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The drive to John O Groats went smoothly
from start to finish,
The growing bond between Grant and Marv was never more obvious
than when loading. Only 4 months previously we had struggled
to get him on the same ramp he was now walking up with confidence.
Once on our way he took the journey in his stride and after
his initial introduction to the driving styles of Mark and
Grant, he spent most of his time gazing out the window happily
munching on the odd carrot that seemed to magically appear
in front of him.
We stopped off once mid drive to let Marv stretch his legs
and grab some grass, something I think we were more grateful
for than him. Nothing really seems to faze this horse. Once
unloaded, he set off down the road at a fair pace which rapidly
increased when a local horse made its presence known. He was
only coaxed back to his favourite pastime of eating when he
realised that he was not actually going to make contact with
the aforementioned horse. Marv then made short change of the
available grass before we reloaded for the final leg of the
drive.
After passing a variety of Lands End to John O Groats walkers,
including a man in red rather bizarrely pushing a baby buggy
(who we passed on our return journey too) we finally arrived
at our destination, Bencorragh House. It is a wonderful horse
friendly B & B in Upper Gills, 3 miles from John O Groats
where we were met by Ron and Sandy Barton our hosts for the
night, supporters of both the ILPH and Cancer Research. Marv
was soon settled into very spacious stable with a deep bed
and enough hay to keep 2 horses happy. After a roll Marv settled
into devouring a hard feed and Grant left him happily munching
so that we could go and do the same. Needless to say we all
ate a pretty hearty meal, none more so than Grant who I think
was very aware this would possibly be his last decent meal
for a while. A bottle of wine was drunk and a few light hearted
but none the less well deserved pats on the back were dished
out. It’s easy to have an idea, it is turning it in
to a reality that is hard and here Grant was about to embark
on a very memorable, worthwhile and some would say barmy journey.
I think the only one who slept well that night was Marv,
bless him he remained blissfully unaware of what lay ahead.
I know Maisie the pup kept Mark up wanting to play most of
the night and I am sure Grant’s mind was in overdrive.
The following morning’s weather promised nothing new,
overcast and with a slight chill in the air, it was nevertheless
not bad riding weather. After a very hearty breakfast which
saw both boys struggling to finish, we said our goodbyes and
thank you and set of for John O Groats. This time there was
no doubt that Marv knew something was happening. Whether the
sea air or the feelings he was picking up from Grant and the
rest of us - I will never know, but he seemed as impatient
to get going as Grant. He was not interested in grass nor
particularly keen on standing still and was alert to every
movement and sound around him. Tacking him up took time as
it was important the panniers were correctly fitted, and then
there were the photos for the website, ILPH and cancer research.
It was very clear to any one standing around that by this
point both horse and rider wanted to get started. There was
no reason to hang around so after a few good lucks and goodbyes
they were on their way. Months of planning, training, sleepless
nights, and with thanks to an immense amount of goodwill from
good friends and total strangers the two of them disappeared
down the road on the start of an incredible journey.
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