Stob Coire Raineach

David Kaye

1 September 2017

First of all an apology. Some of you miraculously fell out of my Marauders e-mail Group and didn’t get an invite to Glencoe. Don’t you just love technology?

Russell and Mike received late invitations and were unable to complete the necessary paperwork in time to secure Exit Visas. You should have been there – it was absolutely br…. sorry, sorry.

Sandra was up with the lark, and stepped off the Borders bus at Cameron toll just as the David-mobile pulled up. She was whisked off to the celestial grandeur of the Scottish Highlands aka the public toilets at Lochearnhead. We were first at the meeting point. Local dog-walkers were concerned to see a shabbily-dressed unshaven man prowling around the toilet block. Luckily Jim and Marion arrived to save me before a custodial sentence could be imposed.

The car park at the Lairig Eilde featured a selection of Germans of varying vintages. With admirable constraint Jim did not stick a finger under his nose and demonstrate his goose-step. The well constructed path served as a virtual escalator to lift us all to the 900 m bealach from where it was a pleasant rocky climb to the “new” Munro, Stob Coire Raineach. Sandwiches were consumed whilst gazing over Aonach Eagach to the Ben, the Grey Corries, the Mamores and beyond.

A young Fraulein straight out of the Sound of Music took the summit photo. OK, there may have been a zephyr breeze.

For once in his long but undistinguished managerial career, David had made a good call with the early start. Several former Team members were informed and had to brought round with smelling salts.

Sandra found a descent route out of the wind in the lea of the ridge. A Cabinet meeting was convened at the Bealach to vote on the option of the second Munro. The rain arrived and an evil witch stole Stob Dubh and replaced it with a black cloud. So, either a narrow ridge in bucketing rain and high winds with no view or a sticky bun and hot coffee at at Tyndrum. Immediate descent down the Stairway to Heaven was unanimous.

Thus ended yet another memorable day in the annals of the Marauders.

For the next meet I’m trying to avoid holidays/work commitments from Al, Jim, Marion, Sandra and Russell. We’re due another crack at Geal Charn by Laggan for Al. I’m hoping Tuesday 17th Oct. is suitable for most folk?

I believe I’ve fixed the e-mail problem. All those who don’t get this message please raise your hand.

Cheers,
David.