Log 14 Nov 2009

PROJECTED WALK ON THE EASAINS 14 NOVEMBER 2009

Weather was forecast to be wet and windy and Koon for once didn't change the scheduled meet from the Saturday to the Sunday especially when Sunday was to be fair and mild with occasional sunshine!

Anyway, come Saturday morning, Koon turned up promptly at the car park just before 7 am in rain, soon to be met by Fraser.   They waited for 5 minutes for two members who had indicated that they would come along but no show... poor show guys!

Given the poor weather forecast, it was very quickly decided that it was not worth their while driving 6 to 7 hours and getting soaked and the possibility of descending in the dark giving the length of the walk. So a local walk was decided upon.  
They headed towards the most southerly Munro, BEN LOMOND.  
They were the first in the car park and had to wait in the car for 20 minutes for the rain to calm down somewhat.   They then decided to test their waterproofs! 
They ascended the steep and rocky Ptarmigan ridge and despite the amount of rain, the excellent path made the walk relatively easy and very enjoyable as they had expected a trudge through muddy paths.  
Some hands on walking was required nearer the summit especially with soft and slushy snow around.   (Remember that ice axes are recommended for attempting hills from now on!)

Descent was via the tourist route and the rain relented in the last half hour.
They both returned home by early afternoon having had an enjoyable mountaineering day on a classic Munro.

Report by Koon Morris