Hot and tired...but WOW // Scotland's Moray Coast Trail Ep. 03

This week I'll take you with me from Kingston to Lossiemouth, a section of the Moray Coast trail that I can honestly say I was dreading. So imagine my horror when it turned out to be one of the hottest days of the summer! Heat waves are no joke, especially since humidity in Scotland is always so high. Even on the coast where the breeze usually cools me off, I had no relief. My body was not ready. I was a bit of a drama queen in this episode. But I tried my best to enjoy the journey despite the challenges!
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If you're new here, welcome to my channel. I live in Scotland and this channel documents my adventures and life as an artist in the Highlands. My life goal is to hike around all of Scotland (and islands) with my sketchbook and cameras, a project I'm calling Sketching Scotland. I'm doing it in stages, as time allows (I'm busy!). There will be day hikes as well as longer multi-day camping trips (in the warmer months). So there's plenty of variety here. Most importantly I'm making an effort to learn about the history and important features of each area I visit. I love sharing what I learn with you all. Thanks for being here!
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[@kloewe6069]

Rewild and re-cover the land in forest like it once was... Makes hikes much, much more pleasurable and habitable.

[@dominiquehoward6914]

oh honey...i'm glad you finished that hike. from someone who lives in the heat (arizona) you have to walk in the early mornings to avoid torturing yourself on these hikes. keep it up!!

[@DanitaReynolds]

“Would you like fries with that?” HILARIOUS! 🤣😂🤣

[@MaryAustinKeller]

I’ve hiked for photography in hot as hades weather. Here are some tips because the suffering is real! 1. Freeze bottles of water (hard freeze). Put in bag so it’s against your back. Your body heat thaws the water and the thawing cools your back. Seriously it helps. You have to carry water anyway so no extra weight. 2. An umbrella to keep sun off. I thought that was dumb until I tried it. Wow it helps. 3. They make these things that look kind of like scarves. Get them just a little wet and then snap them like snapping a towel. Makes them cool. Put around your wrist and around your neck. When they get warm, remove and snap a couple times again. Amazon cooling towel. Super light so no extra weight. Thanks for struggling through this heat so we can travel the coast with you.

[@sarahinscotland]

I do have an umbrella, but it was sooooooooo windy that day I couldn't use it. But I should have remembered to get my neck gaiter wet!

[@fionnajames422]

I’m really loving watching this vlog series and can’t wait for episode 4!

[@sarahinscotland]

Thanks Fionna :)

[@beautifully_wonderfullymade]

Well done. In Aus if we are hiking on a summer's day we start early and always avoid the middle of the day. When I was in Uluru I started my hike in the morning, but not early enough. I got caught out and got heat stroke. I had to take refuge in the cool of the rock to recover. My husband saw that I wasn't in a good place and physically had to grab me (cause my mind had gone loopy and I was walking mindlessly) and drag me to the shade of the rock and he leant me against the cold rock. Fortunately the cool of the rock restored me. Despite starting what I thought was 6am, on a 36oC, I realised that I didn't factor in the time to eat breakfast, watch the sunrise (as u do out there) n actually get ready for the walk. So when we started the walk it was much later. Despite being an Aus who has done plenty of hikes in summer, that was a lesson learned. Start early, like very early, so when u r walking it is just enough sunrise to see the path. There was a large portion around Uluru that was without natural shade (like you were walking) or even man made shelters. It was very tough and we walked it in the middle of the day, very silly of us. We didn't plan for it and that was a mistake. I am glad u made it, you should be proud of yourself.

[@sarahinscotland]

Wow that's scary! Thankfully I didn't have it that bad. I can't imagine being disoriented especially on your own the wilderness. Yikes!

[@sueanderson7386]

Could've driven to the restaurant and sketched from there, sipping drinks and eating delicious food brought to the table. Take care of your precious self!

[@sarahinscotland]

I do that all the time

[@miriamgillham6701]

Sarah, this was a bit scary for you. It was a wonderful adventure though. Couldn’t get over some of the scenery, for all that it was soooo hot, it still very beautiful there. The sketching was lovely. So glad for you that you made it to the the cafe before they closed. Good water and good food always make such a difference. Look after yourself and all the best for the next walk.

[@sarahinscotland]

Definitely tested my limits! And now I know

[@miriamgillham6701]

@@sarahinscotland You persevere, it’s such a quality.

