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Strange title for this report, but there is a sting in the tail.
Set off early as the forcast was for sunshine at 0900
Parked in car park opposite the Power Station, pulled on the boots and the gaiters and set off down the road. I have been on Ben Vane twice before,and as with today have never been able to pass through the gate with a winter bag
. So once again i had to climb over- next time the bu**er comes off the hinges
The sky was looking good already with glimpses of amber edging the hills ahead
A'Chrois and Vane
IMGP0070 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0071 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A little further up the sun was peering out from behind the Lomond Hills
IMGP0073 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
This was useful as it pointed the way ahead
IMGP0074 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The views were pleasant enough surrounding me
IMGP0076 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0077 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0078 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The view of the Dam was particularly fine
IMGP0079 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Elected to wear my crampons as I reached the cave, as the path up had been quite a challenge
Had to walk up mostly on virgin snow beside the path.
Strode on up taking in all around me. The Ice sculpture and the animal tracks.
IMGP0082 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0083 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The route ahead
IMGP0090 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Watching the cloud build up over Vorlich and through the gaps to the back. Was it to be glorious all day ?
IMGP0089 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0091 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0093 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Not looking good, the wind was steadily increasing and the sky was darkening
IMGP0094 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The summit reached and the snow was starting to fall from the wind swept and swirling clouds
IMGP0098 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
As quick as it appeared, it vanished with blue skies shining through
IMGP0101 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0102 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0106 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0107 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Fuelled by caffeine and- excuse the use of Talking Heads lyrics, 'living on nuts and berries' I headed for the path back down, the same one I had blazed on the way up
Some more of Natures' Art Work
IMGP0111 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP0112 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Met a few other intrepid explorers on the way down, out to sample all my sunshine
I did mention at the top of this report- a sting in the tail. Happy-Happy -Joy -Joy day was turned on its head by
4 idiots According to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code all dogs should be under strict control on a lead- a couple of walkers I met were following this to the letter. But, just on a rise beside the Generator bounded a sheep with a Golden Retriever in hot pursuit. Right in front of me the dog sank its teeth into the rear of the sheep getting a mouthful of wool and carried on the pursuit towards the river. Around the bend strolls two 'men' and their 'wives' calling for their dog. I sort of lost the plot with the clowns, especially as the 'Head Balloon' refused to believe his timid little doggie wouldn't do such a thing
I pointed the way towards the racket that was being made down by the river,sounded like his dog may have fallen down into the river and been hurt. I felt sorry for the animal, but certainly did not 'miss and hit the wall' with the- so called, owners.
As in the title, I was glad I hadn't taken my dogs as they might have been embarrassed for the Retreiver as it's owners were f**king useless. I hope the farmer had a view of this and shot the owners and not the dog, although I fear the dog may have had its own problems- sad to say