Log 3 Oct 2009

SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER 2009 (ACTUAL)

Once again (why is this becoming a frequent occurrence?) a weather forecast of westerly gales gusting to 80 mph or more with patchy rain, falling as snow on higher ground deterred our members.  

The plan to cycle in from the A9 near Dalnacardoch Lodge and take in An Dun  and Creag an Loch had been approved by the estate stalker.   On meeting at 7.00 a.m. Noelle, Derek McG and Fraser decided on a walk which did not involve driving up the A9 with cycles on racks, and which would provide shelter for much of the walk.   Ben A'an seemed to fit the bill, with reasonable views, mainly dry conditions, and every indication of what the wind would have been like on anything more serious.   The very early finish made the culling of rowan berries on the way down a pleasant diversion.   As no pubs were open on the way home, we stopped for delicious soup in the pleasant surroundings of The Wishing Well near Killearn.   There has to be a first time for everything.   We reckoned that we had used the conditions pretty well.

The forecast for the Sunday was much calmer, and Laurence and Sean set off for BEINN ACHALADAIR and BEINN CHREACHAIN.   From Achaladair Farm at 8.45, they reached the first summit at 11.45 enjoying sunshine so far.
Between that and Chreachain, they had hail and snow for about an hour, then sunshine for the rest of the day.   
Descent involved crossing the river to meet the track on the other side.   Before reaching the car they had a brief Sheneval  practice in recrossing the river.  Car reached at 4.30.  Two new Munros for Sean, one for Laurence.   Laurence reported that on the Saturday his neighbour was blown over on the West Highland Way between Kingshouse and Kinlochleven, and required full winter gear.
Malcolm reported that on the Sunday he had gone up the A9 with his brother to Dunkeld area, done some rock climbing and had basked in sunshine.

Despite mockery from our member in Australia, be assured that we do not have blank week ends in Fraserland.

Composite report put together by Fraser Gold.