The Last Post

It's been a quick year. Highlight was getting married to my beautiful Mrs, closely followed by the birth of our beautiful grandson.

Very little outdoor stuff happened. Quietest year in the last decade, in fact. Two or three bits of kit bought and a whole lot more sold on. I've little or no interest in such things right now but that may well change in the coming year. We'll see.

But this year is nearly done and there's a new one waiting just over the horizon.

I've no idea what it'll bring but I hope it's a happy one, not just for me and mine but also for you and yours.

So wherever you are, have a safe, and prosperous, 2011.

No more excuses

Well, they weren't really excuses, more like stuff that I knew was coming and would have to dedicate time to. In all honesty, I'm the King of Procrastination, I don't actually need an excuse. And the motivation to get out on the hills wasn't really there although I did at least get some outdoorsy stuff done, just nothing worth writing home about.

So we had the wedding and, as stated previously, we couldn't have asked for a better day. Just marvellous.

Next, was the detrioration of the sight in my left eye. The visit to the opticians in April had led to only one conclusion; no prescription on Earth was going to fix it and surgery was required. Now, Eye and Surgery are two words that should never be uttered in the same sentence but it had to be done. I had no choice. Well, I did; I could go around half-blind.

In truth, it was making me miserable. Driving was a chore and work was just plain frustrating. And I'll blame it for me not wanting to get up a hill more often. You don't realise just how much you rely on your sight until you start to lose it. So, 3 days after my birthday, I went under the knife. Or micro-scalpel or whatever the hell they use. I was awake but couldn't see anything other than a very bright light. I did see the syringe that delivered the local anasthetic beforehand though. And that's every bit as rubbish as it sounds, btw.

It's made a huge difference tho'. I can actually function without glasses for the first time in years. And by function I mean I can get about without walking into anything. I still need spec's for the usual stuff but I wouldn't be completely fucked without them.

Now that I can actually see the hills again, I want to get back out on them as soon as.

The last thing that was stopping me getting away anywhere was the anticipated arrival of our first grandchild. I couldn't very well go gallavanting off when I might be called on at any moment for emergency dog-sitting duties.

But he turned up yesterday, all 8lbs 12oz of him. John Connor William McLean. If that's not the coolest name for a boy then I don't know what is.

Action Hero

I'll try to resist putting on an Austrian accent when I speak to him but I make no promises :o)

So aye, early September should see me back outside. I owe The Boy a walk and it's long overdue.

And may your days be good and long upon the Earth

I'd be lying if I said there were no pre-wedding jitters because there were. Not about the getting married bit, more the social side. See, I don't do crowds and I'm not known as a party animal. Then there was the whole stand up and make a speech routine. So aye, a degree of trepidation was felt.

But when my wife pointed out our mystery guest, I knew all would be well. There, providing overwatch from the high ground of the "cutting sponge"*, was Master Chief.


Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most and can turn a great day into a perfect one.

Magic o)

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies,
But there is one life before you.

Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

*Cutting Sponge - for lightweights that don't actually like fruit cake. I know. Fuckin' weirdos.

Possession is 9 Tenths....

Maybe I've been watching too much Supernatural but I'm starting to think that my car's been taken over by a demon. I feel like every time I decide I'm going to head for the hills, she acts up. It can be anything from a worrying squeak to a flat out refusal to start. This time she's, as I put it, "Vibrating like a motherfucker".

I may have to start referring to her as Christine rather than The Warthog.

Yesterday was moot anyhow; we had the wedding photographer comin' round mid-afternoon so the scope of any activity would've been somewhat limited.

No biggie. It was a case of "Assume the position." and be awesome for a couple of hours.

Mine's the Creme Egg one.

Plans are still being formulated in the meantime. Exploring Scottish Hill Tracks has come off the bookshelf and pages marked. And funds have been raised for the Vaude Power Lizard* via the sale of both the Laserlite and the Big Agnes SL1. Public transport options are also being taken into account :o)

* Shite name for a tent but it won't stop me having one.

Apologies for absence

Well, it's been a while. A whole 2 months since I last posted, even longer since I posted anything related to the outdoors.

Starting the year with a car in the garage, for the third year in a row, didn't help. Nothing like having no transport and a big bill to put the mockers on the fun times.

And then we had a death. Nobody that'll be missed to any great extent but it did start me thinking about shit that'd been boxed away for nigh on 4 decades. Still, I got to visit my mother in her own home for the first time in 20 years and have a nosey around the auld home toon. Nice to see the sea and fishing boats and stuff. Felt a bit weird but I'm sure it'll get easier as time goes on.

There's been some good stuff too; the Future Mrs D and I have set a date and will be wed in May. I can't really use this an excuse for not getting out as my beloved is doing all the organising. I just have to turn up, say a few words, dance a bit and that's it :o)

Later in the year, round about August-time, we'll become grandparents for the first time. I know what you're thinking; "But Kev, you're so young. How can this be?". Well, it's our eldest, 27 and married that is with child. Certainly bucking the trend for round here, where 30 year old grandmothers are not uncommon but there you go.

I think the biggest problem I have right now is work. I can't say anything here because they visit from time to time. Hello btw. But aye, come Friday, I'm so fucked off that I really can't be arsed doing anything very much.

All is not lost however; the Future Mrs D has offered to "chum" me up some hills. Wee ones at first and then some bigger stuff. And The Boy has suggested a 2, 3 or 4 nighter somewhere. A trek of sorts. I'm thinking maybe a bit of the West Highland Way. Or Blair Atholl to Aviemore. Or maybe head east from Spean Bridge.

Here, look at me making plans. Things are looking up :o)