After my disasterous error, the last time I climbed this hill, a repeat performace was not an option.
Today was to be our youngest's first Munro. Hunter didn't know it, but I had been planning this one for the last 2 years. His older brother climbed this one as his first Munro, so (as soon as he was up on his feet) Hunter's date with Schiehallion had been on the cards.
Chase had also been asking me recently, why we never meet other children when we're out walking on the hills;
a perfect opportunity to try and address both issues.
So, following a post on the "Meeting up" forum, and several PMs later, the first WH Juniors Meet was planned.
8 Adults, 8 Juniors*, 1 Dog and undisclosed quantities of Sweets, Treats & Drinks, assembled shortly before 1000.
- Martin {Fife Flyer}, with grandsons Mackenzie* & Jude*.
- Chris {jepsonscotland}, with Anna & Sofia*.
- Andy {foggieclimber], with Carole, Becky* & Cullin (woof).
- Alan {Alan S}, with Katy* & Liam*.
- Myself, Jessica, Chase* & Hunter*.
Andy and Alan set off ahead of the rest of us. Alan wanted to get his little ones moving, I think, and Andy wanted to keep young Cullin ahead of the group.
- Most of the group, ready for the off.
Our boys were at the back of the pack; Chase messing around with my walking poles and Hunter looking to start eating one of the many Fudge Bars we were carrying for him. He was forgetting that they were for anyone who stopped to say hello, on their way back down from the summit. The forecast was good, and the car park was busy; there were going to be plenty of people on the hill today.
- Off we go...
As anyone who has done this hill will know, the lower path couldn't be more suited to little legs and little feet.
The juniors were running about, full of energy; "Would they last?"
- Full of energy.
Talking to Chris, he was saying how often we hit the ground running whenever we get a hill-pass.
Making good time early, or shaking off the cobwebs, wasn't going to be part of today's plans.
Today was about really taking our time, and enjoying the hills at a "junior" pace.
It didn't take long for the young ones to remind us that the hills offer more than "another blue ballon".
- Play time - It's not all about bagging the hill.
As we started to gain a little height, a first pit-stop allowed the adults to catch their breath, while the juniors enjoyed the first bag of treats to be shared. Sour Worms were a hit.
- The Juniors allowing the oldies to catch their breath.
Heading off again, it wasn't long before Hunter met his first (downward) walker; Billy
.Whenever I am out walking with Chase, people are always impressed to see youngsters out enjoying the hills.
Today was no different, and everyone we met was happy to stop and chat, offering words of support and encouragement.
A 3 year old in a Superman T-Shirt, waving chocolate bars at them, might also have had something to do with it.
- Words of encouragement from Billy (1st to meet us, on his way down).
Along the path, random outcrops offered an opportunity to practice for the forthcoming boulder field.
- Most of the Juniors.
They also made great excuses to stop and enjoy some Jelly Babies.
- Liam & Hunter; Jelly Baby Pit Stop.
As the group started to spread out, Mackenzie & Chase were pusing on from myself & Hunter, at the back. It was good job that Jessica was with us; she ended up with the unenviable task of trying to keep up with Mountain Goat Chase.
- The group spreading out.
Chase did stop at one point; maybe he was just being nice and letting Mum take his picture.
- Mountain Goat Chase having a rare rest.
But he didn't forget about his younger brother, and was up and down like a yo-yo to check up on him.
- Back-tracking to support brother.
Once on the boulder field, we all really started to spread out. This was always expected, and the WH juniors were now attracting attention all over the hill. With Super-Chase up front, Hunter was easily identfiable by the increasing number of people making their way back down.
A hello to them all, later on...
Reaching the first of the two remaining patches, Hunter & I stopped to enjoy the snow.
- Taking time out, to play in the snow.
Leaving the snow behind, we found the perfect spot to really show the effort all the Juniors had put in to climb this hill.
- A bit of scale and perspective.
Several stops to chat (and give away chocolate treats to strangers) later, Hunter was nearing the summit. Not once had he mentioned turning around or wanting me to carry him.
We passed Andy, Alan & Chris's groups on their way back down; they had stayed on the summit for a while, but it was a little chilly and their own "juniors" had started to feel the cold. They all looked like they had had a really enjoyable day, and gave Hunter that extra little push, to help him over his last few feet to the top.
- Nearly there...
Chase and Jessica were already on the summit, waiting to see our latest Super-Man, claim his first Munro.
Smiles all round, for the next few shots; Unashamedly proud...
- Super-Hunter - 3 years 250 days.
1 down - Now, what's next?
- Now, this picture is Summit Special.
- Me and my boys.
- "When dad brought me up here last time, the Eejit lost the camera."
- Jessica, Chase & Hunter.
- Happy Family.
It was also nice to have clear views and good weather up top; maybe I should plan all my hills two years in advance.
- Summit views.
We stayed on top for about half an hour, dishing out Fudge Bars to those also sitting around enjoying the views.
It's quite funny to see grown adults smile like little kids when you give them a simple bar of chocolate.
All graciously devoured, no doubt.
Heading back down was a quieter, family only, affair. It had been great to meet up with everyone, and to see the little ones making friend so easily, and enjoying the each other's company as they "climbed"
Now that we knew we were the last ones heading down, we really took our time. We were in no rush; even Chase was content to keep to his brother's slower pace.
- Chase & Hunter - A helping hand from big brother.
- Chase & Hunter - Their achievement clear to see.
As promised, here's a hello to everyone who stopped to chat to us. It was also good to hear that quite a few of them were already aware of WH. They ALL are, now...
Billy
Tish & Mark
George
Evan & Alison
Miriam & Gary
Jason & Ruth
Jason & Kirsty
Caroline & Tommy
Colin & Neil
John & Kirsti
Caitlin & Ewan
Paul, Andrew & Steve
Russell
Sarah & Jane
Chris, Ellie & Rachel
Ellie, Kate & Bert
Andrew & Duncan
Shaun, Paul, Lorien, Rhona, Jonathon & Lynn (The summit group)
If you see your name, say hello.
- Hunter - Down, but not out. Still smiling, after 7 hours on his feet.
Ascent Walk Time: 3 Hours - 50 Minutes
Ascent Rest Time: 40 Minutes
Total Ascent Time: 4 Hours - 30 Minutes
Total Descent Time: 2 Hours - 30 Minutes
Total Time: 7 Hours.
Finally,
Martin, Mackenzie, Jude, Andy, Carole, Becky, Alan, Liam, Katy, Chris, Anna & Sofia....
Thank you all for choosing to meet up with us.
It was great to meet you all. We had a great day and we hope that you did too..
Hopefully the first of many "Junior's Meets",
Martin, Jessica, Chase & Hunter.
great report and photographs to boot if the next one fits in when the Grandkids are visiting or if other young members of the extended family are up for it, count me in. Brilliant the weather was kind to you 
