Ben Donich solo, maybe next time

[allansmitchell]

My first solo walk, well had they dog for company. Chose Ben Donich as it was close and had done it before. I was concerned how the dog would handle the crevaces, but she is good at being put over fences so wasnt too bothered.
Arrived at the car park 8.50am, tried to text Susan to let her know we were starting, no phone signal, so as arranged if no text then no signal.
It was raining heavy when first stated off, The weather forcast had been for sunny and dry with 15kmh winds. 100m ascent and the rain stopped so packed my waterproof away, anothe 50m ascent and I swapped my hat for my balacava as it was getting blown off?? It was dry, and had a wind chill of -6 which I was happy with, but the force of the wind and the sudden gusts were a concern. It was a long time ago we climbed this hill and I wasnt sure how close we we went to the edge.
Got to 680m and the cloud base came down, along with hail and rain. We took shelter for 5 minutes, putting the waterproofs back on. The dog was then having her mad turn running in circles on the snow.
Desicion made, I was losing sight of the dog, wind was so strong it was blowing me onto my knees, and now couldnt see for hail and rain stinging my eyes, so reluctantly we turned back.
Was nearly off the hill when the clouds broke and the sun came out
But I think it was the right move with the wind. So now I know if the forecast says 30mph winds its too windy to stand up.

Start

The gate that doesnt close

Dog running up and down to keep warm

Could be a nice day

Then the cloud comes in

The mountain was last seen in this direction

Can we go home now

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRZZAceqCcY&feature=share[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWSMFNtBYB0&context=C364101fADOEgsToPDskL5tnzNOex31rWSZJ1-ZQ6Y[/youtube]

[magicdin]

"The gate that doesn't close"

Yes - remember seeing that the last time I was on the hill

[mrssanta]

reminds me of this gate, which had us in stitches.

[yokehead]

Good stuff on your first solo outing. If turning back felt right for you then, yes, it was the right decision.

Was nearly off the hill when the clouds broke and the sun came out

Yep, sounds about right, usually the way!

If your weather forecast was for wind at sea level it would be at least twice that speed higher. 30mph wouldn't blow you over so sounds like you got it a fair bit worse.

Was there a few weeks ago, I too remember that gate!

[Fudgie]

I'm toying with going walking very early on Saturday morning (early enough to do the first hour in the dark) and I'm tempted by this hill as I'm trying to forget about simply ticking Munro's off the list by climbing Corbetts as well. If I do go up hopefully I get better weather than you

[ChrisW]

Good effort Allan, at least you got out there. Every trip provides greater info and experience for the next one not sure what to make of that gate, reminds me of a scene from 'Blazing Saddles'

[allansmitchell]

I'm toying with going walking very early on Saturday morning (early enough to do the first hour in the dark) and I'm tempted by this hill as I'm trying to forget about simply ticking Munro's off the list by climbing Corbetts as well. If I do go up hopefully I get better weather than you

If you do, when you reach the 600m mark stay on the path, there are hidden crevaces just next to the path from approx that height up, some are metres deep but all enough to break a leg

[Fudgie]

I'm toying with going walking very early on Saturday morning (early enough to do the first hour in the dark) and I'm tempted by this hill as I'm trying to forget about simply ticking Munro's off the list by climbing Corbetts as well. If I do go up hopefully I get better weather than you

If you do, when you reach the 600m mark stay on the path, there are hidden crevaces just next to the path from approx that height up, some are metres deep but all enough to break a leg

Cheers. The MWIS forecast will decide if I go so hopefully it looks good. A day like today would be ideal.