Ben Udlaidh

02/05/2005

As forecast, we have a bright, wintery start to the day, and we are promised more over two days. It is Saturday, one of our favourite days, dating from the first few years with dearest Dotty when it was her day off, and I only worked for half the day. It was our day for fun, and we still feel frivolous every Saturday. I join John, Steven and Andrew to tackle Ben Udlaidh in misty conditions. We reach this summit in two hours and examine the obsolete radio mast there, and discuss ways of removing it. It is cold and we move off the snowy top in worsening weather. Despite the BBC forecast, we descend towards Alt Ghamhnain in a snowstorm, turning to heavy rain as we struggle and slip towards the B8074 just North of Glenorchy Farm. The Baronial knees have definitely seen better days; fortunately, a radio message brings Erica and a Land Rover to collect the sore and wet pile of bones! A bowl of hot soup and a hot bath follow. I wonder if Dotty will be frivolous enough to perform her delightful Japanese dancing massage to restore me. Perhaps I could instruct Old Mhairi in this ancient ritual, but my intentions might be misconstrued. Certainly, I am allowed a glass or two of the Ardbeg in front of the Great Fire for medicinal reasons. Lovely to get such a workout, even with such painful results! Yours Aye, Archie, The Baron Trollaigh.