2 May Blog Post by Marshall

7:30 am – Breakfast: assorted cereals, milk, yogurt, croissant, toast, fruit, early morning, bleary eyes.

8:30 – 9:00 am – Begin hike to Ben Lomond: weather is mild at the base, windy, scattered clouds. Ascent is gradual through forested lowlands. Trees disappear and give way to wide open grassy hills with elevation gain.

11:45 – Summit: Heavy winds and colder temperatures, sweeping views of Loch Lomond area and surrounding Scottish Highlands. Photos are taken, happy birthday is sung to Kirstina.

12:00 – 12:15 – Descent: Group splits, some go back down same trail, some descend a second path down the other side of the mountain. Views are more pleasant going down as strain is less. Winds continue to be heavy. Sheep and highland deer are observed. Several does and a few bucks.

2:30 – 3:30 – Arrival back at hostel. Most of the group relaxes on the lawn by the lake or in the deep chairs in the common room. Some soak feet at the shore. Water is cold.

6:30 – Dinner: Spaghetti with vegetable red sauce, whole grain noodles, mixed salad and French bread.

7:30 – Evening: Relaxation in the common room. Reading, journal writing, and general rest after the long hike. Tea and hot chocolate, cookies and crackers, camaraderie with each other and fellow hostel-mates.