I had set my heart on doing a Munro for xmas day this year...just to round off the year with something special (but also as a cathartic experience, something to remove myself from normal surroundings and being able to contemplate the year I have just had). After falling short on Wednesday in Glen Lochay I had concerns for the weather stopping me again...the forecast was less then impressive. I departed Aberdeen just after six this morning and drove through to Drumochter, arriving at layby 94 on the south side of the A9 shortly before nine. From Ballindalloch onwards the rain had been falling steadily, from Granton-on-spey the wind had increased and was blowing the car all over the road...not encouraging signs thus far. I procrastinated in the car for a while...will I won't I...then remembered why I was here in the first place. After struggling to get my socks and boots on in the front seat (they really do need to make Polo's a little more roomy in front), then donning waterproofs, I was ready to leave just before half nine.
I could see most of Meall Chuaich from the car so realised that I could make my bag lighter immediately by ditching the ice axe and crampons (which I had been doubly careful to pack this time), as the rain had done a good job of melting most of the recent snow in the area. With my pack re done I set off into the maelstrom...
The initial walk is along a good quality path from the roadside, cross two gates, which are kept locked, and join on to a path running the length of the aqueduct. This path continues on till you arrive at the Hydro station for the dam and was my first stop of the day.
I had been up since five o'clock, driving since six, and last night's chili was starting to cause me some discomfort. With the lack of toilet facilities on the road up (everywhere being closed as it's xmas day) I knew I would need to go Au natural at some point!! Normally I am reticent to go outdoors (emergencies only on Beinn a Bhuirdh and Beinn Teallach from my memory) unless I am camping out...but needs must!! Thankfully the hydro station provided a perfect wind-break to hide behind (pardon the pun). Feeling a tad more relaxed after shedding some undue weight I carried on and made some good time to the foot of the Munro...passing the Loch and a bothy on the way.
The path up the Munro was slightly boggy but nothing compared to most of the adventures I have had this year.
Unfortunately, as I was rising the wind was increasing, though thankfully the temperature didn't and I was able to leave my gloves off initially (makes using the camera easier). When I reached the 700m mark the wind became quite violent, it was blowing me to the side constantly, I was struggling to hold my walking poles and I kept staggering back and forth as the gusts increased. I struggled on slowly (or so it felt) as I was forever being blown sideways or backwards (it was worse than the Brothers Ridge recently).
I did manage to stop for some pics of the views across to Drumochter's other Munro's, the Alder range of Munro's and also the Laggan Munro's all in the distance and obscured at times with cloud. They all seemed to have a fair covering of snow on them, compared to Meall Chuaich that wouldn't be hard. It seemed I was on the only snow free Munro in the entire area...not exactly the white xmas I was hoping for!! I continued to battle against the wind, thankful that there were no ridges or sharp edges to worry about being blown off...in fact the worst that could really have happened was I would land on a rock...or roll for a distance on the grass if I got blown over. Neither happened so I have no danger of death stories to relay this time...
I made it to the broad summit plateau and easily found the cairn at 951m...even though the mist closed in briefly at the top, before being blown off again by the gusts just as quickly. Jelly McBaby came out and braved the elements (if truth be told he basically carried me on this one...jelly babies are so full of energy after all) and took a safe stance for his summit pic in the middle of the cairn.
I contemplated having my lunch here, hiding behind the cairn out of the hurricane that was developing, but even the lure of xmas puddy and custard couldn't make me linger there any longer than was necessary. Pics taken I stepped out from the cairn and immediately stepped back behind it...fluff me it was getting worse!!
I braved it again and really struggled to stand up against the wind, which was right in my face now, puling my hat and hood down as tight as I could I battled into the wind...every step was a real struggle...my poles were being blown about every time I lifted them off the ground...I could feel my hood blowing open then my hat started to get pulled off my head. I tightened the strap on my hat and moved on...but it was useless...my hat flew from my head and only some speedy reactions stopped me from losing it completely.
