Ian Stewart

Walker / Guide / Navigator

Forfar

 

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Q How do you know Scott and Travis?

 

A. I got to know Scott through my wife Veda when she also worked in Centre 1. I've now known Scott and Travis for three years. I first met both of these trekkers when Veda and I joined them for a grueling section of the initial Travis Trek in 2004.

 

Q What is your experience of previous Travistrek ventures?

 

A. I had joined the Travis team in a section of the WHW to Tyndrum and the last day of Speyside Way to Buckie. I also accompanied Scott and Travis for all of the Southern Upland Challenge. On each of these trips I was amazed at the determination and stamina of man and dog. What a working partnership these two are each trusting the other completely. A very humbling experience to witness. Never a moan from either, even when Scott had one or two blisters on the WHW. I must also point out that neither man nor dog were a slouch on any of the outings. On the SUW I had to remind Scott from time to time that I was nearly twice his age and wanted to get to the end without the need for a stretcher.

 

You can't help laughing at Travis when we take a breather during a trek and his harness is removed. He knows it is playtime and he romps around like a young pup (which I suppose he really still is). He spends a little time going round everyone to give them a lick as though to say hey look at me ain't I the clever one. When playtime is over and the harness is back on, it is business as usual.

 

Q What do you know about Guide Dogs?

 

A. Guide dogs give a new lease of life to the unsighted partner enabling as near a normal independent way of life as could be possible. I was really surprised to find out just how much in time and money it costs to put dog and owner through their training. As I have indicated in the previous response, guide dogs receive some playtime. They do not guide their owner continuously without regular breaks, which, is great to know. Last November Veda and I accompanied Scott and Travis on a visit to the Guide Dog’s HQ in Forfar.

 

Q What are you looking forward to on the 2007 trek?

 

A. Remembering Scott's comments about some of the stretches of the SUW walk, which were much more challenging than the Speyside Way ever was, I reckon this is going to be the mother of all challenges. The daily distances and number of days walking have never been tested by both Scott and Travis. Hope I can successfully lead us all over each leg of the journey and not get lost at any time – it will certainly be a test of my stamina. Definitely looking
forward to the reaction when the finishing line is crossed and the band of supporters cheer Scott and Travis. Also looking forward to the nights in the pub going over the events of the day and discussing the highs and the lows (what lows?).

 

Q Anything else to add?

 

A. On completion of this trek I will feel very humble yet again. It will be a bit sad to know it is over but elated that we have all made it to the end and enjoyed every minute (weather permitting) – I say this from experience, having walked the all but the last 28 miles some 16 years ago. You feel as though you could keep going on and on. Days later you feel as though you should still be on the go such is the buzz the walk gives you.

 

Ian Stewart