[@ervinslens]

Fantastic video, atmosphere is so unique here. ♥️🎥🥾

[@lpayne91]

Omg Sarah, I felt your pain and suffering and that was some test of endurance! So glad you made it to food and water and your meal looked amazing! ..your painting at the end was gorgeous and can’t wait to see this finished sketchbook of this hike. You take care next time x ps love your videography, you always catch amazing footage of Scotland 😍

[@laurasykes]

Great job hanging in there Sarah! The chart showing the “feels like” temperatures are what I see here in Arizona 94-113. Very hot so I can relate somewhat. Glad you got to your destination safely. Looking forward to seeing more of your journey. Rooting for you! 🎉🎉💪💪😁

[@momopaints]

The bunkers are kinda cool. I homeschool my kiddos, and we just finished up a unit study in WWII. It’s interesting to see. Thanks for sharing! I’m loving this series btw.

[@peterjackson7426]

Hi well done thank you 😊👍❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@essietangle9931]

Great job on the video, at time I felt quizzes along with you. Boy was a glad when you sat down for a meal and liquids. Your meal was picture perfect, lovely place to stop. Take care, glad you learned what is needed to help with future walks. Essie

[@sharilynnupsdell9195]

Sarah, I so appreciate these videos on so many different levels. I recognize so much behind the scenes work and filming you must be doing to bring such lovely story telling and cinematography to us. I wonder how many extra miles you add into each hike as you walk out, set up your camera and tripod in the perfect spot to record your journey, and then walk back to collect all your equipment. Far more than simply ‘walking the coast’! You have an eye for spotting and capturing beauty with camera and paint, a heart for honesty, and commitment to sharing it all through your journey of walking and your many art forms. Thank you!

[@sarahinscotland]

Yes it's definitely a lot of extra work. I feel determined to capture the whole journey since Moray is the first county in the larger goal. On later journeys when there's maybe 100 miles camping trip, we'll see how much extra energy I can expend filming it! 😅 maybe by then I'll have my "assistant" (aka hubby)

[@misspinsel2116]

What a thrill watching you walk. In Germany it's way to hot too. Glad you made it and you are fine 😊

[@francinetoni268]

You go girl❣️. You are officially my hero. Hang in there; can’t wait for the next leg of the journey. 💜

[@SM-Artist]

Thank you for sharing Beautiful video and painting I enjoyed it 👋 Someday my wish bucket travel place 🎨🖌💕👋

[@bluewren65]

I'm just loving coming on this journey with you. People who live in consistently warm places don't understand just how hot 30 deg C can feel if you live in a place that is far north or far south. I've worked in the far east Kimberley region of Australia where in the wet season it would be between 40 and 44 deg C with 80 to 90% humidity. It was hot and unpleasant, but it was that temperature every day and you acclimated. In Tasmania, if it's over 30 deg C it feels hot. Unlike the gentle rays of northern Australia, the sun here BURNS, like really burns your skin. You can get serious sunburn in a very short amount of time, which often catches visitors from the big island who don't heed the warnings of us locals. I have walked around in the Kimberley in the heat of the day and been fine, but have ended up with sunstroke after walking for just over an hour in Tassie. I felt a bit hot and uncomfortable, but didn't realise I had sunstroke until I started vomiting. I felt your pain every step of the way.

[@sarahinscotland]

It's wild how much it varies country to country and based on what your body is acclimated to! I lived in Denver for 10 years before moving here, which is extremely hot and dry in the summer (basically a desert) and that feels totally different to humid heat

[@beckyisj]

"Would you like fries with that"? 😂😂

[@RuththeTruther]

I love your artwork and courage and gracious spirit!

[@acmdv]

5:00 When your planning a hike and you know it's going to be hot sunny weather best not to wear dark coloured clothing because they absorb the heat from the sun whereas brighter colours reflect it thus stopping you from getting "cooked" in the sunshine.

[@sarahinscotland]

That's why I especially loved having my sun hoodie!

[@acmdv]

@@sarahinscotland Also take some salt tablets with you & take a couple halfway through or when you really start to feel the heat getting to you because your salt levels drop when you sweat, you lose a lot of salt which you need to regulate your body as well as stop you getting cramp.

[@shawnas464]

Oh man! You did it! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@judihussey5889]

You are truly an artist. I love to paint but after that day I’m sure I wouldn’t have been feeling like painting!! So I wouldn’t have. You are such an inspiration!! Bravo!

