The Cobbler

David Kaye

1 September 2016

We postponed The Cobbler several times hoping for a good day and by golly we got a cracker.

A few of our walking wounded didn’t make the trip for health reasons. A big “Get Well Soon” to Jack, Izzy and Jan. Quite a few more couldn’t make the date so don’t worry. We shall return!

In the event only The Gang of Four gathered at Succoth for the adventure – Sandra, Jim, Russell and David.

The path is now excellent most of the way, but the going was tough in the heat. We ascended by a new path for me, which headed straight up the face of the mountain. Sandra performed her dying swan impersonation – “Just leave me here, save yourselves!” We tried, we really did. But every time we stopped for a drink or a rest, Sandra came charging up. We just couldn’t shake her off.

Eventually we reached the summit ridge and then the foot of the famous giant upturned boot. David had a look at it but started whimpering and blubbering, so was excused the death defying summit.

Fortunately Russell and Jim saved the Marauders’ honour. Both of our heroes performed their legendary Dam Busters impersonations at the top -

Sandra hummed and hawed and then approached the notorious Argyll Spyglass -

Sandra at the Argyll Spyglass with David whimpering in the back-ground. Did she or didn’t she? What happened on The Cobbler stays on The Cobbler. Suffice it to say that Sandra won the politically correct “Person of the Match” award for bravery in the face of over-whelming odds.

A few sandwiches later the squad descended by the scenic non-lethal path with great views to Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime, Ben Lomond and the Lochs Lomond and Long.

The Gang of Four pose on the descent route with the constipation-relieving view of The Cobbler as the back drop, while Jim shows off not one but three of his arthritic fingers.

Sandra swore to go on a diet to make the walks easier in future. At the mention of tea and sticky buns she shot of the mountain at the speed of light.

Lost calories were indeed replaced at The Slanj.

I say this every time, but this really was the greatest Marauders outing ever!

There will now be a slight hiatus while Al and I undertake our altitude training in the Alps in preparation for a planned ascent of the Big Man’s target Munro – Geal Charn. I’ll check out stalking restrictions and Al’s availability and get back to you with a suggested date.

Tata for noo,

David.