When did that happen?

That's the question I've been asking myself. When did I go from being relieved that a plan fell through to being disappointed?

To be disappointed I must've initially been looking forward. Without realising, I was looking forward to a a night on a hill in shite weather with a bunch of folk I've never met before. I was looking forward to a night of sub-zero temp's, in the middle of nowhere, shooting the breeze with others of a like-mind.

When I packed my kit, there was an air of excitement and anticipation, not trepidation. When those plans were scuppered, my reaction was nothing like it would've been last year. The gear's still laid out, ready for the off rather than packed away and doomed to months of seeing no action at all.

My attitude has changed. This is good. This is almost an epiphany, in fact.

Game's a bogie

"I'm undoubtedly tempting fate by making any plans at all, let alone sticking them up here for the world to see but sometimes you just have to."

How prophetic. For the second weekend in a row, bag packed and ready for the off, it all goes wrong at the last minute.

The first time, the fickle hand of fate cast the di and came up with two sixes. I threw "snake eyes".

This time, the fourth horseman, Pestilence turned up just in time. He apologised for his lateness but there's nothing like a last minute cancellation to make you look like a complete and utter fud.

Bastard.

Operation: Not The Yukon - Update

See previous.

Message ends.

Operation: Not The Yukon

Standby.

-------------------------------------------------
I'm undoubtedly tempting fate by making any plans at all, let alone sticking them up here for the world to see but sometimes you just have to.

As plans go, it's a simple one: head up to Glen Derry on 28/11/08, pitch a tent and kick back for the next wee while. I might go for a hill on the Saturday but I'll see how it goes.

Base camp will be near the bridge over the Derry Burn at approx NO 041936. I'll be there from about 4pm, barring fate, misfortune and the unpredictablity of the Scottish weather. ie if it's really sh*te, I'm no' goin'. Quitting is, very definitely, an option.

Folk should feel free to come along and say hello or keep walking with their head down if they don't like the look of me. The tent will be marked with a couple of glow sticks after dark. If it's a nice night, I should be easy to spot, I'll be the one wandering about, mug in hand, looking rather pleased with myself.

See yiz up there. Or not :o)

Double Bagged Part 2 - Muddying the waters

Just when I thought I had it sussed, ie down bag inside synthetic, an unrelated trip to the loft threw a spanner in the works. There, tucked away at the side of the gear pile, was a suspiciously fluffy-looking storage bag.

In the bag was a Snugpak Sleeper Lite, rated IIRC, to about -10C. I'd completely forgotten I had it. From memory, it is very warm but, like all synthetics, relatively bulky. I'll have a go it stuffing it into things over the next day or 2. I think I'll still go with the down/synth' combo' but this one might work out as an alternative to the Alpkit for The Boy.

Interesting.

Lest we forget

90-odd years ago, my biological Great Grandfather went off to a war from which he never returned. He left behind a pregnant sweetheart. Just over 30 years later, the son he never knew also answered the call to arms.

Thankfully, he survived.

Today, I'll stop whatever I'm doing and spend a few minutes offering up whatever the agnostic version of a prayer is, to them and the others they fought alongside and against, and to all the men and women who made, and continue to make, the ultimate sacrifice.

Thank you. Thank you all.

Access Denied

My apologies for my tardiness in replying to those folk who've taken the time to leave comments over the last couple of weeks. It's not that I'm being rude, it's that our new Overlords (Hello btw) have decided that we're not to be trusted with our internet access anymore. And there was me thinking that an IT professional with over 20 years experience was about the only person that you could trust with unrestricted net access.

 

This post was brought to you via Google Mail.

Single Skinner

I picked up a Golite Trig 1 via Ebay the other day. It's in pristine condition and cost very little. It was an impulse buy and I'm no' sure how, or even if, it'll work out. I like the idea of single skin tents but there's the thorny issue of our increasingly mild and damp winters up here. I'm hoping for cold & frosty for our impending trip to the 'gorms but I'm no' holding my breath.

I'll stick it up in the garden tomorrow and have a look see.

Also in the post was a Silva L4*. With The Boy using the Tikka last time out, I was left in the murk. So a spare was called for. Anyway, it's Camo' so what's a boy to do?

As I wrote that last paragraph, I remembered the E-Lite that lives in the "emergency" dry-bag. I think I may be going senile.

*Tip o' the hat to ptc* for bringing it to my attention.

Double-bagged

With a proposed overnighter in the offing, I've had a look in the armoury and there's a sleeping bag-shaped gap in the weapons rack. I'm covered for 3 season stuff but with The Boy getting the Alpkit AlpineDream 700, I'm left out in the cold, so to speak. I could throw money at the problem by heading over to PHD but then I'd have to decide what, or who, gets sold to raise the money.

I'm wondering if a combination of bags might be the answer? The first 2 that came to mind were the Rab Quantum and the Snugpak Merlin, both "summer" bags on their own but possibly capable of delivering a bit more when combined. Factor in clothing eg PHD Minimus and it could be a go-er.

