Fir Bush Point...Outdoors Weekend!

It's been a while since I last posted, almost forgot how to.  Been busy these last few weeks, more traveling than anything but I did have a couple papers here and there I had to get done.  Time to catch up on the blogs.

So a few weekends ago I went on an Arcadia (study abroad program provider) trip to Killin, Scotland, about two hours away by bus.  We stayed at Fir Bush Point located in the heart of nature, bordering a beautiful loch surrounded by forest and  snow covered mountains.  It was such a fun weekend, all outdoor activities.  Three meals a day provided, one of which was a traditional Burns supper on Saturday night including haggis, neeps, and tatties.  I must say I did find the haggis more tolerable than last time, key word being tolerable.

Saturday we went on a 6 hour day hike up a 2000 ft mountain right across from where we were staying.  Despite the day being overcast, the rain did not fall, making for a nice day.  As we hiked higher and higher we encountered more and more snow.  At the top there must have been 2 feet of snow, making for a more challenging and exciting hike.  It was probably the most intense hike I went on, not hard, just through all sorts of mud/muck, snow, and even a couple small streams.  It was truly beautiful walking amongst the snowy trees and a good ways up we walked around a large size dam.  I was surprised to find it as high up as we were.  Many points along the way there were even herds of sheep roaming for food.

At the top it became very hard to see, practically impossible to see 20 yards ahead, as it was foggy/cloudy and it was snowing out...

My favorite part of the hike was easily the descent.  Most the way we packed the snow down as we slid down the sides of the mountain.  It was crazy, some pretty steep drops, we just laid on out back and kept our feet up as we soared down.

Sunday consisted of two activities, one in the morning and one after lunch in the afternoon.  I went mountain biking in the morning, was so much fun.  I wish we were able to go on more trails, but the few that we did were a thrill, bombing down through the woods plowing through mud and huge puddles, nothing like it!  

I know, don't we look so stylish?!  We were provided with clothing as necessary for all the weekend activities.  I'm sure I looked even better in my kayaking gear during the afternoon session... It was a great weekend, wish we could have stayed longer!