Bennachie 30.08

Only an hour from car park to summit, despite stopping to prat around with new neutral density filters for camera. I'll see if any worth posting when i get home.

Neutral Density filter. f/5. ISO 800.

Neutral Density filter. f/5. ISO 800.

Neutral Density filter. f/5.6. ISO 200.

Neutral Density filter. f/4. ISO 400.

Tripod. f/14. ISO 800.

Tripod. f/14. ISO 800.

Tripod. f/5.6. ISO 100.

f/3.5. ISO 800.

f/3.5. ISO 800.

f/3.5. ISO 800.

A Gift and A Move

The post delivered an extra package today. The first clue as to the sender was that the weight had been written on the outside of the packet. The second clue was the smell of smoke on opening the parcel. Hmm, a smoker who weights items. The third clue was the enclosed letter from BG!

The gift he sent me was a 1984 edition of "Munro's Tables". There's a useful pronunciation guide and meaning list at the back, and some scary photos in the centre - of which the only one I have seen in reality is "Cairn Toul from Braeriach". (link)

And the move - well, WeirdDarren has finally emigrated from LiveSpaces. He's chosen to go for WordPress, and also his own .com address. The first improvement is that lots of people can leave comments without having to sign up for an account. May all your comments be constructive, Darren.

In summary,

BG! - thanks for the unexpected gift, I've already noticed a name in one of the lists that I'll need to investigate.

Darren - good luck on the move, it can only be an improvement.

How can it be so Wrong?

I've started wearing my new buff around the flat in the manner of a Victorian night cap. I wonder if Montane make quilted smoking jackets?

Nasty Piece of Work

I've been banned from the outdoors bloggers forum! I can't remember what the last thing I said was, something about open source graphics software called The G.... ahhhh, I remember Pulp Fiction, maybe someone thought we were talking about M&S, or something.

My Munros

Mosh up of Google Maps and My Maps

Dave's Great Climb

Dave MacLeod's gives his account of the climb up Hell's Lum in the Cairngorms (the one that he was going to do in last weekend's canceled "Great Climb").

A fall from anywhere on the second half of pitch one is unlikely to be survivable.

Well done, Dave. Link to Dave's blog.

Mike's Presentation

When Mike woke up and then spent ages chatting up/to some lass in Spain, he popped round for a coffee and received his presentation AktoMug. There's only three in existence just now. If you want one yourself, they are at the CafePress.com shop - watch for the shipping if you are ordering from outside the USA. Each month I'll be changing the message on the side of the mug so that they are timestamped (eg August has July's number of visitors).

For those not aware, Mike designed the AktoMan logo (link). He also pushed me into buying the dSLR and sourced a zoom lens for me. Cracking chap, not an evil, nasty bone in his body ... it's all in his brain!

Mike's busy working on Mark's current film release, and now a new project too - which sounds great.

• Mike's blog
• Mark Stirton's blog
• Come Back Mrs. Noah

Buff Nr 3

I was distracted by the word "sale" in Blacks' windows and came out with my third buff. I went for a tribal design, brown base colour. Some of the folk at work were interested, and one reckoned it could be worn as a yarmulka - and we managed it.

Back at Work

Helping with some more inductions. If i had just been looking out of the window, this is the view south.

Beach at Dusk

Aberdeen Beach, looking north.

Panorama of Aberdeen Beach, looking north.

Vessels leaving the harbour.

Support vessels.

Aberdeen Harbour Marine Operations Centre.

Esplanade, looking north.

Boy racers.

G-Rating

Following MapleKiwi's lead, I applied for a rating for this blog. I feel slightly disappointed that I didn't at least get a 'parental guidance' rating.

Mingle² - Phoenix Singles

There is, however a $2000 dollar reward on my blog. Look, I never touched that hamster. I was just cruising around.

aktoman.blogspot.com

WANTED FOR THE WRETCHED LOVE of an ENTHUSIASTIC HAMSTER

$2000

What's Your Blog Wanted For?

Free Online Dating from Mingle²

ChrisWatch

I think I spotted Chris Townsend on the STV news today in a crowd of people protesting about wind factory proposals on the Dava moorland. He wasn't interviewed, and appeared out of most shots, or with his back to the camera. I think they were avoiding him, as he knows The Truth of it all.

STV news link

OfCom Report 07

Article on the BBC News page states "Britain enjoying 'digital boom' " (link). The article mentions that Ofcom "said Briton's were getting increasingly sophisticated in their use of communications technologies and often used several concurrently. For instance, a teenager playing an online game might take a picture of a high score or achievement unlocked while they play then text or e-mail it to friends or add it to a website or Facebook page."

