Let me start by saying that after a really bad day there can be an even worse one … at least weatherwise.
Luckily I only had 22km to go because I added about 8km yesterday.
I was lucky that I found a decent campsite and was able to pitch the tent in the only 30 minutes of the day when it was not raining.
It was a little like yesterday, first a decent path and then kilometres crossing the wet bog. This time in continuous snow and hale showers. I was absolutely soaking wet … actually everything was wet. I was really fighting to day.
Several times I had to cross a river that was impassable without taking your shoes off … and even then quite dangerous due to the fast and deep water … all of that in rain and getting back into wet and cold shoes.
In between I found this beautiful bothy … I stopped there soaking wet, made myself a hot coffee and felt better.
But everything has an end … in my case crossing the infamous A9 … the lifeline of Northern Scotland and ending up at the FORCES MANOR after 22km and 850altitude meters.
A superfriendly owner and dog greeted me and offered there dryroom 🙏🥳
Three other TGO participants joined and we had a wonderful evening at the local pub around the corner with food brought from a chinese restaurant in Aviemore.
I feel strong and motivated again!
Stats:
Readiness 76 (surprisingly good)
Sleep 80 (see above considering the rain and low temperatures)
Activity 77(also relatively high)
🚶♂️ : 4 – all TGOC Participants – no one else
🦌 : >100
Learnings:
- What starts bad can turn quite positive!
- There are always moments when you consider giving up … you should at least wait to the next event and then reconsider.
Magic Moments:
The Forces Manor had a lovely owner with an extremely playful Golden Retriever … Monty, I will be home soon!
And even better the place had a DRY ROOM – I am back in business!
And also extremely magical the owner of the adjacent pub spoke German with family in Münster (only about 45 minutes from my home).
And last but not least I had dinner (and a lot of drinks) with 3 other TGOC‘ler … very enjoyable company and great stories. 🙏
And really lastly now the first rainbow on this trip … and even a double one.
My Travel Adventures 