I stuffed it in my jacket and battled on with the wind pounding my bare head...bloody hell that was one of the most painful experiences I have had yet on a hill...my head felt frozen within seconds but there was nothing I could do until I got out of this wind...curses for having an acute lack of follicle resistance against the biting cold!!
The wind didn't ease up all the way down the hillside, blowing me constantly backwards or sideways again (how does that work when it was the same on the way up?? It used to be the same if you ran a circular route of the town in Peterhead..always in your face..mental!!!).
I was glad to make it back to the small wooden bridge leading to the bothy...some shelter at last from the wind...though not for long...as soon as I passed the bothy I was on open path again and the wind just wouldn't stop.
The only plus point at this stage was I had noticed the time...twelve o'clock...meaning that I had actually made good time. The recommendation for the route is between 5-6 hours but at this rate I was going to do it in considerably less than that.
I traversed the return path, all into the wind, as quickly as I was able (no pit stops this time at least) and snapped away as I went at the surrounding hills, at least until the rain made an unwelcome return.
From the aqueduct onwards the rain tried it's damnedest to spoil my day, but that was futile, I had just climbed a Munro on xmas day, nothing could spoil it for me.
By the time I made it back to the road the rain had increased and my jacket was soaking, my head was frozen even with my hood up now, and my hands were feeling numb from the cold.
Back in the warmth and safety of the car I set about getting changed again out of damp clothes and boots, squeezed into that front seat. Then it was time for my xmas treat of puddy and custard from my flask...yum yum.
The journey home was uneventful and quicker than usual due to the lack of traffic on the roads today...except for a strange moment when I was driving past Aviemore on the A9...at the new housing development at the rear of Aviemore there was a man in tank-top and cords thumbing a lift...clearly relying on the xmas spirit to come to the fore...he was rather disappointed when I thundered on by and gave me the finger...some strange people in this world right enough!!
Although Meall Chuaich can never be described as an exciting Munro, the occasion will mean I remember it fondly in years to come...my first ever xmas Munro. I hope that xmas has been as kind to you all as it has for me...and wish everyone a happy Munro bagging 2012 x
With the uncertain weather conditions, coupled to the recent driving warnings being in place across the country, I decided to spend the night in Killin on Tuesday (20th Dec) with a view to bagging Meall Ghaordaidh on the Wednesday. To my pleasant surprise there were no issues regards the roads in Tayside and I arrived in plenty of time to settle into my accommodation (Killin hotel) and have a hearty three courser prior to relaxing in bed for an early night.
Unfortunately the folk in the room next to me had other ideas and (possibly due to the connecting wall being made of paper I think) they kept me awake till gone one in the morning with loud voices (Germanic by the sound of it)!!!
After a broken sleep, I awoke at seven the following morning. I packed the car, wolfed down a small breakfast (what is it with waitresses not understanding the concept of a small portion of scrambled egg???) and got chatting to a fellow guest about our walking plans for the day. I explained my route to him, and the likely hill conditions due to the milder weather today (thick fog caused by mild air mixing with cold hillsides) and the likely equipment required. He explained that he was planning to do Ben Lawers, but was unsure of how long it was likely to take...he also didn't realise that he had to do Beinn Ghlas first!! This raised a concern for me as to his planning and preparation for such a potentially long trek, but for all I knew he could be super fit and manage it no problem before it got dark. I bade him good luck and farewell and went off to check my room one final time (it saves me ever leaving stuff behind accidentally) and returned to reception to check out. When I arrived there the bloke from breakfast was still there speaking to the receptionist...apparently he didn't know how to get to Ben Lawers from the hotel...he also only had a map downloaded onto his mobile fone...no back up paper map or compass...!!! Once we had shown him the access point for the visitor centre (and warned him about the likelihood of a frozen access road with a very steep gradient) he borrowed the map from reception to take as back up...as the receptionist explained about lack of mobile service on the hills, especially at this time of year with the weather being so bad!! Feeling a tad responsible for him (strange as I had never met him before today) I offered to let him tag along with me, if he preferred?? But he was adamant that Ben Lawers was his only thought for today...personally speaking safety and reality are the two thoughts uppermost in my mind when I venture out in the hills.
