The following morning we woke, ate breakfast and went out into the clean frost filled air. Mountains all around us and the river rushing merrily not more than 100 yards from where we stood in the car park. Peter Martin jnr. kindly gave us directions on how to best get to the Dalwhinnine whilst taking time out to add some small notes into Paul`s Stones of Strength book, which was co authored by Peter`s dad and Steve Jeck, on Paul`s lifting of the Fianna and the day we spent returning Deirdre`s tear drop.
We said our goodbyes to a man whose passion for the stones and their heritage goes far deeper than any stone lifter I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and set off on the first leg of today`s journey towards the commando memorial which Paul wanted to visit again after not visiting since he was a child holidaying in Scotland with his family. The route took us once more past stunning scenes of lakes and mountains as we headed north towards Spean Bridge and the memorial. After a considerable amount of travelling we eventually made it to our destination and what a sight it is. Situated roughly 1.5 miles north west of Spean Bridge you get amazing views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor. Unfortunately for use these were covered by mists as it made its way up and across the ranges from the heat of the rising sun. Stunning all the same. After some time looking at the memorial and reading the inscriptions left to commemorate those brave souls who had fallen in battle it we dragged our weary selves back into the car for our final stone lifting challenge and destination.
Next stop Dalwhinnie.
The stone itself is situated outside the Dalwhinnie Inn and once more is an imposing site to see when you pull up beside it. Very similar to the Inver stone in shape and substance.
Paul was first up to try and did manage to get air under the stone as it came up towards his knees. But yet again, as with the Inver, it failed to get to that all important point of onto his knees so he could get a firmer grip and drive the hips through to push the stone upwards.
Time for me to have a go and to be perfectly honest I wasn`t feeling very confident. But if you don`t try you`ll never know. Once more it was the same outcome for me also. The stone was awkward to get a good grip of in my favoured bear hug style. It was a lot heavier than anticipated and I had nothing much left in the tank to even get the slightest bit of air under the stone.
Beaten again but some valuable lessons learnt from it anyway. And with that immortal, iconic movie catchphrase ringing in your mind “I`ll be back”.
Steven. A. Barlow© 2010