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Have previously climbed Hope several times (and a few other Munros for that matter) but this was the official start of my concerted campaign to bag all the Munros (over many many years I'd expect). I decided to make this the official Number One as it's the Munro closest to home. I've never bothered logging dates, times etc of previous Munros so that's why I decided a fresh start with a clean slate was in order to ensure clarity of purpose.
My pal Taiter went with me, as well as Haggis (my Springer) and we arrived at the car park about half 9 and set about getting 'good to go', just one car already there so it wasn't going to be busy.
The weather was superb, bright, warm and sunny with just a wee breeze from the SW.
We set off just before ten and made our way up quite cannily having a few breathers on the way up.
I'd taken my walking poles with me but Taiter hadn't bothered so we took one each just for some extra stability as the ground was pretty wet and slippy in places. I'm a recent convert to the use of walking poles and always have at least one with me now, they're a great walking aid once you get used to using them e.g. no longer trip yourself up with them.
We followed the route as per the Walkhighlands map so I haven't bothered marking my route for this entry.
I'd told Taiter I was determined not to have any coffee left in my flask by time we came back down so that mission would dictate how many breaks we took.
It was very warm going and not too long before it was t-shirt time and the fleece top came off. It stayed like that right to the summit and back which was fantastic for the time of year.
Even in the t-shirts I found I was leaking profusely and taking regular long hard swigs from my camelbak. It's at times like that you really appreciate the simple wetness and refreshing qualities of tap water. I think if I'd rung out my sweat-rag (or perspiration absorbent towel as ladies would call it) I could've nearly refilled the camelbak; but even in the name of science that would just be wrong...
Made it to the summit for noon and then had a 35min break to savour the views and take some photos. There was a very slight haze which meant it wasn't as clear as it could have been for photos of the surrounding views but it was good nonetheless. Certainly better than arriving at the summit to do a quick about turn as the weather is so appalling and visibility very poor (like the last time I was up in late Feb 2011).
After making a considerable dent in my stock of coffee and assorted scoff we sauntered back down in a leisurely fashion.
We arrived back at the car park at half past 2 and I am pleased to report my flask was entirely empty.
Great success! I love it when a plan comes together. All down to the 7 P's I reckon. Although I blame the diuretic properties of coffee for that...
Since the weather was so fine at the bottom and with Sunday being the day of rest we assumed the prone position, minus socks and boots with a rucksack for a headrest and proceeded to inspect the inner surface of our eye-lids for an hour and a half. This is the life I thought. Even Haggis had the grace and decency to join in the nap related festivities despite his eternal energy.
Although I don't think Haggis woke up with a head slightly resembling a tomato - unlike some of us...
What is the SPF of dog hair anyway? Maybe they could start making beachwear with it due to its excellent UV protective properties? Mibbes aye, mibbes naw....
All in all a great day out and it felt really good and satisfying after climbing what I hope is the first Munro in my now officially launched campaign on the way to bagging all the pesky blighters.
As Magnus Magnusson used to say, "I've started so I'll finish...."