I left him to it as I was now wasting my own daylight time...I had no fear whatsoever that he would even make it to the car park, let alone anywhere near the hill, but would keep my fingers crossed that he didn't end up an unwelcome statistic anyway...so off I set along the Glen Lochay road to Duncroisk.
Unfortunately, around halfway along this minor road I was stopped for a period whilst a recovery truck removed an Astra that had suffered an accident the previous day...the road was treacherously slidy (as borne out by the recovery truck driver skating rather majestically around his truck to attach cables to the stricken car and pull it on board). He kindly asked where I was headed and when I told him he suggested I should about turn as the road was no better further on!!! Being the stubborn type I carried on regardless of his advice, though as carefully as I could, given the drops at certain points off the road. Eventually I arrived at my destination...and pleasantly only fifteen minutes later than scheduled.
The weather was as expected at this stage...not a view to be had!!
I toddled along the road, crossed the bridge and arrived at the start point for the walk...a handy sign for those unsure of the location of the path.
I set off along the access path, following the Alt Dhuin Croisg.
Continue on through a couple of farm gates, past some shielings, cross a wall and follow an obvious path until you spot a second set of shielings ahead.
Look for a small cairn on the left of the path, which marks the start of a grass route up through vegetation onto the hillside. All the while along here I was slipping about on a frozen path and the ground was notably rock hard beneath my Manta's.
I tried to get some pictures of the hills around me...the Tarmachan ridge was off to my right obscured lower down by Meall Dhuin Croisg 749m and I could only just make out Meall Ton Eich 815m through the fog to my NNE...
Behind me, across the river lochay, I had hoped to see Meall Glas and Sgiath Chuil (both of which I had climbed earlier this year) but couldn't even make out creag mhor 719m as the fog was lying so low...
I headed up the grassy hillside and soon encountered the line of snow, just below the 400m mark as I crossed a wire fence, and trekked on into it. The main difference between walking in snow and the usual wet boggy slopes is how much slower it feels. Every so often your foot plunges into a deep spot and you sink to your knees, pull out then do it all again...many times as it happens. Thankfully snow is decidedly drier than boggy grass, and cleaner too, so no matter how many times I sank into it up to my knees I never came out soaked or caked in mud. I followed the tufts of grass poking through the snowy duvet, rather than plough through deeper areas which would have really slowed my progress (I think I suffered from a lack of activity at the gym in the past few weeks...I felt slower than usual and my thighs were burning quite early on). Although I was zig-zagging up the snowy slope I maintained a NW heading as I knew this would keep me on course...it was now just a matter of hoping I didn't encounter anything unexpected en route.
The view across towards the Tarmachan Ridge (which I still couldn't quite see beyond meall dhuin croisg) was pretty good, whilst it lasted.
Visibility was decreasing by the second as I continued in a NW direction up through the snow...I could barely make out anything in the white, nothing that I could use to take a bearing towards anyway, so knew I just had to continue in the direction I was headed, with the occasional deviation to avoid deeper looking pockets of snow.
Onwards and upwards until I reached the 870m mark, where I was stopped in my tracks by an obvious rocky area ahead and a deep embankment of snow piling up beneath it.
I took time to assess the risk and decided to adorn my crampons for the next stage...DISASTER...not only were my crampons not in my pack but my ice axe was missing from the back of my pack also!!! In my minds eye I could make out my crampons sitting in the boot of the car ready to get packed last into my rucksack...oh you tit Stalker!! Already this year I have set off from the car forgetting, on one occasion my GPS, on another occasion my walking poles, my flask at least twice, but never anything I would be so reliant upon in such conditions...but at least I knew where they were...where the fluff had my ice axe gone??? Oh bugger!!! Realising that I would now need to risk assess my situation again based on this new development a gnawing feeling of resignation to defeat was spreading through me...I knew turning back was the only sensible option open to me at this stage...but it still hurts to admit it. So near to the summit yet it would have been foolish to push on, especially without proper equipment, and with a feeling of defeatism overwhelming me already and sapping my confidence.
