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Peter takes a wee walk

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Peter:
(Reposted from myspace)

So, I'm back.  On Friday, I set off via coach for Fort William, arriving there in the evening, and spent the night in a pub, talking to a couple of English guys about crampons and provisions.  After that, I found a spot between some birch trees that was out of the wind (but not the rain) and bivvied for the night.

I woke up about three hours later when the rain started, and after trying to sleep in various uncomfortable positions, I decided that it was light enough to set off up Ben Nevis, so I packed and off I went.

As I was making the western ascent, it absolutely shat it down the entire way, and I got soaked despite having gortex everything.  I found out later that I need a spray to replenish the water repellency of my jacket, since it wears off eventually, and I think there's something wrong with my boots, which should have stayed completely dry barring a little sweat, but instead squelched with every step, so I'll be taking them back (still got the reciept thankfully).

Anyway, I made it up there in the end and crawled into an emergency shelter, where I got into my sleeping bag to warm up, since by that point I was edging into hypothermia with my wet gear, the gale-force wind and the 8C air temp up there (16C at sealevel).  Unfortunately, my sleeping bag was damp too, and couldn't insulate me very well, so it only did so much for me.

Despite that, I got something to eat and set off again, trying to make my way eastwards to follow the route I'd planned.  Unfortunately, visability was down to 20 metres, and I spent a couple of hours climbing up and down cliffs, trying to find a route to the next mountain, which was pretty scary at times, since one slip could have sent me down a 100 metre drop, and I was clinging to wet rocks at various points, trying to find handholds while dislodging scree and watching it plunge over the edge.  Eventually I gave up, and decided that, in light of my wet gear, it wouldn't be such a great idea to spend another night sleeping outside, especially not above 1000 metres.

The descent was a lot better than the ascent; it didn't rain at all, and the cloud layer was a bit higher, so I got some nice views for photography that I'd missed on my way up, and at one point I got whistled at by a very cute girl as I stripped off to my vest as I got down into the warmer, thicker air.

Fort William seems to be a haven for hot people; everyone looked so healthy, and there weren't any diseased-looking neds hanging about that I saw.  On the bus back too, there was a really beautiful German girl, who was being affectionate with her boyfriend.  It made me wish I had someone like that to go travelling with.

Since I've been back, I've been eating a lot and thinking about my equipment situation.  I think a tent would be a good idea; I'll probably go for a 2-person, 4-season tent, since I can bear the extra weight, it would be nice to take someone with me sometime, it would give me extra space when I'm on my own, and I'd like to do some stuff this winter, thus the 4-season rating.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip.  Although it was unpleasant at times, it definately had it's points, and it was a learning experience.

<Pics of me>

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/91010059.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/91010060.jpg

<Bus trip through Glen Coe>

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000009.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000015.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000016.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000018.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000019.jpg

<Ben Nevis>

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010046.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010063.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010085.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010088.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010094.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010095.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010097.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010100.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010116.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010119.jpg

McGiver:
i like the cud of your jib, boy.

purposefulinsanity:
Yeah, it sounds like getting a tent would be a great idea- at least then you won't have to cut your trip short because of the weather.

And I love the scenery pics- takes me back to the camping holidays we had in that area when I was a child.

hiroshima:
Peter, I really enjoyed those pictures.  For someone who doesn't get out a lot (me), they are a treat.  Thanks for sharing them.

This one was my favorite:

McGiver:
Hey pete i have a question.

America hasn't really been the site of very many battles.  but according to what i know of history, europe has always  fought in wars.

how much bloodshed was spilled on the pathe of the wee walk you took?

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