And so it was with great anticipation that I would be doing my 100th Munro with the Shazster otherwise known as the leading lady opposite Clark Gable. We travelled the long winding road down to the end of Glen Lochay and immediately donned the waterproofs as it was both cold and wet. Deep joy. Rather than walk along the land rover track, we ascended up to the 2nd track, at 350m and walked along the 5 km route to the bottom of our 'intended' target, Beinn Heasgarnich. The going was good, the chat convivial and we couldn't believe how easy things were. We only had 600m to climb before topping out on the peak before heading along the ridge. What could go wrong? The climb was steep and the weather was clear, which afforded us fine views to another peak, Creag Mhor; another target for another day. No point in doing an 'easy' peak like that for yer 100th. At about 1300, we topped out and were welcomed by the sight of our 'intended' target cairn in the distance (photo) but at the same time, we were almost blown off our feet as the wind was incredible. I tried to go on and see how things went as Shaz hunkered down and hugged a boulder (heart of stone?) but it became quite clear that I would become airborne if I persisted. There was nothing for it, we had to concede defeat after climbing most of the way up. The last time I had encountered wind like this was after Emma and I had dined in the Delhi Dhabba. We trudged down the hill, tails firmly between legs and our lunches were eaten disconsolately, especially as Shaz won the lunch du jour competition. Some cheese and pickle concoction. Once back at the car, we consoled ourselves with the fact it was a good day but once Shaz pulled the champagne out of the bag and said "Have this for another day", I really did feel like saying "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." However, a lovely rainbow appeared and once the post-hill beer flooded into my veins, it prompted new hope that my 100th would be attained in due course. It's not about the numbers though, it's about the experience, camarederie and I enjoyed the day anyway. Cheers Shaz.