So I turned tail and sulked my way back down the mountain, cursing my own stupidity for leaving the crampons in the car and even worse, losing my ice axe!!
I retraced my steps back down the slopes for approximately 200m...until a yellow and blue object that I instantly recognised came into view...my ice axe lying in the snow. I stowed it safely aboard my pack, ensuring it was secured appropriately this time, and briefly thought about heading back up (technically I still had enough daylight to make it up and back to the car if I really motored on) only to realise that the fog was thicker and descending down the slopes towards me...
Quickly banishing that idea from my mind I set off down the slopes knowing that the correct decision had been made.
When I reached the path, beyond the line of snow, I met another walker setting off up the slopes. I recanted my tale of woe and wished him luck (after checking that he had crampons with him) and set off back to the car and the long journey home...until the next time folks, remember that safety is paramount to staying alive long enough to bag the other 134 Munro's I need.....
The esteemed Mr Charlton had set the plans for this weekend's walk in motion many moons ago. This was to be my opportunity to reach 150 (if I managed all four intended summits over the two days) Munro's and then take a well deserved break until 2012. As you will discover, the best laid plans of mice and men (not to mention Munro baggers) often come unstuck...I had managed to persuade Mike that, rather than stay at the Tyndrum lodge, we should reside in Crianlarich at the aptly named Crianlarich hotel. I had stayed at the lodge in Tyndrum previously and had not been overly impressed, given my penchant for luxury, so was quite pleased when Mike announced that he had changed the arrangements and would be booked into the same location as me for the Saturday night at least. I headed down to Crianlarich after my shift on Friday (what a pleasure it was to be finished an early shift, home, changed and ready to leave by two o'clock...if I were still in Peterhead I would have been struggling to leave by five!!!) in daylight, though the weather was to deteriorate as I travelled down the A90. By the time I turned onto the A85 just past Perth I could see the clouds gathering ominously over the snow clad mountains of Blair Atholl, as I reached Crieff the rain had started (never to stop falling until Sunday morning), by St Fillan it was dark, but I only had another half an hour to travel and would easily make it to the hotel by five. When I arrived at the hotel there were a large group of young ladies checking in, around fourteen of them, so I waited patiently for my turn whilst chatting to a couple of them. Apparently they had found a deal through groupon and were staying for the weekend, celebrating one of their teams Birthday...but more of that later.
Once checked in I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the wifi reception I was receiving in my room, although my mobile signal was pretty erratic so I may be forced to go outside to use my fone (as has been the case when I have stayed there in the past. I booked a table for tea at seven thirty and set about trying to contact Mike regards our plans for tomorrow. Unfortunately Mr Charlton was in a hotel in Killin with equally erratic mobile signal, but with the power of t'internet I was able to source the hotel number (even though Mike had given me potentially three different names of hotels he could be in, telling me a different version of the real name each time i had spoken to him) and call the reception desk to speak to him...after a few attempts I was eventually able to get hold of him and arrange to be met at the Crianlarich hotel in the morning at 0850...which was then changed to 0845 (he eventually appeared closer to 0835) giving me plenty of time for breakfast and the inevitable anxiety poo prior to departure!!
If any of you have read my blog previously you will know that I am becoming more and more used to comfortable surroundings in my travels around the country...this was no exception. Evening meal consisted of black pudding and chorizo salad, followed by Barbary duck and celeriac mash, then topped off with chocolate mousse cake and ice cream in a brandy snap basket...Mmmm finee boy!! All washed down with a bottle of pear Magners...aghast that they had stopped stocking Crabbies!!! Now I wonder why I'm putting on weight, despite the amount of Munro's I have climbed this year???
