Day 28 has been a day of golden sunshine and glorious people. Coach loads of them! It was an early start to ensure dog walked and children fed before running for the No.59 to Stirling then the No.M8 to Glasgow before finally catching the No.976 to Oban in order to get me to Arrochar on the shores of Loch Long and checked in to my delightful wee room by lunchtime. To be checked in by lunchtime gave me time to change and eat before setting off on a good little 7 mile walk around the head of the Loch, the loch shores and some of the woods up by Ardgartan. The mist hung heavy in the valleys lending a real ambiance to the mountain gullys around the loch while the crystal clear waters of Loch Long lapped gently at the shore with the heavy scent of salt water coupled with the sweet smell of sunscreen, to protect me against a fierce sun from a cloudless sky, triggering many happy memories of seaside holidays.
Throughout today I have been surrounded by hoards of the most delightful people in good spirits, wanting to talk, straining to hear more of my story, grasping for a flier and then parting on our respective journeys with solemn promises to log on to facebook and join my journey. At every turn people with a happy and healthy smile surrounded me, held my hand in such a way that it felt as if they were hoping to provide some healing but did provide me great comfort and quiet hope for the future. On one or two occasions I was sure that they even wanted to hug me. Perhaps my mild post activity odour put them off!!!
Even now as I sit tapping away in the last golden but dying rays of sunshine breathing in the heavy salty air a group of young men who conduct challenges together for various good causes and were looking for the next good cause to support, sit sipping their beer by the Loch discussing whether or not they wished to join me on my journey. Good to meet you Italian Steven and thank you for hearing my story. What a day. I only have one flier left and can hear a delightful couple of ladies giggling away behind me. I am sure that they will want for some reading material later!!!
A big day tomorrow!!
Yours aye
Archie.
P.S: In order to sponsor me; in a nutshell your bank will know how to set up a standing order for the challenge account but will need the details found here.