INTENSITY²

Start here => What's your crime? Basic Discussion => Topic started by: Peter on July 11, 2006, 06:06:13 PM

Title: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 11, 2006, 06:06:13 PM: (Reposted from myspace)

So, I'm back. On Friday, I set off via coach for Fort William, arriving there in the evening, and spent the night in a pub, talking to a couple of English guys about crampons and provisions. After that, I found a spot between some birch trees that was out of the wind (but not the rain) and bivvied for the night.

I woke up about three hours later when the rain started, and after trying to sleep in various uncomfortable positions, I decided that it was light enough to set off up Ben Nevis, so I packed and off I went.

As I was making the western ascent, it absolutely shat it down the entire way, and I got soaked despite having gortex everything. I found out later that I need a spray to replenish the water repellency of my jacket, since it wears off eventually, and I think there's something wrong with my boots, which should have stayed completely dry barring a little sweat, but instead squelched with every step, so I'll be taking them back (still got the reciept thankfully).

Anyway, I made it up there in the end and crawled into an emergency shelter, where I got into my sleeping bag to warm up, since by that point I was edging into hypothermia with my wet gear, the gale-force wind and the 8C air temp up there (16C at sealevel). Unfortunately, my sleeping bag was damp too, and couldn't insulate me very well, so it only did so much for me.

Despite that, I got something to eat and set off again, trying to make my way eastwards to follow the route I'd planned. Unfortunately, visability was down to 20 metres, and I spent a couple of hours climbing up and down cliffs, trying to find a route to the next mountain, which was pretty scary at times, since one slip could have sent me down a 100 metre drop, and I was clinging to wet rocks at various points, trying to find handholds while dislodging scree and watching it plunge over the edge. Eventually I gave up, and decided that, in light of my wet gear, it wouldn't be such a great idea to spend another night sleeping outside, especially not above 1000 metres.

The descent was a lot better than the ascent; it didn't rain at all, and the cloud layer was a bit higher, so I got some nice views for photography that I'd missed on my way up, and at one point I got whistled at by a very cute girl as I stripped off to my vest as I got down into the warmer, thicker air.

Fort William seems to be a haven for hot people; everyone looked so healthy, and there weren't any diseased-looking neds hanging about that I saw. On the bus back too, there was a really beautiful German girl, who was being affectionate with her boyfriend. It made me wish I had someone like that to go travelling with.

Since I've been back, I've been eating a lot and thinking about my equipment situation. I think a tent would be a good idea; I'll probably go for a 2-person, 4-season tent, since I can bear the extra weight, it would be nice to take someone with me sometime, it would give me extra space when I'm on my own, and I'd like to do some stuff this winter, thus the 4-season rating.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip. Although it was unpleasant at times, it definately had it's points, and it was a learning experience.

<Pics of me>

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/91010059.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/91010060.jpg

<Bus trip through Glen Coe>

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000009.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000015.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000016.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000018.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000019.jpg

<Ben Nevis>

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010046.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010063.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010085.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010088.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010094.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010095.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010097.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010100.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010116.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010119.jpg
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: McGiver on July 11, 2006, 06:39:47 PM: i like the cud of your jib, boy.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: purposefulinsanity on July 12, 2006, 03:04:25 AM: Yeah, it sounds like getting a tent would be a great idea- at least then you won't have to cut your trip short because of the weather.

And I love the scenery pics- takes me back to the camping holidays we had in that area when I was a child.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: hiroshima on July 12, 2006, 11:21:51 AM: Peter, I really enjoyed those pictures. For someone who doesn't get out a lot (me), they are a treat. Thanks for sharing them.

This one was my favorite:

(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010119.jpg)
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: McGiver on July 12, 2006, 11:47:01 AM: Hey pete i have a question.

America hasn't really been the site of very many battles. but according to what i know of history, europe has always fought in wars.

how much bloodshed was spilled on the pathe of the wee walk you took?
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: baby on July 12, 2006, 12:00:39 PM: some fantastic pics there peter, makes me wish i lived a few hundred miles closer to scotland than i do, (living near london) its a fair ol trek to get to pretty scenery round here

baby
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 12, 2006, 12:19:35 PM: Quote from: baby on July 12, 2006, 12:00:39 PM
some fantastic pics there peter, makes me wish i lived a few hundred miles closer to scotland than i do, (living near london) its a fair ol trek to get to pretty scenery round here

baby

It took me about 4 and a half hours to get to Fort William from here; 1 hour for the trip in to Glasgow, 30 minutes early to pick up my tickets and 3 hours for the bus trip from Glasgow to Fort William. Not bad, but not exactly on my doorstep either.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 12, 2006, 12:27:43 PM: Quote from: McJagger on July 12, 2006, 11:47:01 AM
Hey pete i have a question.