An early night beckoned, with the prospect of little sleep as usual no doubt, ready for an early start tomorrow...dreams of targets to reach and new friends to meet...I just hope that incessant rain gives up the ghost at some stage!!
The morning alarm woke me far too early, or so it felt, bleary eyed I got psyched up and ready for what was looking like being a wet start to the day, at least. I decided on a small breakfast this morning, only ordering a sausage, bacon and small portion of scrambled egg...unfortunately something was lost in translation and I received a HUGE plateful of scrambled egg...clearly I was going to have to go some to work that plateful off today!!
When Mike arrived I was already in the car and ready to go...watching the rain battering off my windscreen. We drove the short distance to the Dalrigh turn-off and parked up in the sizable car park...followed in by Andy (spot) and met by Angus (Gus) MacLeod.
It was my first time meeting Gus and, like Mike and Andy, I found him to be good company and a fine addition to our walking band.
From the car park it is stated that you get good views of Beinn Dubhchraig...oh well, perhaps on a less inclement day, but certainly not today.
The walk begins by continuing along the tarmac lane to cross the West Highland Way and then an old stone bridge. On the far side of the river, turn right onto a smaller track. This runs close to the railway line and at this stage you can see Ben Lui at the head of the Cononish Glen and Beinn Dorain up by Bridge of Orchy...providing the weather is kind to you and not trying to soak you through in your first ten minutes of walking!!
The track then swings left to cross over the railway on a bridge.
On the far side go through the gate and then turn right onto a footpath. Even by this early stage I was beginning to question my choice of footwear...I had decided that with winter upon us I should start to wear my Scarpa Manta's, as opposed to my tried and trusted Scarpa ZG10's (whose tread is almost worn away with the amount of miles I have put them through in the three years I have had them)...but the walk along a tarmac path in new four season boots lets you feel every step!!
The path soon becomes very boggy as you cross what is essentially a marsh to reach a footbridge over the Allt Gleann Auchreoch.
We crossed the rickety old footbridge (after eventually spotting it) and then turned left upstream. We were already soaked through by this early stage but spirits, and banter, remained high. We trudged on through the increasingly boggy underfoot conditions, each of us at least once, if not more when others were not looking, slipped and stumbled through puddles and sucking bogs as we continued on our merry way. We entered the beautiful pinewood known as Coille Coire-Chuilc, a remnant of the original Caledonian Forest. We turned right away from the stream after about three hundred metres to find a path climbing through the trees. By now I was really starting to regret wearing these boots, with no give in the sole unit it meant that every wet rock and, more specifically, branch I stood on was likely to have me skating about like Bambi on ice!! Further on a fence is reached; the stile is broken but the fence itself is dilapidated and can be stepped through.
I'm pretty sure Andy splooshed in the mud rather deeper than he expected at this point...but we had all had our moments likewise by this point (including at the start of the trees, the path split slightly and I took the lower route, sank into mud halfway up my gaiter and heard someone say "always take the higher path" but I couldn't ascertain who it was) so there is no point in keeping score!!
Soon the path reaches a second fence with a very high stile - fortunately there is a huge hole in the wires which means the ascent of the stile isn't necessary! The path continues to be boggy but there was one particularly fine waterfall over to the left that made the trudge worthwhile.
A third and final fence also has a gap to step through, and beyond the open moors are reached. We had a couple of tactical halts during this part of the walk, Gus was perhaps struggling to comprehend just what he had let himself in for by coming out with us!!
At one point the stream flows through a series of steep-sided rocky pools, and further on the ascent steepens where the water flows through a small gorge.
A sandwich stop was included in the itinerary here as Mike and Andy decided an early lunch was in order...but my breakfast was still sufficing me so I got by with a few jelly babies instead.
