When summer solstice set me free
near the end of school year three
A plan was sketched amongst my brothers
brothers from some other mothers
The former expat plants a seed
and properly induced by weed
2 brothers start a grand adventure
Scotland bound they both agreed.
William Wallace kelled fefty men, fefty as ef et were woon.
Across the ocean we would meet
Outside the station on Old Street
One had been a year before
One had never left the shore
Pubs, some pints, old college friends
before the night in London ends
A northbound sleeping car awaits
scotch on the rocks cheers to our mates
Aboard the Caledonian Sleeper overnight train to Glasgow from London
A lone pine on the way to Drymen.
Milgavnie, Drymen, took some skill
But when we got to Conic Hill
Our steeds were spinning in their tracks
so up the hill upon our backs
it seemed the climb would never end
but up the hill we pushed and then
our reward was now in sight
Balmaha, a restful night.
Marching now for 7 hours
partly cloudy, scattered showers
thought we’d try to catch the ferry
quicker pace, we mustn’t tarry
as we start to lose the light
the dock we seek comes into sight
Alas the boat has punched the clock
but joining in our moon lit walk
another of the Way’s recruits
a bonnie lass with Gallic roots
Through the forest we push on
officially a marathon
As dreams of vinegar and cod
energize this tired squad
Bruised and battered as our dinner
This days jaunt has been a winner
A meal, a bath, a bed, the prize
for a mademoiselle and two Texas guys
We finally reach the Drover’s Inn
a ghostly night, Inveranan.
Before the English king arrested
any peasant who protested
rape and English occupation
of their women, wealth and nation
Round the bend into the pines
step by step cross ancient lines
the River Fillan flows brunette
and thankful for me midgie net
we pass a lochan where the Bruce
refusing to confirm a truce
had his army dump their swords
so highland history records
and just before the heaviest rain
we hear the blow of a distant train
drenched and hungry, we head down
out of the glen to Tyndrum town
The Oban Distillery is one of the oldest and smallest in Scotland. It’s also my dad’s favorite scotch.
the drink goes smooth, distilled with care
enough to leave the angel’s share
the tour guide shows us where to snack
off the dock, a wee green shack
where shellfish is the specialty
freshly pulled from the emerald sea
wash it down with tepid beer
a tartan for a souvenir
a nappy on the eastbound train
tomorrow on the Way again
the river breaks into a forky
by the time we reach the Orchy
pushing on into the wood
a healthy pace would do us good
for though we’ve walked for several hours
we’ll call upon our superpowers
to bounce across the boggy floor
the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor
ancient glaciers crushed the ground
soggy footing all around
emerald desert desolation
silent walking meditation
wildlife refuge conservation
Glencoe is the destination
The next day’s morning came and went
with ne’er a stir inside the tent
for though we face the shortest day
the steepest climb stands in the way
an ominously named ascension
requiring utmost attention
the Devil’s Staircase straight to heaven
9 grand miles to Kinlochleven
A final night out on the town
the pints and scotch are goin down
Gratitude is overflowing
as the Larigmore keeps going
Glen Nevis lies round the bend
the evidence we’re near the end
tall Ben Nevis brings a smile
highest point in the British isle
15 miles of reminiscing
neither one of us is missing
plus we weigh a little less
overall a great success
The West Highland Way stretches 96 miles (154 Km) from Milngavie to Fort William, taking in a huge variety of scenery along the way, from countryside parks to loch-shores and open moorlands to steep mountains.
Come morning light the train pulled in
to Glasgow where the trail begins
A taxi takes us to our steeds
A pack for each to haul our needs
The first leg of our epic hike
unfolds by way of mountain bike
20 miles of open green
A pint and chips for in between
A full days walk now lay ahead
up at dawn and lightly fed
The sun sleeps in behind the mist
the drizzle dampens every twist
and turn we face along the loch
the shores of Lomond guide our walk
The largest loch along our quest
ever present to our west
Scrambling over ancient boulders
40 liters on our shoulders
in the shadow of the Ben
the footing keeps us honest men
Day 3 would be the wettest yet
resuming on as a duet
the way winds with the River Falloch
7 miles to Crianlarich
following footsteps of drovers
past the unmarked graves of soldiers
sheep and cattle dot the glen
the highlanders were shepherds then.
We aim to base here for a two
When come the early morning dew
headed west, this time by rail
towards a port from whence men sailed
and fished their fortunes from the sea
we’ll tour the scotch distillery
In 17 and 94
the Stevensons built near the shore
a heritage steeped in tradition
through concentrated repetition
a bit of mash, mixed in the heat
roasted smoke by Scottish peat
7 Scotsman to this day
making scotch the Oban way
The light comes sooner every morn
exuberance has been reborn
sunny skies in all directions
the longest day, for the longest section
Elevation getting drastic
highland scenery fantastic
following the Allt Kinglass
submerged in luscious prairie grass
U shaped valleys, towering heights
words cannot express the sights
Nearly 30 miles of sun
since the solstice hath begun
we finally feast on roast and brew
days remaining down to two
midnight sunset in the glen
a well earned sleep for weary men
A tad hungover when the sun
wakes us for our final run
an early morning climb to start
carrying a heavy heart
and heavy legs in need of rest
the final day shall feel the best
pictures with our journey mates
heavy pints and heavy plates
a hotel bed in good Fort Will
we’ve earned a shower, joint, and chill
The 7:30 holds our seat
as we make our quick retreat
back from whence we first began
the lowlands of the Wallace clan
our bodies strong, our spirits stilled
mindful presence, souls refilled
we bow down to the highland ghosts
thankful they were lovely hosts
and plan for many more returns
to the emerald home of Robert Burns.
Keep Learning,
NickytheFlip
