the implications would have been stark (ha – I’m good ain’t I?)

 

 

 

 

Only the other day our hero came upon a discarded crutch and following that an abandoned boot, sure signs that something was afoot (I know, I know, I crack myself up too!)

 

And who is responsible for this dastardly plot. Cue dramatic music – Da Da Daaah – why none other than the Jogler’s nemesis, Bertie Blister!

Yes – the Jogler, convinced that his enemy was defeated marched on his merry way along high roads and low roads, regaling all who would listen with tales of valour and how he had repelled the wretched Bertie with salves and unctions, unaware that the repellent blister had simply gone underground to scheme and plot.

For days the villain hatched his plan and finally with his forces of evil mustered he launched his attack. He had already absorbed himself into the very flesh of the Jogler’s foot, only too aware that Steve would eventually forget that he had ever existed.

And then he simply waited.

And waited.

Bertie knew exactly when to strike. On a day when the incessant rain halted for a few brief seconds the Jogler’s soul soared and he puffed out his cheeks to give an impromptu whistle of joy. 

Filled with malice, Bertie with heart as black as the darkest night issued his command.

Charge!

Immediately festering pustules of green, rancid, custard like bile, surged through tissue and muscle into our walker’s bloodstream. Bravely our hero’s immune system mounted an inspired defence, but those evil, terrifying, enemies of good sliced through their noble ranks, hacking and slashing at their enemy sending lightning bolts of the most horrendous pain into the Jogler’s shin. 

Steve’s good spirits were dashed against a wall of despair and for what seemed an age, Bertie held the upper hand.

Until – and I have this on the authority of the Jogler’s own testimony – a superhero came to his aid. Now you would have thought that as the older brother my recollection of our relatives would be better, but my age lends itself to forgetfulness (who shouted senility –  there’s no need!?) and so I take Steve at his word that rushing to save him when all seemed lost was – Aunty Bi Otics. 

She sped to his side, rallied the surviving immune warriors to one last brave attack and launched into the ranks of Bertie’s malevolent army which scattered to the four winds like the cowards they were. 

Bertie, now alone and vulnerable did the only thing that a scoundrel can do. He turned tail and ran.

Oh how we cheered here at Blogle HQ when we heard the news. Thank you Aunty, thank you indeed. We will write songs of your bravery, your derring do and commit your epic crusade to the annals of folk lore.

Insect bite, pah! 

These doctors know nothing!

STOP PRESS:

We have just learned here at Blogle HQ that sparing no expense, the @NHSuk has agreed to release one of its finest nurses and that with immediate effect the Jogleress will speed to the Joglers side to inspect his legs to ensure that they are not in danger of falling off. She will check for any damage inflicted by the infection and if necessary, tighten his nuts.

If you’d like to contribute to Macmillan Cancer Support, Steve’s just giving link is: http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Jogle Blogle – Days 20 & 21

On Day 20 of the Jogle, The Jogler and Jogleress bade farewell to a distant Loch Lomond as they left Drymen for Glasgow on the next stage of Steve’s charity walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

The first of two wildlife of the day shots as they passed these grazing Shetland ponies. Then on past Craigillian Loch and down to the end of the West Highland Way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steve and Sue then followed the Kelvin walkway following the course of the River Kelvin, crossing the remains of the Antonine wall – the northernmost outpost of Roman occupation and from there down onto the canal leading into the city centre of Glasgow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here we find our second wildlife pic of the day – a heron doing a spot of fishing.

 

 

 

 

The canal lead them past the home of Patrick Thistle’s football ground. Then onto the Glasgow skyline and the churches on the horizon and along the renovated Spiers Wharf, which was built in 1859 to house the Forth & Clyde Navigation Co., and the City of Glasgow grain mill and stores. The Wharf was converted into apartments one hundred and thirty years later.

Now following not only the canal but also the M8 the pair finally trudged into their stop for the night @premierinn to find that they used @Evac_Chair one of Steve’s main sponsors. Fortunately for the Joglers, the emergency stair descent system was not required during their stay. If you’d also like to contribute to Macmillan Cancer Support, Steve’s just giving page is http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi

Day 21 was a scheduled rest day for the Jogler, so being a wise walker he took himself off to a local podiatrist for a spot of foot maintenance. Thanks to Mary A Heraghty for that. Hopefully Steve can now get to Land’s End without being afflicted with the curse of the blister – again!

 

It was also the day that the Jogleress departed to leave Steve to Jogle on alone. Before going to rejoin the @NHSuk she of course had to eat her own weight in pizza to refuel after her 2 week stint on the Jogle. I’m sure we’ll catch up with her again later. Goodbye Sue – and I hope you didn’t pinch a trolley!

The stats for Day 20 were as follows:

Mileage: 23.0        Total: 328.33

Steps: 45,023         Total: 681315

Time: 7 hours 24 minutes and 42 seconds

Jogle Blogle – Day 8

WARNING: This Blogle is not for the faint of heart.

