Starting the West Highland Way

Making our way out of Peebles on a nice hot Sunday afternoon. Lots of friendly folks along the river because the weather was so good.I’d been looking forward to seeing some of these shaggy cows!Managed to finish the (second) book I’ve been carrying. We had around 35 peaceful miles on the towpaths beside two canals. It was very easy to read while walking, and I got through the last 200+ pages. I was super sad to finish it because it had been such a good way to pass the time.The stretches along the canals were part of the John Muir Way, a relatively new path that my dear uncle found written up in the Wall Street Journal. Total length is 134 miles and crosses from coast to coast.This sweet tunnel was over 600 meters long and made for epic singing.The Falkirk Wheel, which connects canals by lifting boats back and forth. Because of the water displacement in counterbalanced holding troughs, it requires very little power to operate. And there were lots of tourists here to see it.Delicious organic yogurt. A real perk of short resupplies is that one can more easily carry real food to eat instead of evaluating calories per weight.First glimpses of Loch Lomond after joining the West Highland Way.It had to have been the hottest day of the entire trip so far. Umbrella paid off big time.And we went swimming. Cold, but not tooooo cold!A traditional house that was common in the area until the early 19th century.Held together without nails, just wooden pegs between the supports.Midges! By the boatload in the evenings and mornings. I’m really not sure how Will is managing to keep his mind without a tent, but he’s doing it with just a headnet and sleeping bag. I’ve become a fan of this Smidge™ spray product sold here, it works well and doesn’t give off the absurd toxic feel of DEET, or melt my gear for that matter!