Pen & the Ben....

Before we get started just thought I thought I'd fill you in on an interesting incident.

I was at my work in Manchester Thursday, and stayed the night leaving on Friday. Unfortunately the kitchen in our hotel burnt down Thurs night which meant we didn't have a home for 3 1/2 hours while the fire dept tried to control the blaze. Then the next day my train was delayed by an hour and the pub I went into to have a pint while waiting for my train closed at 3, and it was 2:58. After whinging that my hotel went on fire, my train was delayed, and that I wouldn't get home till about 10pm the bartender relented and let me buy a pint, if I was quick...and quick I was. Fortunately no-one was hurt in the hotel, but the kitchen is out of commission for at least 3-4 weeks while they build a new one.

Saturday we climbed Ben Lomond, which stands at 940m or roughly 3080 feet not massive by European or North American standards, but a good hike all the same. This was also Penny's first Munro (hill over 3000 feet) and pretty much the biggest hike she's ever done. It was a beautiful sunny day, and Dereck, Danny and Jez joined us to climb the Ben. There were some awesome views on the way up, and at the top. Once we hit the peak we had a bite to eat, took some photo's, Dereck perved on some American girls, and then set out to descend. This is where things started to go a little pear shaped for Pen. She kept sliding forward in her boots so her toes were rubbing against the boots, and apparantly it was "£$!*& sore.

We got to the bottom, and after the pain in her toes wore off I think Pen started to enjoy the day a bit more. Back in Stirling we went for a pint and bite to eat to end an excellent day out.

On the Sunday seeing as Pen was still a little sore, and not up for too much I opted to go for a ride with the bike club. 36 miles through Glen Finglas and Glen Ample, the first half in blazing sunshine, the second half in drizzling rain. I wasn't sure how well my fitness would hold up with the mob I was with, but it held out reasonably well, and I didn't die too horrible a death. The cafe stop with the home made bread and soup probably helped! When I got back Pen had done some great things, like tidy the flat, do some groceries, buy herself a new ipod, and get me a cable to listen to my ipod through the stereo...I love that girl!!

All said it was a great weekend, bring on the summer!!

Did some one orde a well done steak?

It's alright ladies the fire dept is here.

Getting ready to tackle Ben Lomond, Danny, Pen, Jez

Pen stopping for fuel...

The view from the bottom, with one of the peaks on the top right

Sweeney admiring the view

Pen and Jez enjoying some sunshine atop Ben Lomond...

Bozman taking the Bear Grylls way up, arse.

Pen happy to have survived to the top!

A happy team Penscott

We made it! Race you down?

One last look at the view before descending

Hey are those chicks checking me out?

Dude, we know your perving on us.

You've gotta love the rugged Scottish landscape.

The boys working their way down the peak.

Yes! Bring that bike up, it'll be much better coming down!

An intentional Endo....
An unintentional Endo (he didn't stack amazingly)


Still a long way to go!


Slow and steady Pen, you don't want to slip here!

Me at the back with a few guys from the bike club riding Glen Finglas

Scottish hills, and sunshine great combination!

Especially when it's going downhill!!

And downhill for ages at that! Makes the climbing almost worth it ;o)

Scott