Rannoch Mountaineering Club 

www.climbrannoch.co.uk

Well JD has finely surpassed us all. Took some effort but I'm sure he thought it was worth it - twice the article in half the time (or was it the other way round). Now we know why you didn't stay for that pint.

I would now like to correct a few inaccuracies and defend the honour of our longest standing (!?) non-member. Re Shaz's xmas pressies: boots were 1st step into the one shoe faith, the broken play-station game freed up son for babysitting and a new 5-year planner with hill days marked in indelible ink for husband of Shaz has obvious benefits. All planned to perfection! Much like the day on the hill. Baby sitting and travel fell into place. And falling was the order of the day. Felled trees lead to path confusion early. Saved by the combined efforts of a GPS, map, compass and fine brains.

Felled trees then lead to momentary panic in failing light as the descent became unclear. And the fence - JD forgot to mention that it was a deer fence with only the top 3 feet visible in the snow. Too much excitement about the thought of walking over snow covered brashings lead non-member Shaz to vault over, pirouette and bounce onto a rock. It looked painful but all part of the plan. No injury suffered we set off in the gloom, the first brashings reared up and caught NM Shaz unawares. Time to practice a hill side rescue….the men looked up momentarily from their lowly position, then carried on to safety. NM Shaz rose with dignity and stumbled on down.

Taking it very slowly she was now behind the members contingent who waited patiently at the road. Baited breath we watched her teeter gracefully down the last few feet….all eyes were on her….. last step…… JD just finished saying "nose dive into the ditch" when …..she did a total 180 degrees vertical flip and ended up head down in ditch and feet up slope. It was spectacular and elegant. But, contrary to reports, we all rushed with great concern to her aid. It was all planned and help wasn't needed. No loss of dignity or style. Elegance poise, and honour intact. Hope that makes it clearer. Wouldn't like to finish the year on a false note….