BPcup 2009 Round 1 - Scottish Borders. Day 3 & 4

A vote was held at the briefing this morning. Options were stay local and risk day being blown out or travel 3hrs north where the wind would be less. I wasn't there as breakfast at the George was a much more inviting option! Staying local won out.

The mini-buses ferried us out to the hills above Meggett Head. Cheryl was flying the NE flank when we arrived (though not going up or down). Encouraging, so we took the long hike up... It was obviously too strong from the east. So, dumping rucksacks we went for a walk, kidding ourselves that the wind might drop as the inversion lifted.

It was a good walk. Great views, with the far point of our little ramble atop a cliff above a fine tarn. Obligatory photographs taken, the parawaiting was deemed over, and we all made our way down again.

The George Arms Inn was closed that evening, so we were back to camping. Fortunately most things were dry enough now, so Carolyn and I took the opportunity to re-establish our tent before heading off for the now free afternoon. We went to Melrose to take a look at some gardens and the abbey; a pleasant enough way to while away a sunny if windy afternoon. Seeing the RAF take a very close look at St Mary's loch from a couple of Tornadoes was also noteworthy! The day was rounded off with another trip to the Taste of India, this time with a party of nine (we booked) and drinking back at the campsite - the forecast for the next day was for even more wind.

And indeed the next day was greeted by a strong easterly. Fortunately the tent was relatively sheltered with that direction and had survived the night. The morning's briefing had become the competition's prize-giving. Still plenty of folk around for it which was good to see. Official results and a write up are here. With just the one task, I had placed 17th in the cup, 19th overall, which I pretty pleased with. Roll on the Dales!

Having struck camp Carolyn and I headed north for the mountains via Traquair House, the oldest still inhabited castle in Scotland. A grand affair with parts of the building dating back over 900 years, today it hosts a museum (including an impressive library and some fine antique maps of the region), a working brewery (interesting strong ales...), and a large maze. The gardens are pleasant and extend through the woods down to the river Tweed. Peacocks wander the grounds the entrance to which are marked by the Bear gates, closed until there is a Stewart upon the throne. Well worth the visit.