ATMC - An Teallach Mountaineering Club

INBHIRFAOLIN 16/17 JANUARY 1998

Maureen, Alan, Joe, Dennis, Brian

Joe and Brian arrived straight from a NTS meeting in Inverness. The hut has changed yet again, new kitchen and pine clad lounge. Brian got the meal on, while Joe got the fire going. Maureen arrived with perfect timing. Alan arrived in time for sponge pudding, although he thought he had arrived in a sauna by error judging by the steam in the kitchen. First panic, no corkscrew - can you believe it, and no scouts in the house. Brute force won the day, but too late for dinner. The usual wide ranging discussion before an early bed. Tomorrow's plan; a traverse of Buachaille Etive Beag from Glencoe to Glen Etive. The next day brought rain to Glen Etive. Joe had done his back in with the car journey so was excused the outing. Alan, Maureen, and Brian headed for Glencoe, where thankfully the rain was falling as snow. The trio headed for Buachaille Etive Beag making heavy work of the thick recent snow, which was still falling. The ridge was gained in poor visibility and compasses were very much in evidence. First left to Stob Coire Raineach, the new munro, then back to the saddle and onwards along the narrow ridge to Stob Dubh. No views but the weather was warm despite the thick snow (even on the ridge), probably due to no wind. Then down the grassy(muddy!!) ridge to the hut. A good day.
Coal was running short so a trip to Glencoe village was agreed. Dennis arrived with perfect timing and we set off. Coal was bought at the garage from a cheery attendant who re-assured Joe about the longer term benefits of going to the pub. Taking this advice we popped into the Clachaig for a couple.
Back to the hut for dinner and a game of skill and cheating (Joe). Maureen became the chocolate queen. The next day's plans were hatched.
Again we had to leave Joe behind due to his back, however he did try to solve his pain by using the elsan. The exhibitionist as usual waving at our car as we drove past his view of Beinn Starav. However, that particular blockage was not the problem! Maureen and Brian headed for Sgor na h¬ulaidh, but lost time in the forest and could only make it to Meall a'Bhuiridh due to time restrictions and the deep snow. Brian's glove disagreed with this plan and headed of in the direction of the munro on it's own - but was brought back to heel thanks to a welcome gap in the wind. The route back through the forest was easier than during the ascent as the path was found!
Dennis headed for Beinn Maol Chaluim but chanced a royal telling off from Maureen given the late hour of his return. Alan jogged up and down and was still back before us all.
We all set off from home having had a successful weekend given the low expectancies regarding the weather. The drivers probably drove home too fast - as nobody wanted to drive Joe from emptying the elsan!