Definitely a game of two half's and the first was unfortunately very frustrating. Being a little later to leave the house I met up with Bob G. Tim B. And Trias at Aberfoyle. By the time we got to launch, conditions were looking good. Once set up I went to tuck my trousers into my socks and put on my ankle gaiters but found the hem of my trousers covered in tiny ticks just waiting their chance, I bet that's not in any of the site guides, most tick infested site in Scotland. Where's the tick magnet Mr P. When you need him! And we are off, after a couple of climbs I am at base and as I head off I can see I am already miles behind the others as they are already climbing Ben Ledi. Once there I get a rather rowdy climb to base and then start drifting NW along the ridge, although in sun there was little lift and the further I get, the lower I get until the whole area ahead was shaded out and I landed one valley before Balquhidder, bugger! I remember sitting there on the grass saying "I just don't get it. "

Not fancying another hike out and sore feet decided to see what could be salvaged, at least a glide out to the road perhaps. Feeling rather despondent I walk up to the end of a small, into wind ridge before relaunching into a light thermic breeze. Not finding much lift, I head east and at the end of the ridge find a nice climb to around 3.5 so head over to Balquhidder. As usual I am late, only one glider still there on the hill. Small broken thermal on the SW face but eventually find a nice climb that takes me up and over the back. Now I start to relax into cruising mode and head over to Glen Dochart and find another long slow climb taking me to Killin. Happy again! It's around 5pm and sky is now pretty blue and the views are just stunning as I head over to Tarmachan and then onto Ben Lawers where I meet up with a Rush and we climb up the front of the hill before taking a few turns above the summit and I head off down the ridge landing just past Fortingall. Followed by a lift to Aberfeldy from a couple of the Aberdeen boys, thanks, a bus to Perth, a bus the Stirling and a lift back out to Aberfoyle to pick up the cars. A hugely frustrating yet inspiring sort of a day. The word fun seems just totally inadequate. I'll get it right next time Bren, next time!