Yes my friends, this is where the Jogle starts to get tough, so fasten your seatbelts and make sure that you’re well strapped in for this immersive account of Day 8 of my brothers walk from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

As you may recall, Steve up until this point has mainly been puttering about down by the coast. Now however he and wife Sue, who joined him yesterday and will accompany him to Glasgow in case Bertie Blister invites any of his friends along (more of which later), are about to tack west along The Great Glen Way. And that means – going uphill.

A lot!

Yes, they’re now on the trail to the first of the three peaks in this charity event for Macmillan Cancer Support (visit the just giving page http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi ) – Ben Nevis which, all being well, they’ll be climbing – ominously – on Day 13.

 

So as you sit there reading this rather marvellous account, even if I do modestly say so myself, imagine if you can getting into a lift (elevator for our American readers) and going up for nearly 1/4 mile. Yes on this leg of the journey they’ll be ascending to 1243 feet which is more or less the height of the roof of the Empire State Building- and yes, I do know the antenna on the top makes it a couple of hundred feet higher, but you try doing it after a stale granola bar and a cup of weak tea for brekkie! 

The Great Glen Way begins at Inverness Castle, so of course the intrepid pair had to pause for the obligatory photos.

The trail is now mainly off road, so from this point there will mainly be interesting scenic shots and something that we haven’t had before – now that he has a companion there are some pictures of the Jogler actually Jogling, so you can tell that this is not some figment of my imagination.

You probably can’t tell from these mobile phone images but it rained constantly almost from the time they set out.

The blue marker poles incidentally are finger posts pointing the way along the trail. Miss one and you could be lost for years, foraging to survive and living off mountain spring water and wild haggis.

Raging torrents had to be forded and all the time the path was up and up and up… Blimey, I think my ears just popped.

Today’s obligatory wildlife shot is of a Bullfinch, but who cares – I’m now so hot and sweaty just writing this and this incessant driving rain! Will it never end!?

 

 

 

Finally, signs of life! At the highest inhabited Croft in Scotland they found the Abriachan eco-campsite and cafe. Blimey, that’s a rare old slice of cake, isn’t it? And I don’t know who that is – but it looks like she’s about to swallow it whole! You might find out at :-www.facebook.com/abriachanecocafecampsiteonthegreatglenwayscotland

 

Our intrepid explorers are now just north of Loch Ness, so careful folks just in case you bump into… Too late!

At Nessieland – @nessielandinfo in Drumnadrochit, their final destination Sue bumped into the fabled monster. At least we now know why William Wallace painted his face blue before he cried, ‘Freedom!’ Or was that Mel Gibson, I’ve never been sure?

 

 

Time for a pint of the now familiar, Black Isle Blonde (cheers Jogler) before turning in for a well deserved rest.

Stats of the day are:- Mileage 20.1 so now a total of 150.03. They walked for 7 hours 23 minutes and 12 seconds to, as previously mentioned, an elevation of 1243 feet in 41,321 steps, a total of 293,777 steps so far. (The totals have now been corrected as the Blogger can’t do sums – thanks Andy Barr for pointing that out). Day 9 will see them heading out to Invermoriston, so make sure to rest well and tune into the next instalment Jogle Blogle.

 

Yes, yes, I know you’ve been dying to find out. Apparently parts of Bertie Blister have ‘sloughed’ off, whatever that means. I should imagine that the skin has ruptured and gallons of suppurating, festering pus have been deposited in the Joglers sock. You were what, sorry? Eating your tea? Well you shouldn’t have asked then, should you!

Jogle Blogle – Day One

I suppose you noticed did you?

Yes, that’s right, there was no Blogle yesterday! Due to technical problems (they say a bad workman always blames his tools) I missed a day would you believe!? So you know what that means don’t you? Ten quid in the kitty from me at http://bit.ly/2Tzmjwi  as Steve begins his Jogle in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. You can add some dosh too if you’re so inclined.

So anyway, the Jogle is indeed now afoot, and what else would it be really?

The Jogler started out from Duncansby Head Lighthouse at 9:30 a.m. on the 18th May 2019. I know what you’re thinking, ‘Blimey, he likes a lie in, don’t he?’ But I do have to say in his defence that he got sidetracked by quite a large group of people scanning the seas with binoculars on the lookout for Orcas. That’s right – Killer Whales. Apparently they’d been spotted the day before. I don’t know where they were going, perhaps on their holidays or something, but unfortunately no sighting for Steve. There were some Risso’s Dolphins about, but our intrepid walker didn’t get to see one of those either. However, he does now regard himself as an honorary member of The Scottish Whale and Dolphin Group. Check them out at http://www.whales.org

So, after posing for the obligatory piccies under the signpost (thanks to a random Australian for taking the photo) the Jogler duly headed off from the furthest north east point in Britain on his way to the furthest South West in the gloom and drizzle (I told you so in an earlier pre-Blogle, didn’t I?) 

He in fact made it as far as the local pub, where he stopped for, ‘cup of tea.’ Yeah right! A rather pleasant gentleman (who he later met in Wick) kindly offered him a lift. Fortunately for us, dear Jogle Blogle reader he turned it down, otherwise this whole enterprise would have been rendered entirely pointless.

