WOW, another day on the West Highland Way, but this one was one of those “hard” days, short mileage, but difficult. Remember I talked about yesterday’s rocks, roots & mud, today was a tougher day because of the short ups and downs with the steps only on those rocks, roots or mud. I have learned in Texas and Colorado that wet rocks are to avoided at all costs, they are slippery and the fastest way to a major slip and broken leg or arm. Well, with the rain we have been having, every rock is wet, if not also with water still running over it, almost every rock is muddy as we all step on them. Now I am forcing myself to slow down and take those kind of obstacles slow and steady. I guess I also need to mention the roots, you know how slick wet wood is, add to that the gnarled mess roots are and they are just waiting to catch a foot or an ankle. That makes it triple dangerous on the trail I was on today. Where I normally cover ups and downs like this at speed of 2.5 to 2.7mph I ended up showing 1.9mph on my garman watch.
Can you tell me the steps to take on the trail in the above pickup ( click to enlarge)? If you said the left side where the trail looks to go, you are wrong, the dropoff on the left is about 10 feet down, that is very dangerous. If you said scramble on the rocks, you are right. There are actually enough stepping area that if you take large steps up you can safely go there. The one thing I have found about the rock here, it is very rough, so even wet, it has some traction. I know you probably don’t care about rocks, but they have been a large part of my life the last two days, especially today.
I loved coming to my inn this afternoon, It was across the loch, so when I got to the crossing point, I had to raise and big plastic ball on a flag poll to signal the ferry that there were passengers that wanted to cross. Off course I got there and they wouldn’t pickup anyone until after 3, maybe lunch hour. So I got to sit on a log on a gravel beach, visit with new friends and read some more of the 2nd book in the series. It is amazing the simple things we get to do on a trip like this. But it really is the simple things that bring the most joy we have in life. I am blessed to be here.
Tonight I had a great dinner with 4 West Point graduates from 1979 and the wife of one who also served in the military. They had gotten together thru social media and one, who was a hiker, suggested this trip. I have seen them (re) bonding over the last few days, it is fun. But that is the life on the trail. Our table visited with an immigration lawyer from Miami, this was her 3rd time to visit Scotland in the last couple of years, she loves it here. We are all on this trail and that gives us a common bond for the next few days. it is always fun to talk to people from all different walks of life.
Today on the trail was said to be one of the hardest days and I texted my brother and said I can now attest to that. But like every day hiking, it was a good day. Tomorrow will be longer, but not as challenging. Except, the rain is back!!!!!!! Also, if you have any question about how tough today was, see the picture below, they left a shovel in case anyone needs to be buried.
I must say, everyday has brought God’s beautiful creation to my eyes, I hope one or two the pictures let you see that also.
John 1:3
Quote – Me – I love meeting new people in these situations, I just wish I wasn’t so shy elsewhere…
Thanks again for sharing your adventure. Are you achieving the 10 plus miles per day?? Do you lose weight on these adventures?
Sounds beautiful!! You writing is very good!! Stay safe!!
Thanks for sharing your days. Hope for good weather. Stay safe and keep us updated.