Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Big Hill and a Healthy Soul

Have been in Scotland for five days, walking and climbing. Feeling stronger and stronger every day. Well, not today, but that's because I climbed a particularly big hill yesterday. Big enough for me to exclaim on the way up, at least twice, what the hell am I doing here? and whose idea was this again? Er... mine; but a good idea nonetheless.

The big hill was Braeriach, at 4,252' the third highest in Scotland. It is also one of the more isolated peaks in the Cairngorms, requiring a two-hour walk to reach the lower slopes. The photo is not mine - it was foggy and snowy yesterday, so much so that I turned back just 200 yards from the summit. You can see why...

Tomorrow I start for home, 600 miles and another world away. I won't get to come here again until next year, and I am already missing the battering wind, and crunch crunch crunch of my feet on some remote mountain path.

But my body is completely better, and I think my soul is now better too.

What's good for your soul?

14 comments:

Sue Guiney said...

That looks amazing! What's good for my soul? Other than family and friends, being by the sea....

Queenie said...

Me too, being by the sea. And hooking up with friends ;-)

DAB said...

Peace of mind, hope, wit and chocolate! Well, what a climb,I take my hat off to you m'dear. Well done :) TFx

HelenMWalters said...

For me at the moment, it's watching sleeping cats. They are so peaceful they make me feel peaceful as well.

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

A walk along the beach, or faffing about in my garden when it's warm, is my best thing.

Carol said...

I am most impressed that you climbed that hill....even the thought of it is making me tired!!

I like having good conversations, good food, spending time with people I love and long walks by the sea!!

I'm glad that your soul is feeling better...we all need that sometimes!!

C x

Karen said...

Wow, I'm impressed! Walking out in the fields with the dog, in the sunshine (preferably!)is definitely good for my soul.

Failing that, a nice piece of cake will do :o)

Have a safe journey home!

sheepish said...

So glad you are feeling better. I love the sea but also any wild places where I can be alone. Oh and chocolate obviously!!!

Leigh Forbes said...

Sue - Oh, the sea. Why do we all find the sea so fascinating?

Queenie - Yeah! Thanks, lovey. Much appreciated!

TF - Oh, to have all those things at the same time!

Helen - Because when they're awake, they're anything but relaxing?

Debs - May your garden be ever warm and available for faffing in. Sounds lovely!

Carol - Mmm. Sounds like you have it covered!

Karen - Cake? Ha ha! I'm with you on that - preferably of the bakewell variety!

Sheepish - Thank you! I understand the need to be alone, as I do the need for chocolate. A fine combination.

Tim said...

Yes, climbing up a hill does it for me too. Bit flat round here in the fens ...

Beth said...

Getting enough sleep. Missing out is definitely bad for my soul.

That and I really should get to the seaside every so often. I don't live far away - there's no excuse.

So nice to see you blogging again. I'm glad you're feeling so much better.

Leigh Forbes said...

Tim - Er, yes. Decidedly flat. And climbing the stairs isn't really the same, is it?

B - Thank you, sweetie. Yes, sleep is definitely important, and I got plenty of that while I was away too. The seaside is nice too, especially when it's windy.

Kath McGurl said...

What's good for my soul? Walking up mountains, like you.
What's not good for my knees? Walking down the buggers.
Tis a dilemma.

Becky said...

Reading is good for my soul. Coincidentally, I am reading a great book on obtaining a healthy soul. The book is titled, "Decoding The Spiritual Messages of Everyday Life" by Dr. Paul DeBell. Has a lot of great tips on understanding your spiritual messages.