Jen's Journal

The first morning in Glasgow I noticed the wind was blowing West, so instead of heading in to Edinburgh, (East and my original plan), I was blown West and ended up at Loch Lomond. There are loads of well marked trails and paths, (part of the National Cycling Network), which take you around the country. I continued up the number 7 route, called Lochs and Glens which headed toward Callander, but not without problems. First I failed to look closely at the cycle map I had bought and was unaware that the trail was in fact a "trail". There were roots and bumps and rocks and many bridge crossings. Naturally riding my road bike I managed to flat 4 times. My patching skills are now quite admirable!

With a freshly patched tube I headed off again, only to ride a couple miles and then have my chain break. OI, what a way to start the trip. I fixed that, and was off again. Mileage being extremely slow and the fact I was getting hungry for dinner I decided to stop off the side of the trail at 55 miles, (90ish kilometers). There was a boyscout camp and I ignored the sign which read ~no unathorized camping~ and set up next to the hose bibb. All night I had a fear of being woken by angry boy scouts wanting me off their grassy pitch, but alas I woke in the morning unharmed. The next morning there was however a frightening number of slugs climbing up the sidewall of my tent.

As far as meeting strangers I am doing alright. I meet a scottish fellow named Alan right outside of Glasgow and we rode on and off for the first two days. He in on a beer tour and has been pointing me in the right direction for pubs. Lots of conversations with locals and tourists alike. I have noticed there isn't so much a sense of wonder when people see a solo female cyclist.

Anyways, tomorrow I am heading to Fort Augustine, down Loch Ness. The next day will be Fort William, and then I will be starting to make my way toward the Isle of Mull. My father, Dal and my two Aunts will be there to welcome me into their rented accomodation :)