Sunday 7 August 2016

Failing to plan is planning to fail...


Some readers might remember that back in the middle of last winter, Gail and I set out for a Sunday walk up a hill named Pressendye, but because Gail is a wimp, or at the very least a bad planner, we ended up turning back before gaining the 2034 ft summit.

You know how humans tend to come out with a torrent of excuses when things go awry? Gail explained our failure on that occasion by variously citing freezing temperatures, snow deeper than anticipated on the high ground, bitter Arctic blasts of wind, lack of human company, not enough food and water, failing light, blah blah blah.

So on Friday, when Gail told me to get ready for a nice long walk, the goal once again being Pressendye, I insisted that she complete a risk mitigation plan, to be approved by myself, to ensure the success of the expedition.


I am delighted to report that this time there was no wimping out and everything went well. Here I am with Gail and then our friend Henry at the summit.




It was quite brave of Henry to wear shorts, but as he lives most of the year in Australia I guess he is accustomed to baring his legs.

Although Pressendye is not a huge hill even by Scottish standards, climbing it does give you a superb panorama of Aberdeenshire, from North Sea to Cairngorm mountains. The whole circular walk was over ten miles and in fact I enjoyed it every inch of the way!

17 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Well I never Bertie lad - you look pawsitively flushed with yourself for having reached the summit and, I'm guessing, gamboled in the heather. I commend you on the forward thinking regarding the plan of action. It is taking a while, but Gail seems to be responding well to your training! So good that Henry could visit with you again; though he may wish to reconsider the attire. The sight of bare legs in Alba can be a shock to the weak-kneed... Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Crikey Bertie .... How good was that. Careful planning pays off, aye? How pretty was that walk? I sure would like to do that with you one day. Sunset was 9.15 pm???? OMD ..... That's an awful long day you got over there. What time does it rise?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh and I forgot. 16 to 18 degrees Celsius?? You call that SUMMER??? Fair dinkum???? OMD! It was 21c here today and I had my coat on.

      Delete
  3. Bertie your Scottish vistas are always breathtaking. Geeez thank goodness you took charge of this trek obviously Gail could learn from you. Holy Moly those are a lot of feets to climb..I bet you took way more than the recommended 10,000 per day.
    Bravo and hugs madi your bfff

    ReplyDelete
  4. well done - they couldn't of done it without your planning

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations on getting to do your special walk. Gail is lucky to have you to organize her!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It looks like it would have been a fun hike! We are glad you made sure Gail was prepared this time. Lovely photo of the two of you!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy & Stanley

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bravo! Grreat job. Was that bagging a munro in advance of your event?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Bertie, you should check equipment and weather for EVERY walk. There should be no excuse for wimping out. We are assuming your paw has healed, so you could really enjoy yourself!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Well done, Bertie!! (And Gail and Henry.) Beautiful views (and I also like your new header photo). But I couldn't help noticing that cheese rolls did not appear on YOUR list of things to eat. What's with that?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Bertie - Is the last photo entitled 'Terrier with heather ?'

    ReplyDelete
  11. Good for you! Sometimes it is important that we take charge of the humans to get things right.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! Beautiful!

    Monty, Harlow and Ramble

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wow, it looks BEAUTIFUL! Well worth the preparation! (Did you get your pig's ear?)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Well done lad! No snow, no excuses...just a great trip to the top!!
    ♥♥
    Wyatt and Tegan

    ReplyDelete