The Monsters Munch some "More" - Ben More (Mull)

[craigee]

Thursday – June 7th 2012
So …. The Monsters (aka. Megan and Sam) decide that after their weekend exploits taming the ridge that is Aonach Eagach, they want to cut some more shapes and tame yet another Scottish Monster. My company is kindly requested (with a condition attached). I should be working but I decide that these opportunities don’t come along very often, so an impromptu day off work is required – What a great decision..!

I take a text from Daddy Monster saying that I should be at his house at 0430 sharp Thursday morning. “Where are we off to…” I hesitantly ask.“We’re heading to catch the first ferry of the day to Mull” comes the reply. It can only be Ben More…

The condition - I have to write the report. My baptism of fire. If a 9-year can post a walk report (a mighty fine report, as well), then surely Scraggles “the cider monster” can…?

We all pile in to Mummy’s compact and bijou Ford Fiesta (that’s 3-adults; 2-monsters; 3-rucsacs; 5 sets of well used walking boots and job lot of sarnies and nibbles for the journey). Cozy !

It’s great travelling at that time in the morning – we genuinely pass 3 cars and 1 lorry, all the way from Bridge of Allan to Oban. Thankfully Daddy didn’t have to put Mummy’s Fiesta through its paces.
We arrive in plenty of time for the 0745 sailing.

Time to spare..

Time to cut some early shapes in the car park, play tig and I act as a matador to Sam and Megan as they run at me like a couple of Bulls. Perhaps this energy should be preserved for Ben More…?
We roll-on the ferry – Mum takes on a hit of caffeine and nicotine; the monsters take on job lot of hot chocolate; lucozde sport; mars bars and huge bar of Dairy Milk – Plenty E numbers and energy.

The Boys....

Nicotine and Caffeine hit...

Mummy & Daddy relaxing on way to Craignure

We roll-off the ferry and drive the 30-minutes or so to the base of Ben More

Unfortunately when we get there – it’s gorgeous.For once our motivation to bag a hill takes a severe nose dive. How we would love to just sit around, play and collect shells on the shores of Loch Na Keal. Great Campervan spots all along the B8035 BTW !

Too nice to walk..

We kit up and head off from the parking place at Disheig with a spring in our step and suntan lotion on our faces.

Sam stops at the waterfall.

strike a pose..

The path splits into 2 here just at the gate. You should stick right and follow the river (it was very low today). The first 300m of ascent on this walk offers a beautiful gentle slope, on a nice path. We take a quick stop just as you cross the river; the monsters don’t appear to be on top form today; perhaps the beach got the better of them?

Looking back at Loch Na Keal - Megan in the distance...

We meet some more monsters on the way up.
Horny Monster!

Horny Monster

Sam finds a Slimy Monster!

Sam finds a Slimy Monster

We all push on, following a decent path upto the 900m point or so before we take another refreshment stop. A number of cairns mark your way, so you won’t get lost! Daddy and I empty our joke/gimmick and song repertoire as Sam pushed on with us for a solid 500m of ascent!The wee monster dug deep. The path steepens quite significantly but a nice easy plod and you’ll get there safely. The views were amazing all the way up.

I thought this was a magic mountain. I'm certainly glad I haven't kept it be my last munro, as many people do. This is on my "to-do-again-list". Definetly a case of more Ben More.

Some Dead Monsters on the way home. Mummy was only resting her eyes though...

Dead Monsters...

P.S - I think I'll leave the report writing to Megan!
P.P.S - It was lovely to meet the vicar's daughter, the blacksmith, the vampire and the local policeman et al.
Until next time...

[victoriajarrett]

What a fine report uncle Scraggles...

You definitely had me smiling ... not sure about some of the pics - mummy monster not looking to good in a few!

What a fab rendition of a great day, and another fantastic hill bagged... btw it would seem i miscounted my munro's... so actually my 40 munro was the second on AE missed out on that celebration! So i need to do 8 more before Oct...

Looking forward to walking with you again

[skuk007]

A good report with some fine pics showing what a great day you had.
Not sure about the healthyness of the picnic though - Beer, Monster Munch and fags

[davedanson28]

Great report, kids who climb are awesome! My two are right into it, hopefully catch you on a mountain soon dudes!

Cheers.

[andrewdoggett]

Magic day in the hills as always...

Great report also; I'm a thinking you're in charge of Walk Reports from now on

And good to meet the various villagers

[monty]

A great report Scraggles. Love the photos. The monsters are looking cool as usual. Nice early morning drive, boat trip and a Munro bagged. Superb.