We started walking . . .

From Auchallater . . .

and after an hour and 40 minutes we came to a bothy

Enlarge this to see the sheep and the bright red chimney

After a picnic we ambled around enjoying the views

And then took the narrow path southwards up onto the Munro

Then onward and upward

. . . on and up . . . stopping for sustenance and attention to feet on the way . . .

The summit of Carn an t-Sagairt Mor

It was warm, sunny, with blue skies and it felt magnificent.

We could see for miles and the clouds moved fast, obscuring and then revealing treasures like the cairn atop Lochnagar and the ski lifts at Glenshee

And the views on the way down . . .

Seemed all the more special . . .

and the walk back to the car took for ever.

We'd left it at 10am and returned to it at 6pm

Calm Still Waters

Evening in the Woods

- Click on this to enlarge and see the bambi

Resting on the path to Derry Cairngorm

Happy Birthday

It was cold, the rain came diagonally, the men played anyway

and we laughed at how mad it might seem

to stand and watch. We did it in memory of

Cameron Ross who died about 20 years ago, never to be forgotten.

It was a memorable birthday

and good fun.

And the Cammies Team won!

Saturday 16th June 2007

Finishing the Coast-to-Coast Walk

On the last day of Rod's team's 'Challenge' I went to meet them, passing through Stonehaven Harbour and walking up the cliff path toward Dunnottar Castle.

They'd already been down to touch the water, and now we walked back toward the harbour for a few pints of beer and a good meal . . .

Stonehaven

Every day, the sea brings something different. Maybe just fresh air, perhaps a simple shiny stone, always a new mode of thought.

A Story in Pictures

A sunny afternoon and a mission. Heavy rucksack on my back, carrying a replacement waterproof coat for one of the challengers, and more, I set out to meet them somewhere between the road and . . . that peak up there.

I walked . . .

and walked . . .

and walked . . .

further and further . . . wondering what I'd do if I didn't meet them or see them in the distance on the hill . . .

And suddenly from within the wood came a figure - the right figure - and before I'd got my finger on the camera he'd found a seat and was inviting me to sit down.
Then the next team member turned up . . . and soon all four were together enjoying the goodies from my rucksack (fresh fruit, cream cake, hot tea).

We watched the lambs at play and basked in the evening sunshine. . .

Then soon it was time for the challengers to seek a suitable camp site and settle for the night.


And I made my way home, the sun behind me, the colours and shadows ever more dramatic.

Before getting out of sight I looked back . . .

and they'd put up the two tents already. (They are in the centre of the picture: click on it to magnify it, they are so far away the quality is lost. Luckily, I am not.)

Meeting the Challengers

Walking from the West coast of Scotland to the East coast, there are a few hundred who converge in Braemar, a popular midway point. They are mad, fit, bound with a special camaraderie. They make the most of the luxury of a Bed & Breakfast stop because mostly they are camping in the wilds and eating reconstituted foods.

It's a chance to get cleaned up, dried out, rested . . . and well fed.

The view from the restaurant brought a surprise.

Cheers!