They both fit loosely, one inside the other, so that's a good start. A bit of experimentation is called for but what's the worst that can happen? I get to be cold and uncomfortable for a night? Pah! Been there, done that.

We're talking low-level camp in the CGNP. Worst case, we bug out to Bob Scott's or back to the car.

It's no' The Yukon FFS.

Kevvy No-Mates

I was over having a look at TGO's new forum layout and jolly nice it is too. It's still a bit quiet but at least they seem to have booted the porn spammers into touch.

However, I was a wee bit disheartened when I had a look at my profile page; there, writ large was the legend "This User Has No Friends". It's even capitalised. Cheers. Thanks for pointing that out.

Heartless bastards.

A bit down

Man-made fibres are all well and good in this damp climate of ours, but if you want to stay really warm, then down (filled) is the way to go.

The PHD Minimus Vest came to the 'gorms with me back in May. I took it as backup insulation but I ended up sleeping in it and was warm all night.


When I went back a week later with The Boy, I left it behind (I thought it was overkill, the weather forecast being so good) and was the wrong side of comfortable in my Rab Quantum bag. I learned a lesson that night.

It also ties in with the whole lightweight ethos, and I'm paraphrasing here; stuff you carry should do more than one thing. Something like that anyway. And within reason.

Anyhoo, it's so light and packs up so small that it'd be daft not to carry it. So, from now on, I'm gonnae.

Warm Front

All this talk of snow, and our first frost, has had me rummaging in the wardrobe. Just the briefest of looks revealed a range of options for staying warm when the temperature drops and Jack Frost starts nipping at your lugs.

One of the first things I reach for at this time of year is a thin fleece. I practically live in Berghaus Yukons and one of them sometimes goes in the bag. A bit more technical, the Haglofs Triton Hood is a superb bit of kit and a firm favourite. I'd have 10 of these if I could but they've been dis-continued and you'll find hens teeth before you track one down.

One of the first synthetics I bought was the Berghaus Infinity Light and I've been using it for years. For something so light, it's surprisingly warm. The boxy cut means that it fits over over layers easily and the Pertex outer sheds snow and light rain like a bastard. There's no hood but I can live with that; I carry a Buff year-round.

Next up is the Montane Solo. Again discontinued (why, oh why???) and picked up in a clearance sale. Stupidly warm for the weight (think Poartec 300) and with just enough features to make it practically perfect. The Pertex roll-away hood is the cherry on the cake.

I've got 2 Haglofs Barrier Hoods. I used one all through last winter as an everyday outer layer and stayed warm, dry & comfy regardless of the weather. I can't fault it. At first glance, it looks a bit on the bulky side but it scrunches down into one of the pockets, nae bother. Lovely.

Being a Paramo fanboy, I sat up and took notice when they announced they were bringing out a couple of insulation pieces. Initial reports of weight and bulkiness issues meant that I hedged my bets and went for the Paramo Torres vest. I'm glad I did because it works very, very well indeed. Pack size is reasonable and the weight isn't that contentious. It doesn't give a monkey's how crap the weather is either. I like it a lot.

When the Montane Prism 2.0 came out, I nearly took Mr Fast&Light's hand off. Even the colour, a ferocious Alpine Red, couldnae stop me. I cannot wait to be sitting on a snowy summit, brew in hand, wrapped up in this puppy. It begs to be taken out on wintery adventures. And it shall my friends. Oh yes, it shall.

The Unbearable Kindness of Strangers

I picked up a Markill Peak Ignition Ti stove today from the Post Office. It belongs to Matt Swaine, Editor of Trail. It's his personal stove. I have a handwritten note to prove it. He's given it to me to keep. He's also sending me some other stuff. He didn't have to but he did.

Mad steam-punk ray-gun?

I think that's awfy kind. All he's asked in return is that I maybe send in a photie of it getting used.

I can do that.

I'm taking that piezo ignition off first tho'.

Silver Lining

One of the things I've meaning to do since me & The Boy's trip to the 'gorms was to put together a One Pot Kitchen for him. The stove he used was a wee bit too big to fit in the Alpkit MyTi Mug along with a gas canister, Buff and Spork.

Trail failed to deliver on their promise of a free Markill Hot Shot way back in April when I subscribed (more on that later) and I've been keeping a weather-eye open ever since. I was quite chuffed with myself when I bid on, and won, a Hot Shot that had been listed on Ebay. But that has come to nought, the seller coughing up nothing but excuses and lining herself up for my very first helping of negative feedback.

Last weekend, I found myself in Sterling Village, Tillicoutry (nr Stirling), accompanying The Future Mrs D on a mission of great importance. Luckily for me, there's a Mountain Warehouse there, formerly a Karrimor clearance outlet but now full of generic own-brand "stuff". Not the kind of place I'm known to frequent but I can usually kill 5 or 10 minutes mooching about inside. While wandering the aisles, a box caught my eye; a wee Coleman F1 stove. The price sticker looked wrong, way too cheap for what it was. I checked with the lassie on the till and it was indeed correct. "I'll take it", says I.