[@sarahinscotland]

I think painting was the best way to decompress for me

[@wumblebumblebee]

Wowzers! Well done Sarah! And thabks for pointing out that us UK folk really dont get heat and often cant function well... Please be careful out there though, we dont want you passing out in the middle of nowhere ❤️

[@sarahinscotland]

I can't imagine what it's like down south in the heatwave..I hear it's closer to 35 or higher! yikes!

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Ohh wow that’s a great meal of French Toast, especially after the hot 🥵 long hike. The scenery with the blockades was interesting. The scenery was gorgeous to me. After you hiking trip today, you have a good idea of how folks in the Deep South in USA (Oxford, Mississippi) live without air conditioning in the hot temperatures & humidity that you experienced. It definitely makes for interesting painting experience. I’m thrilled that you accomplished this part of your hiking journey despite the weather. I love your painting page in your journal. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video of your journey. Have a great weekend and week ahead.

[@sarahinscotland]

I can't imagine living in the south USA! Nor the west...all those states are too hot for my blood!

[@arley2815]

Woo! You made it!

[@Makbabe72]

I am loving this series! Heating and hiking are no joke, recently had to cut a hike at half my usual mileage, and didn’t even have the energy to thinking about painting! It felt like a let down, but sometimes that is just how life is. Glad you were able to complete your hike, Be safe always!

[@sarahinscotland]

It’s better to be safe than sorry. If I was in the wilderness I would definitely have turned back.

[@pixelfrenzy]

To anyone not familiar with Scottish weather... this wasn't just a heatwave, these were record-breaking temperatures! At around the same time further South in England it went over 40 C and this is unheard of.

[@sarahinscotland]

Omg 40?? That's scary

[@kellyro77]

Congratulations on making it through, even though it was painful and probably ill advised! Ha! I hate trekking in hot weather, but yikes, adding humidity on top of it is pure agony. I lived one summer out in New Jersey and it got into the 90s and combined with the humidity, I was breaking into a sweat even just standing up from my chair (no AC in the house). I'm glad you took lots of breaks. I'm with you, too, on uninspiring landscapes making my time in such areas feel dragged out. Happy to see your next section is more to your liking. Thank you again for sharing your adventure.

[@sarahinscotland]

It was just horrible timing and being stubborn made it worse 😆

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@sarahinscotland Even though perhaps you shouldn't have gone in the first place, being bloody-minded-stubborn is what got you to the end, and you've learned some very important lessons on an early hike on a relatively easy trail for Wolfie to get to you if it was needed. So put a big tick (the 'correct' sort, not the bug) by this one, Sarah!

[@sprucehouse9]

Tenacity! That's what it takes in a hell hike like that. Great job hanging in there.

[@lumeahartstudio]

I didn't know whether to laugh (at your entertaining editing) or cry at this! But I felt your pain all the way from (currently nice and cool) Tasmania. You are truly made of tough stuff, Sarah, and an inspiration. Thanks for keeping it real and please look after yourself. Enjoy all that yummy food. I can only imagine how amazing it tasted after that ordeal!

[@Marteire]

Oh, Sarah, I'm so proud of you that you made it! I couldn't, for sure! During heatwaves I barely move and think 😣

[@debsmith7050]

You are strong woman! I use Dirty Girl Gaiters to keep the crud out of my shoes; I'm sure you know about all this stuff... You are doing great

[@buddhabro.9130]

Go, Sarah! Go, Sarah! Go, Sarah! You did a lot better than I did. I took a bus to a favorite historical property in my area during that Heat Wave here in the US. I sat under a tree, that was all I did. It was still hot.107 degrees Real Feel.🥵 Needless to say, no drawing was done that day. 😂 You made it, and you did two sketches! Keep going Sarah, we're all rooting for you here in America. A major shout out to Wolfie, your knight in shining armor. 😊💯

[@sarahinscotland]

Thank you for the cheers! 😊

[@karenkay5324]

Girl, you had me worried there. Glad you persevered and finished this leg with few adverse side effects. And a couple of stunning paintings as reminders. I think we learn more from our mistakes but boy, you sure hate to learn them the hard way! Hope the heat and humidity have moved on.

[@sarahinscotland]

Absolutely true. Easy days fade into vague memory but these tough days stick out like a thorn in our memory!

