Always gonna be a hard day, and not only in the physical sense. A year to the day since Lanky passed away. I can hear him laughing at me wakng up in what felt like the top bunk of a Gautanamo Bay prison cell!
Fantastic full Scottish breakfast with as much coffee as a coffee drinker could handle provided the sustenance required for the first part of the days walk.
The Bastardos numbers were swelled today by Josie and Sean Buchan, and Pauline Baker. Once Kaya had led the troops through their stretches we were off. Thankfully we had a decent bit of cloud cover and got a steady pace going. One of the great things about this week is having the opportunity to spent little bits of time with different people, but also getting time by yourself, and all in the most magnificent scenery you could ever hope for.
First part of the walk today was the 7 miles Rowardenen to Inversnaid where we stopped for lunch and replenished the water bottles. The sun was getting its game on around now and the heat was intense.
The second section was Inversnaid to Inverarnon, also 7 miles. The terrain in this section was very technical underfoot. Mair tree stumps and rocks than ye could shake a stick at! A long (and I mean long) walk down the glen brings you eventually to the Drovers Inn (Est. 1705) which is the quirkiest place I've ever stayed in. Stuffed animals everywhere. There's even a dancing bear to greet you at reception!
Wonderful meal (fish and chips for me) accompanied by a good few pints and it's time for rest in a decent bed in The Gun Room!
I'd been anxious about this date for a while, not knowing how I'd be feeling. It's turned out to be perfect. Walking the route that Lanky had walked years ago, I can feel his presence, and also being with great people, where else would you rather be?
Shona has a couple of Just Giving pages on the go, if your able to, please spare a couple o' quid the big fellas memory.
British Heart Foundation
https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander1
Perth Autism Support
https://www.justgiving.com/stephenlankyalexander
I've just realised, this will be a good recce for you for when you run the west highland way race.
ReplyDeleteJust sayin' - in case you hadn't thought of it.
As a wee bonus thought, the midges cannae get you when your running.