Higher up the path peters out but continuing in the same direction, the broad ridge is reached.
The snow had been decimated by the incessant rain and the wet ground was taking its toll on all of us by the time we reached the broad ridge...Mike's GPS unit had started to play up and then gave up the ghost altogether...not good as he likes to be out in front, leading the troops into battle. He obviously had the back up of a map but with the weather being as bad as it was it was easier for me to lead and use my GPS to get us up to the summit.
I know it was cold and I was wet through, but what happened next was still a source of embarrassment. I had my GPS set to around 50m when we were lower down the hill, so as to not take a wrong path just in case there were options, and had not reset it...as I stood here looking at it high up on the mountain I noticed that we had to pass through what appeared to be areas of water, showing up blue on my GPS, in a circular style...but no matter how hard I looked at the snow in front of me I couldn't see what my GPS was telling me...then I ajusted the zoom and realised that what I was looking at in a confused state was in fact the grid number 26 in the middle of my screen...DOH!!! Shhh though, I don't think any of the others noticed...
Once we had gained the flat ground of the broad ridge we noticed three other walkers ahead of us...one on his own that we think may have left the car park just as we were arriving...and two that appeared to have come down from Ben Dubhchraig just as we approached the path. They were no more than twenty meters from us but the wind and rain was so bad at this stage that all either of us could muster by way of communication was a raised thumb...even if we had the energy to walk across to then it was taking us off path...and there was no chance of hearing shouts, we couldn't even hear each others shouts at times as it was. From here it is a short climb, around 80m or so, to the summit cairn and would be an easy climb in decent weather. Today we were being blown all over the place and struggled up every step, often one step forward two steps back (or at least a falter until composure was regained). Eventually we each hauled our sorry sodden asses up onto the summit cairn 978m and huddled round for a single group pic...then I dished out a delightful little cake that my Mother had made (from an old NZ recipe) which everyone agreed was well worth the struggle through the woeful weather.
Without further ado we set off from the summit to return to the broad ridge, given that the views of Loch Lomond and beyond were nowhere to be seen and the temperature was dipping drastically whenever we stood still for any length of time, to the point where we had come up initially. The path fades for a short distance but heads very briefly southwest before continuing to the left of a series of small lochans. Such was the ferocity of the wind at this stage we all had our hoods pulled tight to our faces to try and protect us from the worst of the elements, so saw none of these. Beyond these the path descends more steeply down rockier ground to reach the Bealach Buidhe, overlooking Loch Oss. It all sounds like it would be nice to have pics of the surrounding views...perhaps next time...we continued on the path to the far side of the bealach where we eventually came across a tiny cairn on the path...okay if I'm being honest I missed it the first time and only realised when I checked the GPS...but it was only by about twenty feet so that's not too bad in these conditions. This marks the point to leave the path, which is part of an old stalkers route and runs across the side of Ben Oss rather than up it. We set off up more grassy slopes until we found a better defined path higher up leading to the north-western top of Ben Oss. A short descent and then an easier ascent up through the thicker snow (in places) to reach the summit cairn of Ben Oss 1029m, the higher of the two Munro's today. We should have been standing in awe at the views but predictably saw nothing, zero, nadda!!! Indeed the gloom appeared to be thickening, if that were at all possible, and the hail started.
A very quick pic was taken of Jelly McBaby, whose poor wee legs were almost frozen together, on the cairn and then a speedy descent back to the bealach and where we had left our rucksacks (in a bid to speed up our ascent)(I did remember to take the car keys this time). We then sped off up the short steep climb and drop down to the next bealach to meet Gus (who had been unable to reach the 2nd Munro and had bravely sat out the storm waiting for our return. Once we had regrouped we headed around the slopes and returned as fast, and safely, as we could manage under the circumstances to reach the initial broad ridge once more.
