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Day 50 has seen Raffle tickets sold, Lemurs fed and supporters secured.

I had a great night’s sleep last night. 6 hours in a stretch without a break. The first time in probably 20 months so was feeling good this morning as I walked the dog for 2 miles. Tired, but not as tired and really looking forward to my day volunteering at Blair Drummond Safari Park.

Feeding the Lemurs
Feeding the Lemurs

I had been swatting up on scary stories about Lemurs. The idea was for me to get dressed up (again) and tell Halloween style scary stories about the Lemurs to the children. The team sent me the stories but as I read them through I was starting to become a little unsure of the impact such stories would have on young minds we were hoping to impress with the value of such wonderful creatures from Madagascar. The education team were also, I think, having doubts about this particular element so pulled the scary story bit but instead I was to swat up on the four types of Lemur at the Safari Park and help with the Park’s plans for Lemur day in the Lemur Land enclosure. This was great cognitive function trying to remember the detail on a complex evolutionary journey from the first arrival on Madagascar of something similar to the Indri to the development of the 104 species of Lemur so was really pleased to have the challenge but sad, although quite correctly I think, not to have the chance to apply my theatrical tendencies and love of people to the scary story bit. So I tell you a short story here about the Aye-Aye. Villagers believe aye-ayes are harbingers of evil, and seeing an aye-aye means you will soon die. According to legend, the aye-aye sneaks into the dwellings of nearby villagers and uses its long middle finger to pierce the hearts of sleeping humans. Others believe if one points its narrowest finger at someone, they are marked for death. Some say the appearance of an aye-aye in a village predicts the death of a villager, and the only way to prevent this is to kill it. Thus, when one is spotted, their encounter with humans is often followed immediately by death.   I think we were right not to be telling this one to the children!!

So I was looking forward to the bike ride through the Blair Drummond Estate along the bank of the River Teith across from Doune Castle and in to the back gate for duty. I opened the garage door and found to my horror my back tyre was flat as a pancake. You will remember that that was a new inner tube but 3 or so weeks ago. I checked my watch. 0901hrs. If I run now I could just catch the 0903hrs bus in the village as long as it’s late (which it usually is!). I ran down the Main Street dressed for a leisurely bike ride, in the pouring rain, on the flat. True to Sod’s Law the Bus was on time and indicating to pull out. I was running down the very centre of Main Street in the village waving my arms frantically hoping the driver would see me. He pulled out and disappeared down George Street and on to the Main Road. He had to go in to Deanston first and do his reverse turn to come back out and carry on towards Stirling so if I keep running I might just catch him. I can’t be late!! I was getting hotter as I ran down George Street and up the slope towards the Main Road, my legs heavy in my old walking boots and starting to perspire gently under the waterproofs I had put on for the gentle bike ride along the river in the rain. I turned left and ran down the A84 my daysack banging up and down on my back. I got to the river, ran over the bridge and turned right to hit the bus stop just before Deanston. I was hot and sweaty and breathing heavily as I sucked in the Oxygen and checked my watch. I was giggling to myself as I started to realise that I had made it and managed to catch up with the bus. It was a ruder awakening for the body than I had planned today but my goodness an awakening it was and I felt great if just a little sweaty!!

Feeding more (different) Lemurs
Feeding more (different) Lemurs

A short walk from the bus stop and I was reporting for duty at Lemur Land bang on time. The team had everything set up, the Lemurs were out and we waited for the crowds. Instead we got more rain. Lots more rain so the Lemurs ran for cover except for the Red Ruff Lemurs who sat there, shoulders hunched up, mumbling to themselves. Lemur activities in Lemurland cancelled we moved to the marquee which was all set up for Halloween activities. The team were looking great in various costumes and had set up face painting, pumpkin carving, hot chocolate and chocolate fountains with marshmallows and a fire pit for toasting them as well as balloons and colouring in et al. The crowds started to come in and my job here was to sell Raffle tickets for a Lemur experience to raise money for the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group who work hard to try and preserve the unique biodiversity of this Island Nation. A perfect job because the team had also printed off and provided some of my Flyers so when I hit a couple who I thought might like the challenge – yep they got a flyer too!! The sun came out and the Lemur land experience was rescheduled for 1500hrs. The Lemurs were out enjoying the sunshine and the team led with the talks so I had a lovely time learning more about these delightful but mischievous creatures before being beckoned over by Amy for a job. Hand feeding the Lemurs. What a treat. We started with the Ring Tailed then moved on to the Red Ruff Lemurs. It was a real delight and was a small thank you from Amy for my help today. Wow – I had had such a lovely day selling raffle tickets for a good cause and raising awareness, with the safari Park’s blessing and help, for another great cause (in my challenge)!! and expected nothing in return so to be given such a treat as hand feeding such beautiful creatures was very special and reminded me about the importance of and responsibility we all have in looking after God’s beautiful creation – thank you. After saying thank you and farewell to such a great team it was time to wander back for the bus. As I did so, with all the Halloween costumes and the need to get back in time to feed the children in time for the guising, my thoughts turned to the ceremony of All Souls or All Saints Day and the opportunity to remember those we love that have gone before us, pray that they rest in peace and be thankful for the time we had together. I looked to the skies as I reflected on the coming ceremony and saw the amazing cloud configuration I picture below. I know what I saw in those clouds but I leave it to you to see what you see.

So my 50th challenge day successfully completed despite an initial change of plan but finishing with the chance to reflect on both our responsibilities for the future and the memories we hold dear on the past.

Happy Halloween and have a lovely weekend.