Thursday, June 30, 2011
Invoranan
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Where's The Blog?
Don't you just love technology??? Will write it over again when we reach the next destination. The picture of Eric is where it is supposed to be. Just wanted you all to know that what happened to Eric is what happens when you drink tha same water the sheep do!!
More on our walk to Tymdrum later. At least you can look at the pictures. Until then, we will write from Invoranan. 9 miles today, says the navigator. Hope we have Internet there! Not sure on that yet.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Light Work Day
Invoranan to Cranlarich - 6 1/2 miles
Today was a fairly easy hike. We didn't start out until 10:00 a.m. It
was easy terrain compared to the day before. The scenery was
beautiful, the day cool, and we hiked in sunshine with occasional
overcast. To be honest, I prefer the cool overcast days. It is very
muggy here, so when the sun comes out, it is very hot! The most
difficult part of the hike today was the last 15 minutes heading down
to Cranlarich! All down hill on a road with very large rocks. An
obstacle course, to be sure!
Since the West Highland Way is a very popular hike, at each place we
stop there is a place to get a stamp to show we made it to that
specific location. We got the book in Milgavie, the official starting
point of the hike. So we are building the stamps in our book and when
we get done, we will have a full book! A nice record of our stops
along the way.
Tomorrow we head to Tyndrum, which is about 6 1/2 miles.
Unfortunately, we have to go back up that awful hill we came in on to
get down to Cranlarich! 15 minutes, or more, to get back to the
starting point! Yes, gripe gripe. I just don't like re-doing what
I've already done!
We think we'll probably be able to get on line there, so hopefully, we
won't miss a blog day. On we walk!
Day 5 - Rocks, Roots & Ladders, Oh My!!
Inversnaid to Invoranan - 7 miles
After spending the evening getting to know a few of the other
bunkhouse guests, we readied for what should have been a short hiking
day. Of notable interest, was a man named Pat Hobbs. He was on a hike
from Lands End to John O Grots, which is the furthest headlands of
mainland Scotland. This is 1000 miles! He was on day 49 the day we
met him! So in the morning we headed out to Invoranan, where our goal
for this day was the Drover's Inn. At 7 miles, it should have been a
fairly short easy walk. However, the terrain was very uneven, rocky
and steep. We had to make our way along a trail of rocks, which then
turned into steep steps. There were ladders to climb and mud holes to
wade through. It took hours to accomplish this! We didn't make it in
to the Drovers Inn until 3:30. A big difference considering the day
before was the same distance and we made it by 2:00! Footsore and
tired we opted for a shower and a nap before heading to dinner. The
Drover's Inn and Pub was established in 1705 and was a way point stop
for Scotsmen herding cattle. Hence, the name. It still looks a lot
like it did back then. Dinner was next to a coal fire. Only the tour
bus outside told us we were in present time. Yes, it was a little
obnoxious to see it there. The only complaint we had was the beds. I
do believe they have been there since 1705 as well! We took our time
in the morning as the room was finally large enough to reorganize our
bags. For the past several days before that, we had been in rooms so
small we had to move around and dress in shifts. After a full Scottish
breakfast, we headed out for Cranlarich. More on this later!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Day 4 - The Heavens Open
Rowardennan to Inversnaid - 7 miles
This morning we woke up to rain. After a Scottish breakfast, we
headed out. It was only overcast when we started, but about one mile
or so into the hike, the skies opened up and we were walking in a
downpour. Since it was really muggy, the rain seemed to be a welcome
change. However, as time went by, the rain got heavier and so full
rain gear came out. Even the packs had to have the rain covers on.
We started crossing small waterways that flowed into Loch Lomond. As
we walked, the waterways turned into water falls. Crossing these was
easy enough for 6' men. Not so, for 5' women with shorter strides.
