 |
| BUNKHOUSE AT BLACK ROCK - MINE FOR £14 A NIGHT |
 |
| COLIN MCDONALD IN FRONT OF EVANTON'S NOVAR ARMS |
 |
| ENTERING INVERNESS VIA KESSOCK BRIDGE |
 |
| DAVID AND RAE MADE ME WELCOME IN THEIR HOME |
I took full
advantage of my sole occupancy of the bunkhouse during Thursday 23 to expedite
my physical and psychological rehabilitation. Following a restful sleep, I went
about getting both my grubby clothes and myself clean again. Alternating hot
and cold compresses were applied to the ailing calf muscle, and I ate lots of
protein to aid its repair.
The remainder of the day was spent writing my previous diary entry, and dealing with outstanding emails at a nearby internet cafe. That short walk was sufficient to convince me that the following day's scheduled 20 mile hike to Inverness was still feasible provided I took my time. The route would involve following tarmac roads and cycle paths - hard on the feet, perhaps, but less strenuous on the legs than walking on rough ground.
Evanton is a small place, so by my second evening several people recognised me, including Lee, at the Novar Arms Hotel, who had been concerned about my difficulty finding accommodation when I first arrived. I also chatted to pensioner Colin McDonald, who generously made a donation to my charities whilst explaining that he was considering participating in a sponsored abseil himself!
I left the bunkhouse at 7.30am next morning and headed initially for Dingwall, 6 miles distant. From the high-level road I could see the oil derricks in the Cromarty Firth and the A9 bridge across it. My journey then followed National Cycle Path No. 1 around the head of the Firth and all the way into Inverness. It rained most of the day, but I made only a single stop at a greasy spoon in Tore for 2 mugs of tea.
I had good reason not to arrive in Inverness late. The sister of a friend of mine, and her husband, had kindly offered to feed and accommodate me. I had not met them before, but I immediately warmed to Rae and Dave, who were great company and generous hosts. After being treated to a roast dinner and a large measure of whisky, I was ready for my third consecutive night in a comfortable bed. I slept well, satisfied that (a) I had competed what must surely be the most gruelling part of the walk, and (b) that my leg was feeling OK. Tomorrow I walk the Great Glen Way.
The remainder of the day was spent writing my previous diary entry, and dealing with outstanding emails at a nearby internet cafe. That short walk was sufficient to convince me that the following day's scheduled 20 mile hike to Inverness was still feasible provided I took my time. The route would involve following tarmac roads and cycle paths - hard on the feet, perhaps, but less strenuous on the legs than walking on rough ground.
Evanton is a small place, so by my second evening several people recognised me, including Lee, at the Novar Arms Hotel, who had been concerned about my difficulty finding accommodation when I first arrived. I also chatted to pensioner Colin McDonald, who generously made a donation to my charities whilst explaining that he was considering participating in a sponsored abseil himself!
I left the bunkhouse at 7.30am next morning and headed initially for Dingwall, 6 miles distant. From the high-level road I could see the oil derricks in the Cromarty Firth and the A9 bridge across it. My journey then followed National Cycle Path No. 1 around the head of the Firth and all the way into Inverness. It rained most of the day, but I made only a single stop at a greasy spoon in Tore for 2 mugs of tea.
I had good reason not to arrive in Inverness late. The sister of a friend of mine, and her husband, had kindly offered to feed and accommodate me. I had not met them before, but I immediately warmed to Rae and Dave, who were great company and generous hosts. After being treated to a roast dinner and a large measure of whisky, I was ready for my third consecutive night in a comfortable bed. I slept well, satisfied that (a) I had competed what must surely be the most gruelling part of the walk, and (b) that my leg was feeling OK. Tomorrow I walk the Great Glen Way.