This all related to the release of OfCom's 4th annula report into the communication's market (link). It looks ike it will be an interesting read, with such facts as:

The communications sector plays a vital role in the UK’s economy and in the life of its citizens. We estimate that revenue of over £50bn was generated in 2006 by a combination of broadcasting and telecoms networks and services. And figures from the Office of National Statistics suggest that in terms of Gross Value Added, telecoms, broadcasting and the content-related components of the creative industries contribute over three times as much as the UK’s electricity, gas and water supply industries combined.

But that people who own personal video recorders tend to fast-forward through adverts. No suprise there, Sherlock.

Petzl Tikka Plus

Well, i lasted back at work until Thursday lunchtime, and then the need to hit a gearshop was too strong to resist. With recent issues relating to my use of the e+lite as a main light, i knew i'd come out with a new headtorch. As i already have the 3 led Petzl, the 4 led Tikka+ was the logical choice. I managed to get one of the older designs as it had a rad brown design on the head band. Just to be dif, dude.

Past Tents

I picked up on this from DigitalKatie - "Past Tents: The Way We Camped" an exhibition on camping by the California Historical Society. Link. There's a link from Berkeley, with a better photo.

I'm not sure if Susan Snyder's book of the same title is related to the exhibition, but I'd guess so. Link

Gypsy Rose BG!

He's moved again for tax reasons - BG!'s caravanette of solitude can be found at http://beardedgit.com/

Inside the Great Climb

Dave MacLeod's posted his account of the weekend's canceled "The Great Climb". The post title "The Great Frustration" says it all. Link

PS, if you haven't seen them, there are some archived video clips on the BBC site (link), including a "sequence, shot in the Cairngorms and featuring the Cairngorm MRT and the crew from RAF Lossiemouth, shows what happened on a particularly difficult day in the northern corries."

Legal Assault

Just caught the ITV news and was surprised to see a UK copper taking swings at climate change protesters running past him. He made no attempt to arrest them, remaining stationary, just using his 'asp' to hit out at their legs as they ran past him.

Of course, that was just the edited ITV/ITN highlight, and I'm sure no British policeman would be caught doing anything like that outside of the television editing suite. Maybe he was part of an arrest team, marking the bad guys for arrest, or something like that. Maybe.

World Pipe Band Championships

BBC1 showing the World Pipe Band Championships just now. The pipes and drums had to cope with terrible weather. The most colourful had to be the pipe band from Lahore. I then noticed why it was raining - Colin MacLeod from "Tir is Teanga" was one of the BBC presenters. For family reasons I'm rooting for the Shotts and Dykehead.

• BBC page
• SeeGlasgow's site

Big Climb take 2

Having been postponed yesterday due to bad weather, hopefully it happens today. There was a series of interviews on Saturday mornings "Out of Doors", talking about the extent of the 'leave no trace' policy, which includes tidying up other people's rubbish.

You can listen again to the program if you wish. Live feed can be viewed on the website (where I notice they say 3pm start, as opposed to 1pm mentioned yesterday).

Bailed Out

I waited for Malcolm and party to arrive, for his compleation trek up Sgiath Chuil. Sadly i can't make it, so gave him the cake and malt that i was going to break out on the summit. Cancelled the campsite and heading home. Bleah.

Duvet day the Akto way

Stomach fires raged all day and when i went to move, it was a struggle against my stomach muscles and aching head. I dozed, listened to radio, working up motivation and failing. Repeat cycle for just short of 12hrs. Broke camp as midges swarmed - so much for vitamin b and arnywear though it does seen to work on contact. Struggled back to car, listening to radio to keep my mind off things. Got to Killin, with it's Co-op that doesn't shut until 10pm and dosed up on antacid and milkbased food. I'm off to tomorrow's meeting place to sleep in car in case i'm fit enough to hike.

Feeling down in the valley

4 hrs after waking up and all i've done is have some isotonic drink to try and waken me up. Head hurts and stomach is on fire. A glorious day for hiking and i just can't be arsed. I thought of pulling myself up Beinn Sheasgarnaich, and then to the jumping off point for tomorrow, missing the 2 other munros i had hoped to do. I don't know if imodium is an antacid, so i'm not going to risk it. Going for the old favourite of hot water instead. Cicerone 'wilderness medicine' book recommends antacid tabs, milk or yoghurt. Radio Scotland had phone-in earlier on best and worst places to visit in Scotland. So i don't feel guilty about not bagging munros today and having a relaxing day off instead - if only i could quell the fire in my gut. And then tab it 9km overland toyards Meall Glas.

The King lives on

Pitched by a stone building by an allt at NN 447 393. About 2km short of where i hoped to be. Deer around, stags barking. No sign of humans since a solitary Ute drove by, spooking some deer that i hadn't seen. Heartbreak Hotel played on radio to reinforce the loneliness. Isotonic drink and a Melton Mowbray pork pie, then bed.