Kari and I needed help crossing and I actually made it, but not
without a few frightful screams. As you can see by the pictures,
there was a lot of water!! Even the path on the hike became a series
of running water, deep puddles and muddy bogs. We moved right along,
not stopping and having a snack while still walking. We arrived at
the Inversnaid Hotel by 2:00 p.m. Looking forward to getting out of
the rain and having a hot meal, we were somewhat disappointed in the
atmosphere. The hotel relegated all walkers to a room, totally absent
of any ambiance, to dry off. We could only order food and drink from
the bar. Restaurant meals were restricted to the restaurant, which we
were not dressed appropriately for. We did have a nice hot meal. We
then called the Inversnaid Bunk House for a ride. It was about a mile
or so up a steep hill, so we were all very happy that the Bunkhouse
offered rides from the hotel. We were all soaked to the skin when we
got to the hotel, so by the time we arrived at the bunkhouse we were
all cold and in dire need of a hot shower and dry clothes. A
refreshing surprise is the "drying room", which is for our use to hang
wet clothes and lots of shelves for boots, wet packs and anything else
needing to be dried out. Not unlike a sauna in there, we all were
very happy to spend time in there to warm up! Upstairs above the
bedrooms is a sitting area with places to relax, eat, watch a movie or
sit on a computer! Of course we are fortunate to get free wifi here,
so we can post the blogs. Tomorrow we go to Inverarnan where we will
be staying at the Drover's Inn. Hopefully, we will be able to
communicate from there, but again, Internet and cell signal can
sometimes be sporadic. Weather forecast is for sunny skies tomorrow.
While that sounds great, the midges will be back. Sometimes, a rain
walk has it's advantages. On we go!!! We'll post again when we can.
Day 3 - Attack of the Midges
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!!
Friday, June 24, 2011
WHW Day Two - Assault on Conic Hill
So here we are, sitting in the Oak Tree Inn pub, drinking pear cider,
William Wallace Ale, aka Braveheart beer, and tea with Bailey's Irish
Cream. At least we are diverse!
Left Drymen around 9:30, but decided to stop at a nearby clinic for a
tetanus shot. Dr also decided antibiotics might be a good idea. So
with that taken care of, off we went to climb a "hill". Who the heck
decides on what's a hill and what's a mountain? Started off in the
Garadhban Forest, planted in the 1980's. Looked like we were walking
in Oregon! This part was about 2 1/2 miles. Then we started the hill
climb. It started out through sheep pastures of green grass, spongy
soil and a slight incline. Then the real deal hit. Rocky and steep,
it seemed like being part mountain goat would have been an advantage.
We did a slow climb to the top, which was 1184 feet. It was mostly a
rock climb! Very little smooth trail on this one.
Once to the top, we were all starving. Working on a light breakfast
today, the group proved to not be too smart when it came to carrying
food. Before leaving the B&B this morning, I packed a banana and two
tangerines. Of course my snack food supply was still pretty much
intact from what I brought to travel with. So with an ample supply, I
contentedly settled in for a snack break. Everyone devoured their
sparse rations and then stood around talking of hunger. After eating
my banana and tangerines, I then brought out my bag of snacks, which,
after discovering what I had, was pretty much depleted by everyone
else. Ya, sometimes it pays to be a food hoarder. Even though I am
sometimes criticized for carrying "too much sh**" no one complains
when I save everyone else's ass for what ever needed item pops out of
my bag. Once snacks were eaten, we headed down the other side. Our
descent down to Balmaha was just as rocky and probably more steep than
the ascent! Sore feet, jammed toes, and a balancing act were all a
part of this day. We got into Balmaha around 4:00 p.m. Bags were
waiting for us, so we settled in and had a great meal, which ended up
pretty much being the only real meal of the day. We cant get Internet
in the room so that is why we are sitting in the pub. We are
realizing that the further north we go, the less it may be available.
So if we miss a blog day, know that we are having trouble getting on
line.
Tomorrow we head to Rowardennan. This will be about an 8 mile day.
It will mostly be along the shore of Lake Lomond, which may be a muddy
mess due to so many creeks flowing into the lake, which we will have
to cross. We aren't sure of Internet there, but if there is, we will
post our adventure. If not, we'll catch up soon! Walk on!!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Hike Begins!
