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| 22nd August 2008 - Inbhirfaolain, Glen Etive The torrential, nay biblical, rains of the previous weeks hadn't dented the spirits of the hardcore elite of the club, who headed up to Glen Etive despite the mixed forecast. Well, actually, the few who weren't on holiday went up. The weekend was dominated more than most by the weather forecast. For Saturday, it was due to rain in the afternoon. So folks were up and away early (that's before 10.30) to get stuff done in the dry as far as possible. Keith, Andrea, Jamie & Erin headed up to the Lost Valley. After being tortured by the worst piper in the world at the car park, they were treated to various bank holiday tourists falling in the river. Jamie made it all the way up there on his own, a good effort. Calum, Fiona & Heather went down to Loch Etive for a boating / fishing expedition. The fishing wasn't really successful, apparently the fish were so small they were going through the holes in Heather's net. I think that's excuse 243 in the big book of fisherman's tall stories ... Lorna & Tara headed off down the West Highland Way towards Victoria Bridge. Lisa & Ken went up a bone dry, and surprisingly quiet Curved Ridge, with the traditional ascent of Crowberry Tower to complete the route. As ever, a brilliant day out. They were back in the hut by 3.30, with no sign of the forecast rain. Robert & Mike headed off to Aonach Dubh to try Quiver Rib. Unfortunately, the approach was sodden & slimy and they turned back. What is it with the approaches to the easy routes on the 3 Sisters ? Something should be done about it. Determined not to waste the day, they descended, went round to Polldubh, and climbed Pine Wall and Three Pines. In the sun. They arrived back in the hut around 7pm, also with no rain. The rain eventually arrived at 9.43pm, that's 9 hr 43 mins after Geoff Monks predicted. Not the most accurate forecast ever. Sunday was forecast for showers, and I suppose that's actually what we got at the hut. The rain was on for a bit, leading folks to think of the Ice Factor. Then off for a bit, leading folks to think about hills. Eventually, it got to 1pm and a decision had to be made. Right on cue, it rained, so the Ice Factor it was. A pleasant afternoon was had blundering about on the routes. At one point, Erin disappeared up a ramp in the soft play area. Keith ran over to her. Most parents would take a 15 month old down and put her on the flat. But not Keith. He explained to her that it was more of a mantel shelf move she should be doing, she should get her feet up higher, and left her to it. Another climber in the making ! All to soon however, it was time to go home. See everyone at Jane & Dan's 115th birthday !
Mike climbing Pine Wall, at Polldubh
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