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Tired, but far fresher than the morning of the previous day, with the weather not as good as Saturday but fine enough for a bit of Sunday bagging.
Parked up at a near deserted ski centre at about 11 and set off up the first slog. At this point regretting the fact i'd worn my lighter boots yesterday and was stuck with the heavier ones today. Ah well.
- Up past the chair lift
I couldn't count the nubmer of times i looked up at the chair lift thinking "i can't go back and hop on, can i?" but i was up on the flat stretch belfore the climb up to Meall a Bhuiridh soon enough.
A couple of people up here wandering about, i pressed on across the bogginess and found a nice spot and a nice view to enjoy a roll.
- Lunchtime panorama
Caught a quick glimpse of a common lizard as it darted into a hole, plenty of spiders running around. As i ascended the ridge to summit number 1, i could hear the call of an unfamiliar bird as i stopped and started. A golden plover perhaps, i pondered to myself. Managed to grab some snaps and it appears i was correct.
- Golden Plover
The summit.
- Meall a'Bhuiridh summit
Sat down for lunch, feeling okay but unsure if i wanted to go on and do Creise. I could see a figure making it's way up from the col between the two hills. He'd come up the ascent of Sron na Creise. Chatted a little while we both ate lunch then he set off on the way down, having convinced em that i already knew i was going to go over and do Creise.
At last! I started enjoying myself. Though a bit steep i found it a nice easy descent down to the col, and the way up to the Creise ridge was fun. I was enjoying it so much i forgot to grab a few pics along this section.
Cheeirly pottered along the ridge to the day's second summit, taking in the views. Stuffing my face with perhaps the tastiest packed of beef Monster Munch i've ever eaten.
- Towards Creise
I basked in the glory of summit 30. Smile most definitely on my face now.
- Creise summit
Time to turn tail and head back to the car. Met another lonely soul heading back up to the the MaB summit, i don't think he's in for the best of weather over this week sadly.
Plodded down to the ski lifts and then strolled down the bike trail for a lof of the final descent back to the car park. Very loos in places, it was okay walking down, but you couldn't pay me to come down here on a bike!
Final cross of the stream and almost at the car. Gave my boots and gaiters a good rinse in the burn. A later finish than i'd expected but a finish.
Utterly starving and having exhausted all of my day's food i intended to stop by the Real Food Cafe for a chippie and then enjoy the drive home. Full car park- uh-oh. I opened the door and promptly turned on my heels and walked back out. It looked that busy that i'd have waited longer for my food than i'd spent up the hills, so i drove the couple of hours home accompanied by the rumbles of my empty stomach.
I don't think i'd have forgiven myself if i'd come home with only 29 under my belt, glad i pressed on. Here's to the next 30!
