Crowberry Tower Forever

A great sleep and a frosty morning greeted me as I headed out for some grass watering. I went back to the sleeping bag and slept on, I was in no rush today I knew I had time to meet up later.

I cooked the soaked porridge oats with sultanas, it tasted fanatasic. The sun came up above the hill and shone through the window, glistening through the empty Highland Park and Singleton bottles on the sill.

I watched courting waders chasing each other up the river and loch outside.

I packed and tidied up the bothy and headed west on a great stalkers path.

I was meeting up to meet some hill friends who were completing their corbetts (scottish hills over 2500 foot), I estimated I would meet them at 12 ish in the ridge. After a day and a half of no company , I saw a line of colourful outdoor gear snaking up the hill below. I sat out the biting wind sunning myself, my first person on the day was the lycra clad Kenny pushing his bike up to the highest point, he was heading up the hill as well so we headed over to meet the advance lunch party.

A mass huddle and eventually we headed up to the summit, I chatted to whoever I strolled with. Bubbles and photos on the top. I quietly sat out the wind as the numbers dwindled as the wind cooled them. The corbetters were congraluted, well done Andy, Derek and Lesley.

I chatted to some people who had spent a while tracing the Robert Loius Stevenson route throw Mull, it appears that there will be some events about a David Balfour way this year.

I strolled down with Andy and we headed back up with some young stragglers to support them. Slow progress down and distracting young boys to encourage descent. We chatted and chatted.

A rescue helicopter appeared, coming towards us, always a worrying sight. 2 people had fallen on the steep descent, a head cut and knee cut apprarently.

Down to Kinlochleven, I was going to bivvy in the trees high up but there was a spare room at the hotel, I took the offer. A hot bath was required, I was sore and tired. I was amazed how dirty the bath water was.

It was Andy's birthday ceilidh at the local hall, we all descended and were fed and the free beer was flowing. I managed 1 pint and grabbed some food.

A couple of dances and my body just stopped working, I felt sick and hot and cold, several fresh air visits outside and pint after pint of water. I could not face another dance I was shattered.

I met some great people and caught up with some old pals. Energy came back and I danced the last dance which was a nice end to the night.

Back to the hotel and a bizarre scene of all the staff with false moustaches(even the ladies), they had a Titantic sinking anniversary dinner.

Cheers Andy, Derek and Lesley what a great day.