Milton's Revenge

Thursday evening. I shouldn't have mentioned Milton in previous post. Turns out i did bring along the taste of Milton, having forgotten to properly rinse the sterilising tablet taste out of my hydration bag. Doh! If i don't get luck with text signal, happy birthday Mum.Tabbing it up a private road to get to my jumping off point for tomorrow. I can see many of the 5 munros that i have to get up by 1pm on Saturday.

Meall Ghaordaidh

Munro 45. Why? 1039m and i've been asking myself that for over half the trek. It proves nothing to me, it only burns off the rubbish i've been eating, so why bother going out. Oh, i can see more of remote and beautiful Scotland. So what? I could do that in front of the telly or via the Web. What have i achieved that taking up jogging wouldn't do? And it'd be cheaper too. No arguments over tents, tarps, fuel, boots, shoes, magazines, forums or the like. Ah well, best get off this lump of rock and find a pitch for the night. I should have brought some Milton to read, that'd cheer me up.

Shooty and BangBang

I suppose it is a sign of the times we live in that you can buy bullet-proof backpacks and stab-proof hoodies. Will it lead to people putting themselves into more dangerous situations because they think they can survive it? Be safe, use Hill Phones instead.

Killin

There's a community website, and a webcam - I like the archives. There are places of interest listed in the village history page.

Held up by Hiro

Late night route-planning session due to watching two episodes of "Heroes" and not wanting to miss any of it - especially Hiro's expressions. And because present-day-Hiro is speaking Japanese, his conversations are subtitled, so I cannot look away to read or look at a map. YouTube clip

Picked up some more OS Explorer maps on Wednesday in Tisos with the great 3-for-2 offer on. Also got the SMC book on the Southern Highlands. I think I now have all the Munro-region books ... no, just checked, and I don't have The Islands (inc Skye) yet (link). As I only buy them when I need them, it will be a while before I buy that one.

Gunther's Big Day

Help guide Gunther through a series of bouldering problems in this online game. There's a stand-alone PC based game too; with this note from the producer: For every game we sell from this page, we'll donate $10 to the Access Fund and 
The Boulder Project!

Source

Life, said Marvin

This came in from my usual source of such things http://www.mountain-tshirts.com/lifeiscrap/ - the URL says it all, I guess.

Well, it can be if you let it, and sometimes bad things just happen.

Dave MacLeod

Well, he's got a blog, he's called MacLeod, but there any similarities end. Have a look at his site and see his climbs. I have difficulty climbing out of bed in the morning!

davemacleod.blogspot.com

He also has another blog at onlineclimbingcoach.blogspot.com

If you haven't already got the recorder set - there's a day of live climbing on BBC2 in the Cairngorms. As it seems to be mainly BBC2 Scotland, out of the Chosen Nation, have a look on Sky channels.

Post Retort

A point-by-point reply to answer to Darren's "Brecon Beacon Bloggers Meet" - nae hoorhouse sidestep from me.

1. we missed a turning to Neath
   No, I (me) missed the turning, there was no "we".
2. Duncan was finding that the E-Lite is not really suited for night walking
   I'd used it in the dark before, and it does the job as a path-walker's torch. But with brighter torches around, the photons seem to get beaten up. I've already looked out my old Petzl Tikka to put in the pack.
3. Duncan erected the object of his year long tent lust
   Love, not lust.
4. Duncan striking that classic pose looking for his Akto (it's behind you)
   LOL
5. Photo
   Bob - man maketh fire. Poor chap, he's turning a few twigs and hygiene products into a flame that will cook their dinner, and we are cracking jokes.
6. So sorry folks if you think I was being anti social I wasn't honest.
   More whisky, saké, gin, chocolate, Hello Kitty sweets (no, it's not catfood), seaweed cakes, fruit brittles, etc for the rest.

En Route, the Flying Scot

Filled with festival folk, the train pushes on.
Past village and town, iron angel, cafe boat.
The talk inside is of plays and band,
as removed from the land as this tent inner fan.

On to the border the sun is still flickering,
the Welsh rockers stop bickering
about names hysterical.
The people before talked of Shakespeare and rhyme.
But they left the carriage when we crossed the Tyne.

Over the Tweed, we're into Berwick station:
is this the land of the Scot or still the Angle's nation?
We're into the Southern Upland, where coins merk the Way.
But the talk is of Chuck Norris, straight or gay.
Talking more shite, not watching the view.
No thoughts of Nature in any but the few.
The male train continues to Waverley terminus,
where Scott and his prose is ignored by the detritus.

London, Aye

I'm having a nice morning in London. There, i said it. It's not a crime. Due to nice train staff, i got in early after a night at Darren's (thanks again to the WD household and sorry for any upsets caused), i have a couple of hours to bimble between stations. And see the sights.

