pics for Geordie

 Posted by Grandma!

Chick pics

.chicks for Joanna! Posted by Jos.

Visitors

After a weekend of tidying up both house and garden, we had visitors arrive on Sunday. First Braz and Shirl (see Skye entries) in campervan, closely followed by Jack and Dorothy from Rackwick in the Orkneys
Braz was making his way back up to Scotland, doing Pennine way 'loops' (circular walks which take in sections of the way) whilst Jack and Dorothy, fresh from Jack's MBE investiture were making their way south on a 'Grand Tour'!
Shirl got on with Barney once all the hens had been put to bed, then the Highland Park flowed and a good night was had by all.
Braz left Monday morning to continue his travels, Jack and Dorothy stayed another night before heading south to Grantham.

Back problems

After getting back from Scotland, Jos's back has been playing up again! No problem doing 3000ft peaks with scrambling, but bend over to do some weeding and 'ouch'.
A new mattress has arrived along with a book on Pilates (recommended by Braz) and last night, a trip into IKEA to look at new furniture. Perhaps we should be living in the tent...
A monday night 'Mary' session in the Black Bull in Blaydon at least meant Jos got some Guinness and so didn't have to take any codeine!

Travelling home

Tuesday and it's time to be getting back. Wet weather all the way to Sterling where we met up with John & Penny - friends from our trip to Nepal a few years ago. After reminiscing over munros (they've done them all plus almost all the tops) and then more discussion about geocaching (their new hobby and mine from some years ago), it's time to hit the road back to Hudsriding.

Aonach Eagach

Aonoch Eagach - words that strike terror into many a budding munroist! But after the Skye peaks, just how difficult is it?
After being dropped off at the start of the path by Braz (thanks Braz!) and a steady climb up to Am Bodach, then a delicate little down climb, we soon made our way across to the 1st munro - Meall Dearg. Then the fun really begins - up and down pinnacles, chimneys, gullies and slabs - all part of the fun with some hefty drops to the valley floor below. No rope required however and all too soon we've reached the end of the difficulties, leaving only Sgorr nam Fiannaidh to climb and then a long descent back to the campsite
A final meet up with Braz that evening in the Clachaig Inn and all that's left is to get home...

Greener than Skye!

One of the easy sections

and one of the harder sections

Looking back

A long drop down to the bottom

Glencoe

Back along the whole ridge

Last view ofGlencoe village

Sgurr nan Gillean

Sunday and we set off once again from the Sligachan, this time to get the last munro on Skye - Sgurr nan Gillean!
A long walk in through Coire Riabhach leads up scree and onto the south east ridge.
We roped up for the last section, but it wasn't really necessary as the way up is very straightforward, then surprise, surprise - we reach the top just as Winky does from the west ridge!
We decide to follow her (and her clients) back down the west ridge to grab one more good section of the ridge. With some exposed moves around blocks and an easy gully to descend we are all too soon saying our goodbyes again! Winky went off to do Am Bhasteir (again!) and we made our way back to the pub.
Braz offered to meet up with us in Glencoe the next day and give us a lift up the road to the start of Aonach Eagach - what a fellow!

Strange boulders on the way up

Braz on south east ridge pitch - we did this to add some spice to the route - Shirley looks worried!

Strange boulders at the top. We had to go through the 'eye' to get onto the west ridge.

Look who's here!

A group photo at last!

Braz down climbing the gully. That's me at the top giving some protection.

Winky couldmn't resist taking another shot of Shirley descending!

and she still looks worried!

Final shot of calm conditions before we hit the pub...