Tuesday 8 June 2010

8th June 2010 ~ Inverarnan - Bridge of Orchy

Day Three of Five!

Michelle and I both slept well and were up as soon as the alarm went off at 7.00 a.m. In fact we were first over for breakfast!! As soon as breakfast was over we made our packed lunches and packed our bags ready for the off. We set off at 9.00 a.m. and our mileage for today was 20 miles. Slightly less than yesterday. Colin took our photograph before we left the campsite. Proof that we were enjoying the experience!! The temperature today was much cooler than yesterday but at least it was still dry.

We seemed to be setting off at the same time as many of the other walkers and along the first few miles got chatting to quite a few. A German couple, whom we spoke too, were doing the walk in 8 days. The gentleman said "Some people are doing it in 5 days ~ They're crazy". When we said that's what we were doing he said "Oh, you must be one of those crazy people!" We next met up with Isobel and Lorna from Dumfries. They're doing the West Highland Way to raise funds for the R.A.F. Benevolent Fund in memory of Karen's dad who passed away last year. We walked a few miles with them before branching off on our own. We then met two guys who are from Yorkshire and the Midlands. We met them on our first day and as they walk roughly at the same pace as us, have met up with them at various points along the route. We caught up with them today and walked with them for a few miles too.

The terrain today was through woodland again, to begin with, and was quite undulating. I say undulating but it actually had some steep climbs in it! Just before Tyndrum the terrain levels off and makes the walk very pleasant, especially with the temperature being that bit cooler. We arrived in Tyndrum, ready for lunch and stopped at the picnic benches beside the village store. The rain had begun so we didn't sit around too long. It was certainly getting much cooler and we decided to put on the long trousers and waterproofs. See, we came prepared for all eventualities!! The next part of the walk from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy was over landrover track. Colin and Marian had stopped in a lay-by, enroute, and could see us approaching. We couldn't get to them, although Michelle tried (but that's another story, lol!!) but they managed to take a few photographs of us from the distance. The remainder of the track was undulating and easier than the morning had been. We made good time and arrived at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel at 3.45 p.m. It was great getting in that little bit earlier than yesterday as we got time to unwind ~ and update the blog! Internet access at the hotel, brilliant!! Colin and Marian are staying in the hotel but we are staying in the Bunk House next door.
The four of us had dinner together which was lovely and relaxing. After dinner we finished updating the blog and attended to a few texts before heading to bed.

We are still feeling good and despondency has not set in, yet!! Keeping our focus on Steph, I think, will not let either of us give in, no matter what! So far the experience has been brilliant, hard work but fantastic.

4 comments:

  1. Hi Liz As you can see by my last comment I was about to log off when Hey Presto I found your next "novel". It doesn't surprise me that you were first for breakfast!! Well done to you both for completing another gruelling day. You two "Pink Ladies" are looking amazing!! Thanks for taking the time to let us know how it is going as we feel part of it without having to do the hard work!! Sleep well and look forward to reading about your day.

    Love to you both
    From The Priestley Clan

    PS. What were Colin and Marian doing in that layby?!

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  2. Great Stuff Ladies - day three over and you are still whizzing through the miles. Guess Fort William stocks of Blue W** will get licked on Thursday. John

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  3. Great to read the next part of your adventure. As "The Priestley Clan" said, we feel as if we're taking part without the hard work. I like that. Liz, getting quite worried about you. Organised and first over for breakfast, now that's something new. Keep going Pink Ladies, you are almost there. Look forward to reading the next instalment. Well done to the two of you, Love Susan

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  4. Glad to hear you are still blister free, practice does make perfection. Yes what was Colin and Marian doing in that layby! What an achievement, you can be totally proud of yourselves and other that you have met on your incredible journey.

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