Human Resources

User-generated content isn't just for today, but for tomorrow too. I'd written about that previously but i'll need to work on the searchability of the blog too. What's the point of having information if someone can't find it. There should be a search box in the top-left corner, but i've not really tested it. If it falls short, I'll look for a better widget. The tag cloud is another way to find posts, but every time i add a new folksonomic word to the category list, i need to add that word to previous posts too. Meaning that there's no guarantee of 100% accuracy. So, if there's something you think i might know about (eg whisky sauce) ask and i can point you to the right post, or pass you to somewhere that might know (eg one of the outdoor forums) or i could suggest using a search engine.

Brecon Beacons day 2

Damp start to the day. We tabbed it back to car.

Mike's sheltered pitch


Our tent/tarp lines.

Darren's Fortress of Solitude.

Sunday farewells

We leave the hill behind us and all head down the single-track road.

We made it back to the car, where I covered my matted hair with my sporty new AktoCap.

Darren recognised the Tescos and made a quick call to Jules and Stu, who greeted us with not only a cup of tea but also a full cooked breakfast. And a recommendation for sun cream that lasts all day. And a look at the glasses that Jules paints (available through ebay and taking orders for Christmas already). Nice visit; nice folk; thanks for the break. And the sun's come out again. Only my third time in Wales and the people and Nature have all made up for me being asked to leave during my first visit. It has been a voyage of wonder for me. No sign of a black land rover being driven by a chap in WW2 RAF uniform. Oh, love what they've done with the language, even the roadwork signs are bilingual. Arafwch. 400 llath. Am 6 milltir. Achub di-dal.

Kanpei

Finishing the last of the sake in my tent, eating the Belgian cooking chocolate, I notice on the map places called 'bwlch'. My pronunciation guide says that 'w' in welsh is pronounced 'oo'. So that would be boo-lach. Maybe. Sounds similar to bealach, and in passes too. Similar but different.

The seaweed soup was great, the almond & fungus pudding less so, nori crackers made a change from crisps. All good fayre from the oriental supermarket. Variety is the spice of life.

It was great to have Alan Sloman look over my Akto and point out the improvements that Hilleberg have made. I tend to be lazz when it comes to guying, so good to get pointers. Other new people i've met: Mike the chef (just so passionate about food) and Ali, who braved the llyn (loch) for a swim.

Brecon Beacons day 1

Having tabbed it in from the carpark on Saturday night, we pitched about 2km from the meeting place that the others would be at. Mike pitched his tarp, and Darren sleeping on his so that he could watch the Perseids meteoroids. I was in my Akto, but left the outer door open.


Once the neighbours were away, we broken camp and headed off to find the others.

And I couldn't resist looking back at where we had camped.

Then we saw the local wildlife, not only sheep but ponies, and a bird of prey too.

Alan's silhouette was quite easy to pick out as they walked along the ridgeline.

Alan and Geoff gave us the low-down on the previous night, and that we'd missed Gayle and Mick.

Bannau Sir Gaer

Mike on the ridge.

Ridge without Mike.

We came down from Bannau Sir Gaer, and Darren cut down to the low path, whilst we followed the high track....

to Fan Foel.

Spot the Darren competition.

Our pitch was at the llyn below, and there was a path down the bwlch.

We came down 130m on a decent path.

We arrived at the pitch by Llyn y Fan Fawr by 3pm - a sunny, lazy, enjoyable day for me. Later being joined by Dawn, who had been hiking in the area for a few days, Ali and Lay, and Bob and Rose.

We pitched in the shadow of Fan Hir...

And chatted until it got dark.

Another Country

The country that's so nice they name everything twice.

The Good Life

Sat outside Puccini's opposite the Surbiton train station. Large cappuccino has arrived. Slurp.

Mornington Crescent

Mornington Crescent. It just needed to be said.

South by South Western

Ah well. Just left Peterborough, so i'm officially "down south". Cor blimey, g'v'nor, it looks no different to rest of country. No obvious signs of the devastating floods of recent times. Horrible devastation.

Yorkshire Post

Looks green and pleasant. Apart from the brown, muddy bits. It seems sunnier here. Not seen anyone playing cricket yet. Keeping acclimatised with a fresh can of irn bru. Hoots mon it fare tastes braw.

The Laddie Vanishes

Transport Police looking up and down the train. They keep looking in this carriage where a chap was individually seated by one of the staff. He's no longer present.

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Just leaving Scotland. Och. Listening to another TGOC podcast. Made train with 3 minutes spare as trains parked far apart and inbound was running late. Noticeable that there are some empty seats from Edinburgh. Hey ho, someone else's problem. Holy Isle. Definitely in England now, Toto.