(mull-guy) to Drymen (drimmen). The day started out wet and drippy,
but less than an hour into the hike the sun came out and we had blue
sky, sunshine and puffy clouds for the rest of the day. We walked 6
1/2 miles and then stopped at the Glengoyne Distillery where we took a
tour and were given samples. After two swigs, Eric lost all
discipline and spent $190.00 in American money on whiskey and a few
other momentos. I wasn't present during this shopping spree, so
therefore take no responsibility on overspending. Um, remember, we
are HIKING!! He then had to figure out how to stuff two shopping bags
worth of merchandise into an already almost full backpack. You buy it,
you carry it! Laughing out loud at successfully completing this task,
we set off once again to finish the hike. Of course, E is now
carrying about 35 lbs on his back and toward the end of the day was
complaining about "backpack pain". Ya think??? We stopped at the
Beach Tree pub for a late lunch. Hard cider for each of us, which may
have made the rest of the day a little more bearable. The last thee
miles were unfortunately on pavement. This made for hot spots on the
feet and by the time we reached the B&B, we were foot sore and pretty
exhausted. Showers and naps and we are on a slow recovery. Tomorrow
shouldn't be too bad. Drymen to Balmaha is 6 1/2 miles. That should
be fairly easy except for the fact that we have to climb Conic Hill.
Supposedly it isn't that high, but I am beginning to doubt anything
told to me by a man who buys a bottle of whiskey for $145.50. My
reaction to this purchase? Holy sh**!! His answer? It's 21 year old
whiskey, it's worth it!! O-KAY!!! Just found out the "hill" is 1184
feet. Well at least I'm not carrying 35 lbs on MY back! So we will
take our time tomorrow. Since it's a short day, we will look around
here a little in the morning before taking off, since we were too
tired to do that tonight. On we go!!! Cheers!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Pre-Trek. Glasgow to Milngavie
start to the hike. Knowing us as you do, we never do anything like
everyone else does! So we opted to hike from Glasgow to Milngavie.
By car, it is about 6 miles. Walking, it is about 11 due to the
winding trail. Left Glasgow a little after 9 this morning and arrived
at our lunch destination around 1:00 p.m. The Tickle Trout Pub, at
least 100 years old or more, served a wonderful Scottish lunch. After
a short rest after lunch, we walked the hour or so into Milngavie to
our current B & B, Best Foot Forward. We walked into the village of
Milngavie, where we found a wonderful pub called Cross Keys,
recommended by our hostess. More great food, more Strongbow, and of
course, another pear cider! Good thing we are walking this all off!
The walk today was easy, except for one little glitch. I was going to
leave this part out, but due to pressure (3 against 1) I guess I have
to "tell". Hiking along the Kelvin River, we were on a very muddy
sloppy trail. Trying to avoid a large puddle, I went around on an
incline, immediately slipped and then fell against a barbed wire
fence. Most of you know I can put a tennis shot pretty much on the
spot. My accuracy today proved to be just as good as I managed to hit
one of the barbs, impaling my arm. Ya, nice. So we had a slight
delay while first aid was administered. I am happy to report that
Kari's first aid certification came in quite handy today. My arm
looks a little like a heroin addicts, with nasty marks and one large
injection site, but other than that, I survived the ordeal. Ok, now
you all know!
Tomorrow we are off to Drymen, which is 12 miles. Breakfast is at 8.
We'll be off shortly after that. So, until then, happy trails!
Off to Glasgow!
train ride. Arriving in the rain, we headed out the station to a bus
stop across the street where we were to catch a bus to close proximity
to the Glasgow Youth Hostel, our first stop prior to the hike. On the
way, E was approached by a local homeless man who asked if he had any
money. Quick on the draw, he told him he only had American money and
it would do him no good. It worked, and the man went on his way.
After boarding the bus, we realized that even though we knew which
stop we needed to get off at, that there was nothing to indicate when
that stop came! There was no announcement, no reader board, nothing!
A very kind woman sitting behind us heard us talking and asked where
we were going. After explanations, she said she would tell us which
stop to get off and we even got directions on where to walk from there
to get to the hostel. By the time we got off several others knew the
Americans were on board! Thanks to their kindness, we arrived at the
hostel without any problems. We decided to be cheap and not pay for
Internet charges there. Thus, we will post two today because we get
free wifi here! Had lunch in a nearby pub and after an afternoon of
rest and making advance reservations along the hike, we headed into
Glasgow for dinner. Found another great pub and I made a new
discovery. Acting on a suggestion from Andrew, I opted out of the
Strongbow Hard Cider in favor a pear cider. Wowie zowie!! I have a
new addiction! Since it was the longest day of the year, we were kind
of thrown off by the constant daylight and ended up eating dinner
after 9! Heading back to the hostel at 10, we discussed that perhaps
we should pay more attention. It didn't get dark until after 11, but
sleep finally came. On to Milngavie!!
