Sunrise on the Little Shepherd of Etive

[soulminer]

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

[raykilhams]

Now that is what I call scenery , great for the soul fab pics thanks soulminder

[pigeon]

Brilliant pics SM,your early start was well worth it.Hope this is the start of a good autumn and winter after a mince summer

[Stuart Angus]

Show off ..................impressive stuff.................not the getting up at 0330, thats normal for you.........the pictures(especially the zoomed one), they're excellent

[mrssanta]

words are not enough. fabulous!

[londonwalker]

Saw the first picture and thought "these are goona be great" Wasn't disappointed

[Stretch]

Wow, I remember the view from there very well, but it's more impressive with that sunrise. Excellent stuff!

[ChrisW]

What a fantastic hike Soulminer, getting out there early really paid off. You look to have the very best of company with you too Those two look to be having a great time. Some great photo's but IMG 1422 really captures it all in one, beautiful

[Lenore]

Well worth the early rise! Lovely pictures.

[wilkiemurray]

fantastic pictures - love the zoomed one of Schiehallion- good reward for the early start!!

[soulminer]

Cheers all

your early start was well worth it

not the getting up at 0330, thats normal for you

getting out there early really paid off

Well worth the early rise!

The early rise is, as Stuart Angus has pointed out, a symptom of ingrained working proceedures, I don't have a choice The dogs are just dragged out with me cause I hate to see them enjoying their rest - after all a shepherd needs its Collies

[Bruno]

In a word - STUNNING!! Watch out Colin Prior!!

[coachmacca]

Now thats a walk!

Pictures are truly stunning and the dogs look great companions!

[Fudgie]

Well worth the early rise and it must have been a great feeling to watch the sun come up on such a clear morning

I've also added you as a contact on flickr (lmcf photography) incase you wonder who it is

[dogplodder]

Now that is what I call scenery , great for the soul fab pics thanks soulminder

So...... do you mind souls or mine for them? Intriguing name.

Fabulous pics and those collies are so well behaved! My two did their best to impersonate them at top of Beinn Airigh Charr last week.