Day 5
Tuesday 12 May 2009 - Corrieyairack Pass - Fort Augustus to Garva Bridge
First things first: my evening meal! Strangely, I had not felt hungry when we arrived at the campsite, but, I can recommend Mountain House de-hydrated food for breakfast - on occasion.
The initial plan was to wander in to Fort Augustus along the canal and pick up a few bits and pieces, including more single malt to replenish the empty plastic bottles. Also, Des and I were to meet by the road bridge. By the time I was ready to set off it was getting near to 1000 - our agreed meeting time. I did set off, but, turned back. It was another warm day and by the time I would get to the village, it would be well past 1000. Eddie was also on his way to the Post Office, so, he agreed to post a package for me (a map that was no longer needed).
I set off by myself heading for the Corrieyairack Pass and on to Garve Bridge. Not to miss out on yesterday, I missed the turning point off the main road and had to double back. Meanwhile Des had realised that I was not around and set off. Just before leaving the road I stopped for a break and saw a figure with a white sun hat approaching in the distance.
So, Des and I shared another day of chat and experiences. It is good for a solo walker to meet someone with the same sort of pace, and, with whom it is a pleasure to pass the time as we walked along. The pass wound it's way up and up - past Blackburn bothy - near where we cooled off our feet in the burn. And onwards to the summit. Oldish snow still covered the path in places and there was a noticably cool wind as we got near the top. Then, it was downhill all the way. Pylons and the odd few Challengers were our company as the rough track descended into less rough track and eventually led to Garva bridge.
We were early. It was only 20.00! We pitched just over the road from the river. Near to us were Bill and Brian, who I had met and chatted to at the Backpackers Club AGM a few weeks earlier. Steve Miller was camped over near the river and we had a brief chat when I went to fetch water for my second dinner of the day. There were quite a few others around what was a good stopping point. Sleep came easy.
