19. Jun 2025

Leitirfearn - Gairlochy Locks

Photo 1: "Willy's first night in the tent..."
The campground was supposed to have a WC and a shower. That is why I needed the key. There was a WC, but it had been flipped over by the wind and was laying on its backside. There were no water facilities... and my water filter was not working. I needed to ration my water. There was also a group of children that were on a canu trip and stayed the night as well. I had an opportunity to share some of my pilgrim stories with a few of the supervisors and one little girl who had hurt her foot while the others were out and about playing games. It reminded me of my Royal Rangers days.

It rained all night and well into the morning, so I got a late start. Just as I was getting ready to leave the camping place, two older ladies from New Zealand were coming up the path. I greeted them both and asked how they were doing. The one, Betty, responded that she was in bereavement. Just two days ago while on her walking trip, she received the tragic news that her 52 year old niece had unexpectedly and suddenly died while on her honey moon. I shared some words of comfort and the hope that we have in Jesus who overcame death and the grave. As I prayed for Betty and her companion, I sensed a very strong presence of the Lord. I think as well that they felt a touch from heaven. They were very grateful for the prayer and encounter... and gave me some water for my start in the day.

Photo 2: A lot of Rhododendrons are still in blume in Scotland. I love Rhododendrons!

After about two hours I came to a Lock would I could actually use my key to go into a toilet facility and get some water. When I came out there was a group of young people also wanting to use the facilities. We got talking about my trip. Eventually there was just one young man left, Louis, after the others continued on to a nearby Café. He wanted to know what inspired me to do this trip. I knew then that God wanted me to speak to him about spiritual truths. Louis grew up in a cultural Christian environment, but was now leaning more towards Islam. His main problem was understanding the Christian teaching of the trinity. I gave him a five minute crash course of explaining the one God who reveals himself in plurity by way of Genesis 1:1-3. He responded that the Koran also refers to Allah saying "we" when it came to the creation. "See", I said, "God in plurality who is one God." The conclusion is, that Jesus is God, the Son. Hopefully these thoughts will lead to more spiritual understanding.

Photo 3: A lot of rain water running down from the high places...

Photo 4: "The Great Glen Way - Day 4"
Not far from this corner on the path I ran into a true Scotsman, Rob MacGregor. He told me that his name was outlawed and banished in Scotland for about 70 years, because his clan was at odds with and fought against the Britts. Rob also said in our conversation that he believed there was something out there greater than humanity, but just was not sure what. I prayed for him that he would come to know who this God is, who created the beauty of creation that we were looking at.

Photo 5: "Safe Bear"
I am glad that I do not need to be on the lookout for bears on this trip!