Success

Ben Nevis

Big success today. The sole reason for traveling back to the Scottish Highlands to Fort William was Ben Nevis. That is the name of the highest mountain in Scotland (the word Ben means mountain). Beth and Mike left the hotel beginning the hill walk on the first and most famous long distance foot path in Scotland (West Highland Way). From there we headed up Ben Nevis. The views of the lush green sheep pastures shrouded in clouds were terrific. Beth reached her intended turn around point and walked back to Fort William.

Mike continued ascending and ascending. The green gave way to stark rocks and scree. Clouds and mist and wind chilled the air to just above freezing. A large stone cairn marked the summit. Mike retraced his steps back to Fort William. The ascent to the top involved almost 5,000 feet of elevation gain. That is huge; more in a single day then on any of his days when he recently trekked to Everest Base Camp. Comparable to walking from the Roanoke City Market building up to the Mill Mountain Star and back, six times in one day over rocky terrain. Well done. Time to go to the pub.