To add a little bit of amusement to proceedings at Sunday's Club barbecue, I devised a 20 question quiz which everyone got involved in. Gerry came out on top and graciously shared around the winning chocolates.
What amazed me was how difficult the quiz was - it's totally different compiling questions when you have the reference books in front of you to note down the answers.
Some participants left behind their answers sheets and I got a few laughs from some of the answers :
Q : Who wrote the Old Man of Lochnagar ?
A : Prince Charles - other answers ranged from The Corries,Paul McCartney,
to Robert Burns !
Q : What is the name of the demoted Munro at the Rest and be Thankful ?
A : Beinn an Lochain. Stuck for gaelic words one participant answered " Ben Blether " !!
Q : What is "Culicoides Impunctatus " ?
A : A midge ( or Highland Midge).
Some answers received :
" A rescue helicopter that arrives late " !!
"Something Nasty" !!
"A bacteria causing occasional diarrhoea " !!
Q : Which type of aircraft crashed on Beinn Eighe in 1952 ?
A : Lancaster
The best answer was " a UFO " - and this was suitably illustrated on the answer sheet !!
Thanks everyone for entering into the spirit of the event, and for the humour, which I greatly enjoyed.
Tuesday 30 August 2011
Monday 15 August 2011
My Last Munro – Sgurr MicChoinnich, 12 August 2011
Congratulations to Cris, who 'compleated' the munros on Friday. She sent me this report.
I had hoped to have completed my round of the Munros on Sunday (* see In Pin blog report from Les) but it was not to be. My next chance was on the Friday, just me with a guide. The mwis forecast seemed favourable with 80% cloud clear and light winds but of course Skye has to be different.
We set off from the beach carpark and were up in Coire Lagan in no time at all. We had a quick stop to put on waterproofs, it had started to drizzle, the wind was blowing strongly and cloud was on the tops. A quick drink of water and we were off again, up the south side of the Great Stone Chute of Sgurr Alasdair, cutting across to the other side below the crags and some ‘interesting’ scrambling! to emerge onto Collie’s Ledge. (I’ll leave those interested to look up Munro Magic etc for descriptions and photos as per http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/33308 ) All I can say is that I’m glad it was misty and I couldn’t see what was either below or above! I confess to couple of squeals * once when my boots lost their grip on wet basalt. My guide, Lochy, was excellent, keeping a good hold of me and positively hauling me up some bits. When we finally got onto the last stretch of the ridge, I was all for giving up but Lochy would have none of it. We touched the stones at the top (no time for photographs) then beat a hasty retreat back down to our rucksacks, a march along the ridge and down to the start of the An Stuc Screes where we had our first stop of the day. I had only enough time to take off my harness and eat half a sandwich before we were off again down the screes to the Lochan where we had a proper stop. By this time we were thoroughly wet in the now steady rain. Celebrated by sharing my flask of coffee and finishing off my sandwich. Then it was a quick sprint down to the car.
The choice of route for the day was to try to avoid the winds on the ridge, we were fortunate to get a lull, and the pace set was to ensure that we kept warm – Lochy even carried my rucksack and dragged me along on a rein so that we could get off that ridge asap – 4 ½ hours from start to finish. Certainly a day to remember – I think I might feel tired every time I think about it!
I would highly recommend Skye Hi guides to anyone like myself who is a little ‘rock shy’ and it is thanks to my guide’s stalwart efforts that I made it this time. My thanks too to all those whose company I have enjoyed on various other hills.
What next? Time to spare to join others in their quests and to explore the Outer Isles on my bike.
I had hoped to have completed my round of the Munros on Sunday (* see In Pin blog report from Les) but it was not to be. My next chance was on the Friday, just me with a guide. The mwis forecast seemed favourable with 80% cloud clear and light winds but of course Skye has to be different.
