Reflections TGO 24

This Challenge was important.

I needed to complete my 9th Challenge, I needed to successfully cross Scotland so I can try to get my 10th next year. It's just taken me too long, failed too many times and it's become a monster. This monster has eaten away at my confidence and my anxiety has grown and become almost unmanageable.

I needed a plan.

Friend and fellow Challenger Laura was also having confidence issues, although probably not so much the anxiety thing going on, but I decided we needed a plan together, to get us both to the east coast and restore confidence in ourselves.

The plan was simple, but I think quite clever. I had already plotted a route for myself from Oban to Kinnaber Links, the first day would see me walk a coffin route from Achnaba to Barcaldine. I'd chatted to Laura about this as I had a few queries about it and after a while, she asked if she could walk that first day with me. This was a great idea, but the second day would be tough, through Glen Creran to Glencoe, and quite long, probably too long for me let alone Laura, so I had a think and worked out a way to take out a day from towards the end of my route and squeeze it in to the beginning, giving us three days to get to Glencoe. The basic plan was for us to meet up each night for the first week or so, plotting our own routes in between. This would then give us choice most days, we could choose to walk separately or together. Camping together every night would give us the chance to discuss our day, whether we'd enjoyed it or not and offer each other support and encouragement to carry on. After the first week our routes diverged and we planned to go our own ways to the coast.

We were very organised and had our routes vetted quite early on, this gave me lots of time to look more closely at possible pitches in case my intended spots didn't work out, what shops were available where for resupply, book accommodation and transport and generally iron out all the finer details. I love the planning and always enjoy this part. But as the Challenge drew closer, I got more and more anxious. Had I bitten off more than I could chew? Had I set myself up for failure? We are both solo Challengers for a reason, it's what we enjoy and works best for us. We walk together as friends outwith the Challenge, could we tolerate each other for a week? Two weeks before the off and I was so anxious I could barely eat, I lost weight, it was ridiculous. The day before we were due to travel to Oban, we had a slight hiccup with arrangements, but David came to the rescue and Laura arrived with her gear to stay the night before Ciara took us to get the train to Oban in the morning...

In the end, we reached the east coast, together!

It wasn't easy, Laura showed real determination and tenacity to carry on with blisters from very early on, due to the heat and a combination of the wrong socks and possibly the Gore-Tex lining of her boots. We looked after each, made decisions together, gave each other space at times, but we ended up deciding to stay together to the bitter end and we did it! We had a brilliant Challenge.

Of course, the Challenge wasn't just about us, there was the gear I decided to take with me and how that all performed.

The Good

Last year I'd had blisters for the first time in over a decade which ended my Challenge prematurely. I still don't know why, as I had worn socks and boots that usually suit me and that I have crossed Scotland wearing before. I decided to try different socks, Injinji liner and hiker socks, but also stick with my favourite, tried and tested style, Bridgedale Hike Midweight Merino socks. I also carried a pair of Bridgedale liners, just in case the Injinji pair didn't suit.

I found the Injinji socks very comfortable and they worked brilliantly with both pairs of hiking socks.

I had a new pair of boots, Hoka Sky Kaha II, but when I started to wear them in the lead up to the Challenge, realised that they were a tad short and I could feel the end of my boots with my toes. I was a bit surprised, they were the same size as the previous pair, but obviously, they were no use for the Challenge, so I'd bought another pair a half size up and they were just dandy.

No blisters this year. No sore spots at all. In fact, I usually have slightly swollen feet by the end of the Challenge, just because walking every day for two weeks, 20-25km most days, is hard on the feet. Once my feet settle down the skin usually peels off, a very odd experience.

I didn't even have swollen feet this year! So no skin shedding either. Brilliant!

I was very aware I was going to have limited laundry opportunities, so I had reverted to carrying long sleeve merino tops, one to wear walking, a clean one to walk in when the first could walk by itself, and one to sleep in. Long sleeve because I don't like bare arms and they give protection from insects and the sun.

Worked perfectly, kept me comfortable at all times, walking and in bed, no pong, this will be my go to for future Challenges.

I also returned to taking my Tilley hat. It is my trademark hat and gives the best sun protection.

I have been cold on the last couple of Challenges. In 2022 I had forgotten the silver mat I put under my Synmat and thought that was why I was cold, but last year I had taken the mat and still felt the cold. I'd also omitted my thermal tights in a bid to shed a few grams from my pack weight, about 100g, to be precise. So this year, I had a rethink. Instead of my primino hoodie, obviously I had a merino LS top. I also swapped my primino zip top for my Montane Allez Micro Fleece. I decided to take my Montane Prism jacket and RAB Xenair gilet, despite them being a few grams more than just taking my Montane Fluxmatic jacket, because I felt the combination was more flexible. And I took my thermal tights.

This was also a good decision, being able to wear thin layers under the Prism jacket, tights under my 'social' leggings and have the gilet loose in my bag over my hips really helped keep me warm and comfortable this year.

Sorted.

I've started to carry a GoPro to video my adventures. I'm not very good at it, but quite enjoy doing it. The problem has been carrying it, along with my phone, my maps and my compass.

