Day 10
Sunday 21st May - Cairnwell to Driesh
This day started with a severe climb up the hillside opposite the Cairnwell, then across the vast open area towards Mayar and Driesh. As we hadn't been into Braemar, this was in fact a second consecutive day without alcohol. Quite an achievement I'm sure you'll agree. Anyway, we were fleet of foot and happy of heart as we followed the path / track up to Meall and then on to Glas Maol. Then having followed north and east around the stunning Caernlochan Glen crags and finally south east, via Dun Hillocks towards Mayar. It was during this care free phase that I took one of those special, 'that was a surprise' tumbles. You know the ones; 'why are my feet in the air , why is my pack in front of me?' I rolled over a few times before coming to a fairly un graceful rest. Initially there was silence as Dave waited for signs of life... I began to grumble and so the silence was broken as Dave cracked into hysterical laughter. He had after all waited over a week for his turn to laugh at me...and he was determined to enjoy it.
As we strolled over Mayar and then Driesh, the sun was beginning to set on a beautiful evening. It seemed a shame to descend into Glen Prosen and lose all this so we decided to set camp high that night.
Less than a hundred metres due north of the summit of Driesh there was a small hollow giving enough flat ground for two little tents. With a stream emerging a short distance in front we had local water too. I recall sitting that night as the sun, and indeed the temperature, sank. It was a spectacular sunset, and I remember thinking all across the hills and glens around us were a couple of hundred challengers, enjoying this special moment in collective solitude! The spirit of the challenge caught in a moment.
