Strong Porridge

Dear Dr. T,
I’ve always been a fervent believer in porridge as the best way to start the day before a big walk. The other weekend, I fell into an argument around the campfire about whether “real” porridge should be made with milk and sugar added to the oats or just salt and water. I decided to give the Scottish way a try, threw in a handful of salt, reached for my Sigg bottle to slurp in the liquid and, well, let me tell you now, that porridge tasted utterly fantastic, even though I had to eat it cold as I couldn’t get my Trangia to light. The walk was one of the best ever; I had trouble seeing the track at times, however others helped out by carrying me. To top off the Scottish thing, I was able to shout away in Glaswegian all day. Just thought aahhd let ya noo.
Yours, um, er, (aagh’ve forgotten)

Dear Scotty,
I can’t overstress the importance of correct usage of your fuel and water bottles. Blue or green is the generally recognised standard for water and shouldn’t be used for anything else, as that prevents both you or others from any unfortunate mix-ups. Similarly silver or red should be used for your metho or other fuel. So, if you get this right, you’ll be OK as long as you never reach blindly for your container. Do use a torch if it is dark. By the way, for that extra kick in your porridge, I swear by a nip of Bell’s whisky.

Best wishes, Dr T.