This year, my compass was in a hip pocket of my belt. Last year, I had taken my OMM Chest Pouch, but I found it very faffy and annoying with the way it attaches to the chest strap of my pack but the bottom attachments or elastics and hooks and I haven't found a way to attach them that isn't a pain, so this year, I took my Montane Gecko waist pack.

It worked an absolute treat, proved to be very useful when we were in civilisation as a handbag (we do like gear to have two uses) and I only nearly lost it once...

I also took mesh Tesco fruit and veg bags as a food come shopping bag. They are super lightweight, you can see the contents easily and they are stronger than say a plastic carrier bag.

The Bad

I did consider carrying my Osprey Exos pack to save weight, but on closer inspection one of the webbing shoulder straps is worn and damaged and I was worried it might fail during the crossing, so I took my Ariel AG 55L. I do like the way it carries and I have a routine for where everything is packed, nothing dangling on the outside, but yet again I had very sore hips, grazed and bleeding, especially my left one. As one is worse than the other, it's clearly not just the hip belt that is the problem. I have realised that not only do my knickers have a seam in an awkward place, there is a label on the left side.

So, I need to solve the hip belt issue and the seam/label issue. I may get my Exos fixed, so long as I can keep my base weight low, currently 7.209kg without pack or food, the Exos should be fine. Or I could carry my Ariel without the top pocket, which would reduce its weight by about 200g, but I would still get sore hips.

I need to source different knickers...

I have an Exped Hand Pump for my Synmat and air pillow. It's great, but it does have a drawback. It's fine when the weather is good and I can pump up my mat with it inside my tent and me standing just outside, pumping with my foot, I just look a bit of a plank. If the weather is pants, I have to lie in my tent, with the Synmat lying on top of me and pumping the pump on my head to inflate the mat. Laura could hear all this going on and found it hilarious. Me, not so much... But I have solved this issue! For my birthday I asked for a Flextail Zero Pump. Weight wise, it is only one gram lighter, but it takes up so little space. It will also be useful for pumping up our Exped mat in Ellie. Perfect.

The Ugly

I love my Tarptent Notch. Or at least, I did. I like having two porches, the space inside the inner suits me, it is quick and easy to pitch once I got the hang of it, but I do think the half mesh inner is colder than my Terra Nova Laser.

I also discovered a leak.

Or more precisely, five leaks.

There are four ties to tie back the outer doors. Loops on the outside and a hook on a loop on the inside. It would appear that, despite having paid for seam sealing when I bought the tent, the ends of the loops caught into the seams have not been, or not done properly, and after a couple of periods of rain the loops wet out and moisture then tracks along the loops inside the tent and drips off the hooks onto the inner. The moisture makes the inner damp and anything that touches it then gets wet, including my sleeping bag, if I'm not careful or don't notice in time. The centre seam also appeared to spring a leak and again, looked like it had not been sealed properly.

I need to have a look at these areas and see if I can seal them effectively myself, but I have lost a little confidence in the Notch now and I might just go back to using my Laser again, because I do love it.

So just a couple of projects to get sorted.

Icebreaker reviews

I have been asked by the Nature Shop to review two garments from Icebreaker.

Original specifications

Tech t lite petal £49 (Photograph pinched from the net)
Versatile Superfine can be worn solo in the heat and layered in cooler conditions. A lightweight system of fine layers designed to travel across seasons and continents, Superfine regulates temperature, is highly breathable, doesn’t hold odour and takes less energy to produce than cotton. 
Our lightest ultrafine merino t-shirt is soft and gentle against the skin. This Icebreaker favourite - now with a stunning floral design - has classic styling and keeps you cool, dry and comfortable, whether you're trekking through a tropical rainforest or running along a beach in midsummer.
New Zealand's tree daisy - featured on this cool new design - is a flower that naturally attracts.
Regular fit
Crewe neck
Set-in sleeves
Icebreaker Zephyr Hood £89 (Photograph pinched from the net)All season lifestyle sweaters, perfect for urban living and travel.


Keep out winter winds with the brand new Zephyr Hood. We're expecting the Zephyr to become one of Icebreaker's most popular styles, thanks to its cosy fabric, shaped hood, essential winter colours and beautiful, nature-inspired prints.
Shaped hood
Set-in sleeves
Forward side seam
Single running stitch graphic embroidery
Icebreaker pip label

Both of these garments arrived in excellent condition. Once removed from their packaging, they could be worn immediately with no worries about creases. There were no problems with the stitching nor any loose threads.

The tech t lite petal t-shirt is a relaxed, shaped fit, suitably styled for active or casual wear. It is soft against the skin and feels light to wear, barely noticeable. The fabric gives excellent temperature control in warm or cool conditions. I wore the t-shirt almost continually for a fortnight for trips to Tesco, gentle strolls,  brisk walks and general lounging around the house with no undue effect on the appearance of the garment or any unpleasant odour. I also happily layered this top with the Zephyr Hood. Weight 106g, weighed on my digital kitchen scales.

