WHW day 2 - Sat 16/06/18; Drymen to Rowardennan

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Day 2; Drymen to Rowardennan, 13.5 (15.10 actual)
Got up about 7 & delighted to see it was dry outside - but by time we had breakfast & got ready the rain came on. Walked a mile to rejoin WHW track & by that time was raining really heavily. Decided to take take the “alternative” route into Balmaha and avoid climbing Conic Hill. Described as a “strenuous” climb, we figured the exertion not worth it seeing as there would be zero view from top. Much the same height as Bin Hill - 323m.
The first views of Loch Lomond were still breathtaking, even seen through a veil of mist & rain. I really enjoyed the parts of the walk which ran alongside the loch, however, a good % of the walk was through wooded areas with clouds of the dreaded midgies! I stupidly thought that because it was raining heavily the little blighters would stay away - wrong!
The walk was def more challenging than yesterday’s - very much up & down on rough terrain. Was really glad of my sturdy walking boots & their good grip. Delighted to say Michelle’s new boots haven’t given her any problems .... so far! She is so glad she bought them as her old boots would’ve undoubtedly let in water from mile one! Being the caring mammy - I wouldn’t let her Bin her old boots, just in case her feet were in tatters with her new boots so I’ve been lugging them in my rucksack for past 2 days! Yeah I know mug written all over my forehead lol, but then, I’d have to listen to her moaning & girning for 96 miles ?
Stopped at oak tree in Balmaha essentially just to escape the rain for a while - not because we were hungry. Just had a scone & tea but managed to spin it out for about an hour, to give our jackets a chance to dry out abit as they were soaked right thro. Bumped into a couple who stayed at Angel cottage same night as us- they braved the weather & did the Conic Hill climb - shame on us!
Didn’t stop for anything else to eat & apart from a few jelly babies to keep us going, we were running pretty much on empty which would explain why we found the last few miles never ending! Was so glad to see Rowardennan youth hostel. Michelle’s delight soon turned to grumpiness when she realised we were in a room with 6 beds! Not a happy camper! Me, I was hoping for a George Clooney ? sadly had to make do with a middle aged foreign lady who def didn’t understand the Doric & didn’t attempt any conversation whatsoever.
The supper was pretty crap - chicken leg with a yucky herby sauce & chewy roast potatoes, but as we were so hungry we did eat most if it, then sat in lounge area with a wine & played a few games of cards, of which I was the overall winner. The days of letting your kids win are long gone lol ?
Day 3 tomorrow - 15 miles - bring it on! ??

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