free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
Had decided ages ago to take the September weekend for a holiday, as I would have to work most of it otherwise. Discussed some plans with people, but timing and work prevented me having any company- I feel the waves of sympathy, but i am happy to have The Chaos Collies as my companions for the morning
The alarm kicked in at 03:00 and me and the troops readied ourselves for our trip. The Chaos Collies had their Hi-Viz vests and LED collars, and I had my headtorch- as it was going to be a dark one, well pitch black except for the stars
We set off from the carpark at 05:30, trying to catch sunrise at 07:05. The going was frosty, and in places icy, so we took our time when crossing the rock beside the many small streams on the path up. It just seems harder going in the dark with The Chaos Collies still on the lead for now, but raring to go
A few small catch the breath stops and I decided to let them loose, funny to see them lighting up the hillside with their collars
By the time we reache the bealach I could remove the head torch as it was beginning to light up a bit/ or my eyes were growing accustomed to the gloom. Up to Stob Coire Raineach first, the path here was even icier the below, so took our time.
My first photo of the day
IMGP1331 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Stopped for a breather and called the dogs to give them a treat. I had spotted some deer near the summit so didn't want Glen and Arran to be off after them, after all they were flashing like 'Goddammed Aliums' enough to spook anything
Glen spotted them and ran over to investigate, decide that he couldn't be bothered chasing them so bounded back for another treat. We reached the summit at 06:45, and it was COLD, another layer required whilst I waited for the sun to pop up. The dogs were running about sniffing out the deer. It was looking promising today, as I hoped it would.
IMGP1340 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1346 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1349 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Some fog filling in some of the low points
IMGP1352 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1354 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A look behind
IMGP1355 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1358 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1362 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1375 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Zoomed shot
IMGP1378 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1380 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A most enjoyable morning so far, exactly what I had hoped for. The dogs having a ball as well- great to be out early
IMGP1392 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1393 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The surrounding tops starting to light up, and bathed in Alpenglow- lovely
IMGP1395 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1398 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Spent ages enjoying the view, then moved on towards Stob Dubh with Glen and Arran still as eager.
IMGP1404 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A few pics of the our surrounding and a small repast stop
IMGP1405 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1415 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1416 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
Wandered on just delighting in the scenery, the frost and ice now melting in the glow of the sun. The sound of 'roaring ' for the stags filling the glens. The Chaos Collies up ahead as always and waiting for me just before the summit- wanting photographed like the posers they are
IMGP1420 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The usual wee wander to the end for another pose, before turning about and heading back.
IMGP1422 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
The Ben without headgear
IMGP1427 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1428 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
IMGP1429 by
BoydBlair, on Flickr
A final wee stop for treats and off towards the car. Wandering down I met a few fellow Walk Highlanders, Alastair Sinclair from Crieff- the only one who mentioned their name, and two groups of two, you know who you are
Well Hello to you all