#lochiver

📷@highlandkiwi

Assynt furnace by Bernard L'Estrange Via Flickr: A trip to the North West of Scotland. A trip with maps and camping equipment. A trip awash with excitement. A trip that turned into Sh*te.... It all started so well too, as i arrived at Glencanisp lodge and embarked on a climb of Suilven, one of Scotlands most iconic mountains, and a mountain i have wanted to climb for 15yrs. I summit camped and this was the incredible scene that greeted me as i emerged from my tent next morning. So far so good. Then i crashed my car. I hit a rock in the road, the car travelled for several feet on two wheels before landing on other rocks. Thankfully my chihuahuas and i walked away uninjured. However all the plans i had made were snuffed out in an instant. I then spent 3 days on a remote campsite trying to sort matters, whilst having to climb a hillside each time i needed to make a phone call as there was no signal. So you could say that it was an utter disaster... well, not entirely..... I did climb the mountain that was my number one goal, and from the summit i got to see this sunrise. And three days at Clachtoll campsite is no bad thing. However it was the kindness of strangers towards me in that time that left the deepest impression. People who without hesitation, were prepared to help and even come back later in the day to ensure that i got to where i had to be, and was safe. People that didn't even give a name. I was utterly touched. I had no idea that humanity could still be like this. I was brought to tears several times as i was completely humbled.. As word got around the campsite there were donations of food and biscuits made, and no one would take money from me, as the kindness kept on coming. I may have left the North West with added expenses and only a few of my goals achieved, however having my faith in humanity restored was an ample reward.