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Working in a mental health ward means one must put in a couple of months of nightshift now and again - mines started 2 weeks ago. To say my body clock is out of sync would be an understatement, I'm now part of the living dead, caught in limbo land! Those who have been there will know my pain
So its 3.30am and I'm wide awake, I've already watched two films, and now I'm wondering how I can fill my time. A quick check of the weather and I decide to walk Ben A'an in darkness in pursuit of a sunrise, following this up with a cycle around Loch Katrine. Gear & bike together I left Glasgow at 4am.
I parked just after 5am, headtorch on, and off I went into the heart of darkness. Surprisingly I spotted another human in the car park gearing up, wonder if he's also a nurse
Onwards up the path
It was a beautiful morning, no wind, and the stars in the sky shone brightly.
I then nearly soiled my pants as I heard some strange howling, which came to an abrupt halt
A quick check of the moon confirmed it wouldn't be a werewolf. I had recently watched An American Werewolf in London, I didn't plan to be A Finnieston Werewolf in Aberfoyle
Proof
It didn't take long to reach the summit, with the other human joining me 10 minutes later. He wasn't a nurse though, just someone who likes little adventures
Summit Views
The sunrise never materialised but it was still fantastic to be up here so early. The sun did eventually bounce of the Arrochar hills to the west. The other human left at 7am. I spent another 15 minutes enjoying the calmness, views, & solitude.
I headed back down at a slow pace, enjoying the experience. The light revealing itself swiftly now.
Looking back to the summit of Ben A'an.
Got to my car at 8am & changed into my cycling gear. The sun was now showing itself, however it was still a tad nippy. Full finger gloves on for my anti-clockwise 30 mile loop around Loch Katrine, finishing off with a climb over the Dukes Pass.
This is a fantastic loop which shows some breathtakingly sublime scenery
This was near the start...
Time for a pose
An alternative view of Ben Lomond...
The sun had shone brightly for an hour but now the clouds came in their droves, however it made for some spectacular reflections on Loch Ard.
The Dukes Pass felt rather easy, the descent was a joy to finish with. It had taken me 2hrs. I was back at the car just after 10.30am. A quick change and headed home, arriving at 11.45am. A fantastic little mornings adventure, one which will no doubt be repeated. But now it was bedtime
I slept for 3 hours, oh how I love the nightshift
