Family time
Russells, and a Russell to be, on the ascent of Am Bodach
We sail back to familiar waters on the west coast of Scotland. Our first port of call was to meet up with Peter from Supertramp, our companion on a number of the more memorable hikes in Norway. We explore Dunstaffnage castle, admiring the way it rises up from the rock, and enjoying the stonework of old fireplaces, kitchens and the chapel.
Following that we arrived in Oban in time to stock up with good food and to have our freezer checked out and hopefully fixed before Mark and Grace arrived from Colorado to spend a week onboard.
Once our guests are onboard we set off for a circumnavigation of Mull. First stop Puilladobhrain anchorage and a trip to the pub. The next day we set off around the south coast of Mull and anchor in Ardalanish bay. The fishing was good, Mark and Brian caught many mackerel for dinner that night.
We motor through the channel between Iona and Mull and on to check out the Staffa rocks. We anchor for the night at Gometra and enjoy a walk around the island. On to Tobermory and a sail down the sound of Mull marvelling at the waves thrown up by strong currents before heading back to Oban for more freezer work.
We manage to squeeze in a little fun on the water and a hike around Kerrera too.
In no time a week was up and we were off to meet up with the rest of the family for the epic final munro. Justine and Philip had been bagging munro’s for around 10 years and they had saved Am Bodach for the final ascent. We were all determined to be there and to climb it with them.
Castle Stalker on the way to Kinlochleven.
The gathering began in Kinlochleven, it was touch and go whether everyone would arrive in time. Flights from France and Memphis with little time for delays and transfers left the poor organizers in a tizzy, however it all worked out and soon we were all together. The large number gathering in the parking lot the next morning was a testament to their popularity, especially as the weather forecast predicted gale force winds for the day.
The prossecco was shared out, the piper tuned his pipes (oxymoron there I think) and we were off.
The ascent was steep, and the wind did indeed howl, but then we got to the ridge where there was potentially a real danger of being blown off, and yet the wind seemed to scoot right over our heads. The final push and subsequent celebration on top was in fine conditions.
We all did it!
To complete the story, we safely and slowly descended. The weather turned and we were pounded by iceballs, which are really quite painful. The evening celebration was appropriately with haggis, tatties and neeps with plenty of whisky and the next day we staggered home. Thanks Justine and Philip for a very memorable weekend.
A full video telling the story is found here
https://youtu.be/QptVbm9m5TE