All Round Mountaineering
by Thom Van Vleck
Chad atop the mountain!
After the recent Highland Games Masters World Championships Chad Ullom joined me on a “Mountaineering” expedition. Last time I made a pretty epic climb but this time we took it a little easier after such a tough, three day competition. It is my opinion that a true “all rounder” should be in shape to do pretty much whatever he wants. I enjoy hiking and hill climbing.
We had rented a house that overlooked Loch Ness. Honestly, it was the best place I’ve ever stayed. About as stereotypical Scotland as you could get and the views were spectacular. While we were up above the Loch we were far from the top and that became Chad and I’s goal. We heard you could see for 50 miles in every direction. We set out up a road that met a trail. The trail was was through woods and fairly steep. We reached a logging road and after some discussion picked a route. As we got above the tree line we were in fields covered with heather and rocks.
We were hoping for good weather as the view promised to be spectacular….but a heavy fog (or maybe it was clouds!) rolled in. I’m glad we took layers as the wind picked up and it was very damp. While the long distance view was ruined, it was still pretty interesting to pick you way down a trail in that heavy fog. If you didn’t pay attention you could get easily turned around.
Thom Van Vleck at the top.
We ended up hiking down the other side and picking our way through several trails in the Abraichian Forest. We ran across deep woods, unusual mushrooms as big as dinner plates and some bright red and some orange. We saw an illicit Whiskey still reproduction (the Scottish version of a moonshine still). There were glacial tills filled with rocks and we even saw some Scottish Red Deer.
As always, I had a bit of a side mission as well. In 1971 my mother gave me my first bible. Then for Christmas in 1978 by grandfather Dalton (Jackson Weightlifting Club founder) gave me a bible. They were both small versions but have meant a lot to me because they are symbolic of the Christian principles I was taught and have come to embrace. I know Christ is my savior and I’m a better man for it. So, I brought those bibles along and laid them out at the top of the peak.
Two Bibles given to me by my mother and grandfather setting at the top of the mountain.
I can’t believe I’ve been to Scotland three times….and I can’t say I won’t again. I’m sure there are many beautiful places in the world but there is so much I haven’t seen there and it’s a “sure thing” I’ll like it versus and unknown place. Plus, the family history connection and the highland games are hard to beat. I’ve already got a “next mountain” planned when I make it back.