January 2021 Activity: Ben Challum, Auzet/Ariege (Pyrenees), Braeval, near Aberfoyle!

The New Year brings unwelcome news, that of the untimely death of one of our FVMC members from stomach cancer. Alistair is survived by his wife Elizabeth and their two grown up children, Christopher and Sarah. All the club members’ best wishes are with them, and I am sure that those who read this and know them would want that too.

…still in Lockdown.

For those of us who happily stay in mountainous areas they have been blessed with a good winter so far.

See the pic’s taken from diverse locations, ranging from Ben Challum, Auzet in Ariege (Pyrenees), Braeval near Aberfoyle, Brig o’ Turk and the Clyde estuary. And from last year a XC ski trip in the Drumochter Hills…when we could get to them!

Ben Challum by the north west ridge, Monday 4th January, with JG and RT. We see the Black Mount hills and Beinn Dorain.

Ben Cruachan.

Ben More and Stob Binnein

CP on a sunny climb in sunnier climes...Auzet, Ariege (Pyrenees), early January.

...where's his partner?

...there he is!

On 19/01/21, DY and LY ventured west to Braeval, near Aberfoyle, taking a hand held telephoto lens, pointing to Ben Lomond.

Looking east to the Ochils.

Looking north to a familiar pair.

And some days later on 21/01/21 DY & LY went on the Great Trossachs Way near Brig o Turk.

MMcE & RP enjoy a local moor walk on 23/01/21, with stunning views across the Clyde and down to Arran. The weather went from blue sky to blizzard in a few minutes. The joy of Scotland. Saw a Raven stealing golf balls and flying off with them.

The Luss Hills.

...and from last year, 18/01/20, when the club stayed at the Raeburn Hut, BR & MM enjoyed a XC ski in the Drumochter Hills, touring Carn na Gaim, then A' Bhuidhea Mhor. This was taken from their lunch stop, looking east from NN 67282 80295.

...the same spot but looking west - with MM wisely keeping low down out of the wind!