Sunday 29 June 2014

Ben Macdui: Excuses, excuses, excuses


I am disappointed.

You will remember that this weekend I was supposed to be climbing Scotland's second highest mountain, Ben Macdui.

Oh but the humans had so many excuses...

Hail and sleet predicted above 900m. Only 30% chance of cloud free summits.  The other two members of the party exhausted after a twenty plus mile hike across boggy wilderness the day before Gail and I arrived. Sore and arthritic toes. Wobbly knees. The list goes on.

So Ben Macdui lay hidden in the mists while I was taken on damp low level rambles through the ancient Scots pines of the Rothiemurchus Forest and to Loch an Eilein.








Which was all quite pleasant, I suppose, if lacking the thrill of a proper mountain expedition.

Before we left, Gail insisted on this photo in Aviemore, sort of as consolation for my wee Scottie pal Dui, since we did not get to photograph his actual mountain.

No, it's not good enough, is it?

Rest assured, I'll be back!

PS from Gail: As not uncommonly happens in Scotland, the clouds did finally clear from the hills just as it was time to head home. On this picture, taken from the car, Ben Macdui is the distant peak towards the left. 



19 comments:

  1. I am sorry f0or your disappoint dear Bertie but you will be scaling that mountain in the future I am sure

    retro rover

    ReplyDelete
  2. At least you tried....and YOU were up for it, even if the humans were a bit frail (at that moment). SHE went to our mountains yesterday....more like hills on the world scene and it was cold and blustery.

    We are THRILLED with the photos of Ben Macdui AND the Inn! We're just glad you got to have some compensatory hikes!

    You're our hero.

    XXXOOO Bella Roxy & Dui

    ReplyDelete
  3. Boy!! Bertie, If I was there we could have done it without all those peeps and their flimsy excuses!!

    wags
    Addi

    ReplyDelete
  4. You now have an excuse to try again another day. Maybe Mnt Dui will be your Everest!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Maybe you need to buy your peeps some joint supplements ;-) Just sayin'........

    ReplyDelete
  6. Crikey ..... there's ALWAYS another day. You will get there one day for Dui. It's always good to have something to look forward too. I'm sure Dui will be VERY happy with the photos. He has an INN?????????

    ReplyDelete
  7. It was still a pawsome trip and the photos are pawsome. Maybe next time :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. c
    An old saying for you to think of about climbing;
    There are old mountain climbers and bold mountain climbers, but there are NO Old, Bold Mountain Climbers.
    Good thought,eh Bertie?

    Stella, Jo and Zkhat

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well, it do look like a pretty good hike anyways.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh Bertie...it was a lovely walkie! You should just be happy you have so many opportunities around you.

    gus n teka

    ReplyDelete
  11. Don't be disappointed Bertie, to be "in" the Ben Macdui' s Inn counts too :o) I hope I can visit your beautiful country once, then we could try it again :o)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hari OM
    ...love that look of askance at Gail!!! But Bertie, if you have such as this as compensation, nobody out here in Blogville is going to complain. Be still - and smell that orchid. Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bertie...the humans can be so silly sometimes...but alas majority rules. There were lots of gorgeous views in your picture. BUTT sweet boy it was the thought that counted and you did try. I think Dui and Her will be quite pleased to see you and Gail at Ben MacDui Inn!!
    PS happy to see your magnificent tail was happy the entire trip
    Hugs madi your bfff

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bertie, that forest is beautiful, butt sorry you missed your big ascent!

    -Otto who got to go to the beach yesterday!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. They were born with excuses!!
    Lily & Edward

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dawling Bewtie
    Phhhhht, hooomans....I'm sowwy you didn't go this time on that hooge ascent, but honestly, to a woofie like me, who only gets to go "wamble" awound the city, yoow woodland walk and the loch look absolootely wondewful
    Smoochie kisses,Asta

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh Bertie just think the thrill of climbing Ben Macdui is still out there, the mountain will wait for your return. Now I like seeing the Loch, does that one have a mystical monster?
    Thanks for being a friend
    Sweet William The Scot

    ReplyDelete
  18. Wunderfur photos evfun if da folks was too frail to try to climb Ben Macdui... sigh, people... we's sometimes at da mercy of their shortcomings.... bol!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sorry you missed out on that, Bertie, but it looks like a great place to visit!

    ReplyDelete