This fund raising venture took place as scheduled on Sunday 15th June. In a classic two phased attack, the Regimental Secretary Major Maurice Gibson accompanied by his dog “Golly” approached from the south having experienced some atrocious weather conditions en route.
An hour later Mick Low and “Sherpa” Val left the car park and headed south in better weather conditions. However that soon changed and just above the middle station experienced low cloud and driving sleet. An hour later and they arrived at the Ptarmigan restaurant and waited for about 40 minutes before setting off again. On the plateau they experienced heavy driving snow and some tricky underfoot conditions. Contact was made by Major Gibson on his mobile phone, but we were by then absolutely frozen and decided to meet at the bottom car park. However Mick heard the dog bark but that was all, despite being about 50 to 100 metres apart. Visibility at this stage was about 10 metres. We all experienced the four seasons of the Cairngorm Mountain in the space of a few hours.
After a hot drink, those who were allowed to celebrate had a glass of wine in the car park afterwards.
The sum raised for service charities has now reached £3500. Donations can still be sent to the Highlanders Association, Cameron Barracks, Inverness. IV2 3XD.
Very many thanks to those who have donated in such a generous fashion.
CLICK the photo for full sized view of journey's end!
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