The rain fell in sheets. I was soaked through, boots heavy with water once again asking myself, why do I keep going back to Scotland?
Our journey began under Glenfinnan Viaduct, popularised by Harry Potter. The dark clouds overhead doing little to dampen the onlookers' spirits.
We walked for hours, the rain never letting up. Clothes plastered to our bodies, soaked but smiling.
Freed from routine, the hypnotisation of the screen, the world began to whisper it secrets.
My eyes opened a little wider, and even as the heavens wept the clouds painted an ever-changing canvas, an ephemeral masterpiece to those who cared to look.
A fleeting moment, so easily overlooked brings a silly grin. I mean come on, seriously, please close the gate, is it going to keep the sheep in?
Even as the rain drummed on the outside of my jacket, I felt a sense of peace. The rain had washed away the dust and dirt, and the air was clean and fresh.
We soon reached A'Chuil bothy. A welcome sight. The fire dried our clothes while the whiskey warmed our souls.
Dawn came and went, the whiskey slowed our progress towards Inverie.
But as we stirred from our fog the clouds began to lift and the sun finally poked out.
A familiar scent, whispered on the breeze. Petrichor - that sweet earthy scent after rain. Always there but so often over looked.
A smell filled with childhood memories. Growing up where time was abundant. No rush, no worries. Amazed by everything, every smell, every sight, every sound even the sting of nettle was something that need experienced.
As we descended towards Inverie, where ancient mountains meet the sea, the heavens unfurled. This is why I love Scotland. Those precious moments made all the sweeter by the challenges before.
We strolled into Inverie. The pub, it turns out, was closed. But woven in raindrops and petrichor, walked under Scotlands ever changing skies, this journey would be etched in our memories forever.
It would have been nice to end with a nice cold pint, but maybe next time!
