Sunday, 29 June 2014

The ageing process

Constrained to the East coast, the weather has been the biggest challenge the past few days.


Over the past few days Malcolm has climbed Granite, Sandstone, Plastic and today, the best of the lot Mica Schist.


We tried our best to replicate the photo in the SMC Highland Outcrops book, and despite our best attempts, sometimes you just can't beat the ageing process.   Arse a bit wider, boobs and bit lower and Crows Feet that even the air brush can't fix.  On a positive note, perhaps somewhat more experienced, enthusiasm still bounding and life in the old girl yet.

Thanks Malcolm :)


Wednesday, 25 June 2014

Weather 1 Climbers 0

It's typical that when you have somebody to play with, the weather sucks.  I don't think there is a term for the weather, but lets call it 'heavy air'.  Very humid, no wind and just oppressive.


I haven't seen Kev for ages, so it was great to catch up and hear about the next up and coming project.  Note to Kev:  not sure if you are mad or a genius :)

There is absolutely no way I have any intentions to dish myself up on a platter for the Glen midgies so embraced some evening hill running.


As long as I moved faster than the midgies, I was fine and today was all about getting up and down before the forecasted downpours moved in.


Feel slightly cheated as the sun is blazing on the East.

Saturday, 21 June 2014

Midsummer tradition

For no other reason, than because we simply can.



Friday, 20 June 2014

Magic Crack

Caroline promised sun between 1 - 4 pm.


It started to rain at 3pm.


It took us a hot chocolate and a pot of tea for 2 to feel human again.

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

The big yellow blob

It's not a part of the country that I know very well - Ballachulish to Oban.


Any kind of technical terrain has been off the radar for the past few days since I've been on Milly dog duty.  She is without doubt the most famous mountain dog that I know and its great when you meet people (limited) who recognise her.


To say that it has been hot is an understatement - the days seemed to revolve around streams, burns and lochans.


Milly dog has now been returned to rightful owner and the sun is still blazing.


The rock will be warm and the midgies will be hiding.  It's just a shame that I am struggling to walk down the stairs and lift my arms.  Hard to believe, but there is more to life than mountains :)



Sunday, 15 June 2014

Thursday, 12 June 2014

Not the normal company

If I have somebody to play with and the weather is dry, climbing will also be first on the priority list.


If I have somebody to play with and the weather is minging, I'll just do anything really that gets me out of the house.  Between Allisons, Corbetts and general life, the shortage of plans is never really a problem for me.


If I have nobody to play with, I'll just do stuff.  Today was one of those days.  However, I did have company in the form of the Ring ouzel and the Wheatears.


The great thing about big climbs, is that big descents normally follow.  This sounds great unless your bike is in desperate need of a service.  Girls, we just never learn ...


Saturday, 7 June 2014

Glen Tilt

We are probably speaking about 25 years since I went through the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and I probably hated it.


I would have thought that it was pointless and moaned a lot.  It would have messed my hair, smudged my make up and made me smell.  I would have carried far too much, got wet and cold, been eaten by midgies and generally been a miserable mare.


My mum would have been told me that "it will do me good" in the tone of voice that only mums know.


So I can completely relate to the guys and girls from the Granite City whom for the last 4 days have got wet and cold; carried too much; moaned and cried.  However, in between the lowest of the low points, were the glimmers of sun that shine through when teams bond; groups experience new things together; people begin to see beyond the discomfort and the sound of laughter starts again.


Oh, and that was only the staff - the kids done great :)