We set off from the beach carpark and were up in Coire Lagan in no time at all. We had a quick stop to put on waterproofs, it had started to drizzle, the wind was blowing strongly and cloud was on the tops. A quick drink of water and we were off again, up the south side of the Great Stone Chute of Sgurr Alasdair, cutting across to the other side below the crags and some ‘interesting’ scrambling! to emerge onto Collie’s Ledge. (I’ll leave those interested to look up Munro Magic etc for descriptions and photos as per http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/33308 ) All I can say is that I’m glad it was misty and I couldn’t see what was either below or above! I confess to couple of squeals * once when my boots lost their grip on wet basalt. My guide, Lochy, was excellent, keeping a good hold of me and positively hauling me up some bits. When we finally got onto the last stretch of the ridge, I was all for giving up but Lochy would have none of it. We touched the stones at the top (no time for photographs) then beat a hasty retreat back down to our rucksacks, a march along the ridge and down to the start of the An Stuc Screes where we had our first stop of the day. I had only enough time to take off my harness and eat half a sandwich before we were off again down the screes to the Lochan where we had a proper stop. By this time we were thoroughly wet in the now steady rain. Celebrated by sharing my flask of coffee and finishing off my sandwich. Then it was a quick sprint down to the car.
The choice of route for the day was to try to avoid the winds on the ridge, we were fortunate to get a lull, and the pace set was to ensure that we kept warm – Lochy even carried my rucksack and dragged me along on a rein so that we could get off that ridge asap – 4 ½ hours from start to finish. Certainly a day to remember – I think I might feel tired every time I think about it!
I would highly recommend Skye Hi guides to anyone like myself who is a little ‘rock shy’ and it is thanks to my guide’s stalwart efforts that I made it this time. My thanks too to all those whose company I have enjoyed on various other hills.
What next? Time to spare to join others in their quests and to explore the Outer Isles on my bike.
Thursday 11 August 2011
InPin Photos
I tried to add photos to original report, without success. Below are two photos.
1. InPin
2. Cris after her abseil
1. InPin
2. Cris after her abseil
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Chairty Event looking for help on the Ben
Capability Scotland is looking for volunteers with mountain rescue experience to help out with a unique challenge event taking place on Ben Nevis on 20th August 2011.
The Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge, sponsored by Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, will involve teams of disabled and non-disabled people working together to conquer Britain’s highest peak.
The teams will be guided by ex-SAS officer and TV presenter, Ken Hames, who was also the man behind the original 2008 challenge which saw the UK’s first wheelchair led ascent of Ben Nevis.
All the money raised from the event will go towards Capability’s work campaigning with and supporting disabled people of all ages at home, in work and at school. But the event is not just about raising valuable funds, as Capability’s Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer, explains: “As well as challenging the people participating in the event, we also want to challenge people’s expectations of what is possible. In Scotland we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK and disabled people, just like non disabled people want the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of the country, an opportunity which they are not always given.”
Capability is now looking for enthusiastic and energetic individuals who have mountain rescue experience, such as First Aid or Mountain Leadership qualifications to help out on the day.
Duties will range from accompanying the teams as they climb Ben Nevis or being positioned at different stages on the mountain, monitoring teams’ progress.
Capability fundraiser, Suzanne O-Hara added: “This is a great opportunity to get involved in an event that not only has the potential to raise vital funds to support disabled people across Scotland but also to highlight the opportunities that are out there for disabled people to get involved in the outdoors.” “If you are free on 19th and 20th August and have mountaineering or mountain rescue experience we’d love to hear from you.”
If you would like to volunteer please contact Suzanne O-Hara on 07787536658 or 01313471044
The Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge, sponsored by Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, will involve teams of disabled and non-disabled people working together to conquer Britain’s highest peak.
The teams will be guided by ex-SAS officer and TV presenter, Ken Hames, who was also the man behind the original 2008 challenge which saw the UK’s first wheelchair led ascent of Ben Nevis.
All the money raised from the event will go towards Capability’s work campaigning with and supporting disabled people of all ages at home, in work and at school. But the event is not just about raising valuable funds, as Capability’s Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer, explains: “As well as challenging the people participating in the event, we also want to challenge people’s expectations of what is possible. In Scotland we have some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK and disabled people, just like non disabled people want the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of the country, an opportunity which they are not always given.”
Capability is now looking for enthusiastic and energetic individuals who have mountain rescue experience, such as First Aid or Mountain Leadership qualifications to help out on the day.
Duties will range from accompanying the teams as they climb Ben Nevis or being positioned at different stages on the mountain, monitoring teams’ progress.
