Marhofn 280.16 - May 2014

Baglogs (72 of them):

Anne Bunn (+151=1231)

I could have been writing this from the cosy confines of a Coulport cop cell, following an unsuccessful summit attempt on the Hump Cnoc na h-Airighe. Iain and I were thwarted, half-booted with Iain still behind the wheel, by two police officers not wanting us to get wet. Actually more of a trespass issue on MOD land and we were duly seen out of the area without charge.

Instead, I am free to reflect and somehow summarise on what was a fantastic 2013.Two key observations noted when reviewing my logbook: one being what appalling handwriting I have (many words completely are indecipherable), the other reminding me what a healthy population of newts there seems to be on many Scottish hills. Or, was 2013 a particularly good year for the newt?

Highlights I have been able to either recollect from memory or, to a lesser degree, manage to read from my diary are:

• Easter week spent on Islay in glorious weather, resorting to bagging Humps when the Marilyns ran out.
• Early May in Gairloch and two particularly good hill days stand out: Beinn Lair and Meall Mheinnidh from Poolewe, and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine and Sgurr Dubh from the Ling hut. Fine views from equally fine mountains.
• Another good weather week was spent at Kinlochewe in June. Hot and sunny most days, with the Baosbheinn and Beinn an Eoin day being particularly enjoyable. Later on, in June, a few of us shared a house in Ullapool. A fine day was had with John Clark and Gwen his collie, on Groban, Beinn Bheag and Creag Rainich. By coincidence later that week, Eric and I met John whilst we were biking into Carn Ban and Meall a'Chaorainn. John and Gwen had walked in to climb Beinn Tharsuinn. This turned into one of those epic days, Eric getting a puncture very early on into the bike ride, resulting in sharing my bike. Penalty for the ride was carrying two rucksacks, the day ending in fading light with an impromptu drive in. A puncture repair kit would have been useful.
• The highlight in July has to be our visit to the Garvault Hotel, after an exhausting day on Creag Mhor and Ben Armine. We even had difficulty finding the front door, the Tennents sign dulled by a few decades of cobwebs. The proprietor's enthusiastic banging on the window with a welcoming hand gesture saved the day. We then spent an interesting half hour trying to get a meal at 9.45pm, with barman, a gamekeeper and a couple braving an overnight stay for company. However, in the words of the barman, I was tasting 'the best pint of Tennents to be had' and offered a bag of nuts. I have since heard the hotel is now closed.



Beinn Lair summit (photo: Eric Young)

I thoroughly enjoyed the Harris two weeks and visiting some lovely islands, together with two great days traversing the Pairc hills, not to mention the unsuccessful trip to St Kilda. Even this day was enjoyable, with wonderful weather and wildlife.

My only trip overseas was in March to the Chamonix valley, Switzerland and Italy, snowshoeing. Heavy snow and avalanche risk curtailed one overnight stay at the Grand St. Bernard monastery. This was replaced by trekking to the Bonatti hut in Italy where the beer, wine and food were excellent.

We had many wonderful wildlife encounters involving newts, otters, pine martens, more newts, golden eagles and stags. An inquisitive pine marten was scratching at an open window when we were in Gairloch. It was getting dark and I must admit to a small scream. Apologies to the pine marten if you happen to be reading this. Looking down on a perched golden eagle on Husival Mor, Harris, at very close quarters, was also memorable.

The most bizarre encounter was whilst traversing the Pairc hills. We came across what looked like an ex-stag. His neck looked to be bent back and broken, with no sign of life. We were able to walk to within a few metres before he awoke from an apparent mid-afternoon staggy slumber. His ears flicked and the head was raised. What a chump he must have felt. Needless to say he did not stay long enough for Eric to enquire as to what list the deer may be ticking.

I am looking forward to visiting more islands, including the Barra islands, Coll and Tiree. Together with another attempt at St Kilda and SAFC to perform a miracle, 2014 should be another good year.