free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
There are not many 19 year olds who choose a hill day for a birthday treat – proud to say one of them is our eldest.
We also had a diplomatic incident before setting off – eldest had a shiny new rucksack as a birthday present. My wife upon seeing this had much envy and (rightly) grumbled about her old pack that wasn’t comfortable or sized well… Which led to an early Christmas present being quickly wrapped and unwrapped in the shape of a nice new Gregory I had bought her….
Ben Chonzie - Jack's 19th by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
We headed out with his friend into a damp day with a pretty ropey forecast. As with these things, up to the top of the track was simple and clear of snow or ice.
Ben Chonzie - Jack's 19th by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Above that the weather and conditions underfoot became ‘sporting’. The snow was over some icy layers in places, the wind picked up to about the limit I would have continued on. We were however on ‘home ground’ and know Chonzie well from many a walk and bike to the summit. The ease of navigation with the old fence as a handrail and the speed of the out and return over the ridge made us continue.
Ben Chonzie - Jack's 19th by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
Ben Chonzie - Jack's 19th by
Matt Robinson, on Flickr
What is that saying, better a day on the hill in bad weather than a day in the office….? Sums up this enjoyable sprint up Chonzie.
