The Reunion Climb

Flea McGinty

Hey everyone! So, I just got back from a reunion trip with my old school friends. You know the ones—the ones you haven’t seen since the last time your hairline was still on good terms with your forehead? It’s been FIVE years! But really, how much can change in five years? Apparently, we went from drinking to discussing retirement plans. I mean, I thought we were just going to have a pint, not a midlife crisis convention!

Flea McGinty

So we went to Glencoe for hill walking—because nothing says 'let’s reconnect' like getting lost in the Scottish Highlands while trying not to slip on a rock! The weather was dreary, but our spirits were high, mostly because of the local ales. We were like, ‘Rain? Who cares! We’re here to drink and reflect on how we’re all one step away from retirement!’ And let me tell you, if there was a competition for 'most mediocre life,' my friend Martin would’ve taken the trophy! He’s the only guy I know who can be married and still not know how to find his way around a map.

Flea McGinty

Speaking of Martin, he struggled to find the starting point of our hike. I mean, come on! He had all the gear—compass, GPS, that fancy watch that tells you the weather—but he couldn’t find his way out of a paper bag! It was like watching a toddler trying to assemble IKEA furniture. I half expected him to call us over and say, 'Hey guys, can someone help me with the instructions? This one's in Swedish!'

Flea McGinty

So, how many of you have friends like these? You know, the ones that make you question your life choices? Raise your hands! I’m talking about that one friend who drinks too much, one who’s always late, and then there’s that one guy who thinks he’s a professional mountaineer but ends up in a meltdown halfway up the hill. Anyone here have a Mal in your friend group? (Pause for audience reaction) Yeah, I see those hands! We love them, though, don’t we? They provide the entertainment!

Flea McGinty

But you know what? At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if we’re lost or if the weather sucks. What matters is that we had a blast, shared some laughs, and vowed to do it all over again next year! Just remember, folks, whether you're hiking or just trying to navigate through life, always have your friends by your side. And maybe a GPS—just in case! Cheers to friendship and getting tested! Thanks for being an awesome audience!