The Zephyr Hood is a shaped fit suitable for active or casual wear. Again, it is soft and comfortable to wear in warm and cool temperatures. I regularly layered the Hood with the tech t lite petal t-shirt during similar activities and never had a bundled or restricted feeling and remained at a comfortable temperature. The Hood kept its shape well and remained odour free. Weight 315g, weighed on my digital kitchen scales.

In the end, I washed both of these garments for the purposes of this review, rather than because they needed to be washed. They both washed well and dried quickly. It was my choice not to iron either garment and to wear them again straight away. The t-shirt was a little crumpled initially, but ‘ironed out’ once worn, but the Hood, being a slightly heavier fabric, was un-creased.

Tech t lite petal after first wash

Zephyr Hood after first wash

I received many compliments from friends about both of these garments, the styling and softness of the fabric were the main talking points. I have been delighted with both of these tops as they easily lived up to the my expectations of Icebreaker garments. If there was anything I might change (other than being more adventurous with colour, I must stop being so safe!) it would be the cuffs of the Zephyr Hood. Part of this is just personal preference, I’m not keen on a big cuff, but I actually think it would fit the styling of the top better if they matched the hem and hood of the top.

Cuff against hem

Cuff against hood

However, this is a minor issue and I still loved both of these tops and I know they will play an integral part in my wardrobe, both for everyday wear and as part of my walking gear. They are both already on my kit list for my next Challenge! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either of these garments as I think they are versatile and practical as well as excellent quality.

As to Nature Shop, using their site is easy, payment straightforward and delivery prompt. The items were packaged simply but effectively, there was no damage or unnecessary creasing to the garments. All round an excellent experience and thank you to Katarina for having given me this opportunity, it was actually great fun!

Something new to try from Icebreaker

I’ve been approached by the Nature Shop to do some reviews for them of Icebreaker garments. I’ve received two Icebreaker tops to take a look at, a Zephyr Hood in Blizzard and a Tech T Lite Petal in Pewter. They both arrived when I was on the Challenge and TTS brought them to Laggan for me to see before bringing them with him again to Braemar for me to take a closer look.

My first impressions are that they both arrived in good condition. When unwrapped, they both felt as I would expect, soft and cosy. I was able to put them both to good use, as the weather was a shade inclement and I felt cold, in need of something luxurious to make me feel better. I tried both independently before wearing them layered, along with my Icebreaker Infinity top. They were both smooth and easy to wear alone and when layered, I did not feel at all restricted or bundled, there was no bulkiness.

I have returned from my trip and I am now wearing both tops, alone and together as required, to test durability and odour resistance. They are both crease free and fresh in the morning and this is the third day of use, counting the one and a half in Braemar.

The trial continues and I will report further when they have been worn for longer and perhaps during exercise and after having being washed.

Final thoughts

My Challenge 2011 has been an extraordinary experience. There’s no one thing that could sum it all up.

The incredible kindness and support shown by complete strangers was astounding, new friendships born out of adversity. I learnt that I can push myself further than I’d ever imagined and I can probably push myself further still, I can achieve more. I met some lovely people, those that I knew ‘virtually’ and finally met in the flesh and those that were completely new to me. I also heard some interesting things about people, some about myself that took me by surprise. *

The weather was unusual and at times, extreme. I have witnessed extreme weather, I remember well being lashed by the tail end of a hurricane just a few years ago here in Scotland, but I didn’t venture out in it. The weather that particular Monday was quite extraordinary. By the time we reached Tarfside, I felt quite exhilarated by it, we survived our beating with style! And a little help from some kindly gentlemen that happened our way.

Certainly my choice of gear played a part in my experience and on the whole, I feel that what I chose suited me and performed well.

My tent, though basic and cheap, was solid and water tight. I know of others, far more expensive and well respected, that failed. The sleeping system worked for me. I love my Thermarest and Gayle’s Rab sleeping bag was just brilliant. Thanks again Gayle!

My various merino items were, as usual, the best thing since sliced bread. My beautiful, hand knitted flip flap mitts (Alan, they are beautiful) kept my hands mostly warm and functioning. Even on That Monday, my hands were still working despite being lumps of ice. I certainly didn’t have to resort to the handwarmers. My three Montane jackets, especially the Dynamo and Antifreeze, were brilliant. I may consider changing my Quattro for longer treks, but I think any waterproof jacket (except perhaps Paramo, which were highly praised) would have wetted out in those dire conditions and my baselayer did remain dry and warm regardless.

My boots got a good soaking, there’s no doubt and I did suffer a cracking blister on my right heel, but this is the heel with the dodgy lump on my Achilles, so I’ll reserve judgement.

I had little food left, a few hot drink and soup sachets, along with some trail mix and oatcake crumbs, so I’d managed my food well. I love my Jetboil Flash, there were a few people envious of that! It was easy and efficient .

