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7th July 2006 - Lagangarbh, Glen Coe This was a very well attended meet, so apologies in advance for any mistakes, just let me know if you're fussed & I'll change it. (Apart from Liz & Neil, who complain too much anyway.) Friday night was whiled away amid beery tales of club members past & present. As usual though, it degenerated into tales of Elsan's, and other hardships. Sitting in the luxury that is modern day Lagangarbh, it's hard to believe that some huts didn't even have showers in the past. How did people manage ? These old-timers were tough you know. Although it must be said that the outside of the hut could do with a lick of paint ... Saturday morning was as drizzly as expected. Any ideas of climbing were washed away, soggy hill-walking was the order of the day. Chris, Matt, Andy, Monica & Lars scrambled up the ridge from Ballachulish primary school to Sgorr Dhearg, the first Munro on Beinn a'Bheither. Kath & Isla passed the day much more drily. Neil wanted a big walk, and Beinn Fhada, Stob Coire Screamhach, Bidean and Stob Coire nam Beith were duly climbed, from the hut. Andrea & Liz went up Sgor na h'Ulaidh, with Keith & Jamie also making a valiant attempt. The Hailey sisters walked up Criese & Meall A'Bhuiridh. Pete & Christine had a nice stroll up the Lost Valley. Dave & Ken went for the mountain bike option, a hard push up the Devil's Staircase, an awesome descent into Kinlochleven, and an unending return to the hut via Glencoe village. Quite a few folk left on Saturday evening, due to previous engagements. To be replaced by Dave Mitchell & Fiona Mack. Dave had found a promising weather forecast on the internet. If you look hard enough there's always one somewhere ! Unfortunately the weather wasn't playing ball. It changed from drizzly on Saturday to drizzly & windy on Sunday. Dave had confidence though & headed off with Matt to do the Aonach Eagach. A huge amount of indecision amongst the remaining members was only stopped when our President suggested the hills to the east of the Aonach Eagach. A good option on a day like this. So off they went. Apart from Lars, who had gone over his ankle the day before, and Monica, who always sleeps in. The weather was grim up high though, and Ken, Liz & Verity soon turned back. The others got soaked to the skin trudging back up the road. Everyone headed off early-ish to watch the World Cup Final. What about Zidane, eh ? What was he thinking ?
The rainy bunch on Stob Mhic Mhartuin News has just arrived of the demise of one of Scottish mountaineering's most popular expeditions. West Coast Outdoor Leisure on Fort William High Street has been demolished after a fire. This reduces the full traverse of the Fort William gear shops, to a mere stroll between Ellis Brigham & Nevisport. Any old rambler could manage that. Serious mountaineers will now have to seek adventure in the shop with all the knives or <shudder> Edinburgh Woolen Mill. A sad day.
The former western end of the traverse
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