Day 84 - July 3rd. - Bridge of Orchy to Kingshouse - 12.3 miles



Emma and Hamish joined us for the next few day as far as Fort William....it was already raining!
 
We set off into the forest
and climbed up until we were on the moor above Loch Tulla. 
Then on to Telford's 1805 "Parliamentary road" which replaced General Wade's 1720 "military road". 
Apparently this remained the main road until 1933.
Beautiful colours.
and wild orchids.
Views into the distance of remote Rannoch moor.
A picnic lunch on the moor with
the moorons!!

On our descent to Kingshouse we met Helen, chair of the local Community Council. She was out for a walk with her dogs Guy, Scout and Tay. We had a chat about the challenges of managing such large numbers of seasonal tourists - in particular to Glen Coe and Glen Etive and the problems of erosion, traffic and waste. Leaving nothing behind except your footprints!!
Then down to the Kingshouse Hotel for a drink while enjoying the stunning views
and the constantly changing weather and cloud formations as they approached up Glen Coe.

Over supper a beautiful Roe deer appeared just outside
We've been overtaken by Joe a number of times over the last few days. He's always  impressed us as he seems to casually stride past us and leave us standing! Well, tonight we caught up with him and had a really good chat.
Joe is shortly to retire from the US army and plans to then travel the world on the sea or on the land by foot or bicycle. He's a firm exponent of travelling light and recommended the Appalachian trail as my next challenge. Now that WOULD be a different cup of tea!


Total distance walked so far = 1041.3 miles
Total ascent so far = 121 360 feet

If you'd like to leave a comment, correct me on any detail or just nudge, it'd be great to hear from you. If initially it comes up as Anonymous, please just add your name at the bottom so I can see who it's from.

email: david.LL.thomas@gmail.com
mob: 07850109100

If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the great charities I'm supporting, here are the relevant links.

- Parkinsons UK   - My dad had Parkinsons in his latter years and the research work this charity funds and the support it provides to patients and their families is invaluable. - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-thomas215


- Just Wheels UK  - this is a small charity set up to provide wheelchairs in a rural community in Tanzania. It does this through funding training, education and the local fabrication and servicing of bespoke wheelchairs. My nephew uses a wheelchair and as he grows I can see the life changing freedoms that proper wheelchairs can bring to both users and their families.- 

- RNLI   - these are the brave guys who selflessly head out to sea to help others. I volunteer at Littlehampton RNLI shop and often meet families of those who’ve had first hand experience of their loved ones being saved from the sea. Having sailed for years I can say thankfully we’ve never had to call on the RNLI's services but it’s amazing what it does to know they are there 

https://www.justgiving.com/

Comments

  1. Anonymous3 July 2022 at 03:51

    Morning from seafront at Sussex, lovely weather sun/wind kitesurfing in full swing. Great pics of you and Sally, photogenic!
    Is it my imagination or is your back pack bigger!!!!.
    C

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7 July 2022 at 22:12

      Hi Chris. There's been such a demand for my RNLI socks, I'm having to carry spare stock!!!

      Delete
  2. Anonymous3 July 2022 at 05:04

    ''Moorons'' and Roe deer-vicarously enjoying it from my dry living room
    Y.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous3 July 2022 at 07:50

    Fabulous photos, great blog David and super to meet you guys. Cannot upload photo so will email it Marianne and Dot.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TT3 July 2022 at 10:00

    Superb photos of you all...and what a delight to come across the beautiful orchid and then the visit from the roe deer..magical! XX

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous4 July 2022 at 14:49

    Great pictures — and great to see Emma and Hamish!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous5 July 2022 at 02:07

    You would love the AT. If you take that on make sure to let us Americans know and we will welcome being you’re
    “Trail angels” where we can! Carry on and glad to have crossed your path!

    ReplyDelete

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