A time check showed that it was almost two o'clock, we had been out in this for almost five hours now, and we knew that in this weather the light would fade faster than normal (usually gets dark just prior to four o'clock) so would have to motor to get back in daylight (if you could call it that). The rest of the journey retraced most of our steps from earlier on, barring a few places where we had deviated from the path on the ascent...a few streams to cross in full spate now as well...including quite a wide one that had to be leapt across.
Mike went first and threw his sack across then leapt majestically to the other side, I threw my sticks across and leapt like only an overweight walker can but landed safely never the less. Andy decided to use his sticks as vaulting poles, planted them in the stream and hoyed himself across the raging torrent, landing with an ungracious thud on the far embankment, rolled into some SAS style manouvre and stood up with only one stick in his hand...the other one had been left in the stream and was probably at the bottom of the hill by the time Gus threw himself across!! Gutted was too small a description...though the rest of us managed to chuckle about it the rest of the way to the car.
For the next hour or so we stumbled and slipped our way down through the marsh (which had gotten worse in the preceding five hours) conditions and dragged ourselves carefully across the unsafe wooden structure that passes for a bridge, then along to the path and returned to our waiting cars...even then the rain decided to chuck down heavier as we were getting changed!!! We were out a total of 6.25 hours in torrential rain and freezing high winds...loving it.
Once back at the hotel a hot bath was the order of the day...and watching the hoops get back on form online...before meeting up at the bar at six to meet another new member of our growing band. Paddy would be joining in tomorrow when we would attempt Ben Lui, unable to make today as he had other commitments. He had suggested to Mike that we could try a local pub for tea, get a few beers in us, then return here later as there was a band playing...we were less than enamoured at having to walk 200m in the rain again, but did it anyway. The Rod and Reel pub had a quaint country village feel to it...you know that threatening DELIVERANCE feeling you get when all eyes turn to look at you walking in, people stop eating just to look you up and down, locals growl if you even think about standing in their spot at the bar to order drink. Anyway, we ordered, then perused the menu (though Andy jumped the gun and ordered food well before some had even looked at it...having to ask the "waiter" to leave his main course until ours were ready). We actually had a pleasant evening sitting around the table swapping stories, drinking a few well deserved beers, the food was edible and plentiful, and Mike found his true vocation as a wind-up merchant where the jukebox was concerned...I do think that the Annie version of 'it's a hard knock life' being played on a continual loop ceased as soon as we left the building though!!!
Back at our hotel the party was in full swing and who were we to not join in?? Gus was desperate to get on the dancefloor almost immediately, but actually set about down playing this and managed to look as disinterested as the rest of us at the thought of actually having to leave our seats...well for a short while anyway.The ladies from the previous day (the birthday revellers) were there and looking for dance partners...oh I get the feeling we will be in for a long night on sore feet!! Initially we were able to avoid being dragged up to dance...by the clever technique of transferance...whereby we were able to persuade to foreign dudes next to us to join the ladies on the dance floor in lieu of ourselves...not knowing any better they duly went up...unfortunately their food arrived around a minute later and they had to watch eagle-eyed as Charlton slavered like a man unfed until a waitress removed it to a place of safety for their return from dancing...In actual fact it wasn't as bad as I had feared (I hate dancing) and eventually I was happy to be thrown around the room in a variety of crazy jigs (I think I did an eightsome reel, a dashing something or other and stripped something else??). But the star turn had to be when one of our group got up for his first attempt at whatever it was, he will remain nameless at this stage, and approached his 'dance' partner in the middle of the floor like a Maori warrior doing a Haka!! Her face was an absolute picture of fear and trepidation...but not as much as her friend after being spun around by Andy, she turned to our table (mid twirl) and asked "how did I get lumbered with him"?? Good question, well presented, answer to be found on the bottom of the beer glass...A good night was had by all, I never drink as much as that when I'm away walking, and it was a struggle to retire for the night at around midnight (my usual routine involves hot chocolate and match of the day in bed). By breakfast the following day we were a man down. Gus had reported unfit for duty and would not be surfacing until later...the cramps he had suffered on the hills yesterday had not abated during the night. As we were settling our respective bills and checking out he joined us to say his farewells and apologise for not coming along...I'm pretty sure he enjoyed himself and will return fully fit again early next year (if not sooner). The rest of us set off on the lengthy drive on the Oban road to attempt Ben lui...the weather looked a lot clearer today and we had high hopes for our chances of some cracking views.