Capability fundraiser, Suzanne O-Hara added: “This is a great opportunity to get involved in an event that not only has the potential to raise vital funds to support disabled people across Scotland but also to highlight the opportunities that are out there for disabled people to get involved in the outdoors.” “If you are free on 19th and 20th August and have mountaineering or mountain rescue experience we’d love to hear from you.”
If you would like to volunteer please contact Suzanne O-Hara on 07787536658 or 01313471044
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Success on the InPin
Last Saturday I drove up to Skye with a friend, Stewart to meet Cris Bonomy at the Glen Brittle Hostel. We arrived about 6.30pm in glorious sunshine and the Cuillin were looking majestic with the clear blue sky in the background.
On Sunday morning we met up with the guide that Cris has been out with before, though on this visit he was taking a day off and his colleague Lochy was going to be our guide for the day. The original plan was to climb Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and The InPin though because of the weather forecast a final decision would be made later. We set off about 9am from the Memorial Hut and followed the path until we reached the path that you take east to Sgurr Dearg. Lochy decided at the junction that we would go for the InPin first as the black clouds were rolling in and sure enough, when we got up onto west shoulder Sgurr Dearg the rain came on and after a short while the waterproofs went on. As we gained height we were in the clouds and as the paths narrowed with steep drops, maybe just as well you could not see them. Before we knew it we were at the ridge facing the InPin as Lochy had us going at a fast pace.
Had an energy bar and drink before putting our helmet and harness on, then slowly down the stone and scree slope to the east ridge of the InPin to be given our last minute instructions before being roped up and then commencing the climb. Lochy pointed out the lower part of the route as he went first followed by Stewart, Cris then myself. The climb was a bit of a haze for me as I was so focused in looking for the hand and foot holds and the wet rock did not make it easy. We reached the half way mark and had a few minutes rest and a wee chat and encouraging each other and it would not be long before we reached the summit. The second pitch was easier though more exposed with just one tricky part near the top which we all managed without too much bother. Next we were on the summit then sitting on the ledge getting instructions for the abseil. Stewart went first and got down with no problems then Cris was next. Because she had not done an abseil before she was fairly tense and Lochy and I knew when she had reached solid ground as the screams stopped which must have been heard back at the Glen Brittle Hostel. I went next and for me was the highlight of the day.
We went up to the ridge where our rucksacks were, had lunch congratulated each other and because of the wet weather the guide decided that we would miss out Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and just descend the way we came up.
We went to the Carbost Inn for a celebration drink,where we met Sarah and her Mum who were up in Skye for the weekend attending a wedding. A great day and Cris was pleased that she did the InPin as she thought she might only achieve Sgurr Dearg, though the guide was having none of that.
Because of the weather and the speed we were doing I did not take any photos though Stewart managed a few and when I get them I will post one as proof that we did do the climb.
On Sunday morning we met up with the guide that Cris has been out with before, though on this visit he was taking a day off and his colleague Lochy was going to be our guide for the day. The original plan was to climb Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and The InPin though because of the weather forecast a final decision would be made later. We set off about 9am from the Memorial Hut and followed the path until we reached the path that you take east to Sgurr Dearg. Lochy decided at the junction that we would go for the InPin first as the black clouds were rolling in and sure enough, when we got up onto west shoulder Sgurr Dearg the rain came on and after a short while the waterproofs went on. As we gained height we were in the clouds and as the paths narrowed with steep drops, maybe just as well you could not see them. Before we knew it we were at the ridge facing the InPin as Lochy had us going at a fast pace.
Had an energy bar and drink before putting our helmet and harness on, then slowly down the stone and scree slope to the east ridge of the InPin to be given our last minute instructions before being roped up and then commencing the climb. Lochy pointed out the lower part of the route as he went first followed by Stewart, Cris then myself. The climb was a bit of a haze for me as I was so focused in looking for the hand and foot holds and the wet rock did not make it easy. We reached the half way mark and had a few minutes rest and a wee chat and encouraging each other and it would not be long before we reached the summit. The second pitch was easier though more exposed with just one tricky part near the top which we all managed without too much bother. Next we were on the summit then sitting on the ledge getting instructions for the abseil. Stewart went first and got down with no problems then Cris was next. Because she had not done an abseil before she was fairly tense and Lochy and I knew when she had reached solid ground as the screams stopped which must have been heard back at the Glen Brittle Hostel. I went next and for me was the highlight of the day.
