Sports Relief: Things I learned from #teamhonkrelay

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An unexpected addition to the family album

Months ago, Team Honk Relay seemed like an excellent idea. Months ago, it was nothing more than a “wow, that sounds fun. We could raise some money”. 

Months ago, I would never have predicted that my sister and I would be in identical matching onesies beside a roaring river Tay bracing ourselves to go rafting on the aforementioned raging river. 

But then you never know how things are going to turn out. 

This time they’ve turned out rather well. The Team Honk Relay has made it to John O’Groats by means of the varied and bizarre efforts of hundreds of bloggers. 

Together Team Honk Relay has raised more than £26,000 with over £1750 of that coming from the Scottish team. No mean achievement. 

I’ve also learned a few things. 

Gusts on the Forth Road Bridge can be hazardous. Particularly when you are carrying a baton with lots of ribbon streamers. 

Suspension bridges are very bouncy. Surprisingly so, in the middle. 

Iconic Scottish landmarks are popular. For cars, making them noisy and for Sports Relief fundraisers, meaning you’re quite likely to meet a haggis. 

Meeting bloggers in the flesh is lovely. I already knew this, but was reminded by Brinabird, Toby Goes Bananas, Keynko, Mummy Central and Mamasaurus.

It’s possible to be numb and in pain at the same time. Weird, but my feet were doing that after we’d spent an hour or immersed in Tay water on a chilly March morning. 

Delicious soup always hit a warming spot. Rachel at A Wee Pinch of Sugar kindly made us lunch for after our rafting exploits. Warming lentil was a lifesaver. 

Sisters have more similarities than they knew. When separately considering dressing up in tartan on different side of the country, they ended up in identical oneses. 

Wetsuits and boobs are not compatible. For an instant reduction – or at least redistribution, simply put on a wetsuit. 

Whitewater rafting is a lot of fun. Even if it is a bit cold. I may well be back. (Thanks to FreeSpirits for looking after us.)

The jokes don’t get any younger. Some of them were oarsome!

Carrying the baton is a huge responsibility. I don’t mean out there during the thing, but beforehand. The baton had to rest overnight with me and I was charged with remembering to bring it with me in the morning. It felt exactly like the time I had to bring my friend’s wedding dress to her house on the big day. Gulp.