America hasn't really been the site of very many battles. but according to what i know of history, europe has always fought in wars.

how much bloodshed was spilled on the pathe of the wee walk you took?

Since it's not a historic route for anything, probably just the blood of the ocassional sheep being eaten by a wolf, or the odd human falling down a cliff.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: baby on July 12, 2006, 01:47:07 PM: Quote from: PeterMacKenzie on July 12, 2006, 12:19:35 PM
Quote from: baby on July 12, 2006, 12:00:39 PM
some fantastic pics there peter, makes me wish i lived a few hundred miles closer to scotland than i do, (living near london) its a fair ol trek to get to pretty scenery round here

baby

It took me about 4 and a half hours to get to Fort William from here; 1 hour for the trip in to Glasgow, 30 minutes early to pick up my tickets and 3 hours for the bus trip from Glasgow to Fort William.Â Not bad, but not exactly on my doorstep either.

hmm for me though it would involve a long trip on a plane and then the drive and bus, so i think it would take me a lil longer that 4 1/2 hours to get there

baby
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Randy on July 12, 2006, 10:24:47 PM: Does Peter take a wee walk to wank? Sorry bad humour obession!(peter=cock Peter=Peter Mackenzie)
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Callaway on July 12, 2006, 10:28:53 PM: I'm glad you posted the pictures, Peter.

My favorite is this one because I love that view:

(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010116.jpg)
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 13, 2006, 04:15:07 AM: Quote from: Callaway on July 12, 2006, 10:28:53 PM
I'm glad you posted the pictures, Peter.

My favorite is this one because I love that view:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/91010116.jpg

There wasn't much oppertunity for that sort of photography, sadly. There was a heavy cloud layer that started at about 1000m, and rain puts limits on photography too; especially when it's literally horizontal.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Randy on July 13, 2006, 12:18:40 PM: Does Peter take a wee long walk to wank his wee while weiners work their way to well done?
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 13, 2006, 02:30:41 PM: Quote from: fluorescent on July 13, 2006, 12:18:40 PM
Does Peter take a wee long walk to wank his wee while weiners work their way to well done?

Fibble blibble blob?
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: peegai on July 13, 2006, 02:38:59 PM: Do you ever get some kind of connection when you go to those kind of places? You know, the ones where you cannot explain it in words but it feels familiar?

Places like that do that for me.

Anyway, your trip looks fucking rad. I'm hoping to do that someday.

I SO wanna be a hermit there.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: duncvis on July 13, 2006, 02:53:04 PM: Quote from: peegai on July 13, 2006, 02:38:59 PM
Do you ever get some kind of connection when you go to those kind of places? You know, the ones where you cannot explain it in words but it feels familiar?

Places like that do that for me.

Why is 'Men-an-Tol' by The Levellers playing in my head reading that post? If you haven't heard it, download it mate. 8)
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Lucifer on July 13, 2006, 03:12:41 PM: did you HAVE to mention that bloody song AGAIN??!!

it's in my head enough as it is...

:P
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 13, 2006, 03:30:01 PM: Quote from: peegai on July 13, 2006, 02:38:59 PM
Do you ever get some kind of connection when you go to those kind of places? You know, the ones where you cannot explain it in words but it feels familiar?

No.

Quote
Places like that do that for me.

Anyway, your trip looks fucking rad. I'm hoping to do that someday.

I SO wanna be a hermit there.

What's stopping you? You could pack some gear, get a bus and be in Fort William by tomorrow night. The forecast is great. I'm planning a return pretty soon, once I've gotten some new gear. I might even leave without all of it, since I got the essentials yesterday, and it might take a while to get certain less critical things.

I find my retardocard is great for this (concession card); it gives me free bus travel all through Scotland, so while a bus to Fort William from Glasgow is normally Â£25, I get it for just the Â£0.50 booking fee. Definately an incentive to travel.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: peegai on July 20, 2006, 03:52:01 PM: Quote
What's stopping you?

The fact that I don't feel mentally mature enough to do such things by myself yet.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on July 20, 2006, 04:44:00 PM: Quote from: peegai on July 20, 2006, 03:52:01 PM
Quote
What's stopping you?

The fact that I don't feel mentally mature enough to do such things by myself yet.

I wasn't mentally mature enough to do such things when I started out at the young age of 16, but I went ahead and did them anyway, got cold, wet, miserable, somewhat lost, hungry, sore and ultimately came out of it as more developed, mature person. My advice is to jump in, have a horrible time and then tell us about your adventures and how terrible they were. Either that or be Danlo's bitch. :P
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: duncvis on July 20, 2006, 04:46:46 PM: Just give it a shot you pansy. pack pasties and you'll be right. ;D
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: McGiver on July 20, 2006, 05:13:46 PM: good one peter.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: peegai on July 20, 2006, 05:16:05 PM: Quote from: duncvis on July 20, 2006, 04:46:46 PM
Just give it a shot you pansy. pack pasties and you'll be right. ;D

Hey, I'm happy to be a pansy panda.

