Sunday, 5 January 2014

What we've been up to this year

I'm a wee bit lazy when it comes to updating this blog; the text below came from Joe, our meet secretaries report delivered at the recent AGM.


December
Christmas Bothy Trip
Stag Bothy was a good choice for this annual safari. Met by Santa's helpers who had decorated the place and had a good fire going for us...thanks Fiona and Gordon. Company, food and drinks first class. A grand time was had by all.

New Yer 2012-13
Carrbridge
Annual visit to Carrbridge to bring in the bells.
Plenty of snow saw some skiing, walking and climbing. Good to see young Lukas and his family enjoy the hut.

January
Clashgour Hut
Very small and basic hut. Friday very wild, even the window was blown in and we had to make emergency repairs. Saturday's weather much better. Alan, Kevin, Ian and Gordon took to the big hills and Chris and JC kept to the lower levels. We all had a good time but a wee bit of bother on Saturday night when a crowd of ruffians tried to gain entry to the hut, but were quickly seen off by Chris and Kevin. Chris fell madly in love with a young Buddhist follower but she didn't fall for his charms as she naturally preferred the older gentleman in the group!!

February
The Burns Supper at the Ochils MC Hut at Crianlarich
Another excellent meet; we had a very good turnout and all managed a day out on the Saturday. The supper itself was the highlight of the weekend. First class facilities at the hut and we will return again at the end of January. Top marks to all our speakers.

March 
Raeburn Hut
A good trip although the weather was pretty rough at times. 11 members attended and we enjoyed a low level walk up to the Lochan at Creag Meagaidh. Very windy and snow fairly deep in places. Visibility was poor at times but the KMC battled bravely on. Good food and drink and an early bed made it an enjoyable weekend. Ian showed impressive winter skills and made himself a neat little snowhole.

April
Arran Trip
A nice day out of Goat Fell, some snow to wade through. Walked up Glen Rosa on to the ridge to the top. The weather was fine and sunny, superb views! I was knackered and couldn't even manage my beer. However, being the good friend that he is, Mr. Harvey came to the rescue and finished it for me.

April
Dinnet
Seven members attended this meet. Loads of snow around, so some ski-ing at Glenshee; a valiant attempt at Broad Cairn and a walk around Loch Muick. Much socializing on the Saturday night! Thanks to Vivienne and John for their hospitality and, hopefully, we’ll be invited back again…………subtle hint

April
Holy Isle....
Fiona arranged this great day out, good turnout, the weather was kind to us. A really enjoyable day for everyone. A truly magical place! Well done Fiona!

May
Coll
This was a great few days, even the major fiasco with the ferry being delayed for hours wasn't too bad....the bar was a great help with this.
The hostel in Oban was first class as was the bunkhouse on Coll.
Coll itself was lovely with great views and fine weather.
With great cycling, walking and excellent company, this could make this trip the highlight of the year.
A special mention to Ian Magill who took some stunning photos, with one of them being published in the Glasgow Herald. 

Midsummer's Night's Dream Walk on the Merrick.
Not a bad turnout, the weather most of the way up was OK but sadly deteriorated near the top. We still had a good time, great banter helped by the refreshments! Sadly the moon did not put in an appearance!
On the Sunday the sun came out for us on the way down so we had a nice wee cooling dip in the burn. Gordon being the bravest stripped down (slightly) and went in for a dook! Good fun!

June  
Arran Barbeque weekend Corrie
A great trip, only Gordon and Alan went up high, some cycled and some went shopping with much drinking of coffee and scoffing of cream cakes.
The others went round the Cock of Arran, a good walk of about four and a half hours. We were greeted at Lochranza by the local pipe band. The BBQ in the evening was a great success. Plenty of drink good food and a lot of laughs, the weather even played ball with us.
Many thanks to all for making this a memorable weekend especially Allan the White Van Man for taking all our gear in his passion wagon. Cheers Allan!!

July
 Polmood Bothy
 What a great trip this was! The bothy was first class as was the company. Our walk up Hart Fell was a bit hard going for me but we all had a good day. The weather was kind to us, great views. There are plenty of good walks in this area so don't be put off just because it’s the Borders.
Gordon was cheered home wearing the yellow jersey in the Tour de Biggar!!

August  
The Ochils Mountaineering Club Open Day
Jackie and I had a lovely day at the opening of the extension of the Ochils MC Hut. We were made very welcome and they were extremely grateful that we had made the effort to attend. The sun came out for the cutting of the ribbon and coffee wine and cakes were in abundance.

August
Cycle Trip to Gigha
The annual cycle meet was its usual fantastic success. The Campbeltown bunkhouse was a great base for the first night. A wind assisted cycle on the Saturday morning made for a fast trip to Tayinloan for the ferry over. Every inch of the island was explored either on foot or on bike – the hill, the beaches, Achamore Gardens, wind turbines, the new shop………. Accommodation was superb – thanks to Gordon for organising. Only downside was the rising crime rate on the island!

September
Naismith Hut Elphin
6 members attended this meet, weather not great but accommodation was fine. Some big hills were tackled as was a walk from Lochinver to Elphin, all had an enjoyable time. It was great that Pat had been able to attend. As usual the weather improved on the way back home! 

October  
Steall Hut
Only four members managed this trip with a very hairy crossing over the bridge in the dark! Ian had a big day out, Jackie and Colin went part of the way and Allan headed for Aonach Beag. Some great photos of a fantastic place! Everyone was a little subdued because of the loss of Stewart.

November
Carrbridge Dinner meet
Again a good meet with members enjoying a variety of walks from the Spey valley to the Cairngorms.
Next year some will need to match ambition and ability better.

Where 2go next year?

  • General discussion on meets for 2014; suggestions for the dinner meet:
    1. Carrbridge,
    2. Spittal of Glenshee,
    3. Glenelg,
    4. Callendar);
  • Other meets:
    1. Jura for 2015 island trip; a memorial paddling trip for Stewart.
    2. Day trips
      1. Chris Lee agreed to arrange one for January,
      2. James Dalgleish will arrange one in February.
      3. A cycle trip along the Forth and Clyde Canal was also mooted.
      4. Various suggestions for a Midsummer’s day trip – the Merrick, Beinn An and Ben Ledi ?.

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