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[Second chance]

Hi What a diffence a day makes,
In planning my trip to Meall Ghaordiadh, I read a walk report written by Peter193 http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/blogs/Peter913 based on his experiences on the 18 Feb 2013. In his trip report he described how it was very cold and misty on the Monday. The following day when I climbed the Munro the weather couldn't have been better, Sun, warmth, little to no wind, in fact perfect !

With the -6c frost during the night the normally wet peaty boggy lower slopes were hard enough to walk on freely and allowed good progress. By 10am I was having to unbutton jackets and fleeces as it was getting very warm. With the unbroken sunshine and no wind it was heating upo nicely.
Once reaching the shoulder of the south east ridge the snow started to appear. It had a very hard surface which also made walking easy. Only where the snow met clumps of grass etc did it give way.

Once on the steeper upper slopes you had to take more care. However previous walkers had carved out pathways to the summit which where east to see, and it was just a matter of following the best route to the top. As I ascended I came face to face with Ptarmigan which was surprised as I was to see each other on the hill. The birds interest in me lasted long enough for me to get some photos. See my report in Wildlife sightings on this site.

On the top it was a magic experience the 360 visibility was excellent, no wind and quite beautiful.

On the way down the higher temps had softened the snow and also the peat bogs, but I suppose you cannot have it all, thats whats great about the outdoors, its always changing ! Hope you enjoy my photos.

Regards, Second Chance.

[smike]

Great stuff - I have been steaming with envy of anyone who has been able to get out in the hills this week - the forecast has been immense - I'm glad someone's out there enjoying it!

[simon-b]

Really excellent photos, SC, particularly the one looking north across Glen Lyon. It's nice to see a white ptarmigan, they'll be changing colour next time I'm in the Highlands.

[Mountainlove]

Oh you are so lucky getting such a great day!! Some great photos...need to have a look at the other ones you mentioned as well. Thanks for sharing.

[heatheronthehills]

Stunning photos! Looks like you had a great day out. We did this hill back in the summer and it looked a bit different then!!

[Johnny Corbett]

I was just up the road from you on the Corbett, Meall Bhuidhe. It was a cracker of day indeed and like you say 360 visibility and no wind, perfect.

[gymman47]

Great pics and hope I have as good weather this weekend as going there on Saturday.

Nice One

JP