“There is pleasure in the pathless woods; There is rapture on the lonely shore; There is society, where none intrudes, by the deep sea and music in its roar: I love not man the less, but Nature more.” -Lord Byron
May 11, 2014
All Cam-ban to North of Cougie
After the big day yesterday it is an understatement to say that we slept very soundly. Both Dan and I agreed it was the best on trail sleep we had ever had. Must be the Scottish air and soft moss.
Soon after we began our day we met a fellow challenger, Tony at the Cam-ban Bothy. A bothy is a shelter that is open to take shelter from a storm or for an overnight stay. Tony is super knowledgable with a lovely smile and we enjoyed getting to know him.
This day’s gentle path led us through Glen Affric that is under restoration. It is serene, expansive, and beautiful.
The gentle mix of rain and clouds made the day interesting. I love the feel of the air here. It is clean and refreshing. On the way to Cougie, a small settlement, we walked through slippery, deep mud. It was a struggle. Somehow Dan always comes out looking pristine and I look like I have rolled in the mud.
Scotland’s landscape has been marred in many areas by the clear cutting of trees. It is interesting to observe their reforestation techniques, scoop out a circle of dirt, set it to the side, and plant a tree in the middle. It is crazy looking.
We are camped beside an ancient bridge while across the creek ponies are grazing. Tomorrow we are resupplying food at Fort Augustus at the south end of the famous lake, Loch Ness.
Beautiful. And I find it hard to believe that you looked dirty to anyone but yourself.
Ahh so right… dirt and the trail just go together.
All your photos are incredible but the one of the skull in the window is gallery worthy. I want a large print of that one someday!!
Sending you the original. 🙂
Thanks for sharing darlin … The photos are phenomenal!!
Sent from my iPhone
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Wow, lovely scenery. But that shot in the mud just freaks me out. I’m definitely a fair-weather hiker. I just really don’t like wet feet. -So, again, you two Rock! Takin’ the TGO in stride and then some.
Scotland and wet feet go together. No way around it. Believe it or not you do get used to it.
Hmm …. Is mud better than cactus ?? Not sure … At least the mud is easier to get off your boots !
Definitely kinder to the skin than the pointy things!!!!!!!
Seems I can never look at landscapes like this without thinking about Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Hound of the Baskervilles.” Atmospheric and exciting! Muck on! BTW, I’m surprised at the pace you both seem to be setting, considering the footway. Impressive!