Balmaha to Rowardennan - 8 miles
Today the hike started out overcast. While it was misty when we ate
breakfast, by the time we left it had stopped. It never rained on us
the entire day, but it was extremely muggy. Today the hike began the
first of three days along the shores of Loch Lamond. As in everyday
life back home, Eric always looks for the long way around, the back
roads that take twice as long and the always adventurous detour to the
road less traveled. So up some stupid hill we climb, over 200 feet,
all on rock steps straight up. All this because he wanted to see
something called Fort Craigie. Once up there, it was discovered that
there was no fort, no remnants of a fort and nothing but the top of
the hill. So down we went, straight down, and ended up on the same
road we started on. Over a mile of wasted time and wear and tear on
the muscles! We also discovered something else. While on this little
adventure we realized that if we stopped for more than 30 seconds, the
midges came out and swirled around us in swarm like fashion.
They bite too! So we kept on moving - all day - no break, no stops,
nothing. 6 hours of walking over rock, crags, climbing up steep
hills then descending down just as steeply, we finally made it to the
Rowardennan Pub/Hotel for much needed refueling. After a great meal
and conversation with the pub staff we headed up the road to the
Rowardennan Lodge Youth Hostel. After a one hour nap, we did some much
needed laundry and relaxed before retiring for the night. No wifi or
Internet available so that is why this blog is a day late. Even the
3G was spotty, at best. My phone kept switching from Orange to
Vodaphone UK, two different cell networks, going from full bars, to
one bar, to none at random intervals. As soon as I would get a
connection, it would disappear! Finally gave up on any communication
what-so-ever.
After a full Scottish breakfast this morning, we were off once again,
this time traveling to Inversnaid. Keep on trucking!!
Cry cry cry!!!!!
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