The ascent of Goatfell

Up at the crack of 10am with the sole aim of conquering Goatfell, the highest point on Arron, at nearly 3000ft. Started with the bus and help from a Geordie driver. We asked him to drop us off at a suitable staging post for 'the attempt'. He gave the impression that he had scaled Goatfell many times so I asked him if we could walk back by a different route. He said, "of course. You can do anything you like. It's your holiday". Anyway, we got to the top and it was a hard slog but really worth it. With 50yds to go I was stuffed, puffing and very hot.  At that very moment, true to form, we bumped into a family, wandering down, with a couple of kids no older than 5yrs. I think the youngest had actually taken 'teddy' up for the view but can't be sure because, by then, I was hallucinating.  Stunning views emerged, suddenly, at the summit. Coming down, we made the classic mistake of trying to go our own way on a 'short cut'. Nightmare battle through forest etc. Ended up moaning and walking funny. 

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Big day tomorrow. The governor turns up. Dunno what Francesca is going to make of the mess onboard. Ive given the galley a quick blast of a wet wipe but am not confident that the hygiene situation will go unnoticed. The other thing is that her flying visit has been pitched as an easy trip from Glasgow. The reality, since Sam and I moved to Arron, is slightly more complex. It involves a bus trip into the depths of Paisley. A dash to the station for a train to the coast then a 1hr ferry ride followed by another bus. Lots of potential for things to go wrong as nothing is particularly frequent.  Sam and I are in for a nail biting time awaiting the ship. 

Need to get sailing again soon so plan to get to Tarbet on Wednesday followed by the entrance to Crinan, Thursday then through the canal on Friday. Notice I am taking full advantage of my temporary crew for the canal locks. I then hope to be in a position to start a 3 or 4 day trip through the Caledonian waterway  next Wednesday. A bit chilly 'up here' but hardly any rain. Was going to pop on video clip but limited Internet so difficult to download.