Monday, June 20, 2011
From Walla Crag to the Solway Firth
recovering from our fell climb yesterday, we headed to the Solway
Firth, specifically Allonby Bay. Took a walk along the beach, which
was a treasure trove of shells, interesting rocks and bits and pieces
of what looked to be broken china pieces, some with the pattern
clearly intact. These pieces looked like tumbled rocks, very smooth
to the touch. So of course, I had to take the most interesting ones I
could find! So maybe I'll come home with a suitcase full of rocks!
It was a warm and sunny day today so the beach walk was a pleasant
one. After that walked back through the village of Allonby and
finished it off with an ice cream cone. No one (Mr. E) had a lactose
intolerance attack and therefore, we were all spared the indignities
of it's side affects. After arriving home, we had a wonderful dinner,
lovingly prepared by David and Margaret. More ice cream for
dessert........ooohhh boy.
Tomorrow morning we are off to Glasgow by train, leaving from
Carlisle. We have reservations at the Glasgow Youth Hostel.
Wednesday we will begin the hike. First day will be Glasgow to
Milngavie (pronounced "mull-guy"). This will be around 11 miles. Will
post more from Scotland as Internet service is available, which may be
sporadic at times. No worries if you don't hear from us for a while!
Cheers from England---Scotland, here we come!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Walla Crag Warmup
Led by Andrew and Victoria, we headed back to Keswick to hike from the
Derwentwater car park, up Brockle Beck, through Rakewood to the top of
Walla Crag, which sits on the edge of Bleuberry Moor. (pronounced
"bleeberry") We climbed 1243 feet to the top. This was the easy
part. The decent down the other side was the biggest challenge.
About a 60 degree decent over rocks, rocky steps, and toe jamming
grass and dirt trails, it took longer to get to the bottom than to
climb to the top. This ended up being about a 2 1/2 hour hike. Of
course this doesn't count all the time we stopped! Haha.
After returning back to Wigton, we all had a great meal, courtesy of
the local Chinese Take Away. Living on only snacks before and half
way through the hike, we were all pretty ravenous by dinner.
The picture we post here is taken from the top of Walla Crag. The
village that you see is Keswick. The water to the left is
Derwentwater. The large body of lakeland water in the distance is
Bassenthwaite Lake.
Tomorrow we take it easy, do some laundry, pack up the bags and get
ready for the Tuesday train ride to Glasgow, where we will ready for
the start of the hike. More on that tomorrow. For now, day is done
and sleep is needed. We shall see how the muscles feel from the climb
when morning here arrives. Cheers!
Saturday Explorations
Sunday will bring a short 2.5 mile hike to warm up before the big one. More from that later. Until then, cheerio!!
Friday, June 17, 2011
We're Awake Now!
The train ride from Euston Station to Carlisle was 3 hours and 15 minutes. Of note, the distance from London to Carlise is 261 miles. The first stop was Preston, which is 158 miles away, which we reached in under one and a half hours. This translates to a speed of approximately 120 mph. We traveled through some of the area that we had hiked during our Coast to Coast hike in 06. We were collected by Andrew and Victoria, who kindly drove us to the home of relatives David and Margaret Ferriby. We had our traditional English tea, and took a walk into Wigton center to pick up fish and chips for a late lunch. After that, exhaustion again took place and we all crashed. It is early evening here, so the tea kettle is on once again as we all wake back up. We will rest up here and visit for a couple of days. Maybe see a few local sights in nearby areas.
Our plan is to take the train to Glasgow early in the week to stay and then start the West Highland Way hike. More details on that later. For now, Wigton is our home away from home!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
We Arrived Safely!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Off We Go!!
Well, we are off to England once again. For those of you who followed us the last time when we did the Coast to Coast hike, we will again be setting off on another adventure. While the Coast to Coast was 192 miles, this time we have cut the distance in half. We will be hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland. The journey will take us from Milngavie and travel north to Fort William for a total of 95 miles. This time there will be four of us, with Kari and Chad joining in. Before we begin the hike, we will be visiting relatives in Northern England, specifically, Wigton, which is in Cumbria. We will try to keep this current, but internet connection, as always, will dictate how often we can post. Here is a map of where the hike will take us. Follow along with us and feel free to add comments and communicate with us any time. We always love to hear from you!! Talk to you from the U.K.!! Kris and E