CAIRNGORM TRIP 1983

Another Crusader classic - the climbing trip to the Cairngorm mountains. Beginning with a 9 mile hike to the shores of Loch Einich (picture) the seven climbers (Nigel Mowat, Norman 'Fowler' Palmer, Dougie Sanderson, David Allison, Andy Hunter, Tommy MacKay & Iain Johnstone) pitched their tents. The wind, however, turned gale force and the night was spent trying to keep them standing up. The next day allowed for some actual climbing and the peaks of Cairn Toul & Braeriach were knocked-off. Back at camp the wind was unabated and after several vain relocations it was decided to strike camp and make the 9 mile trek back to the car in darkness.

One problem - we only had one car for the return to Glasgow (the other driver who had taken half of us up had selfishly not waited in the car park for two days to take us back). So it was seven + rucksacks into the white Jag - and a hair-raising drive home in the early hours of the morning while we tried to keep Tommy awake at the wheel. Another glorious example of Glasgow (South) planning - wonderful!