Monthly Archives: December 2011

A wee walk in the Cairngorms and a few thoughts.

Posted on December 31, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

I had to visit the hospital yesterday for an early morning appointment, so I did not get on the road to the Cairngorms till a bit later. The road across the Davar Moor was pretty icy so I drove slowly, the … Continue reading →

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Squadron Leader “Ant” Downing RIP.

Posted on December 30, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

My life has been shaped by being a member of the Mountain rescue most of it spent in the RAF Mountain Rescue. You meet many types of people and many become friends for life, some are special, many go on … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering | 4 Comments

1977 – Winter West to East walk across Scotland.

Posted on December 30, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

Writing about the Corrour Tragedy reminds me of how much this area means to me especially Ben Alder and Culra bothy. I spent many a great days in this area, walking and ice climbing the huge cliffs on Ben Alder … Continue reading →

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The Corrour Tragedy 60 years on.

Posted on December 29, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

I am in the process of an article for the Scottish Mountain Rescue Magazine Cas Bag on incidents in 1951 in the mountains and came across the Corrour tragedy on 29 -31 December 1951. Five members of the Glencoe Mountaineering … Continue reading →

Posted in Book, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Recomended books and Guides, SMC/SMT | 25 Comments

Man’s best friend Teallach a dog for all seasons.

Posted on December 28, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

I was very privileged to have a wonderful Alsatian called “Teallach” what a great dog who followed me on my journey for 12 years. Life started as a puppy at RAF Valley in North Wales where I was the full time deputy Team Leader … Continue reading →

Posted in Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Wildlife | 2 Comments

Beinn Alder and Culra bothy a river to far!

Posted on December 27, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

  I got a message from some friends that there was a rescue after an emergency beacon went off in the Beinn Alder area. This is about 15 miles West of the A9 on the Beinn Alder Estate a very … Continue reading →

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Easy trip home to a blocked loo! No snow on the A9

Posted on December 26, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

After a great time in Ayr I had to come back early as I have a blocked loo at the wee house, no joy at fixing it so I have a plumber coming out tomorrow. The drive back was great no transport … Continue reading →

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Merry Christmas from Windy Ayr

Posted on December 25, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

Wet and windy Ayr but still good to be with family and after church I am off to church at my fathers old Church in Ayr. After that it is a great meal with all the trimmings at one of … Continue reading →

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Wet and windy a blast from the past in my hometown of Ayr.

Posted on December 24, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

The journey down was fine with no delays, still a load of snow near the A9 on the hill but the roads were clear and very busy. I tried to stop for a break at Ballinuig near Perth but it was to busy … Continue reading →

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Home to Ayr – visit the family and the mighty Ayr United and a Happy Christmas to all.

Posted on December 23, 2011 by heavywhalley.MBE

The  photo above is of Rabbie Burns Ayr’s famous son, who also supports the mighty Ayr United. Ayr is bottom of the league and I hope to see them play Raith Rovers at Somerset Park in Ayr whilst I am … Continue reading →

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