14th October 2012 - A few trips on the Ben

Today I had a super early start working for Alan Kimber leading a group up Ben Nevis. The group were originally aiming to set off between 5 and 6 yesterday evening, but travelling from London via mini bus takes far longer than you might think...

In the end the idea of starting as soon as they arrived (some time after 1am this morning) was binned in favour of a 6.30am start, and so I found myself at the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel just before half 6. I managed to gather most of the group before Al turned up to dish out some kit and a general safety brief, but it was still almost half 7 until they were all ready to depart. We took a long slow trip up Heart Attack hill, with the group very unevenly matched for pace: some were very quick and prepared, whilst others were less fit and took longer to cover the ground. The conversation was very interesting as it was a Muslim group and it was great to talk to them about their backgrounds and beliefs. They were very pleased to have someone open minded asking questions, and we all got along very well.

Sadly, however, one member of the group was seriously struggling, and a few zigs and zags above heart attack junction I decided that enough was enough - we had already spent much of our allocated time allowance getting to where we were and I was not going to risk someone in the group getting injured or worse. So we turned back and slowly made our way back down to their transport. Again, the conversation was varied and very interesting, and the group seemed to enjoy the day regardless of how far they got. They have a long journey back to London ahead of them, but they will hopefully return to conquer the Ben when they are in better shape and better prepared. They were raising money for orphans in Eastern Europe, so hopefully they get a good amount.

After getting home and having a relaxing afternoon, Anna and I enjoyed a take away (well earned) and were just settling down for the evening when their was a Mountain Rescue call out. An elderly gentleman required assistance getting down from the Ben Track with an injured foot. We got up in good time and stretchered him off safely. Heres hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to the hills soon!

I am shadowing/doing some induction work at Outward Bound tomorrow. The forecast looks decent but for now I am in serious need of my bed!