Day 3
Sunday 10 May 2009 - Summer - Alltbeithe to Cougie
What a change! The day was sunny and a cool breeze helped to keep me from over-heating. Des and I continued our chat as we walked along. We were joined by "Steady" Eddie near the Loch, by the bridge. Here we sat and took in the spectacular scenery. Day walkers and cyclists came and went and later Rob and Lisa Hausam arrived on the bridge.
Today's problem was going to be de-hydration, so I took all opportunities to drink from the streams - trouble was they were few and far between. The route over to Cougie involved a muddy tramp up the Allt Garbh until it reached more levelish ground. Behind Mam Sodhail was taunting me with it's covering of snow and clear conditions. But, not this time - a high camp in the snow and wind was not what I had in mind.
The route to Cougie was along an old right of way with no sign of any human activity - until Cougie. My mind had visions of a small building and a few animals. Reality was a mix of buildings that took one side of an open space that took in an oasis (OK - lake) and a menagerie of animals.
And, then there was the wonderful welcome from Tina and Sasha. Tina was Valerie Pocock's daughter and Sasha was Iain's wife. Unfortunately, Valerie was none too well, so I never met her. My vetter, John Donohoe had said that she would be very hospitable. Tina and Sasha were just as warm and welcoming. Rooms were allocated and orders taken for dinner. Des, Eddie and I were joined by Nigel and Lynn, who were into dog rescuing in the USA. It later transpired that they also did mean tricks with computers and were involved with a little company called Microsoft. Later another couple of Challengers joined us for dinner. Over a good meal, washed down with a few beers, we exchanged our experiences of the last few days and had a very relaxing evening. Iain explained the set up at Cougie - pony trekking, camping and a whole range of animals. School for the kids was a quad-bike and bus ride away. Play time was all around the oasis and beyond. What a lifestyle!
