News From Fred 65

Big Strand in the Rain

Out for a walk along the big strand from the airport to the Laggan. Wet & windy best describes it. The rain was driving onto my back the whole way along to the end and then stopped! The photo is from the north end (near the Laggan) looking back south with the bay curling round to the right. Nothing of value washed up unfortunately.
Apart from the two hour walk the other reason for braving the elements was to try out my new Mountain Equipment goretex xcr shell jacket. Definitely watertight and breathable but the verdict is not back on the pockets zips. Touch light for my heavy hands perhaps. The side pockets are also high - ok with a harness on but a nuisance otherwise. The surprise find of the lanyard attached to the jacket whistle in the inside map pocket was considered a good idea. Pity they hadn't included a compas, gps, mobile telephone, altimeter and torch as well. That would have made it real value for money. The old Berghaus rucksack was of course not watertight, but I already knew that. When the officer at Glasgow Airport recently asked me if my passport had been in the washing machine I was able to reply 'no, just in my rucksack up to Lochan a' Choire in Coire Ardair (Creag Meagaidh) and back in a thunderstorm'. Same thing. Perhaps it is time to buy a goretex one.

posted by Fred 65 @ 9:54 AM