[@fuzzydragons]

yeah scotland felt like everything was melting for a few days 😑

[@chrissyplanteater2892]

I can’t believe you still managed to paint 🥵 I would have gone to sleep under the tree 😂

[@sarahinscotland]

Me either…but I slept SO WELL that night! 😂

[@i.l.m.5129]

I truly admire your perseverance and determination. I'm prone to heat exhaustion and heat strokes so, as much as I'd love to get out in warm weather, my body won't allow it, lol. So, I'm living vicariously through you as you do what I cannot (in heat), and as you do so in Scotland at that. I hope to be in Scotland as soon as possible, but for now, I'll watch your wonderful videos from Oklahoma and cheer you on from afar. Great video as usual, thank you for sharing with all of us!

[@melissaamyx2196]

The turquoise color of the water is insanely gorgeous! The forest are looks so much like where I live in Texas. I swear you were hiking on my ranch! These journeys of yours are the highlight of my day... thus one with all your craziness was such fun! On a serious note, heat plus humidity is no joke on your body. We have high 90s with 80+% humidity this time of year and heat exhaustion or worse will sneak up on you. Be careful girl!

[@sarahinscotland]

Yes as I said, so many lessons learned!

[@roxannemaguire9844]

Sarahhhh, can you hear me now??? 😅 I'm cheering from Costa Rica for your successful completion of this stretch!!!!! 👏👏👏 You are made of great stuff!!! 💙 That meal looked ahhmazing - so glad to see you enjoying that!!! 😊 And back to your very own garden with Wolfie and your kitties, unlimited water, tea and snacks!!! Heaven 💚💚💚😘

[@sarahinscotland]

I definitely needed a cheerleader that day 🤣

[@roxannemaguire9844]

@@sarahinscotland You deserved an entire team of cheerleaders!!! 💙

[@nattyw495]

Love the beautiful views your showing us, it was always on my lottery win bucket list to travel Scotland and surrounding countries...but this is just as good saves airfare... and i totally feel your hottness as its in the 90s here in western ny and i live near canada..im not embarrassed to admit it but im definitely a snow storm cold lover, please please be careful heat exhaustion can sneak up on you fast i experienced it twice as a landscape business owner...i had to tell my customersthat i wouldnt have my crew work above 85 degrees outside it just wasnt safe for them but you really know your starting to get heat exhausting when you get a headace......Next time bring a hikeing buddy( bring fruit like plums organges,bannas , also celery and peanut butter raisins they are light have extra nutrients and hold water within their structures.these can give you fast intakes of water)...these two simple things can help on hot days just to be safer and you both you and hiking buddy can do some fun art challenges like paint a area every few miles see what each paints...plus if theres a emergency you have a buddy that can help....thank you again for the beautiful sights again..plus im so gkad your husband came and got you well done on makeing right decisionon not walking back....and great for your husband that he came and got u...mikelle art mom🎨✍👩‍🎨

[@sarahinscotland]

Yes, definitely a lot of lessons learned this day!

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@sarahinscotland "Next time bring a hikeing buddy( bring fruit like plums organges,bannas , also celery and peanut butter raisins they are light have extra nutrients and hold water within their structures. These can give you fast intakes of water)...these two simple things can help on hot days just to be safer ... " Sarah, the extra weight is far outweighed by hydration and making it through in a better state.

[@s4010970]

Yay, my favorite TV show 😁

[@sarahinscotland]

😁

[@helenasalem380]

Wow! You’re amazingly brave! Thank you for sharing your adventure. It was beautiful as well as a little scary! Safe travels.

[@rogerehinger6694]

That was a challenging hike but the dunes you painted are beautiful. Last comment I made I mentioned gulls, and look you not only filmed them in flight but got me a close up! Haha, looking forward to those cliffs.

[@sarahinscotland]

The area they were flying in is kind of like a little wetland during low tide, so I always see swarms of them there! Next episode I give you a close up of some more sea birds :)

[@lulabelle33]

Omg Sarah. I feel your pain of the trail. Especially that "2-1/2 miles". TWO AND A HALF MIIIILLLEEESS?? ???? Lol. I feel you. And congrats on the finish. Cuz st that point, really, what are the choices???!!! Go Sarah Go

[@sarahinscotland]

Haha I'm glad you understand!! 😂

[@brittabeningfield3472]

What a gorgeous victory! Thanks so much for bringing us along. I'm recuperating from 2 knee replacements the past couple months, made me super thankful that I'm stretched out in comfortable ac. Also reminds me what I'm looking forward to in another few weeks... have really missed being able to get around without lurching along like Frankensteins monster. You've inspired me, I'm considering doing sketch missions throughout kansas but without extreme hiking. Happy trails to you! Can't wait for your future adventures.

