Long Distance Interactions: Until We Meet Again

The day was rainy for our first miles walking the Great Glen Way. Our evening accommodation was at a bed and breakfast in Spean Bridge, Scotland. Upon arriving and donning dry clothes, our six traveling companions congregated in one of the rooms to drink tea and chat. Occasional laughter ensued until we got a rap on the wall indicating that our B & B neighbors were not appreciative of our conviviality.

The next morning, we spoke with these neighbors briefly. They were from The Netherlands–Hans and Wonda. They appeared to be determined to do “every meter of the (Great Clen Way) walk.” We, on the other hand, were playing each day by ear and agreed among ourselves that having an enjoyable time walking the 80+ miles was more important than pushing any limits.

The next evening required creative plans for transportation since our overnight lodging was three miles further than we wanted to walk that day. We negotiated with a helpful Citylink bus driver who dropped us within ¼ mile of our housing in a beautiful castle-looking hotel. Another couple was also waiting for the bus. They were from Germany–Martin and Mora. We walked and chatted with our new German acquaintances as we made our way to the accommodations.

In ensuing days, we leapfrogged with both couples on our daily sojourns. They were faster than us but seemed to take more breaks. We were on the same schedule and route for this long-distance hike. They called us the American ladies. Young Martin and Mora marveled at our tenacity with hiking since all of us “ladies” were in our late 60s and 70s.

On the sixth day of our hike, the ten of us happened to be at the high point of the day at the same time. We shared a photo and lively conversation in the foggy mist. We had to imagine the landscape due to the limited visibility.

Our final day was a push to where we ended at Inverness Castle. We saw our friends frequently during those last ten miles. The highlight of the trip for me was seeing the four or them waiting for us and cheering us on as we came up the final rise to the Castle. We made it! After a celebratory brew at a nearby pub, we bid farewell. What started with handshakes ended with long hugs. It was a farewell that cheered our mutual achievement and the respect we gained for one another on this adventure. Rather than good-bye, I hope to have more experiences like this one–“until we meet again.”