Spring break - day 2 (over-indulging)
Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2013 6:15 pmThe plan for day 2 was the Starav 5 – and although that was based on snow free summits I still felt that Neil and I would be able to manage.
However, my calculations had failed to take into account; the passage of time, a week of late shifts, no real training since Christmas, 800 metres of ascent the day before and the schoolboy error of forgetting one of my water bottles so I started the day with only 800mls of fluid (you’re right if you think this sounds as though I’m getting my excuses in early).
The early part of the route was quite pleasant and warm, although in turn this meant I was soon sweating and drinking my fluid, which was disconcerting.
After a few hundred metres of ascent Neil realised that he had dropped his sunglasses and dropped his pack so he could go back and search for them. This gave me opportunity to lie back in the sun and take in the views. Once I saw that Neil was on his way back (without his sunglasses) I started to plod uphill knowing he would catch up before too long, but at least I’d have longer at my own slower pace.
Strangely Neil didn’t catch up until we were well above the snow line, when he announced that he too could feel yesterday’s walk in his legs. The remainder of the climb was a real slog, made slightly easier as most of the way Neil was able to pick a route that stuck to protruding rock, giving good purchase underfoot. It was a relief to make the summit and enjoy a well-earned nip of home-made gin.
In good conditions there is probably a safe line off Starav directly towards Beinn nan Aighenan, but staying on the safe side Neil and I followed the ridge over Stob Coire Dheirg before descending to the wide bealach where we stopped for lunch.
The climb to Beinn nan Aighenan was much harder than it should have been and I was feeling really thirsty.
We descended (stumbled) back to the bealach for the last climb of the day. If this were a night out drinking then this would have been the time to say that’s enough, but instead we decided to just have one more. We contoured round Meall na Tri Tighearnan and the final climb to Glas Bheinn Mhor, which we finished in a stiffening breeze.
Although Stob Coir an Albannaich looked tantalisingly close (and we could hear the group on the summit talking) I knew that it would be foolish to press on and followed the long descent along the Allt Mheuran. After losing height we were able to get to a stream of the most refreshingly crisp water I have ever tasted. As I sat and drank it I was sure I could feel a tingling coursing through my body and making me feel so much better. Continuing the feel-good factor Neil then crossed the river in search of his sunglasses and found them!
Later that evening I was awoken from my slumber by a cry of “Stop – Police” and a bright light from outside. On investigation the local constabulary were conducting a raid on the camp site including the use of a drugs dog. It appeared that they found what they were looking for amongst our neighbours in camo gear as I heard the following “Have you got anything with you that you shouldn’t have?” “No, apart from a cross bow”!!!
However, my calculations had failed to take into account; the passage of time, a week of late shifts, no real training since Christmas, 800 metres of ascent the day before and the schoolboy error of forgetting one of my water bottles so I started the day with only 800mls of fluid (you’re right if you think this sounds as though I’m getting my excuses in early).
The early part of the route was quite pleasant and warm, although in turn this meant I was soon sweating and drinking my fluid, which was disconcerting.
After a few hundred metres of ascent Neil realised that he had dropped his sunglasses and dropped his pack so he could go back and search for them. This gave me opportunity to lie back in the sun and take in the views. Once I saw that Neil was on his way back (without his sunglasses) I started to plod uphill knowing he would catch up before too long, but at least I’d have longer at my own slower pace.
Strangely Neil didn’t catch up until we were well above the snow line, when he announced that he too could feel yesterday’s walk in his legs. The remainder of the climb was a real slog, made slightly easier as most of the way Neil was able to pick a route that stuck to protruding rock, giving good purchase underfoot. It was a relief to make the summit and enjoy a well-earned nip of home-made gin.
In good conditions there is probably a safe line off Starav directly towards Beinn nan Aighenan, but staying on the safe side Neil and I followed the ridge over Stob Coire Dheirg before descending to the wide bealach where we stopped for lunch.
The climb to Beinn nan Aighenan was much harder than it should have been and I was feeling really thirsty.
We descended (stumbled) back to the bealach for the last climb of the day. If this were a night out drinking then this would have been the time to say that’s enough, but instead we decided to just have one more. We contoured round Meall na Tri Tighearnan and the final climb to Glas Bheinn Mhor, which we finished in a stiffening breeze.
Although Stob Coir an Albannaich looked tantalisingly close (and we could hear the group on the summit talking) I knew that it would be foolish to press on and followed the long descent along the Allt Mheuran. After losing height we were able to get to a stream of the most refreshingly crisp water I have ever tasted. As I sat and drank it I was sure I could feel a tingling coursing through my body and making me feel so much better. Continuing the feel-good factor Neil then crossed the river in search of his sunglasses and found them!
Later that evening I was awoken from my slumber by a cry of “Stop – Police” and a bright light from outside. On investigation the local constabulary were conducting a raid on the camp site including the use of a drugs dog. It appeared that they found what they were looking for amongst our neighbours in camo gear as I heard the following “Have you got anything with you that you shouldn’t have?” “No, apart from a cross bow”!!!
