Day 2 - Inverliver to Victoria Bridge

We awoke early this morning- about six a.m. Kirsten slept well but as soon as we set about to sleep I felt like I was on home time zone- aggg.  I may have squeezed out 4-5h at best. We awoke to a chilly morning. Last night was down to -2C!  There were ice crystals on the tent fly.  We packed up our wet gear and set out.

It was trail today - no more road.  It felt soft to begin but was a pretty tough go.  We walked through a Glen all day- basically a valley between continuous mountains.

We had forested trails to begin and open sky towards the end, where Lochs (lakes) peppered the land. We aimed for Victoria bridge knowing there is a pub to visit and a washroom.
We passed Kinglass Lodge and crossed the river to take a peak.  There was a family there for the weekend.  Their Scottish hospitality extended an invite for tea or coffee.  The lodge itself is used by the deer stocker, his job is to control the deer population in the valley.  Last night they had a herd of 80 visit.  We met Billie, Ayla, Rudy, Cash, Stewart and Billie’s sister and her husband. We had a Rice Krispie treat  and after about an hour were sent on our way with a banana, two clementines and a cup of noodles, each.  This was super kind, but somehow our packs are getting heavier not lighter!  We rectified this by eating our treats.
We stopped for lunch shortly after, taking another break for our feet.

We continued towards Loch Dochard and decided we would continue if feeling well.  Sometimes this makes 3km feel like 10km!  Seeing as we had no rain and sun with some clouds, we considered this a sign and kept moving.We saw Tony and Lee a few times today and passed their camp as we continued to Victoria bridge.

Here the trail takes a quick stint into the forest.  As I stepped into a boggy patch, I quickly ate the grass in front of me. My right leg sunk up to my knee and I hit the grassy hill in front. My 45lb backpack said boom,nope you are not getting up.  My fear of ticks had me writhing to gain traction and get out.  At least this served as great comic relief for Kirsten.
We made it to the bridge and were distressed that the pub was about 1km further off our route. We persisted, mostly for the washroom and made it!  Sadly we didn’t have any pints- just a Coke (delicious) and worth the walk.
We are tucked into our tent, with cell service- lol. Tomorrow we head to Loch Lyon and set up camp again.
Hoping we both sleep well.  Nighty night.

Favourite Candy
Kirsten: sour gummies, licorice
Amanda: sour gummies, sweet tarts

Best Gear So Far
Kirsten: Advil 12h and Tylenol Cold
Amanda: Salomon Hiking Boots

Pet Peeves
Kirsten: Peeing in the middle of the night and blisters
Amanda: Boggy marsh