Hooray! I've finally figured out the photo upload tool. And now that our international group has dined on delicious gnocchi concocted by the Dane and one of the Brits, it's time to share a few pix from yesterday's mountaineering adventure.
We climb about 2300 feet, starting in an ancient pine forest then gradually ascending moors covered in heather and moss. As we get higher, it gets colder and snow and ice become more common.
Kristen and her brother Tom climb up the steep side of the mountain to reach the corrie (ridge) that leads along the top to the summit.
I clamber onto a rock overlooking Lochnagar, the lake (the mountain takes its name from the lake).
Neil and Kathryn pick their way carefully along the mountain's ridge, gazing down at the snow-covered cliffs below.
I stand proudly on the trig point (highest spot) on the summit of Cac Carn Beag.
There's a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and moors from Cac Carn Beag, Lochnagar's peak.
The melting snows feed the powerful river running down Lochnagar mountain's side.
We finish our 8.7 mile trek by following the river to the edge of a gorge, where it dumps over into a waterfall feeding this popular mountain lake, Loch Muick.
I'm always happy to dip a toe (or my whole self) into an obliging waterfall while hiking in warm weather, but I stay well clear of this one! Brrr...
That is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!