Extravaganza Part 2

OK, so by necessity (it's late as all fuck), this post will be shorter.

These are pictures from the hike the Wildwatchers group took through the hills by Callander. Wikipedia: Callander lies on the eastern fringe of the Trossachs, itself is a small woodland glen in the Stirling council area of Scotland. It lies between Ben An to the north and Ben Venue to the south, with Loch Katrine to the west and Loch Achray to the east. However, the name is used generally to refer to the wider area of wooded glens and braes with quiet lochs, lying to the east of Ben Lomond. Whatever. We hiked there and it was purdy. Before the hike began, I bought a delicious hummus and roasted vegetables sandwich from the sweetest lady in downtown Callander. She talked to me about being a vegetarian and how it's easier nowadays with all of the different options. I also talked to Stephen, the Wildwatchers president, about being a vegetarian (he is too), and I met Ali, my Spanish friend and one of my favorite people ever now, during this day trip. She's from Malaga, close to Granada, where Sabrina is right now! Big trip what what? Anyway, we downed the sandwiches and began our ascent. Pictures...

See the lake in the background?

I believe this is Melanie and me ascending.

We had some great views from the top:

A cairn at the top:

Wild blueberries! Lindsay and I ate some, then I almost started crying when this guy Dan was like, yeah you don't want to eat those... I survived and they were tasty.

Lindsay took this one (and a few others I've posted). I wish I had her skills.

I made a wish, of course.

With Lindsay by a waterfall:

We took a brief rest on the bridge by the waterfall. But the hike must go on...

A lot of shrooms on our walk. They were EVERYWHERE!

We ended up being on the wrong side of the river and had to cross it to get to our destination. The current was fairly strong, actually, and you can see me crossing with caution. I was protecting my camera.

We got a little lost -- again -- on the way back and found ourselves on a farm, basically. Here's proof:

And the hike ended. What a day! We celebrated our accomplishment at a fish and chips restaurant in downtown Callander. I had a veggie burger, and Lindsay and I defended Nalgene bottles in one of the mose bizarre debates ever with two aggressive German girls. Then we headed back to Stirling and I recall being exhausted for the rest of the evening.