5th Day - Blackburn to Gretna (Longtown)

Adios amigos (Ade and Dom to be replaced by Gareth)
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Day 5 – (Blackburn to Longtown – 106 miles)

Hallelujah – The Blog is updated at last. Talk was that peace would break out between the Israelis and the Palestinians before news of the journey made it to the interweb. All good things come to those who wait.

Tears of sorrow are shed as Dom leaves for home. Similarly tears of joy are shed as we see the back of Ade. Actually to be serious, the help, support and encouragement shown by them was invaluable as we attempt our voyage. Cheers lads!

Day 5 - Ally's first Mcdonalds (honestly)
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Changing of the guard as Gareth takes over. Without any semblance of training he takes to the unenviable job of chief cook and bottlewasher with aplomb and the sore bum brigade continue to be served admirably.

Ally exhibits (adopted) Scottish tendencies as Findlay drops a 50p piece out his pocket in full flight and Ally – who was at this point a mile and a half back – catches it before it hits the deck.

The Lake District’s Shap summit is tackled and conquered by the 3 amigos. Later in the pub Zia is heard to tell the assembled crowd that he “Shap-ped it today”

day 5 - At the end of Lake District Shap Summit... a very very patient man
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The scent of Scotland is in the nostrils of the saddle sore squad and this is only confirmed as the heavens open as we pass through Carlisle.

The last hour is spent with Findlay desparately trying to spin his weary legs towards Longtown in time to catch the Rangers Champions League Qualifiers. Any Camaraderie is forgotten as it is every man for himself. Unfortunately, Longtown has 3 houses, a mangy dog and no pubs showing the game so Ally and Findlay spend the final moments receiving text updates on the score.

Day 5 - First sign for home sweet home whilst travelling to John 'O' Groats
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In the end, all is well with the world as the Gers’ supreme quality sees them qualify for the money spinning league stages and possible Euro trips away.

A hearty meal is consumed in the Gosling Bridge at 10pm. Zia wonders where the white linen and bone china is but finally agrees to lower himself to the pub grub on offer.

PS 57 slices of malt loaf were either scoffed or (more likely) thrown over a hedgerow during the day.

4th day photos have been updated!