Upon arrival at the car park however we had to wait in our cars for a squall to pass by, sleety wet cold stuff had followed us after all. Once changed though we set off along the embankment looking for a safe place to cross the swollen river...not a chance in hell today.
The alternative was to traverse the road for a kilometre until we came level with a bridge, then cross the field to reach it.
Halfway along the road Mike pulled up short and declared that he could go no further. He had been suffering a lot yesterday with a rash, caused by the increasing wet and a poor choice of undercrackers, which was only getting worse today (I have had this previously and it is almost impossible to ignore and enjoy ones walking as a result). Get well soon big guy...I have two more Munro's need doing at least.
So then there were three...we decided to press on and go for it anyway, the day was looking clear ish and we were already geared up for it. We reached the bridge and immediately our eyes were drawn to the sign that warned of £200 fines for trespassing on the railway...we would have to cross the bridge, then follow the railway track for a kilometre to the start of the path, so we better not get caught then!!!
You would think that if they don't want people walking along the track they would not have supplied a bridge for them to cross the river...we took it as a sign that they were less than serious in their threat and went for it anyway.
Once at the start of the path through the trees the weather changed and hoods were pulled up tight again to protect us from the hail/rain that was falling. We set off through the trees on a decent clear path, though boggy it was nowhere near as bad as yesterday. Onwards and upwards we walked following the path until it came to a stream in severe spate...we had to cross this to get to the path on the other side.
We assessed the risk (the rocks around it were slanted and wet and the pools were deep and fast moving) and decided to continue on the path a little higher up to see if we could cross safer anywhere else. Unfortunately this would add on some extra time to the trip and we may have to make a decision based on daylight timescales for later in the day. We trudged on up the path a little while longer and saw nowhere safe to cross. Our day ended when a hail storm battered us and we sensibly decided that we would lose too much time trying to cross any further up, then attempting to cut through the trees to rejoin the path, then have to do it all again on the return at the end of the day...this would be better attempted in summer months when we could return and try for all four on a longer day (including the two from yesterday).
Crestfallen we started back down the path but stopped when we heard what we thought was a helicopter...trying to look up and catch a glimpse of it and hoping it was not to rescue anyone off the hill...then realised, as the rain stopped and the view cleared, that it was in fact a logging machine in the trees.
I wanted to get a picture of the stream we had refused to cross and went to get it...there wrapped around a bush was a tiny sign (which we had not noticed initailly as it was wrappped around a branch) warning of felling operations in the woods and for walkers not to venture any further.
Surely that is a sign that would have been better employed in the car park to stop anyone from even getting this far up the hill and risking life (and £200) on the bloody railway tracks!!!!!
Now crestfallen and annoyed we retraced our steps back to the car, stopping at the potential river crossing and seriously giving consideration to just going for it...but thankfully coming to our senses before we did anything foolish at this stage (the one positive about this morning is that every decision we had taken had actually been a sensible one...can't always look back and say that).
So off we toddled back along the railway line, crossing the bridge and heading back along the road to our cars.
Feeling more like ramblers than Munroists...trudging about for two hours...all dressed up with no place to go.
We said our goodbyes at the car park, until next year for some, and went on our own seperate journeys home...we each had a fantastic trip, full of laughs and hopefully new friends, and I left planning how I was going to bag another two Munro's this year so as not to fall short of my final target...
Until next time...if you go down in the woods today your sure of a big surprise.....but of course according to Andy "these people won't be working on a Sunday"!!! Hahaha famous last words bud, see you all next time??
