Ben Starav - in the cause of socialism!

[EACHANN AN DOIRE]

I was on strike last Thursday. I confess, comrades, that I went up into the hills instead of manning the picket lines. I only hope and pray that the cause of socialism is not lost through my selfishness.

Now if you have read any of my previous reports you’ll know that things often go wrong with me: “intended two summits but overslept and only did one”, “meant to do three tops but took a wrong turning and got lost”, “would have conquered that mountain but a bigger boy stole my scone and bla bla bla”.

What went wrong this time? Damned weariness is what! They told me Ben Starav was a tough one - I believed it but didn’t appreciate how. The plan was to do all three Munros – Ben Starav, Beinn nan Aighenan and Glas Bheinn Mhor. However at 6 in the evening I still had Glas Bheinn Mhor to do but no energy left for it. Time yes – got back to the car at 8 so the final top would have moved that to maybe 10 o’clock at the latest when it was still light. I had time. But I just couldn’t muster the energy for it. Jings!

Anyway I had a great day out none the less. No real views from Ben Starav – only occasional fleeting glimpses. By the time I moved on heading for Beinn nan Aighenan the clouds had lifted a wee bit and I got nice views: East to Loch Tulla and Beinn an Dothaidh etc. and west towards the bottom of Loch Etive and across to Mull and Ben More.

After stopping for pizza and a bottle of plonk on way home it was gone 11 o’clock when I got in. Too tired to shower I crawled into bed smelling of wine and sweat. Mrs Mac was none too pleased I can tell you.

Next day I watched with pride the newsreel footage of my brothers in arms attempting to defeat the Tory oppressors . If it’s any consolation brothers and sisters I suffered too.

Here are a few photos….

On the north ridge of Ben Starav - Glen Etive beyond

Looking down to the head of Loch Etive from the summit of Ben Starav

Looking east to Loch Tulla and Beinn an Dothaidh etc.

At the summit of Beinn nan Aighenan, Isle of Mull in the distance.

The River Etive

Almost back to the car and a final look back to Ben Starav and Glas Bheinn Mhor

Power to the people

[Graeme D]

Good stuff comrade. Starav is a tough big beast indeed! I have been there as well when the fatigue sets in and just overwhelms you and it's not nice. Never mind - GBM isn't going anywhere in a hurry! Love the photos - esp the 2nd one.

[Caberfeidh]

Come the Revolution you'll be first against the wall, you running-dog lacky of the Fascist Capitalist Imperialists. Probably.

[Bonzo]

Proves what I always knew - there's never any energy in public sector workers

[kevsbald]

Hey!!!!!!

[rockhopper]

Yup - agreed on tough ! Was up here only 2 days after you on Saturday - shouldn't complain but the sun and heat make it harder well done

Proves what I always knew - there's never any energy in public sector workers

is that you putting out a challenge ?

[monty]

I am with Bonzo, anyone want a challenge Its nice to hear you suffered for you cause. Nice photos but you could have had a shower

[kinley]

I was on strike last Thursday. I confess, comrades, that I went up into the hills instead of manning the picket lines. I only hope and pray that the cause of socialism is not lost through my selfishness.

Not only that - you've turned another point on your hill map from red to blue.

Your allegiance is plain to see - oppressor



Good to be free - all that shouting is bad for the soul

[EACHANN AN DOIRE]

For the avoidance of doubt my politics really are left of centre. Musn't get too intense though - senses of humour mustn't be dampened, what?

Chin chin.