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Arrived on Deeside on the Saturday, unpacked, and settled in to our cottage. Next on my list, where to go 2moro
I had looked at a few routes in the Cairngorms, and with the weather as hot some were ruled out due to hydro-logistics

Settled on Bod an Deamhain-a few streams and a river sorted some of the hydration questions- but would still carry a couple of litres in for the dogs.
It was an early start, left Dinnet at around 0430 and headed for Linn O Dee. It was like the Killing Fields on that road, rabbits everywhere- in various states

. Birds picking the juicy bits for breakfast

The carpark was pretty busy with cars, but very little in the way of humans, except a couple of mountain bikers setting off as I arrived. Midgies were murder, shemagh on, dogs harnessed and off.
It was pretty warm even at just after 0600 as we turned onto the main track, little- if any, breeze to keep the flies at bay !
DSCN0058 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
A steady pace along the track, no need to hurry- no long drive back home

The beginnings of a breeze was welcomed as we sauntered along. A few wee clouds for the dogs to pose under.
DSCN0061 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Took the track down to Bob Scotts Bothy for a refreshment break. Glen decided to have a little dip to cool off. He had tried to peer over the grass to the river, and his front paws slipped in the under growth and splashed right in

There he is soaking wet paddling about, and the banking was to high for him to get himself out. So I had to grab his vest ,which ripped, and then the harness to pull him up- clown
DSCN0062 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Busy places the Bothy and Marr Lodge, plenty of residents breakfasting

Spoke to a couple having their tea beside the bridge before we crossed over. Headed out along Glen Luibeg towards Corrour Bothy, and the Lairig Ghru. Passed a few happy campers on our way, and a couple heavy-laden Dutch hikers who looked particularly weary ! As I thought, a few streams were running off Carn a' Mhaim to water the dogs. A few people passed on their way out, most with happy smiles.
DSCN0064 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
'And we are climbing that ? ' Indeed you are
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Corrour Bothy in the background
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Todays target
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
I crossed the burn by the bridge, and the Collies just splashed through

Keeps them cool after all. Plenty of people around, and
most friendly enough. Set off up through Coire Odhar towards the bealach. A wee refreshment stop on the level section, as the sun was beating down hard. Watched some folks on the ridge heading in both directions
DSCN0069 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The view back down
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Said our 'hellos' to the passers bye on their way down as we mosied on up to the top to savour the views.
DSCN0071 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Spotted someone loading up a tripod at the summit- recognised him ! Walked over and the dogs ran towards him. Shouted over to them
' Come over here and let Trekpete take his photos'
It was fun watching his face trying to figure out- mmmm two dogs, knows my name .......

Walked up and introduced myself

Turns out Pete was one of the mountain bikers who left the carpark as I was arriving. Sat and had another refreshment break, took some more photos. He kindly took this one for us, cheers Pete
DSCN0073 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Petes Tripod
DSCN0078 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Good view of the path on our route in/out
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Walked with Pete to the bealach and bid him farewell, as he was heading up for another two summits. The walk down was a busy one, lots on the path heading up. We however had to head out, as it was our Wedding anniversary and I had promised to be back at a reasonable time

I seem to have a habit of long walks on our anniversary, not that there is any untoward in that at all
DSCN0089 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
We wandered back homewards, saying 'hello' to all who passed- and there were a few ! There was a 'buzzing' noise, faint at first but growing louder. Heard it a couple of times before I spotted what it was
Middle of the pic
DSCN0094 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Zoomed
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Must have been great to be up there on a day like today
The long walk out loomed ahead, a couple of stops when shade available to have at least some respite from the heat.
DSCN0095 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
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BoydBlair, on Flickr
Took some time out, under the trees, at Derry Lodge before setting out on the last stage of the Chaos Collies first foray into the Cairngorms. Certainly back in time for Brownie Points to remain intact
