Christmas Dinner Meet

Muir of Inverey

10-12 December 1999

Present

Both nights: Maureen B, Lorraine, and Lorraine's daughter, Josie C, Keith C, Gordon C, Andrew H, Pete & Helen I, Willie J, Tony K, Laubie L, Jo L, Morag M, Fiona & Calum M, Anne M, Bob P, Cathy H, Brian S, Tiana S, Neil & Clare W

Saturday night only: Steve R, James R

Friday evening

Most arrived on Friday night to help unload the monstrous bird from the Kinghorn's cavernous boot and prepare both it and the vegetables for the following days anticipated feast. Whisky and wine helped the rest of the evening disappear smoothly.

Saturday

Pete & Helen went with Tony up Glas Maol and on to the top Little Glas Maol in atrocious weather conditions. Tony successfully navigated the trio by walking on bearings and counting paces, - and a darn fine job he made of it as they hit all the points we were aiming for spot on. As Pete's glasses kept getting fogged up, or plastered with snow, his view most of the day with his head down against the wind was Tony's feet. A worthwhile day, if on only to build up an appetite (Rubbish! It was great - Tony).

Jo & Josie took the yellow speed machine on a quick excursion down to Braemar on the pretext of getting more decorations, but actually to test the car's cornering ability (no, not really Mark, honest …). They then set off for a spot of ice axe and crampon practice (on a square inch of snow) on the side of Carn Mór. Tiana went for a cycle whilst others went pootling, rambling, walking, or marching, up various hills, tracks and glens.

Brian, Willie and Laubie attacked Lochnagar; the climbing was the easy bit, it was getting off the hill in a white with only one person with a compass that proved more 'exciting'. Even after such a valiant attempt though at getting lost, they still weren't the last back! That honour goes to Keith. However, as he'd a) climbed Carn Ealar and An Sgarsoch and we figured he'd be a little while yet, and anyway, b) the first course was ready, we decided to get on with the meal. After a heap of mulled wine and a gallon of wonderful soup, calulations were made of Keith's ETA, and decisions made on whether anyone in a fit state to drive. Morag went for a quick whizz up the Linn of Dee, but on coming back empty handed we decided to launch into the main course in order to leave the decision-making to the next course. Thankfully Keith returned so no rescue operation had to be put into force. On reaching the first summit at sunset he'd decided to continue on the dubious grounds that a black-out is no better (or worse) than a white-out!!!

Pudding was as huge, tasty and satisfying as ever. There was the traditional walk up to the Linn of Dee followed by yet more wine and whisky.

A truly successful evening - many thanks to all the chefs and chefettes both before and during the day, and to those who embarked on and beat the challenge of the washing-up!

Sunday

Jo and Steve made a rapid exit on Sunday morning to head up Carn na Drochaide getting back to the hut just after lunch so Steve could make a quick getaway back to Edinburgh. Josie and Laubie climbed the same hill at a more reasonable hour, at a more reasonable pace, whilst Gordon, Calum & Fiona went for a walk through the Mar Estate. As usual, the stragglers got rich pickings from the roasted beast; the pudding tasted heaven with a cleansed palate. A supremely well attended and well enjoyed weekend.

Ella P