Sunday 29 September 2013

You can't buy back time ...

We couldn't decide what to do over the 2 days, so we thought that we would do everything.

First up was the Fyrish Allison,


before heading North to bag the Corbett Carn Chuinneag.



Finding the nearest Munro (that Alison hadn't done) was next on the list, so up the remote Fannich glen it was.  Big ticks now next to Meall Gorm and An Coileachan.



Last on the list was the swim, so off to Moy for a rather cold dip it was.


I think we have inadvertently started our PDG training.

Thursday 26 September 2013

A rock week

How many climbers can you squeeze into a small area?


Lots :)


Looks like I have a climbing buddy for 3 days and more importantly, it looks like we have a semi good forecast for 3 days.  Bonus - just got to decide where to go.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Dry but cloudy

Making the most of the dry conditions today.


Might actually need to use the waterproofs tomorrow.


Monday 23 September 2013

Dressed to sweat

Today, I had with me: a down jacket, waterproof trousers, a waterproof jacket, a fleece, a hat and wooly gloves and a thermos flask.


I should have taken a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and a litre of water.


Maybe I will get it right tomorrow?

Friday 20 September 2013

Observations

Today, I spent more time driving than actually on the hill.

Therefore, apart from listening to the radio, I tend to notice things.


Observation #1:  Queenie (or somebody else who wears a silly hat) must be in the area since the valley was swarming with Police.

Observation #2:  It is without doubt, grouse shooting season.  Must have passed about 6 separate parties today, all looking very pucka in their tweeds and dogs that are obviously not pets.

So, if your not careful, there is a danger of being taken out, on and off the hill today.


Observation #3:  The Cairngorms are massive.  When most people refer to climbing 'over the back', I would assume that they are speaking about the Loch Avon basin.  So, if you are a Southern Cairngorm based climber, what do they call it?

Observation #4:  It is obviously D of E season judging by the amount of little people - with ridiculously big rucksacks on - plugged into their iPods, walking in the middle of the roads that are completely obviously to traffic.  Ah, fond memories :)

Observation #5: Never noticed any of the white stuff for as far as the eye could see.

Thursday 19 September 2013

The wrong thermal (again)

I don't really spend too much time pondering weather forecasts over the summer months.  A quick look at the Beeb is often enough.

The reason for this approach?  In my experience, even the worse summer forecast is nothing when compared to winter and I know I will be able to get something done.


On Saturday I wore my winter thermal top for the first time.  I had on the wrong thermal top and ended up sweating too much for comfort.  Therefore, yesterday, I wore my summer thermal top again.  I had on the wrong thermal top again and ended up getting rather cold.

The only photo's I got were cowering behind the summit wall and a quick one as we descended.


So, this morning I find myself looking at the weather forecasts in more detail now and have to start selecting which days to go out on the hill.

Therefore, if you want to speak to a Di, look at the forecast.  If its minging I'll be dotting around and if its nice, I'll be out on yonder hills.  Today it is minging.

Monday 16 September 2013

The walking season

It certainly wasn't climbing conditions this weekend, so we took the plunge and drove south.


For me, Autumn is my favourite walking season - crisp temperatures and great colours.  It is also the time to start preparing the body for the winter season when no longer will I get away with a little rucksack.

The MCofS Safety Advisor decided to carry out some thorough tick research in the 'over your head' bracken.



On Sunday, it was even too minging for us, so House of Bruar it was - to fondle ridiculously over priced tweed clothes and read the Sunday's in front of the fire.






Tuesday 10 September 2013

Ironman Wales 2013

For the past 20 odd years, Derek has unquestionably supported all my ridiculous antics come hell or high water.


This weekend, it was time to repay the favour.


I have never been somebody who sits on the sideline, so I decided to fully embrace the supporting role.


My thinking was that it would be the 112 mile bike ride that Derek would struggle with, especially in the minging weather, so I took it upon myself to get to the most random places to ring my bells.


My reason for this being that the amazing crowds that gather in the villages will pull them through them.


Once the swim and the bike were done, I knew I could relax since it was always the running that Derek was strong on.  However, this year, the running legs had obviously gone on holiday and the pain started to show.


So, for the second year, Derek completed the Ironman Wales - probably one of the toughest Ironman events on the circuit.


A massive thank you to all the special people who cheered him on, sent him messages (that got relayed to him as he fought his own battle around the course) and were there in spirit.  You know who you are :)

And yes, he is now looking at next years Ironman - but will perhaps choose a sunnier climate!




Friday 6 September 2013

the slowest drive ever

We have been on the road since Monday, and are still not at the final destination.

 

I have experienced my windiest day on the mountain this year - had to adopt proper survival skills to get off the ridge;


 I screamed like a girl trying to get into the loch;


and as hard as I try I find it desperate running up hills.

Oh, I also discovered that open water swimming in the Lakes is somewhat warmer than OW swimming up north.

I am fully armed with my Skimo Scotland bells, and since its not skimo season yet, must mean only one thing - Tenby here we come!

PS The climbing rack, for once, is redundant in the van.