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This was possibly the best expedition so far, or possibly
not, depending on your viewpoint. To start with, we had a
big turnout: Alasdair C., Benjamin, Caleb, Calum, Edward,
Fern, MacAulay, Nicole, Robbie C., Robbie L., Rowan, Sam and
Thomas, with Claire, Gary, Heather, Howard, Johnny, Pamela,
Peter S., , Philip, Philippa and Richard L. as adults and
Ellie and Honey to check all the interesting smells on the
path.
I have always operated on the basis that the expeditions are
for half a day, this is not too wearing on the younger explorers
and leaves the afternoon available for other things. This
time, Johnny wanted to take Alasdair and Robbie up Ben Resipol
so I agreed to take an expedition half-way and return while
they carried on to the top with a packed lunch. I really thought
I would be coming back with most of an expedition, but it
didn't turn out that way at all.
We all met at the Resipole Gallery, trying not to take up
all the parking space. Once we got organised we set off past
the old sheep fank, round the farm building and up the hill.
Making very good speed we were soon up to the ravine where
we ended up on the narrow path along the top edge, next time
I'll cut across to the big path further up the hill.
From then on it was just a matter of getting the right route
to take us up to Ben Resipol, we had to call an advanced group
of enthusiasts back from heading towards Loch Shiel but otherwise
it was fairly straightforward. The path was very soft and
boggy in some places, but we managed fine and got about half
way to the top when I called for a wafer break. By this time
a group of enthusiastic boys were already a good way ahead
and they didn't have enough energy to retrace their steps
so their Tunnocks were sent on and consumed later.
We sat on the hill, the day being, luckily, nice and clear
and after a rest I found that I was returning alone - all
of the others had packed lunches and were going to the top!
I got back to the Pantry in an hour and was home by ten past
one. I set up the telescope and was able to see the first
boys reaching the top of Ben Resipol. As I watched I saw more
and more people arriving at the summit. Later I phoned Pamela
who told me that everyone had reached the top, including the
dogs, and they all got back around twenty to five.
So, well done all of you, I was very impressed. This was Robbie
and Alasdair's last expedition for a while, we are going to
miss their sharp eyes spotting interesting animals.
Our timing was impeccable, the top of the Ben was in the clouds
for the next four days.
John
Dye
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