Rain, Rain, Go Away.. or Maybe Not...

as the case may be..it was not going to go away and had instead decided to pound down..

     Scheduled today was the Corrieyairack Pass with big climbs and some definitely rocky terrain. Some of the crew had already decided to have a bit of a rest and relaxation day but as the day dawned with dark clouds and rain streaming down the alternative plan came about... although we'll hand it to the Trailbrakes crew they were ready to roll!
     There was the usual laundry to be done and Fort William with it's stone buildings and cobbled old town awaited. A few of the crew went shopping after their experience of the day before with the rain and noting that what they had brought along was not only not designated rain gear but not even sufficient.

     There were other folks that we have run into now and again that are doing a self guided version. They said that they did the Pass but had multiple high water crossings due to the heavy rain in which they were throwing their bikes across or even throwing to each other and then to shore and that at one point they had to stop in a bothy and start a fire to get warm and had to walk a large portion of the Pass due to conditions. We felt lucky with our choice of a day off. 
    Fortunately, it seemed that all of Fort William's shops had sales going on so everyone that wanted gear was outfitted quickly and cheap. A bit of shopping for dinner later and lunch in a pub with hand drawn ales rounded out our visit and we were off again.
   Heading back out into the Scottish countryside we were more than happy about of choice a rest day and were delivered by the Trailbrakes staff to the Dalwhinnie Scotch Distillery for a tour. They had a wide variety of tastings and tour, the crew voting for the tour and I chose the tasting. It was a great move as I had my own private tutor, had 3 drams and learned a lot about Scotch Whiskey and even gained an appreciation that I hadn't had before.

Pub Dinner

Lowell on the Ferry from Isle of Skye to Mainland

   The other folks felt the same about their tour so it was a well ending afternoon. Off to the Potter's Cottage Bunkhouse for the evening we met a couple of nice ladies from Edinburgh and London and a lad from Isle of Skye working in the area. Great dinner, good beer, fabulous company ended the day. Here's a few extra photos to make up for the lack of riding....

Scottish Highlands with Mist

View from the Broadford Hostel