Gillian's Big Day Out

Weather early on Wednesday - rain and wind rattling the windows - was enough to make you huddle back under the duvet, but surprisingly 5 Cosmics + 1 + a dog met up as planned at Invercauld.  After Gillian had distributed the patent GC* rose-tinted glasses it   was fine and we set off up the track on mountain bikes, then on foot up the narrower path.   A  steep climb onto the plateau - here it really was a bit anti-social with wind, rain and hail - a final plod, then the summit Tor of Ben Avon loomed out of the mist.   The top is impressive even without visibility, but we didn't stay long.  A sudden clearance as we regained the main track gave a great view and with a real sense of achievement we sped down the hill - even faster once reunited with the bikes.  There was significantly more water on the descent than there had been going up.  It was still raining as we drove away.  We topped off the day with a swim, sauna, jacuzzi etc and dinner at the Craigendarroch so we were warm and clean, but it was STILL raining even as we arrived back in Aberdeen.  Thank you very much to Gillian for organising a great day, despite the weather!   Anita