We were on our way to Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles. We're swerving along on the windy highway, windshield wipers intermittently swiping, and my dad surprises me by saying he would prefer to not hike up there. I told him I was going.
He took me to a tourist office where they made it VERY clear that it was a bad idea to go up there. A storm was moving in and not only was there 100% chance of rain, but there would also be horrible fog up there and most likely, snow. I didn't bring the right clothes for any of that. So, alas, with arms folded, I agreed. There would be no hike to the hop of Ben Nevis. It was heart breaking for me. I love to travel because I love the beauty of nature. I love the adventure of hiking to unknown places. I love when my eyes see new sights.
We were staying in Fort William and we agreed to leave a day early because if we weren't hiking to Ben Nevis, there was no reason to be there. On the way out of town, my disappointment grew. Then the strangest thing happened. I started noticing waterfalls... everywhere. And I mean everywhere.
The rain was coming down so aggressively, waterfalls were spontaneous forming on the mountain-sides, by creek sides, in fields and even right by the road. It. was. gorgeous.
I loved it. I was the paparazzi of waterfalls. My dad laughed at me as I repeatedly tried to get pictures of them.
Here's one of my more successful shots just off to the side of the highway:
I know that I should be disappointed that I didn't get climb Ben Nevis, but honestly, I have never seen anything like this. I know that mountain will be there the next time I go, but I have no idea if I will ever see waterfalls like that again. I imagine that in life you can be disappointed at the mountain you didn't climb or you can be in awe at the waterfalls around you.
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