[@sarahinscotland]

I really wanted to inspire people to know it doesn't have to be far from home, nor multi-day trek for it to feel like an adventure!

[@stacyg8847]

Hurrah! You did it. I've been on some tough hikes like that. Feels so good when it's over and there is the sense of accomplishment. It's been a miserably hot summer here in mid-America. Thank you for sharing your journey. Peace.

[@Tonisfarm2024]

Oh how you made me laugh! 🤣🤣 Not AT you by any means, but at myself as you clearly vlogged all my emotions of the last hike I went on. The heat, running low on water, getting to the point where we were sure we were "almost there" and finding out we were soo many devastating miles out still. 🙄😂 Not being able to stop thinking about the "destination" meal...😂 The desire to quit, but too far into it TO quit, scrambled "bird" brain🤣 You nailed it all in this vlog. BIG BIG hugs to you for bringing us along on this journey. 🤗💝 I may never get to visit Scotland and these vlogs and videos you are sharing are quite precious to me. Thank you! Toni Oh...a quick story...so we were on a long back packing trip to a place called Stehekin. Its a super lovely tiny town in Washington State. This was our 2nd time going on this particular trail so I knew that we were almost to our camping destination...after traversing like 45 steep switchbacks...we get to the camp and my husband drops the bomb...we aren't camping here. 😳😲🥵🤬 😂😂🤣🤣 I was SOOO DONE! This is divorce worthy! So I found my inner anger energy and took off marching...literally MARCHING up the next switchback and once around it...I yell back to him...FORTY-SIX!! Got around the next..FORTY-SEVEN!!🤣😂😂 Yes....we still get to tears laughing so hard at this memory...and yes...as much as I hate to admit it...the spot he made us press on to was sooooo much nicer and worth the extra 10 or so switchbacks. 💗 No..we didn't get divorced. 🥰🤣 But I did learn..that anger energy is sometimes an effective hiking method.😄

[@sarahinscotland]

Haha so relatable! 🤣 maybe a bit of rage hiking gets the adrenaline up to get you through the worst of it!

[@Tonisfarm2024]

@@sarahinscotland absolutely! 😂 And usually soo funny after the fact. 😂

[@artbykcappadona5166]

I feel your pain with the heat Sarah. When I was young I used to be able to tolerate it but now that I’m older I feel almost as though I am the wicked witch of the west melting the minute the sun beats down on me. Living in Florida it is very humid and the sun is relentless. You don’t know if you should cover yourself so that you don’t get a sunburn or keep your skin uncovered so that you can get some cooler air if any exists lol. Even riding my bike I have had to get off the path and sit in the shade to cool off. Great job and as usual great paintings.

[@sarahinscotland]

That's always my dilemma too! I usually end up covering from the sun because a burn will have bad consequences later. Lots of breaks is how I get through it.

[@ei3577]

Amazing video!

[@FaithAnnNB]

Ohhhh.. I felt your pain. I’m not sure if I would have continued, or turned back at an earlier point to wait for a cooler day. The heat bothers me SO much! We typically have a few weeks each summer where the temp is 32-35, but feels like 40-42. I can’t stand it! When you open the front door and it feels like you’re walking into a wall of heat, the air is just so, so heavy and pushing you back. I can handle the low 30s if the humidity isn’t bad, but otherwise, pure misery. I can’t imagine lugging your backpack on a day like that! You deserved that French toast meal, that’s for sure! (I would have followed it with ice cream lol.) Congrats on getting through that leg of your journey!!

[@sarahinscotland]

Thank you!

[@c.f.callier]

Congratulations on making it through such a tough hike! That meal was well earned and I am glad you got to enjoy it!

[@sarahinscotland]

It was the best!

[@tarryncoward6286]

I've been absolutely loving this video series so far, and the art you have been making on your journey is so inspiring! A fun fact that I learnt in a meterology class at university is that temperature observation and forecasting is done based on the temperature in the shade. So if you're out hiking in the sun, you could be exposed to temperatures easily 10 degrees hotter than the forecast 😬 This is something I try to be mindful of when I'm out hiking here in Australia. (You also absolutely have my sympathy for the heatwave in Scotland, it sounds like its been really rough)

[@sarahinscotland]

Why wouldn’t they do it based on being exposed to sun?? It seems faulty!

