Day 95 - Culbokie to Alness - 4.1 miles
With the prospect of walking 3 miles along the A9 and across the Cromarty bridge, I decided to catch the 7:53 bus to Dingwall and walk a quiet route from there.
Having started promisingly, the weather prospects weren't looking too good either...!
So, first things first, I found a cafe to sit and plan the day.
Then on to the town museum where I met Pat, one of the enthusiastic volunteers.
Pat and her husband were instrumental in securing funding for the display in Dingwall of a locally discovered hoard which would otherwise have been displayed in the National Museum. Well done Pat!
Amongst a lot of other exhibits, - I particularly liked the blacksmithing exhibition - the museum has an array of military memorabilia from the Seaforth Highlanders and a section on Hector Archibald MacDonald, a local boy who started his army career as a private and rapidly rose through the ranks to become Major-General and along the way awarded the KCB and DSO. Today, he's best known as 'Fighting Mac' and got his picture on the label of Camp coffee bottles for the rest of time.
So, first things first, I found a cafe to sit and plan the day.
Then on to the town museum where I met Pat, one of the enthusiastic volunteers.
Amongst a lot of other exhibits, - I particularly liked the blacksmithing exhibition - the museum has an array of military memorabilia from the Seaforth Highlanders and a section on Hector Archibald MacDonald, a local boy who started his army career as a private and rapidly rose through the ranks to become Major-General and along the way awarded the KCB and DSO. Today, he's best known as 'Fighting Mac' and got his picture on the label of Camp coffee bottles for the rest of time.
By contrast, I limped around the town,
feeling sorry for myself, decided that walking to Alness wasn't going to be a good idea and caught the bus. What a wimp?!?!
Alness is home to the Dalmore distillery....but it's temporarily closed, so after supper I sampled one at the bar instead. Very nice too!!
Disappointed with myself for not having walked today but I'm determined to make up for it tomorrow.
Blister and I went to bed early!!
Disappointed with myself for not having walked today but I'm determined to make up for it tomorrow.
Blister and I went to bed early!!
Total distance walked so far = 1156.1 miles
Total ascent so far = 131 899 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
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If you'd like to contribute to any or all of the three 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/
- 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
Buses need love, too! Especially nice drawing today.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. Buses are a great place for conversations or even just listening. I think I remember hearing that Paul McCartney took a lot of inspiration for his songwriting from conversations he'd overheard on the bus!
DeleteVery sorry to hear that blisters are blighting progress. Hope they ease quickly and you can get your epic walk back on track.
ReplyDeleteNeil
Hope your blister heals
ReplyDeletesoon. Another malt or six might help and would certainly make you feel better!
After walking more than 1100miles and now blighted with a blister, I don't think anyone would begrudge you a short journey by bus Dave! Don't stress about it, just chill!!
ReplyDeleteI was particularly taken by the Camp Coffee man being a real person with such an amazing military progress. I had always been struck by that label as a child. Infantryman to.Major General is amazing for that time. Keep such stories coming!
ReplyDelete