Despite Jake being thousands of miles away defending his Albanian Ferret Pickling title his ruthless organisation shone through and The Lochinver Mission turned out to be more than just a bus shelter on the A9. Once upon a time “lights on” was the traditional early morning call to action stations (ignored at your peril). However, over the years standards have slipped and so a new weapon was required to overcome morning lassitude. The Lochinver Mission has it…fried breakfast all part of the service.
With full bellies, members set off in all directions. Simon Jacyna went up Canisp. Jim Bryce went up Ben Stack. Ray Harron, Jenny Graham, Katie Griffiths and Sheena Forsyth went up the fine Quinag and had great views, including a Golden Eagle. Graeme Morrison, Shona Morrison and Penny TWD had a pleasant walk from Achnahaird Bay to Altandhu and back via Meall an Fheadain.
Looking across Loch Stack to Ben Stack (Photo by Jim Bryce)
Fiona Cunninghame, Fiona Duncan and Alan Duncan went to the Pie Shop…the end! …Well not quite; there is documentary evidence that they made it to the summit of Suilven. Anyone wishing to check should locate the Dartford Dangerous Sports Club’s log book in its secret location under a rock near the summit. Slightly less believable was their claim that they were back before dark.
Imke Henderson, Graeme Henderson, Bob MacDonald, Joe Glennie and Daniel Moysey set off with ambitious plans to kayak round the Stoer Peninsula…but then Graeme saw the waves and said “%$^& that I’m going to the pub”, so we said “okay we’ll paddle round some wee islands like wimps”. Then we started paddling out and Graeme said “%$^& this I’m going to the pub”, so we decided to go somewhere a wee bitty sheltered. Then we landed and had a wee wander over westwards and Graeme said “%$^& that I’m no going there”, so we paddled back a bit and landed at a lovely beach, but, alas, there were no bikini-clad beauties or cocktails bars. Then we headed out across the bay into an enjoyable Atlantic swell and Graeme said “$%^& this, I’m going to the pub”. So we headed back and walked to the Point of Stoer. Graeme never got to the pub.
Photo by Joe Glennie
Photo by Joe Glennie
Photo by Joe Glennie
Last, but by no means least, Corinne Ferguson went to work…its a hard life but someone’s got to do it.
The adventures on Sunday are a little less well documented, but at least one group ascended Quinag and another went up Ben More Assynt via some caves.
Photo by Dan Moysey
Photo by Dan Moysey
The Northwest Highlands never fail to disappoint. Even better when enjoyed from the luxury of the Lochinver Mission.
Dan Moysey