Gordon’s first Easter trip. Dave Wharton invited him along to travel north with Phil and Brian Saville. He made new friends and some acquaintances became friends. We broke the journey for a 1-night camp in the Hidden Valley above Glencoe. Phil had just acquired a company car from ICL – a Vauxhall Cavalier. Dave and Gordon shared Dave’s Vango Force 10 tent. Brian and Phil shared another tent.
On arrival at Cluanie Gordon’s hands were stained blue because dye had run from his gloves – Mandy’s children nicknamed him Frankenstein.
In terms of Munro bagging, this was the most productive of all Gordon’s Easters.
Dave Wharton left early because he had obligations at work. He was the boss after all, and was in the hot seat for a system build.
The start of many splendid adventures in the Highlands.
Dave Wharton, Brian Saville, Phil Broughton Preparing to ascend to Hidden Valley for overnight camp on Good FridayDave Wharton Ascending to Hidden ValleyGordon entering the Hidden ValleyCamp. That big rock marks the entrance to the valley. It’s where the MacDonald clan hid their rustled sheep and cattle – thus enraging the Campbells which led to the famous Glencoe massacre.Dave on the ascent to BideanBeing silly – glissading downLooks great where is it? Possibly towards Stob Coire SgreamhachMorning – breakfast in the snow. it was so cold on that morning that the gas pressure for the stove was too low and we could not get it to work, so we used a second stove to heat the first one – very dangerous I’m sure…Dave climbing Bidean or maybe Beinn FhadaCluanie LodgeLoch Cluanie from the LodgeNot sure, but a break was neededOh for views like this more oftenDave Brough – almost certainly on Ciste DhubhLunchThe Valley near the LodgeThe Saddle Day. A whiteout. Richard, ?, Phil and Dave B. My rucksack of the ground. I remember Richard and others discussing “cramponning” down to clearer conditions.Possibly after Ciste DhubhMaybe on the S ridge of KintailLunch on the Ciste Dhubh dayOn the road from the Lodge to the Cluanie InnBack over Loch CluaniePossibly on the Five SistersDave B and Bob Muir down by the LochSkye FerryMandy, Caroline (?), Bob Muir, Dave Brough. Kyleakin in the background.No need to guess about what this is!Skye somewhereDave and Phil (I think) at the QuiraingQuiraingA very relaxed DB maybe on the 5 SistersThat sugary drink of Phil’s must be where he gets his energyGordon admiring it allA motley crewThat ice axe is still aroundGordon and Phil’s rucksacksSome of those motley characters again. Many of these pics could be on the S Ridge of KintailD Kee sunning himselfGordon nearbyKintailThe loch from the LodgeOh No! another great day. We will have to get into the hills again.That red rucksack is in many photosAgain! This is on the S Ridge almost certainlyMore silliness. Ask Dave B about it…Inside the LodgeWe were a small enough number that we could all eat at the same table here.
