"Be bold, start cold": Walking in the Highlands, Part One
(This is basically a long journal entry in multiple parts, written mostly for myself, though maybe someone else will find it interesting.) Wednesday, 30 September If I'm really going to do some serious walking in the Highlands -- and isn't that the whole point of my trip tomorrow? -- I need proper gear. A priest friend from way back in my Iowa days has told me what I need. Waterproof everything, basically. And midge repellant. I head to the Cotswold Outdoor store on Rose Street in the New Town. I go in, take a look around, feel overwhelmed, and leave. I am easily intimidated by unfamiliar things. I head back to my flat and book an appointment with someone who will help me get "kitted out." It's for the next morning. You know, the morning before my afternoon departure. Thursday, 1 October CJ is fabulous. Somehow she manages to appreciate my complete ignorance and advise me without ever being condescending or making me feel like an idiot. I mean, I have to learn ho...