So as any of you who have read my reports regularly are probably aware, I am a bit of a last minute walker. I check forecasts, look out the window in the morning, and that is me, yes or no.
Today, for some reason I thought it was to be a horrible day, so made no plans what so ever. I had a long lie, and was sat at my computer at 11am, wondering what to do with my day. Just by chance, upon checking the next days forecast, I saw that today was to be very clear. I was furious, that I hadn’t planned to go out. Then suddenly thought, why not! Quickly packed my bag, mixed up my meal shakes, and off I went, Crianlarich bound!
On what I maintain is the worse road surface I have ever driven on, the A82 from Tarbert to Crianlarich, I was held up behind all sorts, and the constant weaving to dodge potholes that wouldn’t be out of place in the Grand Canyon, making me doubt my decision. I do not like rushing in the hills, but I wanted to get both Ben More and Stob Bineinn.
I parked up at the usual spot, NO CARS at all. I was to be alone. This was the 4 time in 6 months I was to attempt this hill. First time, I was just coming down with what was eventually shingles, the second, rain wind and hail forced me back, and the third, too much snow and ice. So needless to say, I was on a mission.
Ben More is pretty straightforward in terms of navigation, you basically just keep climbing towards the summit! Having been to within about 100 feet of the summit previously, I was able to mark various landmarks, which i am not sure made it easier or harder. Anyway, I kept SLOGGING on, no other word to describe it, and made the summit. It was worth it!
- Finally made it!
Having thought I was to be alone on the hills, it was of great surprise that a family, or group, of about 8 or 9, were at the summit with me. What entertainment they got when they saw me digging out my pipes. They were very supportive of my mission, and took the opportunity to have a photo with me and my pipes. I am hoping they post it on my page.
I spent a bit of time on the summit, so many angles for photos, and it really made me want to make more of an effort with photography. I was trying to decide whether to carry on, or bail after one, but as usual, for better or worse, I decided to keep going (3 days on, I am unsure it was wise)
- Still to go
The views were quite stunning all around. Too many photos were taken to put in one little report.4
Stob Bineinn , although another slog, was pretty straight forward. There was some unavoidable snow, which didn’t merit the effort digging out the crampons, but required a bit of care. Reaching the summit of my second munro was of great satisfaction, as the last 6 months post shingles, have seen my fitness and energy levels plummet, and bagging to Munros in a day, was a huge achievement.
It was on the summit that I got phone signal, and received a text about a meeting I was supposed to be at RIGHT NOW. As I sat staring at the view below, I couldn’t care less!
- Didn’t want to leave
It was fantastic to get in the hills again. I had done Ben Lomond a couple of months ago, but that again set me back with my health problems, and led to 6 weeks of not being able to do much. Also, after a pretty stressful couple of days at work, I really got such an amazing sense of freedom. Very little matters as you look for miles over the hills, with the sun setting. Cannot wait to smash more through the summer.
