


Having taken advice from some more experienced WH members i have decided for the most part to concentrate on the lower hills until my winter skills are up to the mark. I chose Ben Vrackie as it was fairly close to home and the route seemed fairly straigh forward.
My map reading skills are still a work in progress though i realise relying on the above signs is not entirely the best way forward


My knowledge of the local area was put to the test as i was asked if i could identify Ben Vrackie. For some reason i picked the only hill i could see that was not covered in clagg. Boy was i embarassed when ben Vrackie came in to view

We made good progress to the summit partly due to me asking countless question and forgetting i was actually meant to be climbing a hill. Thanfully my companion was only to happy to impart his knowledge upon me. True to Lucky's form the view from the summit was non existent. The backdrop of my pose probably sums it up!

My fellow walker adorned his recently bought microspikes and skipped down the hill leaving me to negotiate the ice with caution. I shouted to him to head off and thanked him for his company. The truth was my left foot had been killing me on the way up. I took me shoe of and adjusted my socks but still the pain continued. nevermind, not going to let sore tootsies hold me back. I was only down about 15 minutes of the descent when the sky's opened revealing Vrackie in all it's glory. I contemplated going back up just for the views but time was getting on. I managed to get a few clearer snaps on the way down.
An interesting walk was had though i must admit it was kinda ruined as i was down to almost a hobble by the time i reached the car. A quick gloat at the goods on display at Tiso (Perth)was had on the way back. Picked up a pair of microspikes which incidently are reduced to the bargain price of £36.

ANYWAY, ONTO THE PUNCHLINE BOOM BOOM




Lucky