Chapter 6
six
BéBHINN
Snowdonia Way Mountain Route
Daily Journal
Day 1
Machynlleth to Abergynolwyn
Distance: 13.3 miles (21.5 km)
Total Ascent: 1,522 m (4,993.4 ft)
5 am
I woke up before the first streaks of light painted the sky, Dad. You once coerced me into touching my tongue to a 9-volt battery. The zap from that is nothing compared to the energy vibrating my skin.
This was supposed to be our day, Dad. Be prepared to hear my voice in Heaven all day for days because I plan on describing everything to you.
This is my first time journaling—and probably my last, if I’m honest. It seemed goofy to write to myself when Gray suggested it, but I agreed when she told me to think of it like I was writing a letter to you.
You wrote me a letter, so fair is fair.
You’d like my journal. It’s a slim, soft brown leather number with the Three Wolves Whiskey logo stamped in gold leaf on the front cover. I picked it up the last time I visited your distillery.
Your office is still…your office. I sat in your chair for a couple of minutes. I know, I know, it sounds creepy even to me. There was a moment when I felt you standing by my side. Again, I know!
It was worth the pitying look Olive gave me when she caught me slipping out of your door.
Anyway, Dad, I’d better get going. Sunrise is at 5:39 this morning. I’ll write more tonight and let you know how my day went.
Love you (even though I haven’t quite forgiven you for leaving me and Mom),
Bébhinn
Bébhinn reclined on a giant slab of stone, taking in the gorgeous views from the side of Tarrenhendre mountain. Her thighs were granite, but thankfully, her calves were down to a lovely burn, a nice change from the fire that had licked her muscles for the hours that had come before.
Her butt, however, kept cramping. She lifted each cheek and massaged the offended glutes—moans kept slipping between her teeth. Damn, that felt good.
The day had been one of the best of her life. It would have been the best had her dad been by her side.
Still, this day had been as much for him as for her. She believed he was watching her. She had to believe that. She also had to believe he was proud as all hell.
She was actually looking forward to writing to her dad that night. Gray had been right. Bébhinn needed the closeness and the closure that writing to him brought.
It was her goodbye. One she’d been holding on to for months.
Her body could gripe all it wanted as she ascended Wales’s mountains because her determination would never falter.
Her smile would never dim. The serenity of the terrain, trees and flowers, scurrying animals, and cawing birds wouldn’t lose its beauty.
She’d lost count of the number of ravens swooping by her path, letting off their distinctive gurgling croaks. She couldn’t wait for her mom to experience the wonder of nature.
She’d managed to take some great pictures for her family, but currently, she was all about appreciating the miles she’d tread with her own eyes instead of through her phone.
She was four short miles to her next stop—a hot meal, a bath for her aching muscles, and most importantly, somewhere to sleep.
When Bébhinn finally peeled herself from the rock slab to begin the last leg, she felt the hairs on her neck tingle. Slowly, she turned in a circle, scanning the area around her. No movement.
The swaying branches of Welsh oak and mountain-ash held no surprises. Tall Douglas firs marched up and down the trail, silent sentinels with their tops so high and unmoving. Still, nothing caught her eye.
However, Bébhinn would swear that she was being watched. Swear it. There were no large predators in these mountains, and if it had been other hikers, they would have made themselves known. Shaking her head at her silliness, she took one more sip of water and set off for the last leg of day one.
It wasn’t lost on her that had her dad been by her side, she would never have felt even the slightest unease.
He’d always been her safety. She and her mom had had twenty years of handing their fears to him.
It was strange not to have that, but perhaps this trip would help her break the habit and stand alone.
8 pm
Riverside House, Abergynolwyn
Today was so flipping good, Dad! I have to admit, the first few miles were rough. Don’t judge. The trail instantly starts ascending, like no easing into it.
Don’t get a big head, but you were right—not about everything—but I’ll give you credit for ensuring I was in the best shape. All those hours in the gym and training in the field have guaranteed success.
I saw no less than ten sheep—I swear they gave me the evil eye.
Several raptors swooped low to capture small rodents in their claws.
Remember that falconry school that Mom gifted you for Father’s Day?
I think it was at Ashford Castle in County Mayo.
Anyway, you would have loved seeing wild birds diving for prey.
My supplies are good, obviously. I’ve only been at it one day. I’ll top off my water in the morning, and then I’m off.
I’m sleeping in a rough, a wee cabin near the morning’s starting point. It might only boast an old wooden cot, but it has running water and a bathtub—thank you, Jesus. Tomorrow will be one mile longer and a hell of a lot steeper. The hot bath was essential for my survival.
That’s it for today. I need to call Mom…and Bran and Patrick. You spawned two of the most overbearing sons known to man.
Since you died went away, they’ve become almost impossible. So have Daniel and Jonathan… Not a great time to be a female in the O’Faolain clan.
P.S. You were also right about the phones. Not having service during the hikes is lovely. I do appreciate the beauty more.
Love you (I still haven’t forgiven you),
Bébhinn