Friday, December 5, 2008

Mental, Mate!

I was deliberately vague yesterday about what went on on Beinn Eighe. Friends who I've given the full story have joked that theres a Joe Simpson style book in it if I wanted. Well I'll just settle for a quick story in Climb Mag. But here's a pic of the aftermath. Before that happened I'd been on a more interesting journey onto the West Central Wall. I was intrigued to learn that the late Alan Mullin had been trying to climb the same area I found myself in. It brought back quite a few memories of Alan, he exasperated, offended and made me laugh in equal measure but he was never boring. Alan would have absolutely loved the epic we went through on Wednesday. I've a vivid image of Alan's manic eyes burning through the storm announcing at every twist and turn "This is just mental, mate" although perhaps with the odd adult only adjective mixed in for emphasis. I shared a few adventures with Alan, but I struggled to be the friend Alan needed. It was nice to think that I'd shared a little of Alan's wild vision with our attempt on Beinn Eighe, I think he would have approved.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Fook sake Bubs, yer misus been beatin you up again!

Sounds like quite an adventure.

Pete B

Ian Parnell said...

Nothing more than the normal thrashing. Heard on the grapevine that you and Guy found some "interest" in the hills. Got to remember that the real meaty lines are going to need a few visits before they'll allow us up. :-)

Wes said...

Sounds and looks bit more "interesting" than the avalanche you got me into in Rjuikan a coupla years back!

Hope you're well :o)

Wes