Windows of the mind!

To pick up where we left off.

Good night at the ski centre, the cafe became a bar and there was a very pleasant atmosphere amongst those staying - mainly WHW walkers. We had a wander round and mum spotted a mountain hare in his summer colours which she had to admit put the Peak District specimens to shame. It was enormous - at least 6' high!

At 06.45 they were lying in bed congratulating themselves on getting right through the night without a Tryst with the plumbing. Dad was first to move, turned the key in the lock, nothing doing. Mum tried. I tried. For 45 minutes we tried and we couldn't get out. By now we were getting desperate - all of us. The decision was between smashing the door in or cutting the mosquito mesh and climbing through the window. So they selected the latter. He looked at her, she looked at him,and physically, they (dad) decided there wasn't much in it. So......dad got himself on the bed on all fours. Mum held the window 2' square and on a pivot that brought the height down to about 18". There was a big drop so he needed to go out backwards. Left leg up, right leg up...heave....stop - he's stuck (Winnie the Pooh springs to mind) he's stuck. Mum eyed up her camera (she was holding the window so he didn't lose his head) within reach with a nifty snick of the foot, but thought better of it. The blockage was his belt. Back in. Belt off. And out he went, key in the outside, no problem, just a fight for the door between me and mum.

Fabulous walk up the Devils Staircase over to Kinlochleven, amazing views. The village was Established by Alcan to produce aluminium under hydro power. It closed in 2000 decimating the village which is now held up by the Economy produced by the WHW.

Today has been an incredible walk. Up a reasonable hill and then the most amazing walk through the basin provided by several hills over to Fort William. We have seen 3 Golden Eagles - what an incredible bird they are. Three miles out, we met up with Fran who had made it up the hill to meet us and walk us in. Thanks so much Fran.

So we made it to Fort William, where there was a parcel from Sal, and of course, one for me from those fabulous people at Burns. So, Rest day tomorrow, and probably a bit more about the last 3 days.

V. Tired - night night

Keep spreading the word.

M

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