What else is there to say? I’ve been asked so many times, during the Challenge and since, would I do it again? Initially, my response was '”Not on my own, I’d rather be with The Trusty Sidekick.” Having completed the Challenge in those exceptional conditions, I’ve come to realise that I could probably do it again, alone, so the answer now would be “Probably.” Maybe that application form will be finding it’s way into the post in a few months…

Thank you to anyone and everyone who helped and supported me with this, my Big Adventure, before and during the event. Your advice and encouragement has been invaluable and is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

*Apparently, there was a chap I never met, proclaiming that I was an ‘irritating first-timer, latching on to unsuspecting Challengers’. This amused me as it couldn’t have been further from the truth. I may be irritating and a first-timer, but I didn’t ‘latch on to’ a single soul. Two solo walkers elected to keep me company, on separate occasions, and look after me as they felt I needed it (I was pleased to have company to ford a tricky burn in spate), a lovely couple asked me if I’d like to walk with them a while as they enjoyed my company and Laura, well we walk together anyway, so as she had to change her route and went my way, it would have been churlish not to! I didn’t appreciate the misrepresentation, but those that got to know me (and therefore matter) know better, so that’s that! (Of course said chap could have been misquoted…)

Return to Aberlour

Last year, we did a lovely walk from Knockando to Aberlour and back via Monahoudie Moss. As I won’t be able to join the girls for a regular monthly walk anymore, I called together The Core Group (Angela, Jo, Judith, Sally and me) for a return to Aberlour to explain my new circumstances. We had a blast.

Tamdhu station

It was forecast for snow from about mid-afternoon onwards, so it was a little surprising when it started to snow as we left the car at about 9.45 am, but we walked on regardless.

  Snack stop

The route joins the Speyside Way which is a little disappointing in other places, but this bit is obviously well used and thus well maintained. When we got to Aberlour, three of us went to the wonderful delicatessen to purchase a few provisions whilst the remainder went to the pub, The Mash Tun. We found them drinking Pims, one summer one winter and another summer was duly ordered whilst the other two ordered Crabbie’s Green Ginger Wine and hot water. Yum. Judith also ordered cheese burger and chips to share as a snack between us.

The pub!

Before we fell asleep, we decided to leave and continue the rest of the walk, over the horrible, bouncy bridge and up the hill.

Nasty, wibbly, wobbly bridge

Madness!

Did I mention it was snowing? It started to snow much more at this point and we were more exposed for a while, but then we popped into the secret walled ‘garden’ we found last time to seek shelter whilst we consumed our purchased goodies. We were soon on our way again and would have enjoyed some lovely views had we not been walking through heavily falling snow at the time. We still had fun.

Secret Garden picnic

Having fun (Sally, Judith, Angela and Jo, she’d found weasel poo on her tree stump!)

There’s a view out there, somewhere

Sadly, part way back, I suddenly suffered a Reynauds attack, completely out of the blue. I was perfectly warm and I have no idea how it happened, maybe there was a sudden temperature drop, maybe a change in wind direction, but it happened and I was disappointed with myself for allowing it. I changed my jacket, (despite being quite snug in my two merino tops and Dynamo) to my Montane Anti-freeze and Judith lent me her down over-mitts. I felt rubbish for a while as we walked on, quite sick at times, but after a while I was feeling better again, what a relief. It always leaves me with sore hands for a time afterwards, so typing is difficult, but luckily David is happy to cook dinner and I’ll soldier on!

We got back to the car and then the adventure really started, as the roads home were a little interesting, to say the least. We had an absolute ball and I am so glad I have these wonderful girls as friends. They’ve changed my life and I shall miss my regular walks with them, but I’ll squeeze them in whenever I can.

13.5 miles, 1087 feet total ascent, but I don’t actually know total times or speed.

First short walk of the year

We didn’t manage to break out on New Years Day, but Sunday saw us beetling off to Glenmore for a short walk around Loch Morlich. I had planned a five and a half mile circuit of the loch, but in reality, those of us who don’t have any Kahtoola Microspikes were finding it very slow going, so the route was shortened to around four miles.

Magic

It was a grey day and quite chilly, around freezing all day with the odd lonely snowflake floating down, but there was now wind to speak of so it only felt cold if you stood around too long not doing much, (which the one of us with Microspikes did from time to time.)

I had expected the track to be compacted snow, as it was, because this is an extremely popular area to enjoy a little winter sports, cross country skiing and the like, or even just to enjoy the view whilst taking the dog for a stroll.

I stood on a small mound, just so I didn’t feel so short!

The frozen loch, looking west(ish)

We still managed to stop for a snack en route, a few sandwiches were consumed and some experimental trail mix was nibbled. Ciara wasn’t impressed with salty Smarties, but the boys, well, they eat anything, don’t they?!

   Why odd gaiters? No idea, he likes odd socks too

North(ish) towards my favourite corbett on the right, Meall a’ Bhuachaille

There were lots of people around and some were even brave/stupid enough to make their way across the loch. We stuck to the path.

We even had time to pop into the cafe at the end of the walk for a hot chocolate, but it was getting too dark by this time to enjoy watching the local bird or squirrel population and too early for the pine martin to put in an appearance, so we supped up and crossed the road back to the car.

A nice little stroll, making on average two miles an hour, obviously slowed by the conditions. I was glad of all my merino (MIMF) layers, I didn’t get too chilly whilst waiting for less well equipped members to catch up.

Total Falls

Aedan 1

Conall 2

Ciara 4 (bless her, just like her mother!)

Good stuff

In the previous post, I mentioned Webtogs and their excellent service, particularly free P & P.

