A patch of grass next to the trail at Loch Affric. In three times racing the Highland Trail, this was the first time I was able to rest here. Normally this would be one of the worst sections of the route for midges. This year they were still absent, much to my surprise. Half an hour ago I had dinner, potato salad and a sandwich, enjoying the tranquillity of the evening and the last dry hours. Soon the skies would open again as they did on the first two days of the race. Two hours ago I briefly stopped at the hostel, bought some supplies and pushed on. I had almost entirely eaten my supplies for the night on the push up to the Camban Bothy. The hostel, just a few miles further down the valley, was a welcome resupply stop. While a warm bed was tempting, I decided against sleep and for pushing on.