Coffee this morning is served in a flask, we are up 6am sharp to get a march on the day. The mountains are calling and in this case its Ben Vorlich one of the Arrochar Alps
We hit the car park around 8:30 and it’s already full to bursting of about 30+ cars. The car park used for a number of focus points not just our hill. I’m stumped for a few minutes at the pay point, not accepting cards today which is frustrating in contactless world of COVID. I haven’t had any coins for months. Our emergency supply in the van is flush for once and a blessing.
Breakfast is an overnight soak of muesli with raspberries and blue berries and we watch the excitement as people are getting their boots on. Good to see folk meeting with friends and there is a general jostle to get out on the hill. Amazingly the toilets are open with plenty of hand sanitisers on tap.
We are off, opting for our bikes on a part way in. It’s not far before we hit a steep bit and there is a friendly chap meeting my pace just walking. We discuss plans and how this his first hill this year, just wanting to start with a cheeky wee one. He’s heading up Ben Vane a neighbour to Vorlich. I wish him well and then I decide to catch the boss up.
It’s not long before we hit the juxta position for getting off our bikes and just as we start the long slog the rain comes in and goes out and comes back again. A brief glimpse of the magic that surrounds these hills, before it really came in.
After 2.5 hours we made the top with probably the quickest selfie in history. About an hour into the descent it dried up allowing us to get a sandwich. The bikes a welcome sight as we covered the last mile or so freewheeling.
With a nice kind of synergy, we passed the same guy we met going up. With a cheery wave, we were all pleased with the goal being met for the day.
The sun shining in the car park and I’m reminded of the quote ‘Better a bad day on the hill than a good day in the office’. My mind was taken to a different place of reflection and wandering.
The #WeekendCoffeeShare is an informal weekly link-up hosted by Eclectic Alli that serves as weekly heart beat and sort of of a mind-dump. Helps me reflect on my week, with a list of achievements, thoughts and rambles normally whilst drinking a beverage probably listening to music.