Torphins Hike

Now that school is back in session, so is our ex-pat org.  Our first official meeting is next week but some of the activity groups have already begun.  After my 3 month hiking hiatus, I joined the explorers group to hike in a city called Torphins, about 45 minutes west of Aberdeen.  If you recall from a previous post, I normally don't participate with this group because they hike a minimum of 8-12 miles and their hikes range from "intermediate" to "difficult" (aka no freaking way).  I ended the hiking season with this group in May breaking my 4 mile record with an all time high of 7 miles.   

As the first hike of the season, the leader promised that this hike was only 5.5 miles and there would only be 2 gradual rolling rises.  I decided I was up for the challenge.  There were about 20 of us that joined the hike based on the promise that it was relatively easy and short.  

About 15 minutes in we approached the first "rolling rise."  That was easy. Sweet! Only 1 more to go. 

Another 30 or so minutes passed and we come across the second rolling rise hill.  This one was tough but after 15 minutes of walking uphill, I made it without face planting.  Alright, now I can relax and enjoy the company of the women and take in the scenery.  Wrong.  

In the next hour, we encountered 2 more rolling rises hills, each progressively harder than the last. Uhhh what is happening? Did we go off path? Nope, this is the right way, I was just duped!!! After the last hill, we passed by the Learney House, a mansion built in the 17th century with panoramic views of Aberdeen.  

Shortly after, we approached an area with breathtaking views of Bennachie and we stopped to eat our sack lunch.

As we rested our legs, I sweetly reminded our group leader that there were more than 2 rolling rises and she assured me that the rest of the hike would be flat and downhill.  She even showed me the map.  I wasn't going to be fooled again.  

The hike back down was in fact flat, which my legs were thankful for.  But we still had another third of the way to cover. 

At this point, we'd been hiking for more than 2 hours, 5.5 miles shouldn't take that long, right?  Sure enough as we walked through the woods and back to our cars, one of hikers revealed that hike was actually 7.4 miles.  Laugh now, cry later.  

Though I was out of commission the rest of the day, I am proud that I surpassed my previous record.  My new goal is to reach 10 miles before the end of the year.  Hope I can do it!