So, our two weeks summer holiday was to be spent as a staycation in Scotland, always a risky holiday at the best of times. Attempt one was to pitch our tent in a howling northerly gale in Ullapool (think Antarctica without the penguins), which we just about achieved after anchoring the tent to a handily parked Swiss truck.
On day two, after attempting to climb Stac Pollaidh (too high and far too narrow a ridge for one of our party) we got caught in a torrential downpour just at the start of our descent; the rain showed remarkable tenacity and failed to stop for a rest for the next 18hrs and we woke up next day with our tent gently floating in the puddle that was the campsite. With no sign of a let up in the rain we decided to decamp, head home and dry out.
By the way, 'we', is my husband (a spring chicken of only 44) and I.
After checking weather forecasts we went for attempt two - a few days in Oban. We managed to get our favourite spot at the Oban Camping and Caravan Park - to the envy of all those who came after us, high above the site with fantastic views over those below. With the sun now shining and a very slight breeze we decided a day out on a new island was called for. Kerrera, which we could see from the tent door, fitted the bill perfectly. However, the island had been taken over by Durty Events for the Craggy Island Triathlon, so, we patiently waited for the ferry as lots of blue swimming caps bobbed about in the channel crossing from the mainland. All but one seemed to make it, fortunately for the one there were plenty of safety canoes/boats about! We then got a super fast boat over for the 1 minute crossing (the normal ferry, where you have to don life-jackets was being repaired) to be met by cyclists and runners getting in the way of our leisurely amble around the rough tracks of the island.
As we wandered we were in a good position to watch the competitors who seemed to be all ages, shapes and sizes. The volunteers were all so encouraging and jovial, especially as the competitors got their dibbers dibbed at the transitions.
An idea was hatching...., we had done the 'swim'via boat, we then went on to amble the cycle route (cutting out a corner) to then merge with the run route - how difficult could a triathlon be to complete! I felt that if I was to achieve anything in life then getting a dibber dibbed would be a good starting point - was 46 too old to be considering a triathlon with zero fitness? Of course I would need a training buddy
and "spring chicken" seemed to be the handiest.
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