Day 3
Sunday 14th May - Loch Dochard to Achallader Farm
After a good sleep in a truly beautiful spot we rose relaxed and refreshed. Soon our little piece of pine heaven was alive to the smell of coffee and bacon. Yes friends Bacon...the breakfast of champions. Rather then trying to make a bacon sandwich with crushed up sliced bread, take one small pitta bread, warm it over the cooker, carefully, and as it starts to expand, cut along the edge, a la kebab shop, thus forming a pocket into which the bacon can be stuffed mmmmmmmmmmm.
More coffee, then packed and hit the trail again. Once joined with others we head across open land towards the main road. I recall a beautiful sunny morning.
Someone then suggested the Bridge of Orchy Hotel, for a fine Sunday lunch and a couple of beers.... Yeah. A bar.
We wandered over a section of the West Highland Way, dropping into Bridge of Orchy. A route I'm sure is familiar to Challengers.
I supposed you have by now worked out that we had more than a couple. We met some like minded souls and just enjoyed some quality time together. I don't know what was said but I sure found it funny, Pardner !!
On a sad but highly amusing note, this is probably the last photo of Dave's ( dave in the blue fleece ) nose in this, its original format. Owing to his beer intake, once outside the hotel and in an attempt to get his pack back on he performed a quite special 360 degree toe-spin coming to a conclusion face down on the floor. Ouch !! There was his blood, snot and my tears of laughter everywhere. How we laughed !!
In fairness to Dave I recall him walking off towards Achallader chuckling away, having realised that the whole situation really does have a funny side to it.
Being simple souls this kept us highly amused for the walk to Achallader. On arrival the farmhouse was empty and a note on the rear door informing us that the parcel was on the kitchen table, go in and get it. A strange concept for us; trust. Two inner city coppers only 3 days out of being continually fed a diet of lies and all round dishonesty. Still, a nice reminder of real decent folk, who form the vast majority of society.
We soon had the tents set, and food a' cooking. Resting in the evening sun after a few beers, Dave's 'nose-cabaret' and a hearty meal, is reward enough, but the added scenery and feeling of freedom was pure bliss.