A result then. The F1 is lighter than the Markill by a long way. It's simple, cheap and folk seem to like it. I'm happy now :o)

Bulk Buyer

If something's worth buying, it's worth buying a lot of it. That's my philosophy.

At my current rate of consumption, this little lot should last me 'til at least 2010.

Easily Led

It's true, I am. I read things and ideas take root in my head. Money gets spent and small packages arrive. Usually I frown at whatever it is I've bought and think "Why did I get this, again?"

The latest offering is a case in point. I can only imagine that it seemed like a good idea at the time. I mean, the guylines on my Laserlite are a bit pish and the linelocks are indeed rubbish but really, I don't own a set of scales and I can't tie a bowline.

Aw hell. Now I'm thinking I really need a book on knots.

Somebody shoot me. Please.

Badge of Honour

It just dawned on me that I've been openly displaying my lightweight credentials, at work at least, for the last 3 years. Folk have asked me what it means and I've tried my best to explain. Very few people get it.

The sticker came from the label of my Golite Coal Parka. Why I then stuck it on my work laptop is anybody's guess. Either way, my memory has been jogged and I'm going back over the many adventures me & the Coal and have had. Winter's coming and I'm enthused.

Mental Bubblegum

It's been a hectic couple of weeks, what with changes at work, one bairn getting married and another going off to Uni', we've been driven to distraction. A walk would be good to clear the mind but, when time is short and the hour late, firing up an Xbox is the next best thing. (I'm talking as a non-drinker here btw).

A couple of the boys at work had been raving about Battlefield: Bad Company and so, when it finally hit the shelves, I picked up a copy.

They were right; it's a hoot. The multiplayer mode is a pure joy, if you like that kind of thing. We spent a few hours running around as a wee squad and had a brilliant time. The first of many missions together, I'm sure. Let's hear it for team bonding.

Me (centre) and the boys, playing to the camera

The King and I

10 years ago this month, I parked my car at the bottom of Dollar Glen and set off up into The Ochils. Fresh from shopping in Tiso's the day before, I was all shiny leather boots, baggy TNF pants and a "Wild Rover" ruckie, packed with fleeces, waterproofs, a big flask and assorted paraphenalia that the magazines told me were "Essentials that must be carried at all times" or somesuch. The day was hot and humid. So muggy, in fact, that even the midgies stayed home lest their hair go all curly and daft-looking. Needless to say, I didn't get far. My target of Kingseat may as well have been on the dark side of the moon. I flopped down, completely burst, on some wee bump.

The highest point of my first attempt

I could've thought "F**k this for a laugh" and gone home but, as the Lucozade Sport and flapjack worked their magic, I realised that I was actually having fun. Looking down on Dollar from way up on high, I actually remembered why I loved being in the hills. I dawndered back down to the car and that was it; I was hooked again.

I was out on the hills nearly every weekend after that and, 6 months later, returned to Kingseat. This time, I only stopped on the way up to admire the views. In just over an hour, blazing past all and sundry (including the man who did the "Walk of the week" for The Scotsman) I reached the shelter cairn and sat there for ages. The day was bright and clear, the temperature barely above freezing. Even the banter was good that day.

I left the top via a steep, and slightly reckless, direct descent down to The Burn of Sorrow. The glen was quiet, everything rimed with frost and not another soul in sight. A great walk out by any standard.

Back to the present and Wednesday saw me with a free day and a need to stretch my legs. Wanting to stay local, I headed along the A91 and swung a right at Dollar. 15 minutes later, I was walking up the road to Castle Campbell and, not long after that, I was heading up Kingseat.

Looking back towards Castle Campbell

It's no' a terribly big hill but it's broad as well as high which means there's a bit of walking across as well as up. It's also lumpy so there's 4 or 5 false summits to mess with the mind.

The saddle between Tarmangie and Whitewisp. Wind turbines just visible.

It's well worth the effort tho', the shelter cairn giving extensive views in every direction. It's a great place to linger.

Refuelling station.

I can see the hoose fae here. Well, nearly.

The lumpy, bumpy way up and down.

There was a wee bit of banter with a couple of auld boys, the only folk I saw, and then, 45 minutes later, I levered myself up and away. I actually found myself jogging back to the car, such was the spring in my step. Great stuff.

Somebody's been nibbling. Wisnae me. Honest.

The author.

Note: This is my 100th post and it's hill-related. Things must be improving :o)

After the rain

Some mornings, it's a pleasure to wake up and this is one of those mornings. The weather's been rubbish for weeks but it doesn't matter, eventually the sun will come back out.

If I lean back in my chair, I can see East Lomond. I've lost count of how many times I've been up there but it's a lot. It's nice to be able to stand out the back with a coffee in hand and look across to it.


Looking left I can see the top of West Lomond, just peering over the top of Bishop Hill.

The sun's shining and there's a fresh breeze coming in from the West. These things, among others, make me happy. It's good for the soul.