Jen's Journal

The previous night I spent in Inverness and snuck out in the evening to catch a local highland band, complete with a cellist. It was a cozy show in a little pub and I knew I was surrounded with locals, (everyone knew everyone). Once again there were real ales on tap and I sampled some of the local amber. A the night wore on, 11:30pm, I figured I should get back to the hostel. I left the pub and had expected it to be dark... not a chance! I asked a fellow when they expected it to get dark. He replied, "Maybe at 1, for 'bout an hour, by 2 twill be light again!". Oh, right, I am North.

Last night, I camped at the base of Ben Nevis in the local caravan/tent site. I was checking in just as two young English lads pulled up on their touring bikes. They were headed Lands End to John O'Groats. We shared a few pints, some stories, a game of butthead and swatted at midges until midnight. Once again at 56 degrees latitude and approaching the longest day of the year no lights were required. I am thinking I will purchase some 100% DEET today. It did wonders last night at temporarily keeping those damn insects away. Wasn't DEET outlawed for some health reason??

Today I am taking 'er easy, (again). I am thinking if the weather clears up this afternoon I will join the 70,000 people who annually reach the summit of the highest peak in the UK-Ben Nevis. At a whooping 1344m the 4-mile ascent is expected to take 3-4 hours.