This is always a bonus, and this website is one of the few that actually offers what they promise, free P & P. So often, I find I’ve placed items in my virtual basket, gone to checkout only to find that, because I have an IV postcode (included amongst a list of others), I am denied free P & P and would have to fork out as much as £15, or sometimes more! It’s ridiculous and obviously quite unnecessary, as this site proves. Not only that, but I ordered the items just before lunch on Tuesday and they arrived this morning. Fabulous service if you ask me!

And of course, new kit has to be worn. (Although, I did walk with ‘someone’ recently who had a new Paramo jacket, but hadn’t worn it “To keep it clean…”, or “For best!” as I put it.)

So I trotted upstairs, popped the leggings on underneath my Screepants (OTT? Naahh, bl***y freezing up here!) and then zipped up the gaiters and off I went.

Ok, the gaiters might have been overkill, but one just has to do these things.

I went to the marshes, thinking they might have been living up to their reputation. As luck would have it it was remarkably dry, so I kept the gaiters clean. And there weren’t any men with shooty-bang-sticks after the geese either, so that was a bonus.

Of course, I love my new leggings, (merino etc., etc.,) and the gaiters are at least comfortable with no condensation on the inside when I got home. They’ll have more of a test on Sunday on the Girly Walk, the path from Califer Hill to Sourbank is always a nightmare!

The debris

Retail therapy get out clause

This all started a while ago really. I’d been going through my kit to sort out what I wanted to take with me on the Challenge and to work out what, if anything, I needed or needed replacing. Actually, that could be a fib. I just like new kit. Anyway, I love  my layering system, it works for me, but whilst I’m very happy with my Smartwool base layer (merino is my friend) and bamboo tee-shirt, I wanted a long sleeve merino (as before) mid layer to replace the long sleeve bamboo. (I know, I want never gets…). I also tend to wear legging under my Paclites and the ones I currently use are an old pair of aerobic leggings that I’ve had since my early twenties. So, I’d surfed on and off for a while and picked the Icebreakers (and again…) that fitted the bill. I’d had to make a second choice of top because the one I really desired was unjustifiably expensive, but second choice would do the job. We’d also been discussing new gaiters. Our old ones (that’s not the royal ‘We’ by the way, David was included in this part) were Peter Storm and whilst they’ve done the job so far, we need something better now our walking has evolved into something more serious.

(And breathe.)

Imagine my utter delight when the first choice top was reduced by 40% and P & P free! I did debate for a while if I was maybe being a bit rash, a little hasty perhaps, but all of a sudden, there it was in my virtual basket, card details entered and they were winging their merry little way from NZ! Gosh, how did that happen.

I thought I might as well just go mad, and off I went to Webtogs to look for gaiters and the desired leggings. Rab Hispar gaiters were there, in our sizes and they had been very favourably reviewed in TGO Magazine. The Icebreaker Bodyfit 200 leggings (getting boring now.) were also there, with 10% off and free P & P!

The point, of course, was justifying said purchases.

Easy.

On arriving home for lunch on Tuesday, darling hubby is welcomed with a peck on the cheek and a cheery,

“Hello darling!”

Suspicion duly aroused, darling husband responds,

“What have you done?”

(Why does he always think a sign of loving affection means I’ve done something?)

“I’ve bought my Christmas present from you to save you the stress and it was a bargain too, so I’ve saved you money!”

“Oh, great! Saves me the bother!”

Sorted.

First and third

Yesterday, we decided to take three of our children up their first Munro (my third), the eldest having decided to stay at home, outdoors isn't her thing.

It was a beautiful day, clear blue skies, quite warm with a slight breeze. We'd chosen A' Chailleach, just north of Newtonmore. We left the car in the car park just before the bridge and set off on a lovely path past woodland and beside the Allt a Chaorainn. We easily found the small cairn marking the track down to the bridge.

 The rickety bride

Looking upstream, Allt a Chaorainn

Soon after the bridge, the ground became boggy and never really improved, the path was quite indistinct in places. The boys took the lead, as usual, but they travel light, unlike Ciara and myself who carry a little extra padding for comfort, (she's built just like her mother!) We eventually reached the bothy where we stopped for a lunch break before continuing up An Leitir and towards our goal.

Lunch at the bothy

We didn't mind too much that we were slightly off track, due to the disappearing path, we could see it wasn't going to give us any problems reaching the summit.

Woo hoo! (David managed to include himself in the picture, just to prove he was there too!)

 The views north

The views south. It looks a bit bleak and I suppose it would be on a rubbish day.

We knew we'd been off track slightly, so I practiced a bit of compass and map work to take us back down the true path to the bothy and it was no less boggy. It was quite a giggle as we bog-hopped our way off the hill and Ciara and I both took unplanned rests as we slid gracefully to sit in the bog.

Snap!

I managed to sink up to my left knee in a bit of unexpected bog, but I was just checking the effectiveness of my beloved merino kit. My Icebreaker knickers dried quickly after their ducking (so did my Marmot scree pants) and my merino mitts kept my hands cosy despite being damp (and mucky, yuk!) and my Foothills socks are just amazing. Despite a good bog soaking and the initial freezing cold, my foot was soon warm and snug again inside my boot and there was none of the usual rubbing you might expect from a wet sock. Fabulous.