En route on the 20 odd mile trek to Wick he spotted a rather interesting new pipeline – yes, I yawned too – and that was rather the highlight of the trip.

And so at…. he arrived in Wick. And if you’re wondering why the cup final didn’t start at the traditional 3p.m., it’s because they were waiting for City season ticket holder, Steve to take his seat in the local Wetherspoons.

Unbeknown to him at the time he was sitting next to fellow City fan, Pete Nash from Cornwall. They only found out when they each cheered the first goal. Pete and his mate, Nick (a fine fellow who supports a team from the right side of Manchester) are up there cycling the North Coast 500 – Scotland’s Route 66). Fair play to Pete though, apparently he’s offered to help Steve out if he gets stuck, no matter where he is in the country – nice one! (Personally I reckon it just goes to show that City fans don’t have many friends – not that I’m bitter or anything!)

To summarise then, the Day One Jogle of 22.0 miles was completed along the A99 in 7 hours 12 minutes and 1 second in a total of 40580 steps. He ascended to a maximum elevation of 328 feet, which is pretty unimpressive as we’re higher than that here in The Black Country. So much for the Scottish Highlands then! Worryingly there are concerns about a blister which could be quite problematic, much like Lewis Hamilton getting a flat spot on a tyre. I’ll keep you updated as the Jogle progresses.

So, he’s off tomorrow (probably already completed by the time you read this) to Latheron.

20/5 Latheron to Helmsdale, 21/5 Helmsdale to Golspie, 22/5 Golspie to Tain, 23/5 Tain to Evanton and on Friday 24/5 he’ll be yomping from Evanton to Inverness.

He’s in my thoughts as I lie here on my sun lounger, composing this Blogle. Keep up the good work bro.

A small step for a man (Jogle Blogle +40)

With only 40 days to go to the start of the Jogle, dear reader, I thought that I might fill you in on the early part of Steve’s journey from John O’Groats to Lands End – the Scottish experience – for want of a better expression. 

As I’ve told you before, Steve sets out on the 18th. May and…

Pardon?

Yes I did, you obviously weren’t listening – again!

So, just so you can get out there and wave your Saltire’s at him as he passes, here’s a quick heads up of the first part of the route.

Excuse me?

No, a Saltire isn’t a sea breeze, it’s the Scottish flag.

Yes, the blue one with the white stripey bits, as you so eloquently put it.

Anyway, from John O’Groats he’ll head – North!

I know, I know, that’s what I thought. I’ll hear the splash from here in Stourbridge! 

But once my intrepid brother had explained why, it all became clear. So if you’ll indulge me for a while I shall try to clarify exactly what’s going on.

Imagine for a moment the summer of ‘69.

What?

No, not the song. I’m talking about the Apollo space mission.

Yes, it is comparable as you’ll soon see.

Neil Armstrong, Buzz and the other bloke no one can ever remember didn’t blast straight off to the moon you know, oh no, no, no.

First off the three men I admire the most had to drive their Chevy from the levee, hitch up the Saturn V rocket and tow it off to the launch pad.

And that’s what’s happening here.

Steve will stumble out of bed, eat a hearty breakfast…

No, I guess you’re probably right. He is about to embark on an athletic endeavour after all, so he’ll probably be eating something that looks and tastes as though it’s dropped out of a squirrel’s backside.

Then he’ll strap on his rucksack, step out into the storm and make his way – North (that’s uphill to you and me) to the Duncansby Head lighthouse which is along the road from his B & B and the official starting point of this adventure.

Then, splashing through the puddles and hunched against the driving rain, he’ll head back the way he’s just come and begin the long journey south.

Now you may recall that the aforementioned Mr. Armstrong said something about, ‘a small step for a man,’ as if he’d just done something truly momentous. Personally I don’t think he’d entirely thought that through, after all he’d been sitting on his bum for the entire journey. Okay, now you could argue that it was a half million mile round trip without decent ‘facilities’ to put it delicately, but he did have a rocket up his backside. Steve on the other hand will be marching the length of this British Isle, and get this, on his own legs!

Nowhere near the seven and a half million pounds of thrust those idle astronauts had. Now I think you’ll agree that it’s impossible for Steve to generate anywhere near that amount of power, after all it’s surely not humanly possible to eat such a quantity of beans at one sitting. So I think I know whose the greater achievement will be, don’t you?

Here’s his first weeks itinerary.

18th May, first stop Wick.

19th. May Day 2 – Latheron

20th. May Day 3 – Helmsdale

21st. May Day 4 – Golspie

22nd. May Day 5 – Tain

23rd. May Day 6 – Evanton

24th. May Day 7 and at last somewhere I’ve heard of, albeit in a bawdy rugby song about 24 young ladies of righteous virtue – Inverness.

Get out there and cheer him on. 

And if you’re feeling charitable, here is the link to his just giving page in aid of those wonderful people from Macmillan Cancer Support.

‘Got my first real six string, bought it at the five and dime, played it till my fingers bled, was the summer of…’

Oops, was that out loud? For some reason I can’t get the tune out of my head.

Can’t think why?

If you haven’t caught the previous posts regarding the Jogle, why not? Tsk! You’ll find them below.