Loch and Ore! 09/17/2010
 
When waking this morning there was only one thing on my mind. No, not that! Although... Anyway! Today was the day when we both knew we had the climb. This was the big one which was to reach over 4 miles before a long decent. Surprisingly, I was quite looking forward to it. Not just the hill but knowing the day also held a visit to Lock Ness and hopefully some breathtaking views.

We got sorted after breakfast at what has to be said was a slightly disappointing b&b (nothing like the picture, think it was taken by a professional from another county!) and made tracks out of Fort William. The first site was Ben Nevis. Now it has to be said it wasn't as menacing as I had expected but I don't think the hazy morning conditions did it justice. Anyhow, after Fathead nearly killing us both by turning across a car to get a picture of it, we carried on. Now we next did a FH special and went the opposite way to the sign for Inverness but it soon came good, even though we both felt it wasn't right. This led to some lovely country back roads to warm up with and some glorious morning views.

The first proper stop was meant to be half way at Fort Augustus. This is where it went a bit wrong. By this time I'm usually craving something sweet with a cuppa, but we suddenly came across a rather big climb. Now I thought this was the start of the climb but FH didn't. As it turned out somehow we had missed Fort Augustus and gone straight onto 'that hill'. Now the climb was relentless. All 4.5 miles of it. Now I have no idea how long it took us but I know it was a fair while. It went on and on. Even FH made a remark about how long it went on. As if things couldn't have got any worse when spinning in bottom gear for 4.5 miles, a bee decided to attack me early on causing me to speed of in true Pinhead defence, screaming like a girl and doubling my power output. Not good when you're meant to be pacing!

Finally we reached the top, 400m of climb over 4.5 miles. We both felt it, but it was worth every ache for the views alone. We got a few piccies for the album and then started our decent. To be honest this wasn't as great as we had hoped. Top speeds were ready to be shattered but alas the declines were more long and gentle than steep and straight.

After passing some more amazing scenery we came to a rest at the Waterfall cafe where we had tea and cake for a top up of the battery. Once charged we headed off to Lock Ness.

When we first got a glimpse at Lock Ness it was all exciting and felt a bit special but once we got nearer to it after coming down the mountain which had earlier climbed we both agreed it was just another lock, nice, but we had seen prettier. Nether the less it was lovely to be there.

Now one thing I had remarked a few times on the trip that I wanted to see was a red squirrel. We had already seen the seals on the rocks and seeing them in the wild just makes it more memorable. As we rode along a red flash leapt from a bush in front of us to cross the road. We both see it and immediately stopped knowing what it was. It mounted the base of a nearby tree and after a rubbish attempt by me to try and fool it into moving round the tree so that FH could get a picture it vanished without a trace. No sooner had we left and carried on our way the same thing happened again. A great thing to see, just wish the little beggars would keep still.

The mood was good today, lots of high sprit and laughter. The weather has helped immensely and with only 2 days left, the hill climb definitely put a spring in our step. With knees still iffy, relief probably helped this knowing we had made it over the top. Tiredness is definitely setting in and I think even FH is showing signs now of a little fatigue. Think two weeks with me is taking it's toll on him!

Accommodation tonight is Bluebell guest house and it is very nice indeed. Well recommended. The local Waterside pub was our choice for grub and whilst watching the owners feed the local ducks from the River Ness, I tried my first lump of venison tonight. A pleasant change but still prefer the good old fillet of beef.
 


Comments

Pam & Colin

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 04:44:39

Hi Scott. I have just put a donation on but no message came up Terry & Doreen my neighbours very kindly donated this.

 



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