Today I was working with the Air Cadets from 1769 (Thurso and District) ATC Squadron under the command of Flt. Lt. Fiona Macintosh, on their attempt at the UK's 10th highest mountain. This was a tall order, literally, as most of the guys had never walked up a mountain of this size, and especially after a packed week of activities.
We met in the car park at 410m, which saves a lot of effort, and along with a number of other adult support team and ML's, we set off around 10.30am. The weather was kind, if a little cool in the breeze, and we didn't need waterproofs all day, a rarity this 'summer'.
I was impressed with the cadets' fitness and tenacity, and despite the effort required, they made good progress up Beinn Ghlas, encouraging each other on. 'Sir' (the NCO), and 'Ma'am', (the officer) had equipped the guys with maps and a briefing, and along with points of flora and fauna, we discussed Naismith's rule and other navigational tips as we climbed.
The summit of Beinn Ghlas soon came, and we had a group photo before dropping a little to get out of the breeze for a bite to eat. Some of the team were a little daunted by the view of Ben Lawers, but they forgot this as they enjoyed the sunny descent to the bealach, some even singing 'She'll be coming round the Mountain'! At the bealach, one of the MLs went down with one of the adults, whilst the rest of the team pressed on for the summit, leapfrogging several other groups of Dutch, German and English folks as they ascended.
The guys at the front, led by Ross, Megan, JD and Iona showed their team spirit by suggesting they waited for the rest of the group before making the last 30m to the summit, and the group summited pretty much as one, being forced into high-fiving by their guide to celebrate the munro (!)
The descent was quick and event-free, (apart from Sir taking a wee slip from which he may well be stiff from in the morning!), and I think that shows the team are capable of more. I am sure they will have the energy for the planned evening entertainment.
I believe it is a trip to Edinburgh tomorrow, so I hope there won't be too many stiff legs, and I wish them all well for the future. A great squadron Ma'am, you should be proud!
We met in the car park at 410m, which saves a lot of effort, and along with a number of other adult support team and ML's, we set off around 10.30am. The weather was kind, if a little cool in the breeze, and we didn't need waterproofs all day, a rarity this 'summer'.
I was impressed with the cadets' fitness and tenacity, and despite the effort required, they made good progress up Beinn Ghlas, encouraging each other on. 'Sir' (the NCO), and 'Ma'am', (the officer) had equipped the guys with maps and a briefing, and along with points of flora and fauna, we discussed Naismith's rule and other navigational tips as we climbed.
The summit of Beinn Ghlas soon came, and we had a group photo before dropping a little to get out of the breeze for a bite to eat. Some of the team were a little daunted by the view of Ben Lawers, but they forgot this as they enjoyed the sunny descent to the bealach, some even singing 'She'll be coming round the Mountain'! At the bealach, one of the MLs went down with one of the adults, whilst the rest of the team pressed on for the summit, leapfrogging several other groups of Dutch, German and English folks as they ascended.
The guys at the front, led by Ross, Megan, JD and Iona showed their team spirit by suggesting they waited for the rest of the group before making the last 30m to the summit, and the group summited pretty much as one, being forced into high-fiving by their guide to celebrate the munro (!)
The descent was quick and event-free, (apart from Sir taking a wee slip from which he may well be stiff from in the morning!), and I think that shows the team are capable of more. I am sure they will have the energy for the planned evening entertainment.
I believe it is a trip to Edinburgh tomorrow, so I hope there won't be too many stiff legs, and I wish them all well for the future. A great squadron Ma'am, you should be proud!