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@sarahinscotland It's always been based on shade temps, Sarah. I find the 'feels like' temperature really helpful

[@samantharankinstinamisan5583]

I'm sure you walk at least double the trail if not more because of setting up your camera, then walking by for your shot, then back to the camera to get it, etc. Your "7" miles is more like 14 or more! I was wondering how you get back to your car!! Good thing Wolfie came and got you!!

[@sarahinscotland]

Maybe not double, that would be too much recording 😄

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@sarahinscotland On this adventure, Sarah, where you'll be pushing your limits every time, because it'll be new terrain, it's better not to do those shots, but to give us a moment's pause to see where you've been / going, and / or a slow panoramic view instead. It really does add unnecessary miles to a walk, which you'll be glad not to do, and we won't mind missing, on those longer rougher stretches.

[@sarahinscotland]

@@MrsBarnabas yes, it’s true. By the end of this walk I didn’t film much, just like you said. I would have loved to explore and share the dunes near Lossiemouth more but I was SO DONE 😂 so yea, I quickly learned that when I’m too exhausted, filming is second priority.

[@pjk1714]

Appreciate you sharing. Heat index makes a big difference and how thin your canopy is. Tends to be thin in climates that don't experience extremely hot weather, so that increases humidity with ground that holds moisture and intensity when clouds are nonexistent. Here is Canada, we experience much weather shifts. After getting through the drought the last 11 weeks, I'm enjoying the cooler nights and early morning before that heat returns. It's a sign fall will arrive soon which is my favorite season. Take care

[@sarahinscotland]

I'm very excited for autumn too! It's such a nice shift in atmosphere

[@stacys447]

Thank goodness you made it to the restaurant. I know you will have more water next time. Thanks for sharing the beautiful dunes and french toast! Are you still visiting the US this year? Thanks for the wonderful video!

[@sarahinscotland]

I've been carrying double the water I need lately! And yes we leave in 2 weeks for the states!

[@SereneStudio]

That bunker was def creepy lol And yikes I imagine that there will be lots of areas that are less than ideal You definitely preserved on this one. I hope next time you bring enough water considering the heat the the length of the hike! But you're right, Scotland doesn't usually have Temps that high but with climate change unfortunately heatwaves are going to be more common and severe at higher lattitudes. Take care, Sarah! I'm glad you got some good food in you, though!:D

[@sarahinscotland]

My thoughts exactly

[@tradingpostfarms]

I was so upset when you didn't stop at the water towards the end. And I'm like stop and get in the water. I live up north U.S, and I would say it's likely global warming but a significant portion of the past 2 summers we have been in the 90s or upper 80s and I do have AC, so several of my outings or adventures have been brutal for to the point of not even being able to sit in the shade, let alone actually functioning doing anything. I get overheated so fast. Ugh.

[@sarahinscotland]

My priority was to get water inside me, since I was so close to the destination and the restaurant was closing!

[@artbyashley6613]

Well done you ! That was a beezer of a week to be hiking, I was on the west coast hiking Milngavie to oban & it was hell. Looks like you suffer heat like I do so few tips... get yourself a water filter, adds a few oz to your pack weight but worth it's weight in gold for obvious reasons. Carry electrolyte drink tablets and a spare bottle of water. Always take more water than you think you need, heatstroke and dehydration hit fast and hard and you arent always aware of it. I carry a 3ltr bladder + 2 additional 1ltr bottles full + my filter and purification tablets... look on it as fitness weight. A soaked buff around your neck or worn as a headband is the best thing ever.

[@sarahinscotland]

Oh my, I can't imagine adding midges to the torture of a long hot hike!!

[@artbyashley6613]

@@sarahinscotland there wasn't any 😁 these heatwaves have really messed with the midge hatches, only spot we had any was the night we spent at Kinlochleven but midges there are just a given thing but I had my thermocell with me so they rapidly cleared off

[@sarahinscotland]

@@artbyashley6613 Oh wow you're lucky! Our buddy just went to Skye last week and was absolutely demolished by midges, even in the heat

[@artbyashley6613]

@@sarahinscotland skye is its own chapter when it comes to midges 🤣

[@reneebrill8322]

I know you're planning on this project taking a few years. As a Texan, I would recommend that you get some lighter colored hiking clothes for next summer. A straw hat with a brim will REALLY help keep you cooler especially since your hair is that dark chocolate color. And that handkerchief around your neck should be wet. Also, it's VERY dangerous to keep pushing yourself when you already feel tired and dehydrated. You described having the early symptoms of heat stroke which can get deadly very quickly. Also never ration water. It's better in you and having "extra" water can convince you that you can keep going when you are already dehydrated.