It has ceased to be

I'm having a Coleridge moment. I would have quoted some, but I didn't pack his works. And it's a dead young seagull on top of my compartment not an albatross. But I have a feeling that this is going to be an adventure worthy of a rhyme.

You can tell that I don't travel much.

Travelling like it's 1899

With the vagueries of a train ticket system, I must travel on the later (booked by apex) train than the one just leaving the station. Even though both are run by the same company and the train departing is almost empty but would mean I wouldn't have to change en route.
Britain, Britain, Britain.

I'm sure the pricing system makes sense to someone. Somewhere. Must'n it?

Trust No One

I just caught an interview with Ralph Little on television. He talked about his new project and how it uses social networking on the Internet. Link to KateModern.

He mentioned that the first person to have done this was LonelyGirl15.

I'm not keen on duping people. So long as it is obvious that it is drama, otherwise it stops people trusting social networking (if anyone does have an ounce of trust left in them in this cynical world). I hear that advertisers are already using Second Life, as well as employing actors to talk about products 'by word of mouth'. I've always had a dislike of advertising that is beyond the informative - why should companies manipulate the consumer into buying a product if the product is good enough. Naive, I know.

So, it this use of new media just manipulation. With a series like "Heroes" (first time on terrestrial in UK, episode 4 last night), I went looking for information online. I didn't need to be manipulated into watching it. I saw the informative trailer and watched the first episodes.

I recall a line from one of the seminars coming up at the Outdoor Retailers Summer 07 Expo:

it has never been more important to be focused, meaningful and consistent in creating and cultivating authentic consumer relationships.

And if you can fake that, you've got it made. (cartoon)

Outdoor Retailer Summer 07

The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is on just now in Salt Lake City (link) . The expo started with a 2-day open air demo (7/8th), and then moves indoors (9-12th August).

There is a long list of companies attending (link), and a summary showcase (link) - the Lippi Selk 'bag sleep wear system catches my eye. There is a blog, and there may be webcasts (though that page was empty at time of posting).

Seminar topics include:

Consumers are better educated and more savvy than ever before. As such, it has never been more important to be focused, meaningful and consistent in creating and cultivating authentic consumer relationships.

This one sounds more like it aims to manipulate "authentic consumer relationships":

During this informative and practical one hour session you will learn about industry wide initiatives designed to get members of your community more involved in outdoor activities – and into your store!  Outdoor Industry Foundation will guide you through a step-by-step process of how your business can implement and be part of successful national programs like The Great American Backyard Campout, Teens Outside! and Outdoor Idols.

Tie that approach in with the presentation about websites:

For most businesses and organizations, a Web site started out as an online billboard or brochure. As technology has changed – and it has done so at break-neck speed the last several years -- Web sites have become online locations where audiences expect to get real services and take actions important to them.

Maybe it will mean that shops will have a better online presence than just a photograph and often minimal details.

Oh dear, and then there is information on pochling report information:

This 90-minute session will provide a quick overview of the 2007 OIA Specialty Retailer Operational Ratio Report (SROR): what SROR benchmarks are and how to use them, with practical examples.  We will focus on case studies of outdoor retailers who are successfully utilizing SROR benchmarks in their businesses.  Exploring multi-store, large single store, medium and small retailers from across the country these case studies will provide a broad spectrum of retail experience and outcomes. No matter what size your operation is, you’ll learn how to make the SROR work for you.

I had to look up information on SPAR, sorry, SPOR, and found a page of reports here. My interest stopped at that point.

There will also be meetings of the Eco Working Group and a chance to get buying advice from the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (link).

The Gear Junkie has a list of gear that's jumped out at him (link).

In Pinn: The Movie

"Seachd: The Inaccessible Pinnacle" has its world premiere in Edinburgh on the 18th of August.

Làn fhìrinn na sgeòil. The truth is in the story. When a young man, Angus, visits his dying Grandfather in hospital he cannot hold back his boyhood quest for the truth - the truth behind the death of his parents and the truth behind his Grandfather's ancient, incredible, fearful stories. Stories from the whole swathe of Gaelic history of poisoned lovers, bloody revenge, water-horses and Spanish gold. His Grandfather hijacks Angus' life for one last time leading him to one of Scotland's most treacherous mountains, The Inaccessible Pinnacle, and an ancient truth he never expected to find.

Main site, including trailer, blogs, images, etc. You can even make your own posters.

Tick, How I Hate Thee

For the first time in years I pulled a tick off me last night. Ugh. there I was, lying in bed reading ("The Surgeon's Mate", no, it's not some Mills & Boon, honest) and scratching. And inspecting what I'd scratched. It was only when one of the bits of dead skin waved back at me that I sat up and took notice. Quickly.

