In Search of Nessie, Haggis and guys named Seamus: Day 1 - Just put one foot in front of the other

We awoke to a cool, damp Glasgow morning, perfect for reading teenage medieval torture romance novels in front of a smoldering fire. But we weren't here for that. So, instead, we set out for Leg 1 of our West Highland Way adventure - 20 miles from Milngavie to Balmaha. The start is well marked and of course we took the required starting obelisk pic.

Unfortunately, seconds later, Tim had second thoughts:

But, we promised him haggis and a kilt, so he stayed.

The first 13 miles away from the city were fairly easy and uneventful. At the first stop we noticed a boisterous Scotsman in the requisite kilt, but thought nothing of it. We did our best to make friends at every opportunity, which was successful in most cases!

Here you see our new bovine friends. We focused on meeting locals, having lunch w Sasha who grew up in Orange County, went to high school in Austria, then university in Glasgow. She was rolling solo, as her Swedish husband was working. Typical Scot.

After lunch, things got tough as we climbed Mount Conich then descended into Balmaha for the night. The scenery was incredible, kinda like Dallas if Dallas was here.

As we knocked back a few pints (yea, I speak Scottish now) who should appear but Chuck, the boisterous Scotsman, his son Shaun/Seamus and two guys that only spoke when Chuck allowed. Chuck will be a recurring character in this drama, as he is on our schedule, doing the WHW for the 50th time! Tim gave Shaun/Seamus abuse for drinking a Corona Light and earned the nickname "Trump". Surprisingly, Scots have strong opinions on US politics.