However, Bébhinn would swear that she was being watched. Swear it. There were no large predators in these mountains, and if it had been other hikers, they would have made themselves known. Shaking her head at her silliness, she took one more sip of water and set off for the last leg of day one.
It wasn’t lost on her that had her dad been by her side, she would never have felt even the slightest unease. He’d always been her safety. She and her mom had had twenty years of handing their fears to him. It was strange not to have that, but perhaps this trip would help her break the habit and stand alone.
8 pm
Riverside House, Abergynolwyn
Today was so flipping good, Dad! I have to admit, the first few miles were rough. Don’t judge. The trail instantly starts ascending, like no easing into it.
Don’t get a big head, but you were right—not about everything—but I’ll give you credit for ensuring I was in the best shape. All those hours in the gym and training in the field have guaranteed success.
I saw no less than ten sheep—I swear they gave me the evil eye. Several raptors swooped low to capture small rodents in their claws. Remember that falconry school that Mom gifted you for Father’s Day? I think it was at Ashford Castle in County Mayo. Anyway, you would have loved seeing wild birds diving for prey.
My supplies are good, obviously. I’ve only been at it one day. I’ll top off my water in the morning, and then I’m off.
I’m sleeping in a rough, a wee cabin near the morning’s starting point. It might only boast an old wooden cot, but it has running water and a bathtub—thank you, Jesus. Tomorrow will be one mile longer and a hell of a lot steeper. The hot bath was essential for my survival.
That’s it for today. I need to call Mom…and Bran and Patrick. You spawned two of the most overbearing sons known to man.
Since youdiedwent away, they’ve become almost impossible. So have Daniel and Jonathan… Not a great time to be a female in the O’Faolain clan.
P.S. You were also right about the phones. Not having service during the hikes is lovely. I do appreciate the beauty more.
Love you (I still haven’t forgiven you),
Bébhinn
seven
BÉBHINN
Snowdonia Way Mountain Route
Daily Journal
Day 2
Abergynolwyn to Dolgellau
Distance: 14.2 miles (22.9 km)
Total Ascent: 1,166 m (3,825.4 ft)
4:53 am
Good morning, Dad. I feel great, so no worries. My body feels well rested and ready for today (despite the rickety cot squeaking with every movement, and the constant drip of the bathtub faucet next to my head).
Wish me luck and don’t let me get lost! :)
B
It was 12° C, a perfect day for hiking unless the trail included miles of plodding straight up a narrow rocky climb to the Heavens.
“That would be a hell of a shock. Wouldn’t it, Dad?” Bébhinn grinned as she swiped the persistent beads of sweat from her forehead.
Smiling, she imagined sauntering up to her dad, where she liked to visualize him leaning against a smooth, dark-wooded, heavenly bar top, handsome frown in place, and a double whiskey neat in hand, while she said, “Hey, Dad. What’s up?”
Her vivid imagination made her chuckle. She could so clearly see her dad. Death wouldn’t change that man. He was stronger than that. So were his sons—her brothers—and their sons—her nephews. There wasn’t a man in her family who didn’t carry a piece of Hugh O’Faolain.