A sodding little nymph, or whatever they are called. It couldn't have been properly attached. So, that was me wide awake, and it was off to Madame Guillotine.

It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known.

Now, what is a wonder, is did little Sydney hide himself on me for a couple of days, or did he fall off my kit when I got round to unpacking it on Monday. I'm watching for the rash.

The One with Peewiglet

There is a name and a thing, and a thing, And a name, And a name, And not the thing, And the Name and the thing both in accordance to the thing and name.

And the name is Peewiglet.

Yey, Shirl's back and writing.

Besides various comments online, I heard her podcast about the TGO Challenge in 2005 when I was camped in the Cairngorms last year. I thought "I can do that", and so investigated long distance walking.

The podcast is still available on www.backpackinglight.co.uk/page71.asp under "Shirley’s first solo TGO Challenge crossing of Scotland 05".

Oh, and her blog can be found at peewiglet.wordpress.com

As well as her home site at www.peewiglet.com

And she had (has?) an Akto. Not that I'm biased.

 

 

We're in your hiztorie messing with your Magna Carta ' '

A Year With An Akto

My Hilleberg Akto arrived last year at the beginning on July. So far, I can count 34 nights out in it. That's less than a tenner a night, and getting cheaper.

Well, it was small, and lighter than the water bottle that I had carried in that morning. It would go with me on more than 400 miles of treks in the year, and up a few Munros.

Packs

2006

2007

Weather at top of Coire Dhondail

2006

2007

Snow in the corries

2006

2007

Pitching in the Cairngorms

2006 - the first night out - Camping in Lairig an Laoigh at 750m

And the morning after - warm in tent, cold outside

A year later, I'm still not a morning person, the tent didn't change that.

But the guylines are better placed.

And finally, I was going to do a gear review, but there's more to life than the eternal search for what you take out on the hills. Is not the quality of your soul more important than the quality of your sole? Hike your own hike, pick your own nose, and best wishes for the rest of your own hiking year.

Heroes: MRT

Just heard that Mountain Rescue Teams were out on Sunday evening/Monday morning looking for two missing walkers in the Cairngorms (information).

The BBC reported that the walkers were found safe and well near noon today. I hope the snow in the BBC's photo is not indicative of the bad weather (link).

Huzzah.

My Kind of Logic

I like this kind of logic, but I can see these armbands being collectors items on eBay by the end of the day.

Police chiefs in the Thai capital, Bangkok, have come up with a new way of punishing officers who break the rules - an eye-catching Hello Kitty armband. The armband is large, bright pink and has a Hello Kitty motif with two hearts embroidered on it. From today, officers who are late, park in the wrong place or commit other minor transgressions will have to wear it for several days. The armband is designed to shame the wearer, police officials said. (link)

"(Hello) Kitty is a cute icon for young girls. It's not something macho police officers want covering their biceps," Pongpat said [acting chief of the Crime Suppression Division]. (link)

You can create your own artwork at the Hello Kitty site (link)

And just when you think you've seen everything, there's this Hello Darth Vader image. Warning, do not click if you are of a nervous disposition. I warned you.

Must Be This ... Akto

Andy Howell has an article on tents across on his blog (click mouse button here to activate hyperlink). In it he gives reasons why the Akto is a fine tent and ... oh, also, mentions other single-person tents. But you can ignore that and just focus on the fine tent that is the Akto.

Legal Note: Other tents may be lighter, cheaper, more bomb-proof, or have flying ducks in their patterns. The Hilleberg Akto may go down as well as up. Your shelter is at risk if you do not secure your tent pegs.

Shaken, Stirred, Powdered

Katadyn are selling powdered red wine (link). Sounds fine for celebrations. Think the mulled wine would be good for taking the edge off, but I'm not keen on alcohol in the bloodstream when cold and out on the hills.

Whilst I think about it, I'll have a hot chocolate with a sloog of malt from the thumbflask.

So Long and Thanks For All The Fish

I've gone and done it. Joined the Trail (on Country Walking in meantime) forum, just so I could ask if they could give ptc* some column inches. In the magazine.

Well, I am subscribing, so it'd be good to see articles that are of use to me. As folk know, anything to do with scrambling, or mountaineering is no use to this wimp. And I'm tired of gear. Endless gear. Lets see some information about the little things in life, the wee items that get added to a rucksack "just in case", and then some more, and, "well, I've some space, so I might as well add in ...." - what really needs to be taken in a repair kit, or a first aid kit, or a shtkit.

People seem to think lightweight kit is expensive, but I spent more money on synthetic sleeping bags, trying to get warmer and smaller until I bought my down bag. That's all I've used since getting it. It is probably not going to last years and years, but it is going to be used for more nights than any other bag I've owned. And probably already has.

