I am back from my 3 day walk up the coast with Leroy. He arrived at 12pm last monday and we got last minute things ready, such as food and some more equipment. we left the flat at 5pm and within about 3 minutes were already looking at each other thinking 'F$%k these bags are heavy !'. I read somewhere that the first rule of been hardcore is to 'never complain'.....we complained about the weight of our backpacks alot. Though in our heads this was pretty hardcore when you consider I have not walked much more than to the centre of town in the last couple of years and Leroy had enjoyed the ease of transport tubes and buses provide in London.
First nights camp took place 3hrs into the walk. we camped just off the beach, made a fire and cooked some food. once we looked at our crude map I printed from google it dawned on us that we had a shit load of walking to do over the following 2 days. Leroys sleeping bag and sleeping mat were made of slippery nylon material so during the night he had slid out of the front door of his tent, he looked like the wicked witch of the east as he had only slid out up to his knees.
we woke up made some coffee then hit the road, this days walking was mainly beach, we made it to a huge river which was also a seal sanctuary, the seals bobbed up next to us as we walked along the riverside. they didnt have to swim too fast as by this time I had developed blisters on my feet. luckily Nurse Leroy had brought a first aid kit and patched me up.
The beach finally came to and end and we walked through a nature reserve and found some castle and village ruins from the 1300's. Later that day we came across a small bay and set up camp. That night was great, stars were out and we drank whisky.
The last day was the hardest, mostly cliff faces and the route weaved in and out. we were stared at by curious sheep and mooed at by cows until we reached the ruins of Slains castle which is were Bram Stoker allegedly got the idea for his character Count Dracula. We passed a few small fishing towns, and chatted to some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Later that day we reached the final stretch of beach and could see the town of Cruden Bay. The end was bitter sweet as we were tired and looked forward to a celebratory beer and a hot meal but as soon as we were on the bus back to Aberdeen I think we both wished we were camping and sipping whisky under the stars.
Was a great trip and we are super eager to do more. Really enjoyed hanging with Leroy and hope to see hit another mission with him soon.
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