Still trying to chase a cold and not feeling great so no hills for a few days, I went to the football in the Highlands. I really enjoyed the football yesterday at Dingwall where the Highland Derby “The Cold Firm” was played between Ross County & Inverness Caley. It was a nil nil draw but what effort was put in, the fitness and skill was of a good standard and it made a great change to watch live football. Defences were very strong and no prisoners were taken in a hard-fought game. The crowd was superb with so many families enjoying a day out, it was a great atmosphere . A capacity crowd of 6000 in the lovely wee staduim and some great company made it a fun day. Dingwall is a lovely place and there was no trouble just good humour and great to see Highland football taking its place. The stadium has a friendly feel about it with pictures of old teams on the wall of the just like you would have in your own home. Even the pies and bovril were good and took me down memory lane from watching my local team the mighty Ayr United with Mum and Dad all these years ago. There was even a wee “stramash” (heated argument) on the side lines with Terry Butcher the Inverness Manager and Brian Adams the Ross County manager having a bit of push at each other, passions were raided all in, some game. Thanks to Jim and Tom for a superb afternoon well worth the £27! The Highlands are the place to be just now.
Chalky on the final part of Observatory Ridge! Only kidding the late great Ian Clough Easter 1959 on Observatory Ridge. Photo Ray Sefton collection – look at the basic kit hardy men!
My mate Chalky who now lives in Newfoundland in Canada has just emailed me as said it was 27 years since we climbed the wonderful route Observatory Ridge on Ben Nevis. How time flies, I remember this day so well arriving at the Ben on a beautiful day and the conditions were special. Young Chalky who used to be in the RAF Mrt was now living in Glencoe and a member of Glencoe Mrt was climbing very well. What route shall we do “anything he said heavy” He was in great form as I hid behind the CIC hut, all the top climbers of the day were there and mountaineering was very sociable then. Every route had teams on it apart from Observatory Ridge and off we went. It was a great day, incredible climbing with a real star and only getting scared at the top of Zero gully. We were alone on this great route which is tricky and used to be under-graded but the views and exposure high up are incredible for a very untalented climber like me. I am so lucky to have climbed some great routes on the Ben and enjoyed its secrets with great friends Next day we went to Beinn Ullaidh for another amazing day. The conditions just now are very similar and it was after a bad spell of accidents which we had both dealt with the aftermath of these tragedies. It was great to see everyone out having fun is the joy of winter climbing despite the risks. I remember trying to ensure that the belays were sound never easy in winter especially at the top in the top of Zero Gully! It did help clear the mind of the past few weeks. What memories thanks Chalkie!
Old mans thoughts and tales. 