Kirsten and I are sitting in our tent, applying sanitizer to our feet to dry them and rubbing them down with Penaten- also aiming to dry the skin overnight. The first day has been amazing! Our day set out to be 26km but since our desired camping location, along the shores of Loch Etive would have required no movement in our camp beds to ensure we stayed perched upon a 3ft ledge with a 40ft drop, we hiked forward! We are about 3.5 to 4 km further into our route, set up in a field with some sheep and horses for neighbours.
The first part of our morning was dry but the second part was wet. We trekked into The Tea Room in Taynuilt and ordered hot soup and cappuccinos. It was wonderfully warm, allowing us to dry out and meet some fellow TGOCers - a pair from Germany, followed by William.
During our morning trek we met a TGOCer from England - Kevin. He coaches rugby for a living, played Hooker himself (Sammy) and he filled us in on some pretty great relations. His son is married to Brett Farve’s daughter. Pretty cool! We couldn’t talk to him for too long as he was practically running- he is ex Army and an ultramarathoner. 40km today and in a few days one day with 3300m elevation!
After our tea room feast, where we enjoyed scones with clotted cream and jam for dessert, we hit the trail for the last stretch.
There are three other trekkers in our area for the night.
Tony- an Irishman who has been in England for 50 odd years, this is his 20th crossing! He wanted to ensure our route had scheduled pub stops along the way. His hiking partner is a Brit named Lee, doing his 15th TGOC. Incredible.
Darren is also here- hails from England, we met him earlier today at Inverawe.
Prior to Inverawe we crossed a footbridge- I almost threw up- Ken you know what I am talking about brotha! The angled sides were crazy and of course (as happened at Capilano) the bridge was swaying when I crossed! Only pictures of Kir on this monstrosity.
Camp dinner took place on a beautiful dock. We enjoyed broccoli and cheddar rice, Kung Pao Chicken, followed by Creme Brûlée and coffee. Delish. We are positive late night caffeine will not keep us awake tonight!
Favourite Things:
Kirsten- The Tea House
Amanda- Meeting fellow challengers
Biggest Challenge:
Kirsten- blisters
Amanda- Kirsten’s blisters (maybe Kirsten’s snoring)
We will read books for a bit. I have a crime suspense from Audj and Kir is reading some classic Scottish Literature, also from Audj (see picture below).
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Amanda and Kir
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