At 10 pm on Friday a small band of intrepid Carnethies gathered in the Steading for a swift pint (just one for Willie this year) and sugar boosting serving of Rocky Road. On schedule we departed at 11 into the growing dusk to hide the bubbly stuff at the top of Caerketton. The weather forecast had switched positions faster than a Brexit opinion poll all week. Unfortunately the actual result was less than ideal – and the rain started as we ascended Turnhouse. By the Kips we had experienced thunder, lightning and thick mist, and the going was soft underfoot. However Willie kept us moving with Whisky Mac and encouragement – we had a date to keep with the sun.
Even for the 5th shortest night of the year the darkness seemed rather long (and dark), and it wasn’t until the ascent of Black Hill that it gradually changed to a greyer shade of black. But by the time we reached Allermuir it was properly light, with a promising delicate pink in the west (the sky – not Willie beneath his kilt). On Caerketton we found the champagne nicely cooled by the rain and the sun did its best to peak through the clouds. A satisfied bunch of very soggy and weary runners then descended on Bob and Cali for the traditional cooked breakfast, before catching up on some well-earned sleep (just as the rain stopped and the sun really came out..).
Phil