Final Traverse for 2011? 1/2 October.
Mike’s report.
After September storms October dawned peaceful and dry just on time for George Gill and friends Steve & Ted. The Aquaxplore early bird landed us safely below Gars-bheinn which we reached comfortably in 2 hours
The East Ridge of Gars-bheinn; a stunning way to start
We the had entertaiment in the form of Skye MRT doing a helicopter exercise whilst being filmed for Highland Rescue for a couple of hours around Coire a’ Ghrunnda.
Rescue 137 lowers George & Jonah into Bealach a’ Garbh-choire
From Mhicchoinnich onward peace and quiet and warm sunshine gave perfect conditions, possibly even a bit warm on the superb steep scrambling up An Stac Direct to the foot of the Pinn.
Cool shadows from An Stac Direct
Mist descended around us between Banachdaich and Ghreadaidh but then opened up just in time for sunset as we arrived at the bivvy spot on Ghreadaidh.
Prince eat your heart out- we’ve got Purple Mist
Rarely have I had such a perfect combination of warmth, windless and stunning lightshow for such a long period. Admittedly whisky enhanced, the colours of the sunset and frequency of shooting stars made it an evening to remember.
Sunset over Loch Eynort
An inconsiderate shower at dawn enforced a lie-in but we were on the hoof again by 9am. Across the mainland more and more peaks appeared out above the clouds while the Western Isles were bathed in sunshine.
Mist shrouds An Caisteal while mainland peaks appear behind the Northern Cuillin
Dry rock ensured fast progress but needed us all to dig deep.
Ted romping up 2nd Top of Mhadaidh
Balancing along the roof-top of An Caisteal
4th team member and driver Phil timed it perfectly to meet us at Bealach na Lice. With the hotel in sight and only 2 peaks to go it was a shock to realise it would still be 5 hours before we’d be sharing a beer with him.
Tree surgeon Steve aiding up through The Mouth on Am Basteir
After the Tooth and Am Basteir we were relieved to dump our sacks before the final victorious rise to Gillean.
George celebrates while Ted soaks up the sun.