There was wildlife too, but no photographs as I wasn't in charge of the camera. We saw plenty of raven, they are so playful and obviously having loads of fun as they fly to and from wherever. There were mountain hare, golden plover, red deer hind, red grouse and loads of red/orange harvestman type spiders, I've never seen so many on a hill! We could hear red deer stags roaring in the glens below us which was an extraordinary experience, second only to being with my children atop their first Munro.

Magical.

7.14 miles
3 hours 52 minutes moving
2 hours 22 minutes resting
1.8 average mph
2067 ft ascent

Making like a sheep

Whilst I was out for a quick three miler this morning, I got to thinking about Laura’s recent post about good and bad gear purchases. During my ponderings, I’ve come to the conclusion that I may be turning into a sheep, not just because I follow anyone (with a map), but my favourite items of clothing are mainly made of  merino.

I love my Smartwool Microweight crew. During last winter, it was my favourite base layer and I often layered it with my short and long sleeved bamboo tops. I like layering thin layers as I can make finer adjustments to my temperature and don’t feel bulked out. The Smartwool is a useful lightweight item to throw in my daysack if I want to carry a warm layer that takes up no space and doesn’t add much noticeable weight and it was really handy on our family camp this year when it turned chilly at night. The first year that didn’t find me huddled with my fleece blanky of an evening!

I’m also chuffed to bits with my merino socks from Foothill. They are an exceptionally high percentage merino and cheap to boot, only £7 a pair, including p&p which I thought fantastic. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what I was going to get for that price, but they are brilliant socks. They keep the temperature of my feet just right, I've never had sweaty or cold feet whilst wearing them. They are incredibly comfortable, and I’ve not had to use any zinc oxide tape on my heels since I bought them. They are brilliant.

I’ve knitted myself two pairs of merino wool flip-flap gloves.

This is the grey pair. I need to learn how to darn so that I can mend the thumb which has stuck to the Velcro of my Montane jacket a few two many times. I’ve also knitted a multi-coloured pair. They are excellent at their job, they keep my Reynaud's ridden hands cosy, but I can ventilate or liberate my fingers for fiddly jobs. Like eating. I can happily wear them in rain, even when it’s cold. They keep my hands warm despite being wet, although I do wring them out occasionally  because the dripping can irritate after a while.

Now I have a new item to add to the woolly list. Pants. Pant of the underwear variety as opposed to trouser pants.

I’ve been looking for comfy underwear for a while and did receive a recommendation for X-Bionic underwear. I’ve looked at these before and been intrigued, but couldn’t decide. After the recommendation, I looked again, but came to the conclusion that I really do prefer a natural product, so continued my search. Now, I’m the proud owner of two pairs of Icebreaker hotpants.  I’ve trialled them and I love them! They are incredibly comfy, they don’t migrate to far flung places that are impossible to reach when wearing a back pack, my main pant issue, (TMI?). They keep me warm and cool at all the right times and are easy to care for, just throw them in the washing machine, detergent but no softener and Bob’s your uncle. Fabulous!

So, as I was saying. Just call me Shaun.

Baaa!

According to the forecast

Yesterday, we were forecast blazing sunshine and subzero temperatures, with possible light snow showers from 3 am this morning.

Culbin Forest peeping out on the left, Ben Wyvis with snow and seals on the spit of land inbetween

Came to say ‘hello’

Along Findhorn from the harbour

Ice along the beach

So, it started snowing around 3 pm yesterday afternoon, paused during the evening and appears to have started again with some determination during the night. Hey ho, at least we had a stroll on a frozen beach yesterday and I’ve enough food and wine in to avoid a trip to Tesco with all the mad trolley people.

I did have a stroll last Tuesday, my regular weekly walk during term time  with Angela or Louise or both, if I’m lucky! Usually about 6 miles long around our local area, but last Tuesday, it had been snowing. I had taken my little daypack instead of my bigger daypack and that was a mistake. Gaitors proved to be a good idea and I paused to put mine on just before we set off, but the timing was poor. After successfully fitting one, my fingers were too numb to put on the other, so Angela stepped into the breach whilst I put Merino *flappy mitts and ski mitts on and Ailsa whined (six month old beagle pup, quite a cutey if a tad untrained…)

Off we set and my fingers became less numb and then more and more painful. After about, ooo, I don’t know, half a bloomin’ mile, it became obvious I was going to have to stop before I fell down, my body had gone into shock with the pain. Stupid and pathetic, I hate it! So, there’s me, crouched down by the side of a busy road, feeling a complete plank. Luckily, Angela has some idea what it’s like, she also suffers from Raynaud’s but she doesn’t go into shock, clever girl. She was very encouraging and practical and incredibly sympathetic.

We decided to head back to Louise’s, which took a while with stops, so that I could recover and then try again, after a cup of tea and a biscuit. We were able to have a quick walk before lunch which was through a lovely winter wonderland. If I’d had my bigger day pack, my hand warmers were languishing in the bottom. Pah!

What a plank.

