What a lovely story. I too despair at the treeless beauty of iconic sights celebrated in Scotland. Here deer, allowed to proliferate unchecked by hunting estates are the biggest cause, with sheep following a close second. There is hope though, there is always hope, and action, and communities that really care.
My kids are both in their 30’s, and have walked since they could, and in backpacks before then. Schiehallion is our family tale, of a reluctant 6year old, stopping every second rock for a sit down strike, it was a long trip to the summit, with lots of songs, sorry fellow walkers! She spends all her weekends out walking now, just her and her dog, exploring the Highlands, thriving in nature.
See, there is hope, always hope, and moments in a family that become stories, and family memories despite them being tricky at the time:) Nature has a way of seeping into the soul without anyone noticing, wonderful tricksy thing that it is:)
Thanks Sarah - yes, I find the landscape of Scotland can be equally depressing unfortunately. You're right though, there are lots of projects working towards creating more diverse habitats and so we have to hold on to some hope. Plus, there are always pockets if you know where to look...
That's good to know about your kids - I hope the foundations we have laid will serve our son well when he's older too!
Erik is quite right in saying that the foundations you’ve both instilled in Benji’s heart and soul will always be part of him. Pulls and distractions are an inevitable part of his development and of course it’s so hard to adapt to it as parents. But your love and devotion to Nature is an inspiring and powerful message to him. Hang on in there! And of course any time outing Nature is always a positive even if there are tantrums and rages on route! Thanks again for sharing the adventure 💚
For me, I’d also include time spent together as a big plus. My kids are grown now and living in different parts of the world. I remember when I was a young parent and always being told to appreciate the time spent with them when they were young. I always nodded and knew the advice was good, but it wasn’t until recent years until I truly appreciated it.
I love to read about your travels on the fells. Its funny how we curse the things that challenge us at the time, and then look back and think - yes, I did that and I loved it. Kids do moan at walks - and then you get home and they talk excitedly at their little adventure. It makes it all worthwhile in the end...and being out in nature always worth it.
Thanks Lin, I really appreciate this! How is that kids seem to have the ability to bounce back so quickly from their moans and tears, whilst we are left reeling, contemplating the end of all our hiking adventures together? Being out in Nature is totally always worth it!
I think the adventure is always worth it, even when it does not go as planned. And, I believe you have given Benji a phenomenal foundation. My own kids' interests diverged from mine along the way, and you can't force it when that happens. However, I know for a fact that our early adventures have shaped the rest of their lives in some fundamental way, and I am certain you have already given that to Benji as well!
Thank you Erik - I think you're right, it's always worth it and there's always some lesson or knowledge that we can glean from the experience. I hope you're right about Benji - I'm sure these experiences will have been formative in some way or another. Thanks for the words of encouragement - it's good to hear from someone who's been there and come out the other side!
So true those feelings about unfinished business... not reaching summits. Many years ago, twice we unsuccessfully failed to reach the summit of Schiehallion. First time was just too far for the boys and dogs... second time, unexpected ice and unsuitable weather. We never did summit... and I still remember. But life goes on and there are always other summits... Thanks for the lovely read.
Thank you for the lovely comment. Indeed, there are always other summits, and often it's not even about getting to the top, it's about the fun you have along the way. That being said, we'll be back for Mellbreak one day...
So true that we can always find something positive from the outside call.
And while I'm sorry for your coffee spillage, I'm not even keen on the smell of the fresh stuff. My brother, who works in coffee, thinks I'm a monster. 😆
What a lovely story. I too despair at the treeless beauty of iconic sights celebrated in Scotland. Here deer, allowed to proliferate unchecked by hunting estates are the biggest cause, with sheep following a close second. There is hope though, there is always hope, and action, and communities that really care.
My kids are both in their 30’s, and have walked since they could, and in backpacks before then. Schiehallion is our family tale, of a reluctant 6year old, stopping every second rock for a sit down strike, it was a long trip to the summit, with lots of songs, sorry fellow walkers! She spends all her weekends out walking now, just her and her dog, exploring the Highlands, thriving in nature.
See, there is hope, always hope, and moments in a family that become stories, and family memories despite them being tricky at the time:) Nature has a way of seeping into the soul without anyone noticing, wonderful tricksy thing that it is:)
Thanks Sarah - yes, I find the landscape of Scotland can be equally depressing unfortunately. You're right though, there are lots of projects working towards creating more diverse habitats and so we have to hold on to some hope. Plus, there are always pockets if you know where to look...
That's good to know about your kids - I hope the foundations we have laid will serve our son well when he's older too!
Thank you again and best wishes.
Erik is quite right in saying that the foundations you’ve both instilled in Benji’s heart and soul will always be part of him. Pulls and distractions are an inevitable part of his development and of course it’s so hard to adapt to it as parents. But your love and devotion to Nature is an inspiring and powerful message to him. Hang on in there! And of course any time outing Nature is always a positive even if there are tantrums and rages on route! Thanks again for sharing the adventure 💚
Thank you Joan! We will hang on in there for sure...
Sounds like a good day despite turning back.
For me, I’d also include time spent together as a big plus. My kids are grown now and living in different parts of the world. I remember when I was a young parent and always being told to appreciate the time spent with them when they were young. I always nodded and knew the advice was good, but it wasn’t until recent years until I truly appreciated it.
Thanks for sharing your story
Thank you, this is much appreciated - you’re right, we must remember to cherish all our time together, even during the tough bits!
I love to read about your travels on the fells. Its funny how we curse the things that challenge us at the time, and then look back and think - yes, I did that and I loved it. Kids do moan at walks - and then you get home and they talk excitedly at their little adventure. It makes it all worthwhile in the end...and being out in nature always worth it.
Thanks Lin, I really appreciate this! How is that kids seem to have the ability to bounce back so quickly from their moans and tears, whilst we are left reeling, contemplating the end of all our hiking adventures together? Being out in Nature is totally always worth it!
I think the adventure is always worth it, even when it does not go as planned. And, I believe you have given Benji a phenomenal foundation. My own kids' interests diverged from mine along the way, and you can't force it when that happens. However, I know for a fact that our early adventures have shaped the rest of their lives in some fundamental way, and I am certain you have already given that to Benji as well!
Thank you Erik - I think you're right, it's always worth it and there's always some lesson or knowledge that we can glean from the experience. I hope you're right about Benji - I'm sure these experiences will have been formative in some way or another. Thanks for the words of encouragement - it's good to hear from someone who's been there and come out the other side!
So true those feelings about unfinished business... not reaching summits. Many years ago, twice we unsuccessfully failed to reach the summit of Schiehallion. First time was just too far for the boys and dogs... second time, unexpected ice and unsuitable weather. We never did summit... and I still remember. But life goes on and there are always other summits... Thanks for the lovely read.
Thank you for the lovely comment. Indeed, there are always other summits, and often it's not even about getting to the top, it's about the fun you have along the way. That being said, we'll be back for Mellbreak one day...
So true that we can always find something positive from the outside call.
And while I'm sorry for your coffee spillage, I'm not even keen on the smell of the fresh stuff. My brother, who works in coffee, thinks I'm a monster. 😆
Thanks Martin! Ha ha, I had never thought that some people might not like the smell of fresh coffee...