3 hour train ride, 22km in 6 hours of walking, wildflowers, views across Rannoch Moor, ridge walk, 1km short of bagging a munro. That's me on a Saturday in June.
About three months ago, I did the same trip (except far less walking). New season. Completely different experience. Last time it was snowing at times. There was incredible silence. I marched up and down the road at one point to keep warm while waiting for the train and traveled home in the dark. Not this time.
Although the train was close to full (now 4 cars instead of 2), I was the only one to depart at Rannoch Station. It is an isolated area and although a few had driven in by car, it was lovely to have more quiet than my previous weekend (a journey to Arran which felt like Mt. Si for those of you in the NW).
I was sad that the tea room was closed once again, this time due to water issues. I set off to walk the same route but this time, continue onto the ridge (pictured below) until time to catch the last train back to Glasgow.
Not a bad lunch spot...
I was impressed that I made it as far as I did but if I had known my speed, I would have planned to complete the munro and end in Corrour instead of walking all the way back to Rannoch. Hence 15 minutes after my planned turnaround time, I forced myself to turn my back on the munro which was only one km further along the ridge.
Lots of wonderful views across the moor and surrounding hills including Schiehallion.
A few walkers passed me on my way back to the train. Upon seeing me stopped to photograph one of the lochs in the distance, one walker stopped a wee way past me to take the same photograph and comment to his mate about the beautiful view. They looked exhausted, heads down, just focusing on one step at a time. Easily me after a long day. I found it rewarding to share that beautiful view with them, maybe be the reason why they looked up one more time and enjoyed that moment. I suppose that is what I strive for in photography. To open our eyes to all the beauty around us.
Although there were clouds, the day was quite warm - around 20C or 68F. I thought I would melt into the pavement on my way back along the road. Instead of marching, I was dragging my feet and doing my best impression of a windsock to find any breeze. Back at the train station, the bumblebees were intoxicated with the flower beds of heather. Curiously they only seemed to be interested in the white heather.
My journey home on the train was accompanied by a group of men with a few guitars and an extensive songbook (even managed a bit of my request - Sitting on the dock of the bay). They were enjoying a day trip to Mallaig. They left no doubt that they are best mates, the kind of love and support of each other that spans a lifetime.
I am suffering from a lack of sleep...I don't know how to handle all this daylight. Currently the daylight spans from 4:30am until a little after 10pm. I find myself staying up later and later. It may be time for a nap in the park...
I was impressed that I made it as far as I did but if I had known my speed, I would have planned to complete the munro and end in Corrour instead of walking all the way back to Rannoch. Hence 15 minutes after my planned turnaround time, I forced myself to turn my back on the munro which was only one km further along the ridge.
Lots of wonderful views across the moor and surrounding hills including Schiehallion.
A few walkers passed me on my way back to the train. Upon seeing me stopped to photograph one of the lochs in the distance, one walker stopped a wee way past me to take the same photograph and comment to his mate about the beautiful view. They looked exhausted, heads down, just focusing on one step at a time. Easily me after a long day. I found it rewarding to share that beautiful view with them, maybe be the reason why they looked up one more time and enjoyed that moment. I suppose that is what I strive for in photography. To open our eyes to all the beauty around us.
Although there were clouds, the day was quite warm - around 20C or 68F. I thought I would melt into the pavement on my way back along the road. Instead of marching, I was dragging my feet and doing my best impression of a windsock to find any breeze. Back at the train station, the bumblebees were intoxicated with the flower beds of heather. Curiously they only seemed to be interested in the white heather.
My journey home on the train was accompanied by a group of men with a few guitars and an extensive songbook (even managed a bit of my request - Sitting on the dock of the bay). They were enjoying a day trip to Mallaig. They left no doubt that they are best mates, the kind of love and support of each other that spans a lifetime.
I am suffering from a lack of sleep...I don't know how to handle all this daylight. Currently the daylight spans from 4:30am until a little after 10pm. I find myself staying up later and later. It may be time for a nap in the park...
A little nap sounds nice!
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