Quote
My advice is to jump in, have a horrible time and then tell us about your adventures and how terrible they were. Either that or be Danlo's bitch.

I would, but only when it comes naturally. At this moment, I don't have that urge to go ahead and do these things.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: duncvis on July 20, 2006, 05:18:15 PM: Maddox would not approve. :P
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: peegai on July 20, 2006, 05:19:52 PM: Quote from: duncvis on July 20, 2006, 05:18:15 PM
Maddox would not approve. :P

Yes, but Maddox's motto is to not give a shit of what people say to you, so therefore I'm a pansy panda who doesn't give two-shits.

And now I need to masturbate before I go to work tomorrow.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on August 01, 2006, 05:15:32 AM: That's me back from another walk now.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/00000039.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61010074.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61010087.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61010090.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020125.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020134.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020136.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020148.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020157.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020160.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020175.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020176.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020188.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020196.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020199.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020209.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020212.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020219.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020224.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020234.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020237.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020241.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020255.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020264.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020268.jpg
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on August 01, 2006, 10:29:13 AM: More pics:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61010044.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61010059.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61020133.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61020178.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61020236.jpg

And midges:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61020261.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Pics%20of%20me/61020262.jpg
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: McGiver on August 01, 2006, 10:34:08 AM: peter.
will you do me a favor and just post the pictures with your image. i cannot waste my time on all the pretty scenery, i am only interested in downlaoding images of you for my wall sized collage i am making in your honor.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on August 01, 2006, 10:36:55 AM: Quote from: McJagger on August 01, 2006, 10:34:08 AM
peter.
will you do me a favor and just post the pictures with your image. i cannot waste my time on all the pretty scenery, i am only interested in downlaoding images of you for my wall sized collage i am making in your honor.

Then just click on the ones with 'Pics%20of%20me' in the url.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: McGiver on August 01, 2006, 10:38:44 AM: thanks pete.
i still get weak in the knees by your beauty.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Callaway on August 01, 2006, 11:55:52 AM: I like the pictures of the scenery too.

This is my favorite:

(http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j229/PeterMacKenzie3/Scenery/61020176.jpg)

It reminds me of this painting that I like:

(http://www.classicartrepro.com/data/large/Bierstadt/Bierstadt_In_the_Mountains_Wadsworth_1867.jpg)
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: SovaNu on August 15, 2006, 07:02:31 PM: wow, amazing.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: thepeaguy on October 09, 2006, 09:29:30 AM: Here we are, born to be kings
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting to survive
In a world with the darkest powers

Hey...
And here we are
We're the princes of the universe
Here we belong, fighting for survival
We've come to be the rulers of your world

Oh!
I am immortal
I have inside me blood of kings (Yeah, yeah!)
I have no rival
No man can be my equal
Take me to the future of new earth

Highlander theme tune, go figure.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Callaway on October 09, 2006, 09:56:52 AM: I really liked that show, but I have not seen it for a long time.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: thepeaguy on October 09, 2006, 10:02:45 AM: Quote from: Callaway on October 09, 2006, 09:56:52 AM
I really liked that show, but I have not seen it for a long time.

*imagines Petey wielding a kickass claymore*
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Leto729 on October 26, 2006, 12:43:23 PM: When is Your next walk Peter?
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: richard on October 26, 2006, 01:05:09 PM: i like your nose
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Peter on October 26, 2006, 03:19:47 PM: Quote from: kevv729 on October 26, 2006, 12:43:23 PM
When is Your next walk Peter?

2-3 weeks maybe; I need to get some gear first now that it's heading into winter. I've ordered a goose-down sleeping bag from Nanok (Norwegian company) that's rated to -30C, and I'm going to experiment with solid fuel stoves on the next trip (there aren't enough trees in the highlands for collecting wood usually, and it's often too wet to burn anyway). Going to get some salopettes too and a wool/polypropelene mix baselayer.

I got a larger and much better quality backpack a while ago, so I'll be able to take more gear next time. Particularly, I intend to take my camcorder, so I might have some video clips to post at the end of it.

Rainfall doubles here outside of summer, but I'll be heading to the Cairngorms on the east coast, where it's a bit dryer.
Title: Re: Peter takes a wee walk
Post by: Leto729 on October 27, 2006, 09:15:36 PM: That's good Peter seem to be organized about.