*I have a pair of fingerless gloves with a flap to make them into mitts that I’ve knitted in Merino wool. I’m going to knit some more because they are incredibly useful and I’m wearing them out!

Snow

We have a few inches of snow now and I was all poised for some fun in the snow wearing a cosy combo of bamboo, merino, Montane and Peter Storm, but my sensible head told me to speak to to Angela first, as they live in them there hills.

Unfortunately, as anticipated, they have much more snow than the coast dwellers down here so, unless I wanted to walk alone, the dawdle is postponed.

And I've got all those Puddini Truffles to put myself on the outside of. They've as much chance of getting through Christmas as a turkey, (courtesy Kirsty, again).

Shame.

Perhaps we won't pop down to Glenmore tomorrow either, conditions might further hamper our already restricted time. Pants.

Or, worse still, the schools might be shut. Quelle horreur! That would be a huge cat amongst the pigeons, I've presents to wrap.

Ho ho indeed.

Soggy skip skippers

Monthly girly walk yesterday and I became the designated driver for six girlies to walk the Six Harbours walk, a coastal walk along the cliffs and beaches from Portsoy to Buckie. Except we did it back to front because we’re awkward.

I was to drop the main group of walkers at Buckie, drive Jo to Portsoy to her in-laws, who’d kindly agreed to allow us to leave a car at their house and drive us back to  the caravan site at Findochty, (pronounced Finechty!?!) to meet up with the walkers.

Sounded like a plan. I’d always been a little concerned that we were going to be a little short of daylight hours at this time of year for this 14 mile yomp, but was assured we’d be fine. Alarm bells started to tinkle when we arrived in Buckie and Angela and Jo ducked into the sports shop for waterproof trousers whilst Alison went off to find a map…

Jo and I eventually arrived at the campsite and walked back about quarter of a mile towards Buckie to meet up. There were varying opinions as to the weather forecast, some thought windy, dry but cold, others windy, cold, showery, heavy at times and possibly wintry. As it turned out, it wasn’t windy or cold. Started out showery though and by lunch, becoming increasingly heavy and persistent.

By the time we reached Cullen, after about 7.5 miles, it was time for lunch and we needed shelter. We hoped for an overhanging roof,  a bus stop, phone box and were getting pretty desperate when we happened upon a recycling centre behind some disused buildings. There were a couple of open ended skips, one for paper, one cardboard. We chose paper and I immediately whipped off my lined trousers and popped on my leggings and waterproofs. I wasn’t feeling cold, but thought I would eventually now the rain was just varying in intensity rather than stopping at all.

We had obviously stumbled across a regular haunt for the local yooves, as a couple of skaterboys came round the corner and were obviously quite put out that half a dozen bag ladies had taken up residence. Thank goodness I’d got my trousers on in time!

After a good break, we continued. There was not much excitement for most of the walk, except for Angela sliding gracefully to the ground on a number of occasions. I was becoming a little concerned by the amount of water accumulating on the path. It seemed to be joining up with the burn running alongside. At Crathie Point we realised we were going to run out of daylight and rather than continue on an unlit, slippery, boggy cliff edge, we decided to head inland from Sandend and bypass the last headland by road, preferably the B road in the hope it would be quieter. Trouble was, getting to it.

I was bringing up the rear of the walking party and when I caught up with them a decision had been made to backtrack slightly to cross the burn as it emptied onto the beach. It was in spate with all the rain run off, so we had to paddle, the water slopping over the top of my boots. Cold water. We carried on and needed to cross the burn a little further up as it had looped around in our path. This time, there was to be no paddling, it was way too deep and fast. The only option was to return to where the path had disappeared.

We paddled back across the burn and up the path. I was bringing up the rear again and watched with just a hint of panic as they began to clamber along the bank of the burn below a fence. One slip and I would have been in the burn. So Angela and I went to the top where the path disappeared, climbed the barbed wire fence, (why is it always barbed wire?)  and snagged my waterproofs. However, we were aware of the curious bullocks fifty yards to our right as we moved briskly along the fence thirty yards to our left towards a gate. We made the gate and climbed it with the curious bullocks a shade closer than they had been, but not too close.

I wish I’d been in on the decision making in the first place, then we wouldn’t have had wet feet…

We soon met the road, but it was the main road with no apparent path, getting dark, raining heavily and some very big puddles. We crossed and as we walked down the track to investigate a disused rail line (in hope) a small white van approached us. Jo leapt in front and and when it stopped, asked if there was access.

“No.”

“Oh. Are you going to Portsoy?”

“Yes.”

“Louise, would you be able to get back to my in-laws and collect your car?”

“Er, with directions.”

And I found myself being driven away by a complete stranger in the direction of Portsoy!

I found the in-laws and got my car, then realised I hadn’t noted any landmarks, I managed to find my friends by guesswork, huddled in a bus shelter.

We covered 11.5 miles with 1637 feet of ascent in 6 hours including breaks in miserable weather, but we had an absolute ball! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, to laugh so much one day a month is a huge tonic. The others were wet and getting cold in the end, but the combination of my bamboo tops and merino wool socks, mitts and hat kept me cosy despite my waterproof jacket letting in copious amounts of water. I love my magic socks, no cold feet or blisters for my, no matter how wet. My Achilles was ok, although the ankle around the inside bone a little sore at times. My left knee was giving me grief and driving home was agony, but painkillers and a bath made a huge difference and this morning I felt pretty good.