Your own gear list is as personal as you - maybe fun to read and see photos of people's kit, with rationales as to the strange bit of kit that is never being left at home. Ever.

MWIS Funding

I returned from the Cairngorms to find this kind letter in my inbox. What nice folk we have in our Parliament. Hurray for Holyrood.

--------------------------

Dear Mr MacLeod

Stewart Maxwell has asked me to thank you for your email and to let you know that he has taken the decision to provide £36,000 per annum, over the next 3 years, to support the Mountain Weather Information Service.  Mr Maxwell is well aware of the pressures that the service operated under and the failure of the previous administration to provide funding for this vital service.   The areas covered will be: North-West Highlands; West Highlands; Cairngorms; South-East Highlands and Southern Uplands.

Below is an extract from the press release which was issued by the Scottish Government on this subject:

"The Minister said:
"Thousands of climbers already rely on the Mountain Weather Information Service for accurate information about conditions on Scotland's mountains.
"It is therefore absolutely vital we have a reliable mountain weather service to reassure walkers they have the best information at their fingertips."
"That's why I'm announcing that this service will be fully funded by the Scottish Government, through sportscotland, for the first time from this winter season.
"I want to applaud Geoff Monk and his colleagues for their selfless work to date in helping to ensure the safety of all those who make use of our wonderful natural environment."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said:
"We are pleased to invest in the Mountain Weather Information Service which we see as a fundamental resource for walkers and climbers. With more people enjoying Scotland's hills and mountains every year, it is essential that they are well prepared and hopefully this service will go a long way to ensuring people's safety."
Best wishes

Mary Stevenson (for Stewart Maxwell)

Mary Stevenson
Parliamentary Researcher

Derry Lodge

Saturday morning. Glamping with a couple of chums at Derry Lodge. They drove past me last night when i was in the Hungry Highlander (no, i'm not on commission), so had half my jumbo cod supper (that's cod and chips to any f'r'ns reading this), stuffed rest into coat pocket and started to leg it up the path. Only to be asked if i was intending camping on NTS land by the lycra-short mountain-biking ranger. A short exchange in which i affirmed that i would not be lighting an open fire, "in this weather?"
Double-timing it up the path. Run 20, walk 20. Run 20, walk 25. Run 15, walk 30. I pass a chap with a Dick Strawbridge moustache and family. Then catch up to the ladies, trying not to appear to be a stalker in case it was the crafty weapons of war host.
Too windy by Bob Scott's so got more shelter by Derry lodge. Sparkling wine, chocolates and i got to eat the rest of my cod supper, cos the others wouldn't eat cold fish n chips. Result!

Braemar Friday Night

Hungry Highlander open late. Woohoo

Linn of Dee

I spent rest of day walking off Beinn Bhrotain and back to the Linn of Dee. Walked down Allt Garbh and down Glen dee. First humans i saw was when i neared White Bridge. Arrived at the Linn at 5.30pm

Back at the Linn of Dee. Approx 35km later, with 6 new Munros under belt and 10km and another night under canvas to go before home.

Beinn Bhrotain

Friday 1300. 13th Munro in 13+1 days. Widdershins from the De'il's Dangly Bits round to the Big Dug. Low cloud. Rain. Phone died. Same power issues as before. This time i had the rotary charger, but although it said that charge was "optimised", winding for 30 mins made sod all difference. Hey ho.

Standing at the low point between Monadh Mor and Beinn Bhrotain, looking east along Glen Geusachan to the north-south Glen Dee.

Boulderfields. This time more slabs than blocks.

Me on Beinn Bhrotain (1157m/3796ft)[Munro 44]

Walking off Beinn Bhrotain

Followed Allt Garbh down to meet Glen Dee, and the footpath.

Low Cloud over Glen Dee

Monadh Mor

Looking up to the morning's walk.

A well-bedded boulderfield, and the low cloud above.

In the cloud, navigation is vital.

Me on Monadh Mor (1113m/3652ft)[Munro 43]

Finding the path down to the 975 Point between Monadh Mor and Beinn Bhrotain

Low cloud and cliffs can make a fatal combination.

Loch nan Cnapan

Before pitching at Loch nan Cnapan

After pitching at Loch nan Cnapan

Thursday evening. Reindeer at south end of loch.

Later there were 5. Later none.

Akto + lochan + sunset = Bliss.

Loch nan Cnapan at sunset.

Clais an t-Sabhail

Wednesday evening. Camped at 1010m. Sad to have lost the altitude, but sheltered and near water. With the high winds of last night, shelter is important. A herd of deer SSE of me. Could be reindeer. I'll check the photos on my return.

There was about 3 people seen on Cairn Toul after i pitched, and 2 walked off Braeriach - possibly the couple i saw on the Bod.

