Passed Manny as he cycled along the road from Strath Croe to Killilan this morning, and met up with Brenda at the Killilan car park. After the usual excellent hospitality from Brenda (she's a star!) Manny then biked the extra mile from the public car park to Killilan to start the climb, while Dot the Doughnut Lady collected the bike.
Manny's hill crew for today consisted of me, fellow Westie Andy Mott, and Andy's girlfriend Maria, who had all made the long journey north on Friday night for a big day out on the hills of the Killilan Forest on Saturday. First summit of the day was Sguman Coinntich, tackled via a steep climb from the Allt a'Choire Mhoir. Although Manny isn't as quick after his injury a couple of weeks ago, we did still manage a good jog across to Faochaig, with the weather still undecided on the cloud vs sun debate.
Andy and Maria dropped back at Faochaig, tackling it at a gentler pace before heading back down into Glen Elchaig. Manny and I descended via a stalker's path to consider an approach to Aonach Buidhe, again deciding on a steep and direct line. 3 large deer kept a watchful eye on us as we headed for the summit in conditions which were now pleasantly sunny (this cheered Manny up!). As my car was back at Killilan, we said our farewells and I headed down to Iron Lodge for the 8 mile jog back along Glen Elchaig, collecting Andy and Maria on the way to completing a 23-mile 3-Corbett day, which was nothing compared to Manny's efforts!
Manny went north to do Beinn Dronaig, Beinn Tharsuinn, and Sgurr na Feartaig before getting the MTB off the hill (brought in by Brenda), and finishing his 26-mile hill journey at around 10pm.
So that's another 6 hills completed for Manny, who is still grinding through the list at a relentless pace (leaving me wheezing behind him), despite injury slowing him down. Well over 75% complete now and fewer than 50 hills to go.
I'm just back in after the 4-hour drive home. Been a long day, folks. G'night.
Manny's hill crew for today consisted of me, fellow Westie Andy Mott, and Andy's girlfriend Maria, who had all made the long journey north on Friday night for a big day out on the hills of the Killilan Forest on Saturday. First summit of the day was Sguman Coinntich, tackled via a steep climb from the Allt a'Choire Mhoir. Although Manny isn't as quick after his injury a couple of weeks ago, we did still manage a good jog across to Faochaig, with the weather still undecided on the cloud vs sun debate.
Andy and Maria dropped back at Faochaig, tackling it at a gentler pace before heading back down into Glen Elchaig. Manny and I descended via a stalker's path to consider an approach to Aonach Buidhe, again deciding on a steep and direct line. 3 large deer kept a watchful eye on us as we headed for the summit in conditions which were now pleasantly sunny (this cheered Manny up!). As my car was back at Killilan, we said our farewells and I headed down to Iron Lodge for the 8 mile jog back along Glen Elchaig, collecting Andy and Maria on the way to completing a 23-mile 3-Corbett day, which was nothing compared to Manny's efforts!
Manny went north to do Beinn Dronaig, Beinn Tharsuinn, and Sgurr na Feartaig before getting the MTB off the hill (brought in by Brenda), and finishing his 26-mile hill journey at around 10pm.
So that's another 6 hills completed for Manny, who is still grinding through the list at a relentless pace (leaving me wheezing behind him), despite injury slowing him down. Well over 75% complete now and fewer than 50 hills to go.
I'm just back in after the 4-hour drive home. Been a long day, folks. G'night.
7 comments:
Dot set off to go home from Killilan car park after 2 nights camping, thanks Dot for your company & keeping me insane, while I headed away around to Craig to meet Sandra at midday. We met at the car park at Craig and headed off for a short drive to Lochcarron stopping at the pub for a soft drink in the sun. We then headed back to the van late afternoon where we had a bite to eat before heading away for a wander around the Achnashellach Forest. It was a lovely evening. We then headed off with the mountain bike later in the evening so that Manny could save his legs for a 2 mile down hill ride back to the van. We saw him coming off the last hill so waited for him while I had a little jog back. Sandra tried to put her tent up but the midges were unbearable so she ended up heading home, while I made dinner and then it was bed time. Dave Rogers arrived sometime in the middle of the night after having supported Stevie Bell do the West Highland Way. Stevie had a brilliant time of 19.56, well done. Dave is helping Manny out on Sunday, another long day ahead.
Hi Manny, we've been keeping track of your Corbetts Run, awesome effort and (relatively) not far to go now! Hanna who is two days younger than your Corbetts Round did her first Corbett yesterday (Ben Ledi) and in fine Manny tradition it was p*shing rain. The sun did come out when we got to the bottom though! She passes on her best wishes, "coo woo wah" or something like that. All the best and keep it going!
cheers,
Mark, Tracey & Hanna
Hey Brenda, your report of taking the bike in on a lovely evening is slightly different from Sandra's version. I don't suppose you'd care to elaborate!!
Mr G, hang on in there there's bound to be more sun soon.
Archie
Well done Manny for getting another 6 in the bag especially after a long day in Glen Affric etc. the previous day. Hope the rain stayed away today. I also heard another version of the Craig bike story from Sandra - no doubt all will be revealed on the blog eventually.
Dot
Hang on in there Manny. Only 10 days to go! I plan to join you for the final stampede north from Cul Beag.
Did not have enough time to put full story so thought I would just put the shortened version.
Cruising ....the two of you are cruising towards the end I say !
Awra best and keep going - if nothing else it is easier to explain finishing than not !!!!
Cheers
Graham K
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