Wednesday 10 August 2011

No riots here (and Michael is forgiven)



Well I know that those of you who aren't into hillwalking might be getting bored of yet more pictures of me bouncing and skipping around in the Scottish Highlands, but I want to show you that not all parts of the UK are as troubled as recent news reports may have led you to believe.

Plus, I want to boast a little.

On Tuesday this week, I bagged my second Munro! Lochnagar this time, a whopping 3789 ft above sea level.

There were seven of us on the expedition all told. Me, Gail, her friend Michael, his grandsons George and Albert, neighbour Neil and his flat-coated retriever Jake.

It is thanks to Neil that I was able to travel out to the start of the walk (a ninety minute drive) in a separate car from Michael...

At twelve whole miles, it was my longest walk to date, and also my highest climb.

Here we all are setting off. Lochnagar is the peak you can see faintly in the distance (top left).


And here we are, half way up. Can you spot me, leading the way? You may have to biggify the picture.


I wanted to rush right to the top, but every now and then Gail made me stop to pose in front of what she thought was a scenic view. As if I am not scenery enough!


For some reason everyone kept shouting at me: "BERTIE KEEP AWAY FROM THE CLIFFS!"



Do you like this picture of Gail and me at the summit?

Guess what? Michael took the photo (and some of the others in this post). Yes, it turns out he isn't so bad after all.

I will admit, that right at the very top there, I was a little scared, which is why Gail is giving me a cuddle. But I don't want anyone to go away with the impression that I was carried all the way up. That absolutely was not the case at all.

On this fine walk, Gail even remembered to bring me things to eat and chew. Although of course, her own sandwich box smelled so much more interesting than any of the stuff I was given.


Jake and I were not the only dogs to conquer Lochnagar that day. Meet, Fergus, a friendly Keeshond.


After lunch, we set off back down by a different route.


So pretty. The landscape I mean. Oh, and me too, if you insist.



Yes and didn't us youngsters all do brilliantly?

It was George and Albert's first ever Munro, so HUGE CONGRATS to them!

And finally, I would like to point out that, at the end of the walk, besides Loch Muick, there were swarms of midges that were definitely more irritating than me...


24 comments:

  1. Wow, that is a beautiful set of pictures - what a great day!

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  2. Wow! Bertie, we have to say we're a wee bit jealous of this fabulous hike you took. We LOVE that scenery. We need to get back to some mountains soon! That was quite a long hike, too. Thanks for sharing your pics.

    The Road Dogs

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  3. Beautiful scenery...and yes, you too Bertie. And...stay away from the cliffs....don't want you to fall over them!

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  4. Were Michael and his grandsons wearing long trousers because it was cold, or to discourage your licking?

    That's a great day in a gorgeous area. Sounds like everyone enjoyed the day....including the midges.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  5. Oh Bertie what fun you had! You are such a brave pup too! All the way to the top and on the cliffs too!

    Such pretty pics of the mountains and of you too Bertie!

    Thanks so much for sharin!

    woos, Tessa

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  6. Bertie you take the best hikes ever!!
    Benny & Lily

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  7. What a wonderful climb you all had!
    Say, Bertie, that photo of Gail holding you at the top, were you sleeping at that time? I only ask because I biggifyed it and your eyes were closed. Gail looks wonderful and happy!

    Kisses,
    Stella

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  8. How can you possibly be bored when you have all of that too look at!! Look like you had a great time...Can't wait for my weekend walk:)

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  9. OH MY... the BEAUTY. I have looked through the pictures 4 times. STUNNING.

    What a wonderful time you must have all had. SIGH
    THANK YOU SOOOO much for showing us your lovely country.

    I am very glad that there are no riots in Scotland butt terribly sorry that they are going on at all.

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  10. Geesh, my sweet buddy, you certainly do get around, don't you! I am so, so impressed. That looks quite a climb. Soon you will be summiting Kilamanjaro. Congratulations on summiting. You are a star, my sweet buddy.
    Stay safe,
    Lotsalicks
    TOBY IN SOUTH AFRICA

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  11. WOW Bertie,
    That was such a climb, but you did it!! yay!! Glad that you lead the pack and the picture of you and Gail was very cute. So much pretty scenery!!

    wags
    Jazzi and Addy

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  12. I gotta say Bertie, you were great. You hiked all that way and never once complained.

    And oh, what a beautiful waterfal you came to on the way down.

    Thank you so much for sharing the pictures, cause My Vickie has wanted to go to Scotland forever and she knows that this might be the closest she gets.....watching and reading your blog.

    Be Safe around those cliffs
    Bert

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  13. Scotland is so beautiful. I like photos of you hiking in the mountains. And my mom too. She is just crazy about Scotland.

    Mai the Westie

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  14. BowWowZer Bertie, that was a wonderful walk! Congrats on going the distance. We especially liked the photo with that waterfall.
    Smooches from pooches,
    BabyRD & HOotie

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  15. That was a fair distance you walked Bertie. We do hope your legs weren't shorter after all that walking.

    Molly, Taffy, Monty and Winnie

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  16. Fantastic photos Bertie - what a stunning walk. Good to see you leading the way. And good to see Gail too!

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  17. Hey Bertie!
    Wow, what amazing scenery! Love that waterfall. I bet your snacks tasted good after all that climbing work!
    Grr and Woof,
    Sarge, COP

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  18. Bertie - That was some hike . Did you go back in the same car ?

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  19. Hi Bertie,

    What a great climb and nice scenery, which was improved by having your cute face in the photos (your presence gives me an idea of the scale of things). I'll bet you slept well that night!

    Woofs,
    Riley

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  20. hey Bertie,

    Twelve whole miles?! Woofs, that is a long hike! I am furry impressed! And the wonderful picture of Gail and you at the Summit, neither of you even look tired! Fabulous job! And a big kudos to the young grandsons, too!

    The pictures are just pawsome! Especially the waterfall, and of course, the pictures of you (my fav being the fourth one down). You are such a beauty, Bertie!

    And a huge congratulations on conquering your second Munro! Only 280 to go!

    Suka

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  21. Oh Bertie, well done I'm pleased for yea, you had good weather to.
    Love the photo of you looking up at the water fall and of course the one at the top.
    Glad to see Victors warming to you, I see he had trousers on this time ;)
    Have a good weekend
    See Yea George who would be pooped just walking 6 miles!!!xxxx

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  22. Congrats on your second Munro Bertie! Beautiful place for a hike eh! :D Awesome waterfall! Glad you stayed away from the cliffs :)

    Waggin at ya,
    Roo

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  23. We use your hikes as encouragement for Moma to take us on similar ones. We've been despairingly limited to flatlands, and it's time for a good climb. Yours are so beautiful, at least we can dream about them. Sometimes we even imagine joining you, or you, us!

    Thanks for sharing. Midges and all.
    Jake and Fergi and Family

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  24. I'm exhausted just readin' this...good heavens Bertie...we woulda had to carry Mumsie up that hill...now, please stay away from the cliffs...

    Looks like you scored some prime snacks!

    Kisses,

    Lacie and her stoopid brothers!

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