Burns’ Supper Meet

Lagangarbh, Glen Coe

22-24 January 1999

Present: Maureen B, Tony B, Valerie C, Gordon C, Verity C, Katherine G, Stuart, Andrew H, Willie J*, John*, Debbie K**, Tony K, Adrian K, Jo L**, Mark L, Steve R**, Brian S, Nina T, Gail W, Neil W

* Guests

** Saturday night only

The 1999 Burns Supper Meet took place in the SMC hut at Lagangarbh at the base of the big Buachaille (Buachaille Etive Mor) and attracted a large turn out. The meet secretary used his influence to book additional places such that by Friday evening 20 members and guests started to gather in expectation of fine wintry weather and even better fayre on Saturday evening. Gordon volunteered to arrange the catering side of the meet since Brian had conveniently opted out by arranging a business trip to California for the 3 days preceding the meet.

Saturday

Saturday morning dawned mild and wet with a rapid thaw of any snow, particularly disappointing after reports of cold wintry weather during the week leading up to the meet. Andrew and Maureen sensibly visited Fort William while the corbett baggers Neil, Gordon and the two Tonys headed off in search of some elusive summit (Garbh Bheinn 2835ft!) behind the Aonach Eagach. Willie and John set off to attempt Raven's Gully but decided on the North Buttress of the Buachaille in the thaw conditions.

Those ever-optimistic mountain men Mark and Brian suggested a visit to the Lost Valley for the remainder for some ice axe practice and snow craft despite the driving rain and soggy snow! After much stalling in the hut, and adjusting of crampons and helmets for those not in possession of such toys, the party headed off in the rain. Displaying a great sense for self preservation, Nina and Valerie turned back at the entrance to the Lost Valley thus abandoning the novices to Mark and Brian so they could enjoy coffees and hot chocolates in the comfort of the Kingshouse. Despite this however, all seemed to enjoy practising ice axe arrests and returned safely, albeit wet, to Lagangarbh.

The usual evening of overeating and overindulgence in beer/wine ensued, although for once the quantity of potatoes and vegetables had been underestimated. The definite highlight was the entrance for dinner by Nina, Valerie and Jo in their tartan regalia. Jo's tartan tights and purple blanket masquerading as an evening dress were rivalled by Nina and Valerie's mini skirts conjuring up memories (for some!) of the Bay City Roller fans from yesteryear.

Sunday

Sunday morning was much more the thing with sunny spells and a drop in temperature bringing new snow to the tops. Andrew, Maureen, Adrian, and Neil set off back to Auld Reekie but everyone else made it out onto the hill. Steve and Debbie headed for Beinn a' Chrulaiste 2805ft (a corbett) on the other side of the road, followed by the two Tonys and Gail. Mark, with Valerie and Nina, and Brian with Verity, Jo, Katherine, and Stuart found separate ways up to the north summit of the wee Buachaille (Buachaille Etive Beag).

Once on the wee Buachaille all made use of their newly acquired skill to use their crampons for the descent from the north summit, Stob Coire Raineach (3029ft) after which Mark, Brian, and Nina completed the traverse to Stob Dubh (3130ft) the south summit. Valerie meanwhile put her leadership skills to the test by taking the rest of the party down the snow slopes from the col and back to the cars. An orderly retreat to clear up the hut then followed.

Many thanks to Gordon for organising the food for Saturday evening, to Mark for assisting with transport arrangements ahead of the meet sec's return on Friday afternoon and to Steve for doing the honours in the toast to the memory of the bard! As usual the club is grateful to the SMC for the exclusive use of Lagangarbh for the weekend.

Brian S