I had recently acquired an iPhone with technology designed to enhance my life - so seductive. Not only did it have an iPod built in but it had memory map so I could see where I was on the hill. As a total technophobe, this was all new to me. I had taken the Thursday off work (always a nice day) and after leaving the fog of Central Scotland, I emerged into a beautiful world in Glen Spean. This wee walk looked very promising and I felt nice and relaxed as I made good height. Beinn a Chaorainn lay ahead - the route was obvious, hugging the rocks rather than going up the uniform coire face. A good two hours in and I was at the South summit, looking over towards outstanding views of Creag Meagaidh and the massive cornices of my own hill. I was careful not to stray too near though something did draw me near. As I walked on, I just felt a sense of tranquility settle over me. There was nobody else on the hill, it was mine for the day. I headed down towards the bealach and found the cairn to sit beside for a moment. At this point, I played Davyan Cowboy and Smokes Quantity from Boards of Canada, while the wind blew. It was a lovely moment. I then began the ascent on to Beinn Teallach - while lower in stature than its neighbour, I enjoyed the amble up towards the summit. Then, a funny thing happened. As I walked towards the summit cairn, a crow flew down and nestled on it, eyeing me with interest. I said "hello bird" and it crawed back at me. I then took a photo of it just as it took off and bade it goodbye. I had my lunch, left a wee bit for it and returned to the car. This is what it's about.
Hello and welcome to my bagging blog. In 2003, I walked up a Munro for the 2nd time and bled from my eyes. From the majestic pinnacles of An Teallach to the classic pyramidal Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe, follow me round Scotland as I share my experiences.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Beinn a Chaorainn and Beinn an Teallach
I had recently acquired an iPhone with technology designed to enhance my life - so seductive. Not only did it have an iPod built in but it had memory map so I could see where I was on the hill. As a total technophobe, this was all new to me. I had taken the Thursday off work (always a nice day) and after leaving the fog of Central Scotland, I emerged into a beautiful world in Glen Spean. This wee walk looked very promising and I felt nice and relaxed as I made good height. Beinn a Chaorainn lay ahead - the route was obvious, hugging the rocks rather than going up the uniform coire face. A good two hours in and I was at the South summit, looking over towards outstanding views of Creag Meagaidh and the massive cornices of my own hill. I was careful not to stray too near though something did draw me near. As I walked on, I just felt a sense of tranquility settle over me. There was nobody else on the hill, it was mine for the day. I headed down towards the bealach and found the cairn to sit beside for a moment. At this point, I played Davyan Cowboy and Smokes Quantity from Boards of Canada, while the wind blew. It was a lovely moment. I then began the ascent on to Beinn Teallach - while lower in stature than its neighbour, I enjoyed the amble up towards the summit. Then, a funny thing happened. As I walked towards the summit cairn, a crow flew down and nestled on it, eyeing me with interest. I said "hello bird" and it crawed back at me. I then took a photo of it just as it took off and bade it goodbye. I had my lunch, left a wee bit for it and returned to the car. This is what it's about.
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