Tuesday, 30 September 2014

AMRT - 50th Anniversary Celebrations, Day at the Derry 26th / 27th September 2014

Last weekend I was off to Braemar, along with other former and current team members to take part in AMRT (Aberdeen Mountain Rescue Teams) 50th anniversary celebrations. After an excellent evening at The Bothy, Braemar, it was time for a visit back to the Derry, it was great to be back!
This was a great opportunity for current and former members to reminisce about the old times and there was plenty of stories, old and new to be told!
After the story telling it was off up the hill, choosing the old favourite circuit of Derry Cairngorm and Ben Macdui, with a visit to the rescue box just for good measure!
Although it stayed dry, it looked and felt very autumnal with the strong South Westerly winds. Whilst out on the hill, I started to think about my time in the team and would say that I was privileged and honoured to have been part of such a great organisation and I would like to take this opportunity to wish AMRT all the best for the next 50 years, great day out!
      
 Saturday Mornings Alarm clock, I forgot to set mine!

 Looking North towards Derry Cairngorm

 Below the summit of Derry Cairngorm

 Looking West towards Lochan Uaine

137 training on the summit of Beinn Mheadhoin (Ben Vane)

 Loch Etchachan, on the way up to Ben Macdui

 Sorting out equipment at the rescue box on Ben Macdui

 Chatting beside The Sappers Bothy

 Relaxing on the summit of Ben Macdui 1309m

 Looking North from Ben Macdui over the featureless plateau

 Looking South West towards Carn a' Mhaim, The Devils Point and Beinn Bhrotain

 Sron Riach


The bridge at the Derry or what's left of it! 

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Glen Feshie Hill - 25 August 2014

Last Monday I had a cracking day in Glen Feshie. With the heather in flower and great clarity the colours were just amazing. After a chilly start, it wasn't long before it was lovely and warm in the late Summer sunshine. 
From the off, this is a stunning walk following the River Feshie up the Glen before taking the track up beside Coire Garbhlach and onto the plateau to Mullach Clach a Blair.
Upon reaching the plateau and with excellent visibility, I headed over the Moine Mhor to Carn Ban Mor and N to Sgor Gaoith. Stunning day with outstanding weather.

 Heather in Bloom

 Looking towards Coire Garbhlach

 Coire Garbhlach

 The track leading up to the plateau, makes for great walking but is quite a prominent scar on the side of the hill

 Looking over the Moine Mhor towards Angels Peak (Sgor an Lochain Uaine) and Cairn Toul

Benign looking Cairngorm plateau today, a harsh and dangerous place in Winter

 Shelter on the plateau 

 Looking across to Braeriach with Loch Eanaich far below

 Happy man on the summit of Sgor Gaoith

 Looking West from Sgor Gaoith towards Einich Cairn were the River Dee begins its long journey towards Aberdeen

Snow patch at the head of Coire Fhearnagan