This One's for Tim

When I signed up for this trek I knew I'd have to face several obstacles: losing weight, getting fit, the heat, hills..... Never in my imaginings did I think that my feet might be a problem. They are the things that are getting me there. They are the things on which everything rests. They are not supposed to be tripping me up. But they are. I've had toe discomfort on and off for the last few years but nothing to worry about. In Shetland it would sometimes play up but I put it down to my sturdy boots being too, well, sturdy. So I've been doing my training in my old faithfuls which I finally had to throw away as they were ripped, let water in, and then the soles began to flap around. Never mind , I thought. I can buy some new boots fit for the trek.  I was feeling a bit smug - a reason to spend some money, and bought nice and early to break in. Pride, they say, comes before a fall. Mrs Smug has now been replaced by Mrs Pie in the Face. My toe issue is back and it's excruc