Next month, I’m hoping for something drier.

Another Angela special

I have a weekly walk with Angela and we are often joined by Lyn, Alison, Alfie the retriever and Judith. We have two regular routes, one of about 5 miles, the other just over 6.5 miles, which I suppose could be thought of as being a little dull, but the walks are really pretty and we are chatting whilst walking briskly, so it's just a pleasant, weekly trundle.

Of late, Angela has been taking us on little adventures. These tend to be longer, very pretty and at a very brisk pace because Angela has to be at work at 11.30am. It sometimes involves a little nettle bashing, (thoroughly tick checked today, I can tell you!) we did 7.5 miles today, but today we had an added delight. Osprey!

We came by a ruined church that Angela, Lyn and I visited during the winter, (less undergrowth, two barbed wire fences.) I hadn't realised today's route would take us by the same ruin, so whilst they explored the inside, I gazed at the sky.

I heard alarm calls. They were not buzzard like, mournful and plaintive. Could it really be? No, surely not, but yes! A pair of osprey! I felt so bad, we'd obviously stumbled too close for comfort for them and whilst the girls were oohhing and ahhhing, I was urging them to move on. It was only for a minute or two and we stumbled off again through the undergrowth, skirting the barbed wire this time, but the undergrowth was over everything. We made it back to the main path (we were following a path marked on the map which is obviously not often used...) which is metalled and sped away. We eventually came to a clearing where we could look back towards the osprey eyrie. One of the birds was perched high in a neighbouring tree, once again looking happy and relaxed.

Now that was a good walk.

PS. The Brashers with the merino socks and zinc oxide tape performed well again, I'm gaining confidence!

Party!

That might actually be a minor overstatement.

On checking my planned route against the dates for next years Challenge, should I get onto it, it would appear that I will be celebrating my birthday around North Water Bridge somewhere! I should imagine the hip flask will be drained be the end of the evening. Hopefully. Might have to forego the cake and candles... (Getting a little ahead of myself here perhaps.)

Went for another 'stroll' yesterday. It actually turned out to be a brisk romp through the Altyre Estate, 8 and a half miles in 2 hours and 25 minutes. I let Angela talk while I concentrated on breathing. However, I had the Brashers on with my new merino wool socks and a strip of zinc oxide tape on either heel and was delighted that after giving my feet such a hard time, not a blister was there in sight! Now I've found a solution I can get on with the job of wearing them in, excellent news.

Back to the maps and planning a couple of overnighters next month, love a good map.

Just a little hill

It was only a stroll up Ben Rinnes, but I thought it might count. If nothing else, it proved how incredibly unfit I am, hence it having been extremely sensible to give myself sooooo long to plan for The Challenge. (Wasn't really planning I needed...)
So, 5 miles, 1,691ft ascent, 3.5 hours in total including stops and prolonged pauses.
Not much in the way of kit, lined trousers, waterproof trousers and gaiters were probably a little overkill, but I was definately warm and dry. Not to mention thermal long-sleeved top, vest, fleece, buff and waterproof jacket. Merino mits with waterproof mits on top were essential.
Cloud base was a little lower than I'd have liked and boy was it breezy on the top! There was a resonable amount of snow in places, which slowed us down a bit.
The worst bit was being dim enough to take my gloves off at the top to consume the obligatory cheese sarnie. Why dim? I know refuelling is important, but I should have known better. Raynauds can attack at the most inconvenient times and this was one, a particularly nasty one at that. For one who should know better, particularly dim. At it's worst, the pain can cause real distress and reduce me to tears, if not the point of collapse, quite ridiculous and embarrassing and completely excruciating. I had visions of being helicoptered off a small hill with pain in my fingers! I had the urge to get off that hill so strong I virtually ran down. Was glad the view was obscured or I'd have felt hard done by.

Er, did I mention the headache? Woke in the early hours of Friday morning with an horrendous headache. After suffering a while, got up so as to not disturb David, but that was a bad move. Went from pain making me feel nauseous to being physically sick. Horrid. Managed to doze propped on the settee, then went to get a shower when David got up. No good, nearly fell out of the bath! Curled up on the bed and sent an S.O.S. for painkillers. That helped after a while, but I did have to take more a few hours later. This is significant to the walking, because after trial and error I have made a link to my Lowe Alpine daysac. It offers little waist support and no chest strap, so I suspect the weight is hanging in such a way off my shoulders that it is upsetting my neck. It doesn't feel uncomfortable or heavy as I carry it, but it's obviously causing problems. I hadn't allowed for replacing everyday kit at this point, just getting new stuff for next year. Pants.

I should apologise if this is TMI for any readers I may have out there, but it's as much to remind me when I read this at a later date what problems I've encountered or anything that has been really good.
I guess there was a hint of snow to warn us.I clambered up to the trig, then retreated to rocks for shelter and took a photograph of David instead. Before the sandwich and Raynauds set in.