Ben Avon

Went up to the Lecht to watch the skiers, in the past I would have been taking advantage of the snow, on the way I took this pic, as it has some significance.
In August 2009 I cycled from Tomintoul into the foot of Beinn A' Bhuird and Beinn Avon . A 24 cycle and a 10 mile walk up to both summits around and down the mountain. A real epic. I was at that stage very fit and healthy. On the way home near Glen Livet I began to get the most painful and strange shock like sensations . So extreme I nearly crashed the car.
That was the start of a very painful period . At first it was only exercise that brought it on so I did not bother any one. I kept climbing hills and it wasn't till I thought I was having a heart attack at the top of a mountain I went to see a Doctor. Last year i finally a got a clear diagnosis and as of December I am on the waiting list for an operation to resolve the issue . Its been three horrible years were various Doctors have given diverse causes, All I know is that its been very painful and I don't cycle ski, sail or climb. I miss the outdoors and the ability to get into the great Highland wilderness on my doorstep. Hopefully by this time next year the operation will have been a success and I will be back to some kind of fitness and I will have returned to take advantage of next years snow.
I realise this has been a bit of a self indulgent blip. However being in the mountains today albeit by car has been a bit emotional and made me reflective sad and hopeful. I also had a good photo day and apart from the ski resort I saw the Inveravon Pictish Stones for the first time near Ballindalloch famous for Aberdeen Angus cattle and Captain W.E. Johns author of "Biggles" who lived there.