[@sarahinscotland]

So many lessons learned, mistakes I won't repeat!

[@reneebrill8322]

@@sarahinscotland Good! Happy Trails!

[@MrsBarnabas]

Sarah, I'm glad that you learned so much from this video, but as someone else commented, I wished you'd gone and sat in the water and asked those people if they had some spare fluids and maybe some potato crisps (chips) to help your salt depletion - the one thing you *don’t* need this situation is more ‘electrolytes’ in general - the fruit will sort that out. I see you've already read my endorsement of Natty W;’s comment of the fruit, etc... Also, the other comment, about salt tablets is spot on - read the packet to see what you need. All that chocolate would have been making you thirsty and only gives you a brief energy boost. A cheese and tomato sandwich and a twist of paper with a sprinkle of salt in it would weigh about the same and give you a better boost. Keep the chocolate for emergency use only. When you said how little water you had left, I got really scared for you, and was wondering if this video was going to end with you in A&E (emergency room) on an IV infusion. It happened to someone I knew on holiday, and others who've got pretty close, simply because they didn't know the basic rules. I know when my husband went diving and others mocked him for the packed lunch he took with him because I was a bossy wife in these circumstances but he was the one who helped them out when they felt ill. Here in SW France, we've had extremely high temperatures (40+ = 104+ in Fahrenheit) and humidity, and *in spite of* a lot of tropical holidays, knowing the hydration rules (the biggest being 'watch your wee / urine colour and amount' - it should be a light straw colour and an amount to match your intake), and helping more folk than I like to remember, it has been a struggle just to sit and stay hydrated! I wish Wolfie had been near enough to come and meet you! Just another thought: Here in the UK, heatwaves such as we've had this summer can lead into a short autumn and a very severe winter with unexpected weather changes, so you may find your winter plans need on-the-day rethinks too. Having said all that, a huge *well done* for continuing at that half way point. If you'd turned back, I'm not at all sure you'd have made it, because you wouldn't have had that bloody-minded determination and anger to get you there on what was a very bleak and empty trail to begin with. A lot of lessons well-learned, some more tough bits to do... and some totally amazing and wonderful experiences on the way...

[@sarahinscotland]

Yes it’s always good to hear these tips. That day was definitely eye opening for a lot of reasons. One of the weirdest parts about adjusting to life here is realising how much we take advantage of instinctually knowing what the degrees feel like. Since I have to convert C to F in my head, it’s a challenge, and learning what 12 or 18 or 30 C FEELS like with x amount of humidity has been a huge learning curve. Plus I’ve gained weight and have more aches and pains these days so everything is just more challenging overall!

[@MrsBarnabas]

@@sarahinscotland It must be tough, realising how you've gone from a very active sporty person to where you are now, but at least you've realised and acknowledged it. The change to C instead of F - yes, a big challenge! Does your weather app have the 'feels like' temperature on it? It includes the wind and humidity in the calculation. I think maybe your hip was hurting because of that slight slip on the rocks? Hope it's recovered now?

[@mklarson2980]

While watching I was desperate on your behalf since I cannot tolerate exertion in the heat and have had heat stroke several times. I actually teared up when you made it to the restaurant! You got to the end through sheer perseverance; the accomplishment, best meal ever and the lessons are a great reward for a great effort. The paintings were lovely, and now I'm checking out the Plein Air Podcast. Thank you for taking us along on this epic adventure.

[@sarahinscotland]

Ticks are a big problem in the highlands unfortunately. Even while on the coast, sitting on rocks, no grasses around, I sometimes find them crawling on my leggings (one time even my sketchbook!) Little bastards. I'm sorry to hear you have chronic Lyme disease..that's so awful! It puts the fear in me

[@krisjemoens7024]

Sarah, I’m just curious.. your sketchbook… which it is? It looks so nice.. I made may own in a map.. but it isn’t nice to work in…

[@sarahinscotland]

I have a couple different ones, the names are in the gear list in the description :)