For the first time in 3 days, my head hadn't broken into a sweat in the evening. Maybe it was temperature related. Certainly wasn't a 'flu.

Ah well, caught a Radio 4 prog about medics on Everest. Fascinating. Taking blood samples after summiting. Off to read some Wordsworth. I should have bought that book of German poems. No matter how many advanced forms of media we have, the written word, when properly read and digested still has power to get people thinking of the human condition. I must get round to reading Gilgamesh one day.

Forgot to say that the Paramo trousers and doing well. Map lived in pocket of jacket instead of back pocket. But i'll need a change in procedure when entering tent. Last night, i didn't notice Cascadas were wet, so floor of tent got wet. Doh!

The cloud cleared

Low cloud on Braeriach. I headed west then south past the Wells of Dee.

And there was Loch nan Cnapan where she should be. There too is Coire Dhondail where i left him last year. I'm off down to get clear of the cloud. Sun is even making an attempt to peek through the whisps.


Sgor Gaoith across the glen. The cairn marks the scramble up from Coire Dhondail below. Which I did last year.

Gleann Einich, looking northwards towards Aviemore.

Disguised as a rock, the frog stayed motionless, invisible to everyone.

Braeriach

Low cloud. Windy. Quite a few people about. Some reindeer too. Downhill for the rest of the day. And end of phone connection too.

Don't cut corners.

There is a cliff on the right. be alert and take care.

When the cloud clears, this is what can be seen. Falls of Dee.

Sgor an Lochain Uaine, seen from Braeriach, with low cloud obscuring Cairn Toul behind.

View from side of Braeriach. Lochan Uaine on the right (like something from the "Lost World" and Ben MacDui ahead. The Lairig Ghru passes below Ben Mac, from right to left - or left to right of you prefer.

Approaching Braeriach from the south-west.

Other hikers on Braeriach

Lochan Uaine from Braeriach.

Lairig Ghru from Braeriach; with Carn a' Mhaim on left.

Me on Braeriach (1296m/4252ft) [Munro 42]

Sgor an Lochain Uaine

Started walking at 1010, it seemed an appropriate time. Low cloud. Windy. Made me wish i'd taken the big camera. But i'm feart that i'd break it. So much for the great outdoors lifting my self-confidence. Just more to worry about.

Last night's pitch was great except the slight slope was magnified by the big sleepmat. Now, chutes are fun in their ain right, but nae at one in the morning and five in the morning. I didnae go "wheesh" once.


Osprey Atmos pack packed for 4-days more trekking in the Cairngorms.

Cairn Toul from flank of Sgor an Lochain Uaine.

Lochan Uaine half-way down the mountain.

Approaching Sgor an Lochain Uaine from the south-east.

Me on Sgor an Lochain Uaine (1258m/4127ft) [Munro 41]

Snow in a Braeriach corrie.

Change of Plan

Boulderfield too tiring. Dark clouds coming in. I'm off to a camp for night. I'll pick up path tomorrow.

Start with this...

...end up with this.

And, yes, the Akto is in this photo.

With an early finish to the day (about 5.30), I could sit and watch the clouds, read some poetry, see the reindeer and other hikers on the ridge above.

To her fair works did Nature link
The human soul that through me ran;
And much it grieved my heart to think
What man has made of man.
(Wordsworth)

Cairn Toul

Carn a' Mhaim seen from the south side of Cairn Toul.

Cairn Toul seen from the south side of Cairn Toul.

Sgor an Lochain Uaine seen from the flanks of Cairn Toul.

Southern end of Lairig Ghru

Coire an t-Saighdeir

Ben MacDui and Cairn Gorm

Easing up boulderfield until Cairn Toul summit cairn finally seen.

View towards Braemar from Cairn Toul, 1293m, and 2nd Munro of day.
I hope the German hikers got to Ben MacDui okay. One was also an Akto owner. He was impressed with the Alpkit pegs. "titanium?" Ja says i in my limited German.
Boulderfield on way up here. Yuck.

Cairn Toul (1291m/4236ft) [Munro 40]

Bod an Deamhain

Pitch beside Corrour Bothy

Path up from Corrour Bothy.

Path to Bod an Deamhain

Couple on way to Bod an Deamhain - everyone overtakes me. Ben MacDui in left background.

Glen Dee from Bod an Deamhain.

Me on Bod an Deamhain (1004m, 3294ft) [Munro 39].

Fiery Red Plums

Tuesday night found me camped beside a full Corrour bothy below the Devil's Todjer. Hence this post's title. It seemed an appropriate destination. Weather forecast dodgy. But not being set to improve, i reached a soddit moment and left town. Took me 4 hours to walk in. I wasn't in a rush and there were a few boggy sections to negotiate. If low cloud lifts, i hope to trek from Bod an Deamhain to Braeriach on Wednesday.