We went up to the ridge where our rucksacks were, had lunch congratulated each other and because of the wet weather the guide decided that we would miss out Sgurr Mhic Choinnich and just descend the way we came up.
We went to the Carbost Inn for a celebration drink,where we met Sarah and her Mum who were up in Skye for the weekend attending a wedding. A great day and Cris was pleased that she did the InPin as she thought she might only achieve Sgurr Dearg, though the guide was having none of that.
Because of the weather and the speed we were doing I did not take any photos though Stewart managed a few and when I get them I will post one as proof that we did do the climb.
Thursday 4 August 2011
Fisherfield in 3 Parts
This trip report comes from Cris Bonomy who recently did the Fisherfield Six...
Being neither a camper nor a bothyperson I divided my assault of the Fisherfield into three separate day trips.
Saturday July 30th, I ticked off my remaining 3, Beinn Tarsuinn, Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and Sgurr Ban. This sortie had been planned for the Sunday of the Achnasheen w/e, but with the weather due to break, I selfishly went a day early with only one of the proposed 3 companions.
On a blistering hot day, midges and clegs enjoying right royal feasts, we (Roy and I) set off from Incheril, Kinlochewe taking bikes as far as 1½ km short of Lochan Fada. Thanks to Roy’s height and biking experience, we were able to negotiate a couple of high deer gates. With such good visibility we headed straight for Beinn Tarsuinn, then picking up paths did the next 2. The downside of this route is having to climb Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair twice!
Having complained bitterly about dragging the bikes so far in, the ride out was sweet and with enough time for a well earned pint at the Kinlochewe Hotel.
Sunday July 24th, I stayed at Carn Dearg, Gairloch, SYHA. From Poolewe I cycled to the far edge of Kernsary forest and from there walked to A'Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mhor. As I was on my own and cloud was rolling around the tops, I didn’t do the ridge on A’M but stayed on the paths to the bealach between the two hills. A very long but most satisfying day.
Saturday 7th May, was my first sortie, starting from Coirre Hallie and walking the route to Beinn a' Chlaidheimh. (Remember to think about the level of water in the River Sealga.) Although only one Munro on this trip, it gave a good taster of what was to come in distances to cover and the general lie of the land.
Often regarded as ‘much prized’ amongst Munro baggers, they are best saved for a good day to savour the full grandeur and I was fortunate enough to have managed that for all except A'Mhaighdean.
Being neither a camper nor a bothyperson I divided my assault of the Fisherfield into three separate day trips.
Saturday July 30th, I ticked off my remaining 3, Beinn Tarsuinn, Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair and Sgurr Ban. This sortie had been planned for the Sunday of the Achnasheen w/e, but with the weather due to break, I selfishly went a day early with only one of the proposed 3 companions.
On a blistering hot day, midges and clegs enjoying right royal feasts, we (Roy and I) set off from Incheril, Kinlochewe taking bikes as far as 1½ km short of Lochan Fada. Thanks to Roy’s height and biking experience, we were able to negotiate a couple of high deer gates. With such good visibility we headed straight for Beinn Tarsuinn, then picking up paths did the next 2. The downside of this route is having to climb Mullach Coire Mhic Fhearchair twice!
Having complained bitterly about dragging the bikes so far in, the ride out was sweet and with enough time for a well earned pint at the Kinlochewe Hotel.
Sunday July 24th, I stayed at Carn Dearg, Gairloch, SYHA. From Poolewe I cycled to the far edge of Kernsary forest and from there walked to A'Mhaighdean and Ruadh Stac Mhor. As I was on my own and cloud was rolling around the tops, I didn’t do the ridge on A’M but stayed on the paths to the bealach between the two hills. A very long but most satisfying day.
Saturday 7th May, was my first sortie, starting from Coirre Hallie and walking the route to Beinn a' Chlaidheimh. (Remember to think about the level of water in the River Sealga.) Although only one Munro on this trip, it gave a good taster of what was to come in distances to cover and the general lie of the land.
Often regarded as ‘much prized’ amongst Munro baggers, they are best saved for a good day to savour the full grandeur and I was fortunate enough to have managed that for all except A'Mhaighdean.
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