Evelyne Droege
Andy Lawson
Joe Glennie
Fiona Duncan
Alan Duncan
Graeme Morrison
Dan Moysey
Bob Macdonald
Brent Craig
Dave Maclean
Dave ‘one night’ Galloway
Ray Harron
Dave Whitelock
Graeme Henderson
Imke Henderson
Jake Lee

At least some of the above made the soggy trip to Corpach last March, but after a recent purge of all unnecessary paperwork, which seems to have included my passport and a near priceless collection of 1980’s Woolworth receipts,  I seem to have little record of events.

I fear dear reader, you may have noticed a pattern emerging in recent weekend reports – or sad lack of them, but I find events are often the better seen through the faint fog of imperfect memory. The weekend reports appear as an oasis of arcane befuddlement in this world of instant information and sensory overload. Utter mince of course, but its my excuse and as good as any.

Corpach, is well-placed for all manner of adventuring and the Snowgoose Mountain centre provided an adequate base. The Hendersons even managed to acquire the bridal suite, but unfortunately for them ‘cuckoo’ Glennie sniffed a cosy billet and all romance was snuffed out.

On Friday, ‘Wednesday’ ventured up the Grahams; Meall Onfhaidh and Aodann Chleireig.

On a Saturday of rain and increasing wind Brent went down to Glenfinnan and climbed Sgurr Ghiubsachain and Sgurr Croabh a ‘Charoainn. Occasional views hinted at what a great day it would be with clear weather. The hills, despite their craggy aspect were also frustratingly free from any sustained scrambling fun.

Ray, and the Dave’s; Whitelock and ‘One Day’, did the same hills and were similarly buffeted and rained on.

The MMC being an eclectic bunch, there was the usual alternative activity. Graeme, Imke, Dan and Joe going mountain biking on the Nevis Range trails. Fortunately, they spared us the details, or else we would be have had to look interested by the descriptions of technical descents, sprocket selections and the range of travel achieved by their forks – it’s a different world.

Evelyne, Alan, Dave, Jake and a brace of Fiona’s went a short way up the Mallaig road and tackled some mighty mountain, the precise name and location of which escapes me. Weather held out fairly well, with the fiercest gusts confined to the summit. After an ‘annus horribilis’ it was good to see Evelyne out on the hills in good form and hopefully she will be able to make regular trips from the Capital to join us.

Andy, Graeme, Alan and Penny The Wonder Dog ascended a couple of Grahams; Meall nan Damh and Glas Bheinn. On the steep ascent of Meall nan Damh, Andy and Alan ascended on Impulse power as Graeme and PTWD made the jump to Warp speed.

On the Sunday, as is often the case, folk have to return homeward and so their deeds are kept secret from the rest of us. The mountain bikers though, could not resist the lure of the Ben and went to see how winter was clinging to Number 3 Gully. The weather held and it was a successful trip.

PTWG was dragged up Gulvain in about 20 minutes by Graeme. I did the same hill on my own as those two were generally specks in the distance. Sad to recall that PTWD was once a fine figure of a Great Dane, whittled down to her present stature by constant wear.

A mercifully brief report as, having slept since the weekend, I cannot remember much of it. However, as is often the case with short days in the hills, there is often a nasty sting in the tail. And here is a truly awful poem by Joe Glennie to sum it all up.

In Glenfinnan
The sun is winning
But the wind is rising
And the air is chilling

Out I stotter
See three train spotters
As a train comes rumbling
O’er the Harry Potter

On with boots of leather
And up the steepening heather
With one eye focussed
On the brooding weather

Up and up
And I’m at the top
And I want a drink
With a fragrant hop

The rain’s lashing down
And I have a frown
I cannae be arsed
So I’m heading down

Back at the bothy
My socks are like toffee
The kettle’s on
But I’m nae wanting coffee

Do not fear
Dinna shed a tear
I’ve got my bottle
And it’s full of beer.