Contrary to what some of you have insinuated, it HAS been a bit hectic (academically) ergo I have'nt been able to file my reports for the last few visits (Windsor and Nottingham. And no, i didn't get to meet HRH or Robin Hood respectively).
The last few days was a 'field trip' of my class
Contrary to what some of you have insinuated, it HAS been a bit hectic (academically) ergo I have'nt been able to file my reports for the last few visits (Windsor and Nottingham. And no, i didn't get to meet HRH or Robin Hood respectively).
The last few days was a 'field trip' of my class to Firbush, which is a University maintained 'Outdoor Activities Centre'. Though the trip was entirely voluntary and not a formal part of the curriculum, I did go (I can see a few raised eyebrows among those who know that I am definitely-not-the-outdoor-type. Don't worry, I didn't do much to change that sobriquet).
The centre is situated across Loch Tay (Loch, for those who have forgotten, is vernacular for 'Lake') which is about two and a hours away by road from E'burgh. Gently rolling hills, sheep, crystal clear waters, snaking roads next to the lake was what one would expect in such a place. And that is what one got. The only dampener was the weather (This is Scotland, remember). We didn't see the sun at all during our entire sojourn and it was raining (vernacular for drizzling) all the time. So I didn't feel guilty about not participating in the wind-surfing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing activities that were planned for us and that many indulged in.
For me, it was mainly about reading a book, playing Rummy and Yahtzee, and swinging my rusty arm over the table tennis table. In between these activities, we were made to do a couple of writing exercises so that the trip didn't completely degenerate into a drink-fest! (which nonetheless it did).
Yesterday, a few of us decided to attempt a complete round of the lake on cycle (besides the obviously beautiful sorroundings, the incentive was that a pub on the other end of the lake had an original handwritten poem by Robert Burns). The only hitch was that the entire round was around 30 miles (yes, T.H.I.R.T.Y). With an If-Lance-Armstrong-can-do-it,-why-can't-I spirit, I also joined in, overlooking the fact that (a) I haven't cycled for ages and (b) I've never ridden a cycle with gears (the one I got yesterday had 21 gears).
Anyways, after the first two minutes on the road, i was thinking to myself 'I can do this'. However, in the third minute itself, I realised how wrong I was when the gentle incline became a steep one and while i kept on trying all sorts of permutations and combinations with the gears, I dropped behind the others - panting and imagining various eventualities ranging from a heart attack to slipping and falling into the Loch. But I persevered and the hard work on that incline was rewarded with a steep descent which was really exhilarating - cool air, no strain on the leg muscles, a view of the loch, green trees and the occassional bleat of the lamb or the sheep. Bliss truly!
This bliss was obviously short-lived when it was shattered by another steep incline. This non-stop combination of inclines and descent tired me out quickly and after about 7 miles I excused myself and turned back (I know, I know, shame on me!).
On the way back I stopped at the local village - called Killin (which inspired many an obvious shop name there - 'Killin Time' and 'Killin Cutz'). The beauty of the town was that it was at the head of the lake and the main road there was right next to a beautiful waterfall with hills in the background. I did a bit of obligatory souvenir shopping and peeped into the local pub (which was thriving because of the business it got from some of my course mates!). The pub had a fire place and a life size model of a granny knitting! She didn't seem to pleased at seeing me, so I quickly retreated.
After cycling a bit more, I headed back to our centre, where we ended the day with an obstinate bonfire that initially refused to light up. But once it relented, it was really beautiful to sit next to it with the lake behind us and the gentle rain falling on our head. Fortunately, no singing took place so I didn't have to face the embarassing request 'please sing a few songs from India'.
Before sleeping, I prepared myself to get up with sore muscles (had done a total of 20 miles, remember) and sure enough, early in the morning, when I was admiring the view of the lake from my room window I found out about muscles in my thighs that I never knew existed!
We drove back to E'burgh and reached in time for lunch today. And ofcourse, when I looked up the weather forecast for the Firbush area I cursed (clear sunny skies tomorrow. Damn!). Anyways, atleast E'burgh will also be sunny and I can enjoy the cherry-blossoms which are in full bloom here.
(Apr, 2007)
