I'm writing this as I watch the Open whilst recovering mentally and physically!
Wednesday morning I was still washed out but feeling better. Possibly heat exhaustion? A relaxing morning with another nap meant I was feeling more myself. Incredibly the Bird was still present!! They don't tend to linger.
I made some inquiries regarding transport, accommodation etc which fitted. I was getting "Twitchy". As already stated I have previous on this Island which was reassuring in my present state.(I won't mention it again).
Louise arrived home at 4 and I broke the news to her that I was going to make an attempt. As always, I had her full backing. My ASAP Mantra was still intact, which is vital. Trust me, I couldn't have attempted this drive earlier!
I left at 5.30pm fully aware of the solo drive I had in front of me (551 miles/11 hours). At least I'd have the Match to listen to!? Things went well as I headed up the East Coast towards Scotland. I usually turn at Scotch Corner and go across the A66 but due to my "new" addition XC70 which still hasn't got a turbo I chose the flatter East Coast route.
The Match came and went with the usual outcome!!! I'm a passionate Englishman BUT when you've read this book sooooooo many times, it's hard to feel emotional either way? Personally, I'd accept defeat more readily if we actually took part in the game. There's a familiar pattern here... score a goal then drop back and defend and wait to get beat. We have never been able to keep the ball, that's why we lose as soon as we play a Top Team. They wear us down, then strike. I WILL put myself through the "visual" eventually.
A couple of road closures delayed my arrival in Edinburgh but I reached the Premier Inn by Midnight. My kipping in the car days are over. There were NO updates during my drive?
I rose at 5.45 and after the inevitable "Ronald" I continued over the Forth Bridge towards Perth. I was keen to receive an early message, hopefully positive. I then saw a message from David Roche who lives on the Island. The Bird wasn't seen in the evening and didn't roost in the usual garden. Not great.
What to do? Carry on. The consequences of turning back too early were unthinkable at this juncture!!
Around 8 I received a message from Tony Dixon informing me some Birders were on Site and hadn't seen the Bird by 7.30. Definitely not good. I was now past Perth heading for Inverness. My Ferry from Scrabster was at 1.15 and I couldn't stop and wait for news or I wouldn't make it. It wasn't looking good obviously BUT what if it was relocated and I'd turned back!? I decided to drive on to Inverness hoping for a miracle. More refreshments on arrival and still enough time to make the Ferry BUT still no news... either way.
I gave it till 10 then reluctantly bailed out as by now I wouldn't make the Ferry. Plenty of time to chew things over on the long drive home. I arrived home at 9pm. If you're into this crazy "game" you'll appreciate the tension of checking subsequent messages knowing that you now can't get there! All good "fun"? Feeling fine now I'm asking myself why I didn't go earlier? Answer...I physically couldn't. Just bad timing. My desire and determination hasn't diminished and the age thing is irrelevant really (well mainly)...I was at a low ebb writing my previous Post. Yes, I'm struggling to get around (I won't mention it again) BUT I can still get there... eventually!
Twitching the Long-tailed Shrike and the Dartford Warbler in the extreme heat took it out of me. Both involved long walks. So much for Summer Doldrums!
The Car performed beautifully which was VERY pleasing and a great relief! I feet MUCH better for having tried, if unavoidably belatedly.
So, mixed feelings. I knew exactly what to do, I just couldn't do it earlier. Rather frustrating! That's enough excuses lol!
I managed to recoup my travel and accommodation costs which was some consolation and I did manage to have a chat with the people I know on this wonderful little Island. It would have been VERY special to see this beautiful Bird here but alas, it wasn't to be. The VARIED THRUSH was arguably my favourite experience and this was probably my biggest Dip. I had both here with the STELLER'S EIDER experience! Triumph and Disaster and all that. This one cut deep.
So, not the best 48 hours, coupling the Bird with the Footy!!!
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